BYLAWS FOR "“So High Goats”"
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS GOAT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
BYLAWS
ARTICLE
I: NAME
The name
of this Association is the Southern Highlands Goat
Producers Association. This Association is
non-union, non-sectarian, and non-profit. Hereafter
this association shall be referred to as the “So
High Goats”.
The
governing body of “So High Goats” is the elected
officers and is hereby referred to as the Board of
Directors.
ARTICLE
II: PURPOSE
The
purpose of this Association shall be to serve
the membership of the Southern Highlands Goat
Producers Association through educational and
collaborative programs that enhance the experience
of the goat producers; and focus on events that will
promote goat production through the development of
our youth by building quality herds and herdsman.
ARTICLE
III: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1:
Membership Division
The Association shall consist of members from, but
is not limited to, the states of Georgia, Alabama,
and Tennessee.
There shall only be one division of the association
regardless of geographical location.
Section
2: Participation
The division shall be autonomous with regard to
election of officers, dues, and events sponsored.
Members shall pay dues and have voting privileges
only to “So High Goats”, and not according to
geographical location. Membership is not governed
by one’s place of residence.
Section 3:
Voting Rights
Each membership owner (or family) shall be entitled
to one vote on each matter addressed by the
association. Separate members sharing a membership
are restricted to one vote for each membership
owned. Each family should designate a voting
representative. In the event of a dispute, the
Treasurer shall grant voting rights to the member
whose name appears on the application for membership
as the primary member.
Section 4:
Funding
Funds to cover operating expenses shall come from an
assessment of the membership of $25 per member farm
or family to cover liability insurance and
incidentals, assessed July15th each year and payable
by July 31. The Board of Directors of “So High
Goats” shall review this rate annually according to
expenses.
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF DIRECTORS
Section
1: Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of this Association shall be held
in the month of August in each year for the purpose
of transacting such business as may come before the
Board of Directors.
Section
2: Special Meetings
The President or a majority of members may call
special meetings of the Board of Directors. Members
shall be notified of time, place, and subject of
special meeting by mail or e-mail at least fourteen
business days before any meetings in which votes
shall be taken.
Section
3: Place of Meeting
The
President of the Board of Directors may designate
any place within the geographical locations covered
by the Southern Highlands Goat Producers Association
as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or
for any special meeting called by the Board of
Directors.
Section
4: Proxies
Proxies may be carried to cast votes for absent
members but can only be exercised by a member of the
Board of Directors represented by the member by
written consent signed by the member.
Section
5: Attendance
General Members of good standing of “So High Goats”
may attend meetings of the Board of Directors. They
may address the Board of Directors upon approval of
a written petition to speak.
ARTICLE
V: OFFICERS
Section
1: Officers
The officers of the Board of Directors shall be: a
President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a
Treasurer, and members-at-large for special programs
that include a Youth Programs Coordinator, a Web
Site Editor, a Show Coordinator, and any other
officers as may be elected in accordance with the
provisions of this Article. The Board of Directors
may elect or appoint other such officers as it shall
deem desirable. Such officers shall have the
authority to perform the duties prescribed by the
Board of Directors.
Section
2: Election & Term of Office
The
officers of the Board of Directors shall be elected
annually by a majority vote of the state Board of
Directors at the annual meeting. Officers may not
serve more than two consecutive one-year terms in
the same position with the exception of the
member-at-large that may be re-elected due to the
on-going nature of projects under this position.
Section 3: President
The President shall preside at all meetings of this
Board of Directors; shall recommend appointments and
committee chairpersons and members, subject to the
approval of a majority of the Board of Directors,
and shall generally manage such business as may come
before the Board of Directors. The President may
serve as an ex-officio member of all committees,
except for nominations, and is a signer on all bank
accounts.
Section
4: Vice President
In the absence of the President or in the event of
his inability or refusal to act, the Vice President
shall perform the duties of the President; and when
so acting, shall have all the powers of the
President. Vice President shall perform such other
duties as from time to time may be assigned to
him/her by the President.
Section
5: Secretary
The secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings
of the Board of Directors in books provided for that
purpose and to be posted on the website; see that
all notices are duly given in accordance with the
provisions of these bylaws or as required by law; be
custodian of the Board of Directors records; keep a
register of the addresses of each Board of Directors
member which shall be furnished to the Secretary by
each member; create and distribute to the website a
monthly newsletter; and, in general, perform all
duties incident to the office of Secretary and such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to
him/her/her by the President or the Board of
Directors.
Section
6: Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of and
be responsible for all funds and securities of the
Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall receive and
give receipts for monies due and payable to the
Board of Directors from any source whatsoever, and
deposit all such monies in the name of the Board of
Directors in any banks, trust companies, or other
depositories with statewide branches as shall be
selected by the Board of Directors; in general
perform all the duties incident to the office of
Treasurer and such other duties as may be assigned
by the President or by the Board of Directors.
