ThinGyan Held at Los Angeles

[ktint@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

 Burmese Water Festival Held  at Los Angeles by the Burma Association

Released by Information Service on Burmese Democray Affairs on April 14, 1996.

WATER FESTIVAL HELD AT LOS ANGELES BY THE BURMA ASSOCIATION

Released by Information Service on Burmese Democracy Affairs on April 14, 1994.

More than 1000 people participated at the  traditional "Water Festival" 
held at Los Angeles, today, which is sponsored by the Burma Association in
California.  The participants were very pleased to have chances to try
Burmese foods as well as  to observe the ThinGyan Dance and Song
performances organized by  Burmese refugees currently residing at L. A.
area.  ISBDA would also like to include full text of a Q & A flyer
delivered by the Burma Association at the  festival, with which the Burma
Association tried  to clarify its position for the good of the Burma
related community based on very basic democratic practices. 

<<THE FLYER>>
=================================
                         You know
            "The Burma Association"
                         Serving You.
 ==================================
                      Q&A
 ==================================

Q: When was the BURMA ASSOCIATION formally established?
A: On May 13, 1974, it was approved as a non-profit organization by the
State of California.

Q: What are the purposes?
A: The purposes are to operate an organization  for charitable and
educational purposes. 
The objectives specified by by-laws are to: (a) foster  friendly relations
among its members; (b) promote and present educational and cultural
activities and programs for its members and their friends;(c) promote the
welfare of the members of the Association.

Q: Who become members of the Association?
A: Membership in the Association is open to all persons  eighteen years of
age or older who are interested in the objectives. No eligible person shall
be excluded from membership because of citizenship, race, or religion. 

 Q: All members have equal rights?
A: Yes.  Individual members are entitled  to one vote at meetings and
elections whereas family members  have two votes assuming a family composes
of two adult members. 

Q: What about the Membership dues?
A: Membership due is five dollars per year per family or three dollars per
year per individual.  The year is calendar year.

Q: Who are running the Association?
A: By the  Board of Directors which includes five members: President,
Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian.

Q: How does this body selected?
A: By ballot as supervised by the Election Committee.  In September, the
election committee shall mail to each member a ballot containing the names
of ten candidates. The ballots must be returned to reach the election
committee no later than first Saturday of October. The election committee
shall open the ballot envelopes and the ballots counted. The names of five
candidates who received the highest number of votes shall be declared by
the chairperson of the election committee to be elected to the board of
directors for the term beginning 1 January next. 

Q: Who are in the Election Committee?
A: Five members are appointed by the President to form an election
Committee that nominates ten candidates for five positions on the board of
directors. These members cannot nominate themselves as candidates.

Q: Any other Committee independent of the Board of Directors?
A: Yes. Three members Audit Committee to conduct thorough audit of the
Association finances and to report its findings to the board of directors
through the President. Moreover, Committees can be formed by the President
to execute specific projects set by the Board of Directors.

Q: Can I get the details of by-laws of the Association?
A: Yes. The copy of by-laws is filed at the Office of the Secretary of
State of California. File number is 714260. You may also ask the members at
the Board of Directors for copies of by-laws and their Amendments.

Q: Can we amend the by-laws of the Association?
A: Yes. It is simple majority vote of the membership at a scheduled referenda. 
 For membership and related information, please contact to:
U Nuynt Maung - President                          
Tel: 818 - 349 - 8083
Dr. Aung Khin - Vice Presidents
Tel: 714 -  774 - 7915


Board of Directors
The Burma Association
 April 14, 1996.



KT
ISBDA