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The American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians Constitution
Article I NAME
This organization shall be known as the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians.
Article II OBJECTIVES
Section 1. To further veterinary awareness of the human-animal bond.
Section 2. To further scientific progress in the area of the human-animal bond.
Section 3. To further educational opportunities in the human-animal bond by:
Encouraging training programs and curriculum development in veterinary colleges and schools of veterinary technology.
Encouraging the development of continuing education programs on the human-animal bond for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary staff through local, state, regional and national veterinary medical organizations.
Section 4. To publish a newsletter about related activities.
Section 5. To encourage veterinary participation in human-animal bond activities with related organizations and disciplines.
Section 6. To explore the potential for establishing a veterinary specialty in the area of the human-animal bond.
Article III MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. The types of membership shall be:
a. Charter member - full voting rights
b. Full Member - full voting rights
c. Student member - no voting rights
d. Honorary member - no voting rights
e. Associate member - no voting rights
Section 2. Qualifications for membership:
a. Charter membership shall be for those veterinarians and veterinary students who are members during the inaugural one and one-half years of the organization. (July 1, 1993 through December 31, 1994)
b. Full membership shall be open to all graduates of colleges and schools of veterinary medicine who meet the qualifications specified in the Bylaws of the American Veterinary Medical Association, are interested in the human-animal bond, and pay their annual dues. Full member may vote and hold office.
c. Student membership shall be open to any student currently enrolled in the professional program leading to the DVM or its equivalent. Student members may not vote or hold office.
d. Honorary membership shall be reserved for individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the human-animal bond. Honorary membership shall be approved by the Executive Committee. Honorary members shall not have the right to vote or hold office in the organization and shall not be required to pay annual dues.
e. Associate membership shall be open to non-veterinarians who are interested in the human-animal bond and pay their annual dues. Association members may not vote or hold office.
Article IV OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers of the association shall consist of President, President-elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Section 2. The term of office shall be as follows:
President - one year
President-elect - one year
Immediate Past-President - one year
Secretary & Treasurer (offices may be combined) - one year renewable
Section 3. The President-elect shall become acting President, if for any reason the President shall be unable to fulfill the duties of the office.
Section 4. Other vacancies of officers which might occur shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors from qualified members of the association.
Section 5. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers of this association.
Article V BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Executive Committee and three to six additional directors-at-large elected from the general membership.
Section 2. This board shall be the governing body of the association and shall have the responsibility for administering association affairs.
Section 3. The term of the directors-at-large shall be three years and terms shall be staggered so that one term expires yearly.
Section 4. Vacancies occurring from the directors-at-large before the three year term is completed will be filled from the general membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Article VI MEETINGS
Section 1. An annual meeting of the association shall be held in conjunction with the annual American Veterinary Medical Association Meeting.
Section 2. Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors at their own discretion.
Article VII AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments to the constitution shall be signed by at least 3 members qualified to vote, and submitted to the Board of Directors for its consideration. The proposed amendment with the recommendation of the Board of Directors will be announced to the membership at least sixty (60) days in advance of any regular or special meeting at which the proposed amendment may be discussed. An affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the membership present and voting shall be required for the adoption of any amendment.
Last amended July 16, 2002.
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