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SGI-USA Charter

CHAPTER 1: General Provisions

Article 1

Soka Gakkai International – USA (“SGI-USA”) is a religious organization that practices Nichiren Buddhism. SGI-USA is recognized as a church under the Internal Revenue Code for tax purposes. SGI-USA exists to:

  1. Deepen the faith of its members, thereby realizing their happiness;
  2. Expand its membership and circle of influence through the propagation of Nichiren Buddhism; and
  3. Contribute to the realization of world peace and the advancement of human culture and education based on the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Buddhism.

Article 2

SGI-USA is a member of the constituency of organizations that make up the Soka Gakkai International (“SGI”), which embraces the fundamental aim and mission of contributing to peace, culture and education based on the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Buddhism.

Article 3

SGI-USA is organized with a representative form of decision-making. While the General Director is considered the chief executive of the organization, dialogue and consensus-building are the bases of our decision-making process.

Article 4

The national organization is made up of four geographically defined territories: East, Central, West, and SoCal-Pacific territories.

Article 5

Each Territory is divided into Zones, Regions, Chapters and Districts. The District is considered the front-line level of SGI-USA and is the measure of SGI-USA’s health and the focus of our organizational growth. Districts may be further subdivided into Groups and Units, but the District remains the focal point for members’ growth and development.

Article 6

This charter can only be modified or amended by the Executive Council, and such amendments shall take effect upon their official announcement by the General Director.

CHAPTER 2: The Executive Council

Article 7

SGI-USA has an Executive Council, which is its highest decision-making body.

Article 8

The Executive Council shall consist of 14 to 18 members.

Article 9

The members of the Executive Council shall be selected as follows:

  1. 2 to 3 representatives of the SGI, designated by the SGI Headquarters;
  2. The General Director shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member; and
  3. The remaining 10 to 15 Executive Council members shall be nominated by the General Director from among outstanding members who have experience in faith, good character, wisdom, the ability to give guidance and an understanding of the principles of Nichiren Buddhism. The nominations shall be ratified by the SGI.

Article 10

The term of the members of the Executive Council shall be a three-year staggered term. Each year, the terms of approximately one-third of the Executive Council members will expire.

Article 11

Executive Council members shall not serve concurrently on the Council or the Central Executive Committee. No more than one-third of the members of the highest corporate board of directors shall be Executive Council members.

Article 12

The Executive Council shall:

  1. Affirm the yearly activity goals of this organization as presented by the Central Executive Committee;
  2. Approve the corporate directors of the highest corporation as nominated by the General Director;
  3. Approve the General Director and General Director Emeriti;
  4. Determine whether the General Director is unable to fulfill his or her duties or has regained the ability to fulfill his or her duties.
  5. Approve the appointments of the National Men’s, Women’s, Youth, Young Men’s, and Young Women’s Division Leaders (not including Vice Leaders), as nominated by the General Director. The National Leaders of the respective divisions shall be appointed for a term to expire concurrently with the General Director’s term;
  6. Discuss and decide any modifications to this charter; and
  7. Discuss and decide any other items deemed necessary by the General Director or the Executive Advisor.

Article 13

The SGI Headquarters shall select the Chairperson of the Executive Council. The Chairperson will preside over meetings and be responsible for the orderly conduct of meetings. The SGI Headquarters may select one or more Vice Chairpersons, who shall support the Chairperson in carrying out his or her duties.

Article 14

A meeting of the Executive Council must be held annually or upon the request of any Executive Council member or the Executive Advisor.

Article 15

Three-fourths of the members of the Executive Council must be present to hold a meeting, including at least one SGI representative.

Article 16

For the purposes of ascertaining a quorum, “present” includes participation in-person or by live video or audio conference.

Article 17

Since dialogue is crucial for consensus-building, any Executive Council member who is not present may not vote by proxy or by specific written authorization to another member.

Article 18

Matters before the Executive Council shall be decided by a consensus of the members present at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present. In the event consensus is not reached, then matters shall be decided by a vote of unanimity minus two.

CHAPTER 3: The Council

Article 19

SGI-USA has a Council, whose purpose is to offer insight and advice to the General Director and Executive Council on the overall direction of SGI-USA.

Article 20

The Council shall consist of the Zone-level Men’s and Women’s Division Leaders from each Zone in SGI-USA (not including Vice Leaders). In the event a Zone has an appointed 4-divisional Zone Leader, then the 4-divisional Zone Leader shall also be on the Council.

Article 21

The Council will meet with the General Director, the national Men’s Division Leader, national Women’s Division Leader, and Executive Council annually to offer insight and advice on the overall direction of this organization. The Council will also receive reports from the General Director regarding the activities of this organization.