Checks shall require the signature of the
treasurer. Check signature cards shall include at
least the President and the Treasurer of the Board
of Directors. The Treasurer will be the official
membership officer, keeping a current membership
roster; mailing lists of memberships; and
distributing new member packets.
Section 7:
Members-at-large
Youth
Program Coordinator
The Youth
Program coordinator shall be responsible for
planning all events pertaining to youth within and
outside the membership, other than the regular
membership and Board of Director meetings, including
the youth portion of the annual meeting in
cooperation with the president. Youth programs shall
include field days, showmanship workshops, and other
promotional events, and, in general, perform all
duties incident to the office of the Youth Programs
Coordinator and such other duties as from time to
time may be assigned to him/her by the President or
the Board of Directors.
Special Events Coordinator
The
Special Events Coordinator shall be responsible for
planning all events other than the regular
membership and Board of Director meetings, including
the annual meeting in cooperation with the
president. Special events shall include shows and
other promotional events, and, in general, perform
all duties incident to the office of the special
events coordinator and such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned to him/her by the
President or the Board of Directors.
Web Site
Editor
The
website editor shall maintain the website, including
all design and editing; the domain name; web
hosting; an information email address for the
association; and provide email notifications to the
membership of pending voting or agenda items; and,
in general, perform all duties incident to the
office of Web Site Editor and such other duties as
from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the
President or the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI: STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Section 1:
Show & Promotions Committee
A standing
committee called the Southern Highlands Goat
Producers Association Show & Promotions Committee
shall exist under the governance of the Board of
Directors. The Show & Promotions Committee shall
include the Special Events Coordinator and the Youth
Programs Coordinator, in addition to other Board
Members as deemed appropriate. Reports and plans
are to be submitted to the President of the Board of
Directors.
Section 2: Special Committees
Other special committees of this Board of Directors
shall be those deemed necessary by the Board of
Directors. Committee members shall either be
appointed by the President, or may volunteer to
serve with approval of a majority of the Board of
Directors. The members of the formed committees
shall elect committee chairpersons. The Board of
Directors shall determine and assign the duties of
the committees.
ARTICLE
VII: AMENDMENTS
These
bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new
bylaws may be adopted by the Board of Directors,
with an affirmative vote of two thirds of the Board
of Directors. Notice of proposed amendments must be
given to all members by of the Board of Directors by
mail, email, or posting on the web site at least 14
days before a vote is scheduled.
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS GOAT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of
this Association is the Southern Highlands Goat
Producers Association. This Association is non-union,
non-sectarian, and non-profit.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of this Association shall be:
1. To promote a quality meat goat industry to our
membership, community, state, and worldwide
2. To provide our members with the information to help
them breed and raise quality meat goats
3. To help our members locate a ready market for their
end product
4. To conduct shows and educational meetings to
benefit our members and the general public when
applicable
ARTICLE III:
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Classes of Members
The Association shall have two classes of members. The
designation of such classes and the qualifications and
rights of the members of each class shall be as follows:
A. Farm / Family members shall pay full dues and
have full membership rights.
B. Associate members may include educators,
veterinarians, etc., are not required to pay dues and
have no voting rights.
Section 2: Voting Rights
Each Farm or Family (one per membership purchased)
member paying full dues shall be entitled to one vote on
each matter submitted to a vote of the members.
Section 3: Dues
The Board of Directors shall establish the rate of dues
and schedule of payment, a portion of which will be
payable to the Board of Directors for the membership for
liability insurance and incidentals.
Section 4:
Termination of Membership
The Board of Directors may, by an affirmative vote of
two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors, suspend
or expel a member for cause after an appropriate
hearing, with the accused present, or terminate the
membership of any member who becomes ineligible for
membership, or who may be in default in the payment of
dues.
Section 5: Reinstatement
Upon written request by a former member, filed with
the Secretary, the Board of Directors may, by
affirmative vote of two-thirds majority of the Board of
Directors, reinstate a former member upon such terms as
the Board of Directors may deem appropriate.
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
Section 1: Annual Meeting
Meetings of this Association shall be held monthly, with
the July meeting convening for the purpose of electing
officers and directors and for transacting other such
businesses as may come before the Association.
Section 2: Place of Meeting
The Board of Directors may designate any place
within the states of Southern Highlands Goat Producers
Associations geographical region, as the place of
meeting.
Section 3: Rights of Membership
Except as expressly delegated to the Board of Directors,
all rights of membership as to voting for the election
of officers, disposition of all or substantially all of
the assets of this Association, or dissolution are
vested in the voting
members.
Section 4: Proxies
Proxies may be carried to cast votes for absent members
but can only be exercised by a member of the Board of
Directors represented by the member by written consent
signed by the member.
