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http://www.longyangclub.org/newsite/faq.htm
Q. What is Long Yang Club?
A. It is an organization catering to gay Asians and interested
non-Asians. It aims to provide a friendly and supportive environment
in the areas where it operates, chiefly through a program of social
events and other activities.
Q . How did the Organization get its name?
A. It is named after "Lord Long Yang" who was a gay
character in the Chinese book of legends, "Dream of Red
Mansions".
Q . When was the organization founded and how is it
structured?
A. The first Long Yang Club was founded in London in 1983 and is now
the world's largest gay "East-West" group. From this
beginning, the Long Yang Club now encompasses no less than 35 local
groups or 'Chapters' located in cities in 9 different countries
spanning 4 continents. It is truly a "global village". All
Chapters are members of the umbrella body Long Yang Club
International ("LYCI"), (as to which see the next Q. and
A). All the other Chapters around the world honor membership of any
Chapter. Each Chapter is independently managed, but all share the
same "family" name and the same logo. This logo is a
"two hands friendship" design. It is actually a stylized
but distinctive version of the "Yin Yang" concept.
Q . What is LYCI and how is it managed?
A. LYCI is the coordinating body for all of the LYC Chapters
throughout the world and every Chapter is a member. Other non-LYC
groups may be permitted to become members at the discretion of the
LYCI executive committee, but usually only where the group in
question accepts the principles and objects of the Long Yang Club
and fully supports the LYC network.
LYCI is governed by a written constitution (click
here for text of LYCI Constitution) and by-laws. It is managed
by a board of executive officers (click for more info) who are
elected annually by the individual Chapters at the LYCI AGM which is
held at the annual convention.
The executive officers appoint an International Coordinator, who
in turn appoints a network of Regional Coordinators.
The Regional Coordinators liaise with the entire network of LYC
chapters worldwide. For example, in Australia New Zealand and Asia,
the Regional Coordinator for ANZ/Asia provides support for LYC
chapters in that region. In Europe, we have the Regional Coordinator
for Europe, and so on. The executive officers of LYCI and the
International Coordinator confer regularly, usually by means of a
monthly internet meeting on the second Sunday of each month at 2200
hours GMT.
Organizers or nominated office bearers of local LYC Chapters are
entitled to attend these meetings as observers. .
Q. What are the main functions of LYCI and the benefits
and services provided for its members?
A: These may be summarized as follows:
1. To protect the good name of the Long Yang Club throughout the
world. LYC is after all the world's largest network of gay
Asian/non-Asian groups and our reputation matters.
2. To coordinate the activities of the individual Chapters. To
facilitate this, LYCI has appointed Regional Coordinators for each
main geographical region. The task of these Regional Coordinators is
to provide advice and support to Chapters in their respective
regions and to liaise with the executive committee of LYCI.
3. To provide a central hub for the dissemination of information
throughout the network of Chapters, and in this connection to
maintain regular contact with individual Chapters. Such information
is likely to include news about developments in other Chapters,
updates for newsletters and magazines, and so forth.
4. To provide detailed advice and support to any individual or group
of individuals wishing to start a new LYC Chapter.
5. To provide free advice and support on almost all issues regarding
management of individual Chapters, including marketing, finance,
membership recruitment, social activities, website design, etc.
Where possible, free guides and workshops may be arranged to enhance
the management skills of those involved in running individual
Chapters.
6. To maintain and regularly update the LYC Global Village website (www.longyangclub.org)
containing news and information and direct links to the separate
websites of all local Chapters. Almost every Chapter has its own
website. In addition there is an important and very popular facility
for placing and responding to personal advertisements. Free web
space and alias e-mail addresses are provided to every Chapter.
7. To oversee arrangements for an annual international convention
known as "iCON". Each year, iCON is held in a different
city, hosted by the local LYC Chapter which takes direct
responsibility for the program of events. These events are mainly
social but they also include workshops and the AGM of LYCI.
Q. Is there a fee for a group to be a member of LYCI?
A: Send e-mail to Billy Wong, the International Coordinator (silklink@longyangclub.org).
Click here for more information.
If there is a Regional Coordinator in your region, Billy Wong will
appoint him to work with you. Otherwise, he will work with you
himself. These guys have experience in assisting new LYC chapters to
start up, and they will liaise with you via e-mail and/or phone. You
will also be sent an LYC Step-by-Step Start-up Guide You will be
guided and given personal advice and support until the Chapter is
established. If possible, you be introduced to other persons in your
city who may also be interested in starting a new group, so that you
will be able to form a pilot team to get things going - and
hopefully enjoy doing it at the same time!
Q: As every LYC Chapter is a member of LYCI, does it mean
that every Chapter is controlled by LYCI?
A: No, it does not mean that. Its own committee manages each
Chapter independently. LYCI only provides advice if required. On the
other hand, as each Chapter is a member of LYCI, it has a say in how
LYCI is managed and who is elected to the executive committee.
Q. How are the local LYC Chapters managed?
A: Each Chapter has a set of bye-laws and is run by a committee
elected by its members. There may be some variation between the
bye-laws of one Chapter and another, reflecting local needs and
preferences..
Q. What sort of events do LYC Chapters host?
A: It varies with individual Chapters. Possibilities include
potluck parties, theme parties (maybe with an Asian Festival theme),
BBQs, dinner outings, trips, karaokes, picnics, discos, sports and
outdoor events, Mr. and Miss LYC competitions, talent shows,
language classes, participation in gay pride marches and floats,
etc., etc. If you want more ideas, we can give you more or suggest
other LYC organizers around the world to discuss them with you!
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