CHAPTER 4: The Central Executive Committee

Article 22

SGI-USA has a Central Executive Committee, which is a decision-making body whose purpose is to execute the important duties of the organization.

Article 23

The Central Executive Committee shall consist of the following:

  1. General Director
    General Director Emeriti
    National and Territory Divisional Leaders (no vices)
  2. In addition, the General Director may appoint to the Central Executive Committee:
    • Up to four Senior Vice General Director(s) or Vice General Director(s), and
                • One national vice leader from each of the Men’s, Women’s, Youth, Young Men’s, and Young Women’s Divisions to the Central Executive Committee.
                  • The term of these additional CEC members shall be one (1) year.

                Article 24

                The Central Executive Committee shall discuss and decide the following items:

                1. SGI-USA organizational and personnel matters;
                2. The establishment of any systems, procedures and subcommittees necessary for the execution of its duties; and
                3. Items that the General Director or the Executive Advisor deem necessary.

                Article 25

                The General Director shall serve as the Chairperson of the Central Executive Committee.

                Article 26

                In principle, a meeting of the Central Executive Committee shall be convened once every three months by the General Director. In addition, the General Director may convene a meeting whenever he or she deems it necessary.

                Article 27

                Two-thirds of the members of the Central Executive Committee must be present to duly hold a meeting.

                Article 28

                For the purposes of ascertaining a quorum, “present” includes participation in-person or by live video or audio conference.

                Article 29

                Since dialogue is crucial for consensus-building, a Central Executive Committee member who is not present may not vote by proxy or by specific written authorization to another member.

                Article 30

                Matters before the Committee shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present.

                Article 31

                Upon approval by the Central Executive Committee, SGI-USA may have one or more Departments to encourage members of a common group or specific interest. Examples include, but are not limited to, the Culture Department, Arts Department, Study Department, Peace and Community Relations Department, Lecturers Department, and the National Language Bureau.

                Article 32

                The national leaders of the respective Departments shall be appointed by the Central Executive Committee. Within each Department, further sub-groups may be made upon approval by the Central Executive Committee.

                Article 33

                Standing Central Executive Committee (SCEC)

                a) SGI-USA shall have a SCEC to perform the duties of the CEC, if needed, in the intervals between CEC meetings. The CEC shall be notified of any SCEC meeting, if one is called, and all actions of the SCEC shall be reported for review and confirmation at the next meeting of the CEC.

                b) The SCEC shall consist of the General Director, Men’s Division Leader, Women’s Division Leader, Youth Division Leader, Young Men’s Division Leader, Young Women’s Division Leader, and other representative voting members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) who are selected by the General Director.

                CHAPTER 5: General Director

                Article 34

                The General Director shall be approved and appointed by the Executive Council for a three-year term.

                Article 35

                Should the General Director be unable to fulfill his or her duties, the Executive Council shall appoint an Interim General Director to serve as General Director for the remainder of the vacated three-year term, or until the General Director is able to resume his or her duties.

                Article 36

                SGI-USA may award the title of General Director Emeritus or Emerita upon approval by the Executive Council. The title is honorific and carries no independent decision-making rights or responsibilities.

                Article 37

                SGI-USA may have one or more Executive Advisors and/or Advisors who are appointed by the SGI Headquarters, whose length of term shall be determined by the SGI Headquarters.

                Article 38

                The Executive Advisor(s) gives general advice about the affairs of this organization for the sake of its development.

                Article 39

                To accomplish the duties described above, the Executive Advisor(s) can attend any meetings or conferences.

                Article 40

                The Advisor(s) shall assist in carrying out the duties of the Executive Advisor(s) and may attend meetings on his or her behalf.

                CHAPTER 6: Vice General Directors

                Article 41

                SGI-USA may have one or more Senior Vice General Directors and/or Vice General Directors.

                Article 42

                They shall assist the General Director with responsibilities delegated to them by the General Director.

                Article 43

                The Senior Vice General Directors and Vice General Directors shall be appointed (or removed) by the General Director with the advice and consent of the Executive Council. The appointment will expire concurrently with the term of the General Director.

                CHAPTER 7: Leaders

                Article 44

                Leaders at every level of the organization function to further the mission of SGI-USA in helping members deepen their faith in Nichiren Buddhism. Specific rules, conduct, and guidelines for leaders are found in the separate document entitled SGI-USA Leadership Manual.

                Article 45

                Unless otherwise stated in these rules, the term of the leaders at all levels of the organization may be set by the Central Executive Committee.

