Southeast Kiko Goat Association
Bylaws
August 5, 2022
ARTICLE I: Mission Statement
The mission of the Southeast Kiko Goat Association is to unite and assist Kiko producers in promoting and marketing Kiko goats to the meat goat industry while educating the public about the benefits of the Kiko goat.
ARTICLE II: Name of Association
The name of the Association shall be the Southeast Kiko Goat Association. For the purposes of the By-Laws and for other purposes, hereinafter called Association or SEKGA.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
Any person who is engaged in or interested in any activity or pursuit related to the Kiko industry and who will support the objectives of this Association shall be eligible for membership under such classification and with such rights and privileges as the By-Laws of the Association hereinafter prescribe.
Section 2. Classes of Membership
- Regular Member: An individual who is actively engaged in or interested in the production of Kikos and pays dues as established by the Board of Directors.
- Associate Member: A supporting member is an individual living outside said states that is engaged in or interested in the production of Kikos and pays dues as established by the Board of Directors.
- Honorary Member: Honorary membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding support of SEKGA and/or the Kiko breed. Honorary members shall have no voting rights.
Section 3. Application and Approval
Membership in the Association shall be obtained by submission of a proper application accompanied by the appropriate payment of applicable membership dues to the Association’s Treasurer. Such application shall be established for membership when approved.
- Applications for Regular Membership shall be subject to the approval of the President of the Association.
Section 4. Duties of Membership
Membership is due on January 1st of each year. Each member shall loyally support the Association and shall in good faith comply with these By-Laws and any amendments thereto duly adopted, and to all other policies and procedures duly adopted by the Association. The conduct of each member shall not be detrimental to the rights and interests of the Association.
Section 5. Resignation, Suspension, and Termination
Any member may resign membership in the Association upon giving notice in writing to the Secretary. Annual dues should be paid by January 1. Failure to submit payment will result in the member being dropped at the first annual membership meeting.
The Board of Directors, by majority vote, shall have the right at all times to dismiss any member who has been judged by the Board to be acting contrary to the aims, purposes, and best interests of the Association; provided, however, that such member shall have the right to appear before the Board before any action is taken, and further, that such member shall have the opportunity to appeal the decision of the Board to the membership of the Association at its next regular or special meeting.
ARTICLE IV: Governance
Section 1. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Association shall be vested with the authority and responsibility for the governance and operation of the Association as authorized in the By-Laws and from action of the general membership in session.
Section 2. Voting Rights
Each farm with one member in good standing shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all official business. Votes will be cast in person at meetings.
ARTICLE V: Membership Meeting
Section 1. Regular Meetings
The Association shall hold four (4) meetings per year, the exact time and place to be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Special Meetings
The Board of Directors shall have the right to call a special meeting of the general membership at any time, provided that the Board provides notice stating the specific business to be brought before the Association. Such meeting shall be called by the President and the Secretary.
Section 3. Notice
Notice of all meetings shall be mailed or emailed to each member at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. No business shall be transacted at special meetings other than that referred to in the call.
Section 4. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board of Directors at any properly called general membership meeting. Voting quorum shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the membership present.
ARTICLE VI: Board of Directors and Officers
Section 1. Board of Directors
The elected officers of the Southeast Kiko Goat Association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a minimum of two Directors at Large. All Directors shall be elected by the membership by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members present, with nominations made from the floor or by nominating committee. Elections shall take place at the annual meeting in June, date to be determined by the Board of Directors. Starting in 2013, the election of officers will take place during the annual Southeast Kiko Roundup and Sale.
Each director shall be elected for a two (2) year term of office. The offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected in alternate years to provide continuity. President and Secretary will be elected on even-numbered years; Vice President and Treasurer on odd-numbered years. Directors-At-Large will be elected in alternate years.
a. Each term will begin and end on the third quarter meeting of the two-year term.
Section 2. Eligibility of Directors
Only members in good standing of the Association shall be eligible as Directors.
Section 3. Order of Business
When possible, all meetings shall be conducted following Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 4. Removal
Any Director may be removed from office by a majority vote of the members present at any meeting. The Director shall be informed in writing of the intended action at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting and shall have an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel.
Section 5. Vacancies
When a vacancy on the Board of Directors occurs, other than by expiration of term, the vacancy may be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors until an election can be held at the annual Southeast Kiko Goat Roundup and Sale meeting.
Section 6. Compensation and Reimbursement
The President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Directors at Large shall serve without compensation.
ARTICLE VII: Duties of the Board of Directors
Section 1. Management of the Association
The Board of Directors shall have general supervision and control of the Association and its affairs and shall make all rules and regulations not inconsistent with law or with these By-Laws. It shall maintain proper records of all transactions and ensure adequate financial management of the Association.
Section 2. Depository
The Board of Directors shall have the power to select one or more banks to act as depositories of the funds of the Association and to determine the manner of receiving, depositing, and disbursing funds.
Section 3. Reserved Duties
The following actions require approval at a duly called meeting of the Board of Directors:
- Suspension or termination of a member
- Establishment of fees for annual membership dues
- Establishment of fees for SEKGA-endorsed activities (e.g., Round-Up consignment fees)
ARTICLE VIII: Duties of the Officers
Section 1. President
The President shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors and communicate matters and suggestions intended to promote the welfare and usefulness of the Association.
Section 2. Vice President
The Vice President shall perform duties incident to the office and act as President in their absence or disability.
Section 3. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall manage financial transactions, ensure accountability for funds, and sign documents alongside the President.
Section 4. Secretary
The Secretary shall maintain meeting minutes, membership records, and correspondence, ensuring proper communication of membership renewals.
Section 5. Directors at Large
Directors at Large shall represent the general membership, attend meetings, and help carry out the objectives of the Association.
ARTICLE IX: Operating Procedures and Policies
- Section 1. General: The Association shall operate so all members are treated on a fair and equitable basis.
- Section 2. Dues and Fees: The Board of Directors shall establish the amount charged for annual dues and determine related policies.
- Section 3. Indebtedness: Any borrowed capital shall be properly documented and recorded by the Treasurer.
ARTICLE X: Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended, repealed, or altered by a two-thirds majority vote of members present at any regular or special meeting (see Article IV, Section 2). A quorum of the Board of Directors must be in attendance with appropriate notice provided at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, outlining the proposed amendments.