ARTICLE V: BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DIRECTORS
Section 1: General Powers
The affairs of the Association shall be managed by
its Board of Directors.
Section 2: Number, Qualifications, and Tenure
The Board of Directors of this Association shall
consist of the elected officers: President, Vice
President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and three
Members-at-large: each to carry out special programming
needs of the association.
Section 3: Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors will be held
at the Board of Director’s discretion. Place and time
will be announced by the President.
Section 4: Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors may
be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
remaining Directors.
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS
Section 1: Officers
The officers of the Association shall be: a
President, one Vice President a Secretary, a Treasurer,
and three Members-at-large that have special programming
responsibilities; and any other officers as may be
elected in accordance with the provisions of this
Article. Such officers shall have the authority to
perform the duties prescribed by the Board of Directors.
No more than one member of the same immediate family
shall be allowed to serve on the Board of Directors.
Section 2: Election and Term of Office
The officers of the Association shall be elected
annually by the voting membership at the annual July
meeting of the Association. Officers may not serve more
than two consecutive terms with the exception of the
member-at-large that may be re-elected due to the
on-going nature of projects under this position.
Section 3: Removal
Any officer elected by the membership or appointed
by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of
Directors whenever in its judgment the best interests of
the Association would be served thereby.
Section 4: Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death,
resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise,
may be filled by the Board of Directors for the
unexpired portion of the term.
Section 5: President
The President shall preside at all meetings of this
Association and at regular and special meetings of the
Board of Directors; shall recommend appointments and
committee chairpersons and members, subject to the
approval of the Board of Directors, and shall generally
manage the day-to-day business of this Association. The
President serves as an ex-officio member of all
committees, except for nominations, and is a signer on
all bank accounts.
Section 6: Vice President
In the absence of the President or in the event of his
inability or refusal to act, the Vice President shall
perform the duties of the President; and when so acting,
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all of
the restrictions upon the President. Vice President
shall perform such other duties as from time to time may
be assigned to him/her by the President or by the Board
of Directors.
Section 7: Secretary
The secretary
shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Board of
Directors in books provided for that purpose and to be
posted on the website; see that all notices are duly
given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws
or as required by law; be custodian of the Board of
Directors records; keep a register of the addresses of
each Board of Directors member which shall be furnished
to the Secretary by each member; create and distribute
to the website a monthly newsletter; and, in general,
perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary
and such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him/her/her by the President or the Board of
Directors.
Section 8:
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be
responsible for all funds and securities of the Board of
Directors. The Treasurer shall receive and give
receipts for monies due and payable to the Board of
Directors from any source whatsoever, and deposit all
such monies in the name of the Board of Directors in any
banks, trust companies, or other depositories with
statewide branches as shall be selected by the Board of
Directors; in general perform all the duties incident to
the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be
assigned by the President or by the Board of Directors.
Checks shall require the signature of the treasurer.
Check signature cards shall include at least the
President and the Treasurer of the Board of Directors.
The Treasurer will be the official membership officer,
keeping a current membership roster; mailing lists of
memberships; and distributing new member packets.
Section 9:
Members-at-large
Youth Program
Coordinator
The Youth
Program coordinator shall be responsible for planning
all events pertaining to youth within and outside the
membership, other than the regular membership and Board
of Director meetings, including the youth portion of the
annual meeting in cooperation with the president. Youth
programs shall include field days, showmanship
workshops, and other promotional events, and, in
general, perform all duties incident to the office of
the Youth Programs Coordinator and such other duties as
from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the
President or the Board of Directors.
Special Events Coordinator
The Special
Events Coordinator shall be responsible for planning all
events other than the regular membership and Board of
Director meetings, including the annual meeting in
cooperation with the president. Special events shall
include shows and other promotional events, and, in
general, perform all duties incident to the office of
the special events coordinator and such other duties as
from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the
President or the Board of Directors.
Web Site
Editor
– The website
editor shall maintain the website, including all design
and editing; the domain name; web hosting; an
information email address for the association; and
provide email notifications to the membership of pending
voting or agenda items; and, in general, perform all
duties incident to the office of Web Site Editor and
such other duties as from time to time may be assigned
to him/her by the President or the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII: STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The standing and special committees of this
Association shall be those deemed necessary by the Board
of
Directors. Committee members shall either be appointed
by the President, or may volunteer to serve. Committee
chairpersons shall be elected by the members of the
formed committees. Duties of the committees shall be set
forth by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
These bylaws
may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new bylaws may
be adopted by the Board of Directors, with an
affirmative vote of two thirds of the Board of
Directors. Notice of proposed amendments must be given
to all voting members of the general membership in good
standing by mail, email, or posting on the web site at
least 14 days before a vote is scheduled.
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