Our mission

Adopted on

January 22, 2010

WDGA

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

ARTICLE I. Name

Section 1: The name of this association shall be the Wyoming Dairy Goat Association (WDGA)

ARTICLE II. Purpose and Objective

Section 1: Purpose of this association is to promote and develop all aspects of the Dairy Goat industry. In addition, the association will operate as an informational source for not only the State of Wyoming, but surrounding states.

Section 2: This association shall not operate for a profit. No part of any monies, dues, fees, donations, or residue from regular operations shall be to the benefit of any member or individual.

Section 3: All excess funds following payment of all bills and expenses if WDGA dissolves will be determined by the final membership in the form of a donation to an agreed upon recipient.

Section 4: Although Dairy Goats are primary to this association, education and promotion of the entire caprine species is secondary.

ARTICLE III. Membership and Dues

Section 1: Any individual, youth entity, family (within the same household under the age of 21), corporation, or partnership in support of purpose shall be eligible for membership. Term of active membership shall be for 1 year from initial contact to join.

Section 2: Membership shall be open to all persons interested in and supportive of the purpose and goals of the association and who pay the annual dues hereinafter. There shall be no limit on the number of members.

Section 3: Membership year shall be held from January 1 and ending December 31.

A. Dues paid on or after November 1 shall be effective for the following membership year commencing upon January 1 following date of payment.

B. In the event payment of dues is not made by January 31 for the year in which dues are payable, membership in this association shall be cancelled.

C. Upon payment of dues by any member whose membership has been cancelled, pursuant to Article III, Section 3, sub-division B, said membership will be reinstated.

D. When any member shall be in default in the payment of dues and/or owe monies to the association, said member, for the purpose of voting, will be considered a member not in good standing and shall not be entitled to vote on any matter required to be voted on by the members of the association. In addition, such members shall be dropped from effective membership and placed on an inactive list. Such membership shall not be reinstated until monies are paid in full.

ARTICLE IV. Membership Rights and Privileges

Section 1: Each member in good standing shall have the right to vote on any action which requires voting by the members of the association. Each member, rather individual or a member under a family group shall be entitled to one vote.

ARTICLE V. Board of Directors and Officers

Section 1: Operation of the association shall be managed by a Board of Directors elected from the general membership comprised of 6 members in good standing.

Section 2: The Board of Directors will elect from among themselves by a majority vote, three Officers to consist of: President, Vice-President, and Secretary.

Section 3: A quorum for all meetings will be by a 2/3 majority of the Board or 4 members. Decisions to be made by conference call, email, proxy, or written confirmation.

ARTICLE VI. Election and Terms of Office

Section 1: Election of Board Directors will be at the annual meeting by the general membership.

Section 2: Term of office is for one year or until successors are duly elected. No limits on consecutive year terms.

Section 3: If any office or director position becomes vacant for any reason, the remaining directors shall, by majority vote, elect a successor to hold office for the un-expired term.

Section 4: The Board of Directors shall appoint a nominating committee for the purpose of submitting a slate of candidates for all offices to be filled at the next annual election. In addition, nominations may be accepted from the floor or as write ins at the time of voting.

ARTICLE VII. Meetings

Section 1: The Board of Directors shall hold meetings at the time and place as may be determined by the Board.

Section 2: The general membership shall hold an annual meeting for the election of the Board of Directors and for the transaction of any other business. The time and location shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Announcement and or publication of such meeting shall be 4 weeks prior notice to membership.

Section3: In addition, a fall meeting will be held for the purpose of planning the activities for the year. Time and location determined by the Board of Directors and announced 4 weeks prior.

ARTICLE VIII. Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

Section 1: The officers shall have the duty of managing the business and affairs of the association and in addition, the officers shall have such authority and perform such duties as here in after set forth.

A. PRESIDENT: Chief executive officer of association. Presides over all WDGA meetings, sets time and location of meetings, and oversees the operations. Secondary signature on all financial documents, and official contact individual for WDGA.

B. VICE-PRESIDENT: Second in command of operations and assumes all duties and powers in absence of President. Responsible for WDGA banner and oversees show procedures and operations (Fuzzy and WSF)

C. SECRETARY: Records all minutes, votes, discussions and all proceedings of meetings. These minutes are forwarded to the Newsletter chair for timely publication. Also responsible for all correspondence to association. President will appoint a temporary Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary.

D. TREASURER: The Treasurer will be appointed by the Board of Directors and serve as long as the Board of Directors shall deem. (May be a Board member) Duty to collect and receive all monies due or belonging to WDGA and shall have custody of these funds. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the association as may be ordered by the officers in operation of transactions. Twice yearly a report shall be prepared and published reflecting these transactions. Responsible for providing cash box for association functions.

ARTICLE IX. Committees

Section 1: Board of Directors shall form ad hoc committees as deemed necessary.

Section 2: Board of Directors shall appoint committee chairs. Chairmen select committee members in the operations of the individual committees.

ARTICLE X. Amendments

Section 1: The constitution may be amended or additions made at any general membership meeting or special membership meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present.

Current Standing Committees:

A. Newsletter Editor

B. Membership Coordinator

C. Fundraiser Coordinator

D. Web-Site Coordinator

E. Showmanship Youth Chairman

F. Scholarship Committee

Show committees:

F. Show Ring Chairman

G. Entry Coordinator and Check-In Chairman

H. Penning Chairman

I. Raffle Chairman