Constitution and By-Laws

Constitution

Constitution and By-Laws of the Indiana Dairy Goat Association, Inc.

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be THE INDIANA DAIRY GOAT ASSOCIATION, INC. hereafter called the Association.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The objects and purpose of the Association shall be:

1. 1. To develop and promote the dairy goat industry in the State of Indiana.
   2. To promote the breeding and raising of purebred and high grade dairy goats in the State of Indiana.
   3. To educate the public as to the value of dairy goats and dairy goat products.
   4. To educate the membership in all phases of dairy goat husbandry.
   5. To extend membership in the Association to all owners and breeders of dairy goats, and other persons interested in the dairy goat industry.
   6. To promote and encourage the exhibition of dairy goats at all fairs in the State of Indiana.
   7. To encourage study and research in the field of dairy goat husbandry in the agricultural department of our state university and other schools.
   8. To promote closer fellowship among the members of the Association through meetings, conferences and correspondence: to encourage the interchange of helpful ideas: and to promote the interests and make possible the protection of all members in good standing.
   9. To co-operate with local associations in the State of Indiana and other associations outside of the State of Indiana for the good of the dairy goats industry.
   10. To encourage membership and involvement in a national registration organization, such as ADGA and/or AGS.
   11. To develop youth interest in goats and knowledge of goat production by partnering with organizations such as FFA and 4-H.
   12. Status of Association shall be a non-profit organization.

ARTICLE III – HEADQUARTERS

The headquarters of the Association shall be where the president of the Association resides or shall designate.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

The officers of the Association shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six (6) Directors, which shall constitute the Executive Board of the Association. President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve for  2 years or until their successors are elected. Members of the Board of Directors shall serve for two (2) years or until their successors are elected.

ARTICLE V – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

• PRESIDENT

1. 1. Preside at all regular and Board of Director meetings.
   2. See that constitution and by-laws are adhered to.
   3. Appoint, and be a member ex officio of all committees.
   4. See that other officers and committees shall fulfill their duties for which they are appointed or elected.
   5. Sign all minutes after approval.
   6. Call special meetings on approval of Executive Board or written requests of ten (10) or more members.
   7. Call Board of Director meetings when necessary.
   8. Act as Chairman of Executive Board.
   9. Be answerable to Board in the manner of execution of his duties.
   10. Adhere to Job Description adopted by Association.
   11. Make sure that other Officers, Board of Directors, and Committee Chairmen adhere to their Job Descriptions, adopted by Association.
   12. Appoint Chairperson of Youth Committee
   13. Appoint Audit Committee
   14. Appoint State Fair Representative

• VICE PRESIDENT

1. 1. Assume duties of President in his/her absence.
   2. Adhere to Job Description adopted by Association

• SECRETARY

1. 1. Keep correct and impartial records of all meetings and present same at next session.
   2. Handle necessary correspondence.
   3. Adhere to Job Description adopted by Association.

• TREASURER

1. 1. Keep record of members and addresses and their dues accounts. Notify members when dues are payable.
   2. Handle all funds, pay all bills after being duly passed on by Association.
   3. Keep careful account of income and expense of Association
   4. Give financial report at each regular meeting and have books audited for yearly report at the January meeting.
   5. Custodian of Charter. Pay annual fee to keep it alive.
   6. Adhere to Job Description adopted by Association.

• DIRECTORS

1. 1. Oversight of Officers of Association in advisory capacity.
   2. With the four (4) officers make up the Executive Board which handles  all urgent business between regular meetings.
   3. Adhere to Job Description adopted by Association.

Elected or Appointed Officers

You must be an IDGA member to hold any elected or appointed position in IDGA. If any elected or appointed member is absent from three (3) consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse, or in the event of death, such position as he/she may hold shall be declared vacant. An IDGA member shall be elected to fill the un-expired term, on the approval of the members present.

ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP

1. Any reputable person, firm, or corporation, interested in dairy goats shall be eligible for membership in the Association, upon making proper application with the understanding that such member shall abide and be bound by the by-laws, rules and regulations of the Association, now in force and or which may hereafter be adopted.
2. All applications for membership must be accompanied by yearly membership dues.
3. All applications for membership shall be addressed to the Treasurer of the Association.

ARTICLE VII – MEMBERSHIP FEES AND DUES

Membership dues shall be payable on or before December meeting. Amount of dues can be changed by majority vote of members present and voting. Membership dues entitle member to one (1) vote at Association meetings. When multiple names are on a membership, only one (1) person may vote at Association meetings.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

The constitution and by-laws of the Association may be amended at any meeting of the Association by two-thirds vote of the members present voting, provided written notice of the proposed amendments and their contents shall have been mailed to all members thirty (30) days (or more) prior to the date of the meeting,or by placing said amendment(s) in written format on website. Persons desiring to submit amendments must bear the cost of notifying all members of the Association, but may be reimbursed for same by majority vote at the meeting at which proposed amendment is passed.

BY-LAWS

• ARTICLE I – MEETINGS

• ARTICLE II – ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS

• ARTICLE III – QUORUM

• ARTICLE IV – ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE

• ARTICLE V – OFFICIAL ORGAN

• ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS

• ARTICLE VII – ORDER OF BUSINESS

• ARTICLE VIII – GRIEVANCES

• • First offense- 12 months probation
  • Second offense- 12 months probation , loose of right to vote in club meetings
  • Third offense-12 months probation, not allowed to attend club meetings
  • Fourth offense-12 months probation, not allowed to attend club meetings or functions.
  • Fifth offense-Lose of membership for 1 year.
  • The executive committee has the right to skip a step if the offense is found to be severe enough to warrant such action.

• ARTICLE IX – CODE OF CONDUCT

Responsibilities of Members:

Members shall not be under the influence of illegal drugs at or during club functions.