                Article 46

                Until a successor is appointed, approved or ratified, as required, the term of a position may be extended, even after expiration of the term.

                Article 47

                Persons who have been appointed to a position with a specified term may be appointed to additional terms.

                Article 48

                Persons who have positions set forth in this document may be removed for cause, by following the procedure found in the SGI-USA Leadership Manual.

                CHAPTER 8: Members

                Article 49

                Members of SGI-USA are practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism and supporters of SGI-USA who have officially joined the organization. Complete details on becoming a member of SGI-USA are contained in the latest version of the SGI-USA Leadership Manual.

                Article 50

                Membership in SGI-USA is classified according to a four-divisional system: Men’s Division, Women’s Division, Young Men’s Division, and Young Women’s Division. Members may also choose “not specified” if they do not identify as male or female. The Central Executive Committee may set a maximum age limit for classification as Young Men’s or Young Women’s members.

                Article 51

                Each Member will receive an official certificate confirming his or her membership status at an SGI-USA Membership Ceremony, Gohonzon Conferral Ceremony or other event.

                Article 52

                Nothing in this section confers a right, legal or otherwise, for anyone to be a member of SGI-USA.

                Article 53

                SGI-USA may formally and publicly commend those who contribute to its development and set good examples for other members.

                Article 54

                By becoming a member of SGI-USA, an individual agrees to sincerely practice Nichiren Buddhism; follow the guidance of the Soka Gakkai International; and observe the rules and regulations established by SGI-USA.

                Article 55

                An individual who believes in Nichiren Buddhism and who wishes to join SGI-USA may become a member of SGI-USA by submitting a Gohonzon Application Form to the District Organization nearest to the residence of the prospective member [Applicants who are minors must submit the application with the signature of their parent or legal guardian].

                Article 56

                Once the form has been reviewed and approved, the prospective member will be officially welcomed to the organization at a Membership Ceremony or other appropriate SGI-USA event, where he or she will receive a Gohonzon and membership certificate.

                CHAPTER 9: Voluntary Termination of Membership

                Article 57

                Voluntary Termination—any individual may submit a notification of termination of membership in writing. Termination of membership shall be effective upon receipt of the notification by the organization.

                Article 58

                An individual whose membership has been voluntarily terminated shall have their name removed from SGI-USA membership lists and will be excluded from any and all activities of SGI-USA, wherever conducted. The person’s subscription to SGI-USA publications will be canceled, and any financial contributions from the person will not be accepted. Requests for reinstatement of membership shall be reviewed by the Zone Personnel Committee.

                CHAPTER 10: Involuntary Termination of Membership and Other Disciplinary Action

                Article 59

                Involuntary Termination—a member may be involuntarily terminated from SGI-USA membership due to serious misconduct, as outlined in this section.

                Article 60

                SGI-USA exists to enable all members to correctly learn and practice Nichiren Buddhism and apply it in their daily lives for spiritual growth and fulfillment.

                Article 61

                Conduct which violates this pure intent may result in disciplinary action up to and including involuntary termination of membership. Specific examples of conduct subject to discipline include, but are not limited to:

                1. Taking advantage of other members for a financial purpose, including borrowing or lending money or personal fundraising;
                2. Promoting, soliciting or advertising personal business interests, products or services to members, including network marketing or health-related products or services;
                3. Promoting other religions, spiritual practices, psychic readings, or self-awareness/personal development courses;
                4. Promoting political activities;
                5. Conduct intended to either 1) damage the reputation of SGI-USA, 2) harm or undermine the interests of SGI-USA, or 3) disturb the faith and practice of members;
                6. Conduct which is disruptive to the harmonious unity of SGI-USA, including spreading false or disparaging information about the organization, its leaders or members, and/or failing to correct misunderstanding among the membership caused by such conduct;
                7. Physical or verbal abuse and/or harassment; and
                8. Sexual misconduct.

                Article 62

                The purpose of disciplinary proceedings is to encourage sincere self-reflection on the part of the member in question and to preserve the sincere faith of members and the harmonious unity of SGI-USA.

