ACCJ Forums, Committees, and Task Forces
Charter Guidelines
Purpose
The ACCJ offers multiple ways for members to share knowledge, learn from each other, and discuss issues that impact their industries or areas of interest. These opportunities are primarily offered through Forums, Committees, Subcommittees, and Task Forces. These opportunities are all member-led.
To maintain high standards across the Chamber, all member-led groups will submit a Charter Statement at the start of each year. This process helps to confirm each group’s purpose, role, and alignment with the Chamber’s broader objectives.
These guidelines are designed to set clear expectations for quality and to outline key responsibilities to ensure each group operates effectively and contributes to the ACCJ community as a whole, by doing so, it promotes consistency, transparency, and alignment across all member-led groups.
Definitions of ACCJ Member-led Groups
The ACCJ hosts a variety of member-led groups, each serving distinct purposes. The following definitions clarify the differences between these groups and serve as a guide to ensure each group aligns with its intended role and responsibilities.
Forum:
Forum Chair(s) are appointed by ACCJ President. At the discretion of the President committee chairs and vice chairs can provide Forum chair candidates for consideration from member committees of each forum.
A forum is a body comprised of Chairs and Vice Chairs of each of the Committees within a particular sector, business area, or shared interest. It serves not only as the organizing body but also as a strategic hub for cross-committee coordination and advocacy. Forums play a critical role in aligning the work of individual Committees with the ACCJ’s broader objectives, facilitating deeper discussions on industry-wide issues, and fostering synergies between different Committees under its umbrella. Forums may also include affiliated Task Forces.
Committee:
Chair, Co-chairs, and Vice Chairs are appointed by the ACCJ President.
A body of members who share common business, industry, professional, or other related interests who meet regularly to discuss issues and exchange ideas and information on topics relevant to their industries or professions.
Committees exist to drive advocacy initiatives, promote information sharing within and across industries, and encourage networking throughout the membership.
As a general rule, Committees are available for all ACCJ members to join. In extraordinary circumstances, committees may request to close the committee and limit membership for specific reasons with the approval of the President
Subcommittee:
Chair, Co-chairs, and Vice Chairs are appointed by the ACCJ President.
A subcommittee is a specialized group that supports the parent committee to achieve its overall mission but focuses on a specific sector or issue.
Task Force:
Chair, Co-chairs, and Vice Chairs are appointed by the ACCJ President.
A Task for is specialized group that functions similarly to a Subcommittee but is established for a specific amount of time and focused on one or more specific issues.
Criteria for a “High-quality” Committee
A high-quality committee consistently delivers value to its members by delivering relevant industry information, learning opportunities, and networking platforms. It should also foster thought leadership, advocacy, and offer critical market insights. Through well-organized meetings, impactful events, and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, a high-quality committee provides:
Thought Leadership: Leads discussions on emerging trends, proposes innovative solutions to industry challenges, and offers forward-thinking perspectives that help shape the future of their sector.
Impactful Advocacy: Ensures its position aligns with the ACCJ Core Advocacy Principles while actively influencing industry standards, regulations, and policies.
Actionable Market Insights: Provides insights into current market conditions, opportunities, and risks. These insights will empower members to make informed decisions and stay ahead of industry shifts, offering a unique, real-time understanding of the market landscape.
Central Point of Contact: Committee leaders serve as primary ACCJ contacts for external and internal inquiries related to business opportunities, challenges, and regulatory trends within the committee’s industry. Committee leaders coordinate closely with other committee leaders and ACCJ staff to ensure clear, consistent communication across all channels.
Committee Charter: All forums, committees, subcommittees and task forces are expected to complete a committee charter form (online) at the start of each year (a sample form is attached).
To view the list of roles of responsibilities of Forum Chairs, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, please visit:
https://www.accj.or.jp/leadership-roles-responsibilities
To view the full ACCJ Leadership Guide guidelines, please visit: