Florida Dairy Goat Association Constitution

The Constitution of The Florida Dairy Goat Association

                                              (Effective Dec. 16, 2007)

Preamble:

With the object in view of developing and promoting the Dairy Goat and of cooperating in every way with all other organizations promoting goats in general, we the members do hereby adopt this Constitution as the fundamental law of the Florida Dairy Goat Association.

Article I-Name

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Florida Dairy Goat Association.

Article II-Purpose

Section 1. The Florida Dairy Goat Association is an organization, whose purpose shall be the development and promotion of the Dairy Goat: the encouragement of closer fellowship among members through meetings; correspondence; circulation of useful information, news and ideas, and the cooperation with other organizations in the development and promotion of the goats in general.

Article III-Location and Territory

Section 1. The home office of this organization shall be the address of the Secretary, or as otherwise designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Territory of operation shall be the United States and its possessions and such areas as shall request membership and/or services.

Article IV-Membership

Section 1. Any individual 18 years of age or over, family, farm, firm, association or corporation interested in the breeding, sale or promotion of Dairy Goats, or goats in general, is eligible for a voting membership in the Association upon making application and paying annual fees and dues. Such member shall abide by and be bound by the Constitution and by the rules and regulations of this Association now in force and by which hereafter are adopted by the members (and directors) of this Association.

Section 2. Honorary members: any person engaged in a profession which serves agriculture or/and the Dairy Goat and proposed by a member in good standing and approved by a majority of the voting body.

Section 3. The Annual Meeting of the members shall be held in Gainesville, Florida in June of each year, or at any other place, or at any other time, as deemed necessary and designated by the Board of Directors. The membership shall be notified of change(s) at least sixty (60) days in advance of said meeting, excepting in the arisal of unforeseen, unavoidable, and irreparable circumstances.

Article V-Officers

Section 1. The Officers of the Association shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. These Officers and five (5) Directors-at-large will constitute the Board of Directors of the Florida Dairy Goat Association. This Board of Directors shall have general supervision over Association affairs and have the power to enforce rules and regulations in accordance with this Constitution or its By-Laws.

Section 2. The Officers shall supervise the business of the Association as ordered by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws.

Article VI-Committees

Section 1. The President shall create Committees, necessary for the orderly operation and progress of this Association. Committee Chairs are responsible for providing reports of committee activities to the BOD and at scheduled membership meetings.

Article VII-Audit

Section 1. The accounts of this Association shall be audited annually by three (3) members appointed by the President. Such audit shall include a balance sheet showing the true assets and liabilities of the Association and an itemized statement of all expenses for the period under review. Such audit shall be printed in an issue of the Newsletter of this Association.

Article VIII-Amendments

Section 1. Methods. Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted to the (Secretary) in the form of a petition, signed by not less than ten (10) members in good standing (or three (3) members of the Board of Directors). This petitioned proposal shall then be submitted to the Board of Directors for examination as to form and legality.

a. Proposed amendment (s), once examined and approved by the Board of Directors for form and legality, shall be prepared in the form of an amendment ballot and mailed either directly or via the Association Newsletter to all members of the voting body. The General Membership shall then have thirty (30) days from the postmark of the Newsletter or direct mailing to return said ballots. Voting will be closed forty (40) days after mailing of ballot.

b. The tabulation of the proposed amendment (s) ballots shall occur at a Special Meeting as provided for in the FDGA By-Laws Article I, Section 4, or in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. A Tabulation Committee shall be appointed by the President, comprised of three (3) members neither currently holding office nor associated with the development of the proposed amendment (s). This Tabulation Committee shall only be effective for the duration of the Special Meeting called, or the Annual Meeting and shall tally the votes for the amendment (s) contained within the sealed ballots.

Article IX-Procedures

Section 1. The issue in all voting shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast, unless specifically provided for otherwise in the By-Laws.

Section 2. On all questions of parliamentary procedure, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief shall govern, unless previous to the meeting the body of voting members shall approve otherwise.

Florida Dairy Goat Association By-Laws

Preamble

With the object in view of providing regulations favorable for the implementation of and pursuant to the Constitution for the Florida Dairy Goat Association we, the members, do hereby adopt these By-Laws.

Article I-Membership

Section 1. Applications/renewals/updates for membership shall be addressed to the Treasurer. Applications/renewals shall be accompanied with payment of annual dues. Applications and renewals shall be made in writing in the form and manner prescribed by the Association. The Treasurer shall forward to the Secretary and Newsletter Editor the information as provided by the member on the form.

Section 2. Annual dues shall be determined by the general membership and shall be printed in the newsletter and made available in advertisements of this Association. Membership dues are due and payable upon the beginning of our fiscal year. The Association fiscal year will run from July 1 - June 30. Dues of members unpaid thirty (30) days after their membership expires shall be considered in arrears and their membership shall lapse.

Section 3. At each Meeting of the Membership, the Officers and Committee Chairs of the Association shall give a general report of all actions taken since the previous meeting.

Section 4. Special meetings of the members may be called by the Board of Directors or President, as necessary to conduct the affairs of this Association if written notice is mailed to all members at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meetings. The business transacted shall be limited to that stated in the notice.

Section 5. Complaints against the Association may be submitted to the Secretary and shall be in writing accompanied by a deposit of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The Secretary shall submit said complaint to the Board of Directors for action and if said complaint is determined to be justified, the deposit will be returned to the complainant.

Section 6. Each paid membership is entitled to one vote.

Section 7. There shall be a minimum of three (3) general membership meetings per fiscal year.

Section 8. At any meeting of the Membership, a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by voting members present may transact business. A minimum quorum of 15 members of the voting body must be present.

Article II-Officers

Section 1. Officers shall hold office for a period of one (1) year. All officers shall hold office for no longer than three (3) years in succession.

a. In the event an Officer's position is prematurely vacated (the individual accepted the position and served in that capacity), a replacement shall be determined, and duly appointed by majority vote of the current Board of Directors, for the completion of that term.

b. If a member is elected to a position and declines to serve, that position will be filled by the individual with the next highest number of votes for that position. In the event of a tie vote, it will be determined by a vote of the members present. See Article 1, section 8.

Section 2. Duties of the new officers shall be assumed following the completion of Old Business as the Annual Meeting of the Membership.

Section 3. PRESIDENT:

a. The President, as Chief Executive Officer of this Association, shall maintain general supervision of the affairs of the Association, subject to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association. The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership and shall report to the members.

b. The President may vote at meetings of the Board of Directors only in the event on a tie; or at meetings of the Membership when necessary to secure a two-thirds (2/3) majority of votes cast by voting members present in order to transact business; or by written ballot for the annual election of candidates to the Board of Directors; or by written ballot as prescribed by the Constitution, Article X, Section 1.

c. The President may present propositions pertaining to administrative policy to the Board of Directors or to the Membership, either in oral or written form; and/or may choose to do so by means of separate and independent mailings, or by means of the Newsletter of the Association.

Section 4. VICE-PRESIDENT:

a. The Vice-President shall, in the absence, inability or failure of the President to act, perform the duties as required of the President.

Section 5. SECRETARY:

a. The Secretary shall be the corresponding and recording officer of the Association and shall perform such other duties as are incident to this office. Shall issue all notices of meetings and execute all orders of the Board of Directors.

b. The Secretary shall send to each member a notice of the place, day, and hour of the Annual Meeting. Such notice shall be mailed or delivered to the members in the Newsletter of the Association, in the event of a regular meeting. In the event of a special meeting, notification shall be fifteen (15) days before the time at which the meeting is to be held. If the notice is mailed to the last known place of business or residence of any member, such mailing shall constitute proper notice under this section.

Section 6. TREASURER:

a. The Treasurer shall collect all dues and other monies due to the Association, and shall pay all bills, reporting the same in detail at each regular meeting of the members or through each issue of the Association Newsletter.

b. The Treasurer shall keep books of accounts and shall prepare a report for the Annual Meeting of the Membership, showing receipts and disbursements, with a statement of the financial condition of the Association.

Article III-Directors

Section 1. The Directors shall assume office immediately upon notice of election, following Old Business at the Annual Meeting.

Section 2. Directors shall meet with newly elected Officers within 60 days of Annual Meeting, to transact business plans for the following year.

Section 3. Directors shall hold office for a period of one (1) year under the current By-Laws. Beginning with the election for the term which runs from July 2008 - June 2009, these positions will have a term of two years. Directors will be elected on a staggered basis to ensure a continuity of leadership. The first year this is instituted, two directors will serve for one year only, while the others will serve two year terms. The two year terms will be offered to the members receiving the highest number of votes for the position, unles they choose to serve a one year term, in which case the individual receiving the next highest number of votes will be offered the two year term, and so forth. For all future elections following this initial one, Directors will serve for a period of two ears. Directors elected to the one year positions will be eligible to serve two consecutive two year terms (ie possibility of a total of 5 years for the initial time period only). Otherwise, all Directors will be limited to no more than two (2) consecutive terms.

a. In the event a Director's position is prematurely vacated (a Director who has accepted the position and served on the Board), a replacement shall be determined, and duly appointed by majority vote of the current Board of Directors, for the completion of that term.

b. If a member is elected to a position and declines to serve, that position will be filled by the individual with the next highest number of votes for that position. In the event of a tie vote, it will be determined by a vote of the members present. See Article 1, Section 8.

Article IV-Board of Directors

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the duly elected Officers and five (5) Directors.

Section 2. The President shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors and have a vote in the case of a tie.

Section 3. The Board of Directors shall create an annual budget within ninety (90) days of election for all expenses to be incurred by the FDGA. This budget shall be presented to the membership via the next upcoming Newsletter. Any additional funds requiring more than $500.00 will be by membership approval via the Association Newsletter or separate mailing at least ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Conference.

Section 4. Any miscellaneous expenditures over $200.00 for the purchase of items not allocated through the current FDGA yearly budget will be first approved by the Board of Directors and then be submitted for membership approval via the Association Newsletter or separate mailing at least ninety (90) days prior to said expenditure.

Article V-Elections

Section 1. There shall be an annual election with nominees generated by a Nominating Committee appointed by the President. Nominees from the Nominating Committee will be presented three (3) months prior to the Annual Meeting. This committee shall propose at least one (1) candidate for each office, and at least five (5) candidates for Director. This committee shall also make necessary investigation to ensure the proposed candidate is a voting member in good standing and will accept the office or directorship if elected. Space will be provided in the Newsletter for individuals wishing to publish letters of intent/announcements of candidacy for those nominated for election. There will also be space provided on the ballot for write-in candidates, which must include a first and a last name.

a. Only one member per voting membership shall be eligible to run/hold an elected office.

Section 2. The Secretary shall prepare the ballot for mailing to the membership at least four (4) weeks prior to the Annual Meeting. The ballot shall be mailed in conjunction with an issue of the Newsletter of this Association or via separate mailing. Two envelopes will be provided with the ballot. One will be blank. The other will be a return envelope pre-addressed to the Secretary and providing the members return address. The voting member will place the completed ballot in the plain envelope and seal it. They will then place that sealed envelope in the pre-addressed envelope and it shall be mailed back to the Secretary.

Section 3. Ballots must be postmarked not later than 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting or hand delivered to the Secretary not later than one (1) hour prior to the time stated for the meeting to begin. No ballots will be given out at the Conference.

Section 4. The tabulation of the sealed ballots shall take place at the Annual Meeting. A Tabulation Committee shall be appointed by the President, comprised of three (3) members neither currently holding office, nor presently running for office, and this committee shall tally the votes contained within the sealed ballots.

a. A simple majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for the election of new Officers and Directors.

b. Any vacancies remaining for either Officers or Directors, after the ballots are tabulated, winners announced, and positions accepted, will be filled by a vote of members at the Annual Meeting from nominations from the floor during the Annual Meeting.

Section 5. Duties of the new Officers and Directors shall be assumed following the completion of Old Business at the Annual Meeting of the membership.

Article VI-Standing Committees

Section 1. Tabulation Committee will be appointed by the President prior to the start of the Annual Meeting.

Section 2. Nominating Committee will be appointed by in-coming President within 60 days of the close of business at the Annual Meeting.

Article VII-Special Committees

Section 1. The President shall create those committees as called for by the Constitution or as are necessary for the orderly operation and progress of the Florida Dairy Goat Association.

Section 2. These Committees shall meet within 60 days following the Annual Meeting to format progress and plans for the Florida Dairy Goat Association.

Article VIII-Rates

Section 1. Annual Membership dues are $20.00 per year, subject to change pursuant to FDGA By-Laws Article I, Section 2.

Article IX-Miscellaneous

Section (1) 1. All Show Superintendents will be required to submit to the FDGA Treasurer an itemized list of credits and debits, with receipts, for sponsored show (s) within thirty (30) days of said show (s) for reimbursement.

Article X-Dissolution

Section 1. In the event of the dissolution of the Florida Dairy Goat Association, any funds in the treasury shall be donated to an organization for benefit of Dairy Goats which will be selected by a general ballot of the voting body.

Article XI-Amendments

Section 1. Methods. Proposed amendments to these By-Laws shall be submitted to the Secretary in the form of a petition, signed by not less than ten (10) members in good standing or three (3) members of the Board of Directors. This petitioned proposal shall then be submitted to the Board of Directors for examination as to form and legality.

a. Proposed amendment (s), once examined and approved by the Board of Directors for form and legality, shall be prepared in the form of an amendment ballot and mailed either directly or via the Association Newsletter to all members in good standing. The General Membership shall then have thirty (30) days from the postmark of the Newsletter or direct mailing to return said ballots. Voting will be closed thirty (30) days after mailing of ballot.

b. The tabulation of the proposed amendment (s) ballots shall occur at a Special Meeting as provided for in the FDGA By-Laws Article I, Section 4, or in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. A Tabulation Committee shall be appointed by the President, comprised of three (3) members neither currently holding office nor associated with the development of the proposed amendment (s). This Tabulation Committee shall only be effective for the duration of the Special Meeting called, or the Annual Meeting, and shall tally the votes for the amendment (s) contained within the sealed ballots.

(These By-Laws became effective on the date approved by the voting body (Dec. 16, 2007). Computation of term limits begins with the first general election following the approval of these limits. (Ie. Any otherwise eligible member currently holding office shall be eligible to run/hold office in the first election following acceptance of the changes proposed and the counting of the number of consecutive years holding office will begin with that first election year.)