AMAAS?USA NEWS

AMAAS-USA FOUNDING MEETING HELD

First meeting of AMAAS-USA was held in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA, on April 12, 1997. It was attended by nine individuals who had expressed interest in the organization through a survey conducted previously. This international survey indicated that there was wide support for the organization and most respondents expressed desire to be actively involved. The meeting was attended by Dr. M.A.K. Lodhi, Dr. Ghulam Haniff, Dr. Kabir Hassan, Mr. Mostafa Mostafa, Dr. Saber Hussain, Dr. Mansour Mortazavi, Dr. Omar Atiq, Dr. Adel Miah, and Dr. Bilal Malik.

Background of the organization was given by Dr. M. Bilal Malik (see article entitled " A Case for Worldwide Muslim Community Based Association for Advancement of Science and United Muslim Science Fund" on the page "ARTICLES"). After some discussion, it was proposed by Dr. Haniff to formalize AMAAS-USA and it was approved by all participants. The organization structure and draft By-laws were proposed, discussed and approved. This draft By-laws shall serve until elected Council is formed. It was decided that AMAAS shall have chapters in various Muslim countries, regions and towns. Need for substantial membership and fund-raising was expressed by many members present. It was decided that yearly membership dues shall be $75.

Three of the members gave talk in the Islamic Center of Pine Bluff in the evening.

AMAAS GETS TAX EXEMPT STATUS

An application to IRS for tax exemption was sent in September 97. A letter from IRS dated Dec. 11, 1998 stated that we have been granted the tax exempt status as charitable membership based public organization. The tax exempt number is 71-0790229. All donations and contributions given previously as well as those to be given in future shall be considered exempt from taxes. The decision to grant exempt status was based on 'advance ruling', rather than 'definitive ruling'. This shall end on December 2001 when we shall have to submit additional information to get final determination. We must demonstrate that AMAAS has wide membership and contributions, publicly supported and committees. Contributions must reflect wide support in order to avoid certain excise taxes. If you would like to receive a copy of the IRS letter, please contact AMAAS office.

SECOND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Second National Board meeting was held on July 19, 1998 in pine Bluff, Arkansas. All local and regional members of the executive committee were present. Several individuals of the local communities were also invited. Scholarship program and student aid program of the association was discussed. It was decided that with in next few years ten scholarship and one thousand student aid funds shall be introduced depending upon the availability of the funds. Budget for next three years was also proposed and approved by the Board of AMAAS-USA. Methods to increase membership and introduce the organization in other communities were discussed. There was very active and lively discussion. It was the opinion of many of members that an Arkansas chapter be formed.

AMAAS PAKISTAN & BANGLADESH

AMAAS-Pakistan: On August 5, 1998 AMAAS Central office received this e-mail message from Dr. Mohammad Ayub: "Today I am sending you this message and want to congratulate you that eleven people met in the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore, and formally elected the executive body of AMAAS-Pakistan. Among others were tow professors, two business men, one civil servant and a few of my colleagues from the fisheries department. It was decided that the next meeting would be held on August 20, 1998 at Gumkhana Club. Accounts will be opened. I shall soon send you the minutes and registration certificate etc. We are getting very encouraging response from several people." We commend Dr. Ayub and every one involved for their efforts.

AMAAS-Bangladesh. Dr. Mainuddin Ahmed, Professor of Mathematics Rajshahi University in Bangladesh has informed the AMAAS-USA office that he shall be taking the initiative to organize a meeting of several scholars in Bangladesh soon to organize AMAAS-Bangladesh. Through a survey conducted previously, many individuals have expressed interest in the organization. We wish Dr. Mainuddin best wishes and commend him for his efforts.

UNITED Muslim SCIENCE FUND

The endowment fund as investment of All Muslim Association for Advancement of Science has been opened in the Fidelity Investments with investment account. This was announced by the Secretary, Dr. M. Bilal Malik, in the executive committee meeting in June 1998. At present the fund has $30,000 in its account. " We hope this fund shall grow substantially when active fund raising is started", said Dr. Malik. The scholarship programs of AMAAS will be funded through UMSF.