                Article 63

                In the event disciplinary actions are considered or requested, the local Region Personnel Committee is responsible for addressing the misconduct, including:

                1. Investigate matters related to the conduct in question, including interviewing the member under investigation as well as other affected individuals; gathering supporting documentation; and evaluating the situation overall. During the investigation, the Region Personnel Committee may instruct the member to refrain from participating in organizational activities until the investigation is complete.
                2. Submit a written report of the results and conclusion of its investigation, including its decision as to what action should be taken, to the Zone Personnel Committee.
                3. In addition to involuntary termination, the Zone Personnel Committee has the discretion to consider the following lesser measures:
                  • Written reprimand
                  • Exclusion from specific SGI-USA activities
                  • Prohibition against attending conferences at FNCC
                  • Exclusion from attending activities at SGI-USA Centers
                  • Exclusion from attending local organizational activities
                  • Suspension of SGI-USA membership, as defined below
                4. Suspension of Membership. Membership may be suspended for a specific length of time, up to one year. During the suspension period, the member is excluded from any and all SGI-USA activities, wherever conducted. At the end of the suspension period, the Zone Personnel Committee shall review and decide whether to lift the suspension or continue it, based on a demonstrated change of behavior. If the suspension is not lifted, then the suspension will continue indefinitely until the suspended member requests reinstatement, at which time the Zone Personnel Committee shall review it again.

                Article 64

                The Region Personnel Committee may stop the investigation at any stage of the proceedings and immediately recommend disciplinary action if, in its judgment, the member in question is evasive, combative, uncooperative, or continuing to engage in inappropriate conduct.

                Article 65

                A member has the right to submit a written request for an appeal of the Zone Personnel Committee’s decision to the Territory Personnel Committee.

                Article 66

                Unless the Territory Personnel Committee determines that further investigation or consideration is warranted, the decision shall be final.

                Article 67

                Notice of disciplinary action shall be communicated to the affected organizational leaders and members as appropriate.

                Article 68

                No termination of membership, for any reason, shall confer the right to demand the return or refund of any property, real or personal, cash or in-kind, previously donated to SGI-USA.

                Article 69

                Any member whose membership has been involuntarily terminated shall have his or her name removed from SGI-USA membership lists and is excluded from any and all activities of SGI-USA, wherever conducted. The person’s subscription to SGI-USA publications will also be canceled, and the person will be prohibited from making financial contributions to SGI-USA.

                This charter was adopted by the SGI-USA Executive Council on October 24, 2009.

                Record of Amendments

                1. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on July 26, 2011 to create the Council Advisory Board (Chapter 3, Articles 30.1 to 30.4)
                2. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on October 22, 2011 to enable the General Director to appoint up to six additional CEC members for a one-year term (Chapter 4, Article 32 (c)).
                3. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on May 22, 2012 to remove the Area level from the national organizational structure (Chapter 1, Article 5).
                4. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on September 28, 2013 to enable the General Director to appoint up to two additional CEC members from among the Vice General Directors or Senior Vice General Directors for a one-year term (Chapter 4, Article 32 (d)).
                5. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on September 27, 2014 to remove the nominating committee from the process of appointing Vice General Directors and replacing it with the Executive Council (Chapter 6, Article 51).
                6. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on March 6, 2015 (to go into effect on June 28, 2015) to modify the purpose and membership of the SGI-USA Council (Chapter 3) and transfer its decision-making responsibilities to the Executive Council.
                7. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on April 19, 2016 to add increasing levels of disciplinary action in the event of member misconduct (Chapter 11).
                8. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on September 17, 2016 to remove Chapter 7—Ministers of Ceremony.
                9. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on November 3, 2018 to remove the nominating committee (Chapter 2, Article 9(c)) and to modify the General Director’s discretionary appointments of additional CEC members (Chapter 4, Article 23(b), (c), (d)).
                10. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on June 27, 2019 to further distinguish between suspension of membership and termination of membership (Chapter 10, Articles 62(d), 68). Article 69 was removed in its entirety.
                11. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on September 25, 2021—
                  1. to include the attendance of the national MD leader and WD leader at the annual Council meeting (Chapter 3, Article 21),
                  2. to strengthen the process by which an individual who voluntarily terminated their membership can apply for reinstatement (Chapter 9, Article 57), and
                  3. to expand the list of examples of inappropriate conduct that may result in disciplinary action against one’s membership (Chapter 10, Article 60)
                12. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on September 17, 2022—
                  1. to remove the national Future Division and Student Division representation on the CEC (Chapter 4, Article 23(c)),
                  2. to create a Standing Central Executive Committee (SCEC) to perform the duties of the CEC, if needed, in the intervals between CEC meetings (Chapter 4, *new Article 33*.  Note:  Previous articles 33 to 68 have been renumbered 34 to 69), and
                  3. to provide a ‘not specified’ option under membership classification for those persons who do not identify as male or female (Chapter 8, Article 50).
                            1. This charter was amended by the SGI-USA Executive Council on November 2, 2023 to increase the number of Territories from three to four. Articles 4 and 23 were modified to reflect this restructuring.