Last updated: January 24, 2010
ARTICLE I - NAME
As adopted in 1980 this organization was named the Association of Indiana Taxidermists or referred to as A.I.T.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSES
A. This association is for all taxidermists and related business to taxidermy as well as their families. This organization shall be for improving the standards of taxidermy and to make the general public aware of this profession.
B. To further contact and relate better understanding among taxidermists and related industries.
C. To unite all interested taxidermists into one organization.
D. To disseminate pertinent information, ideas, and suggestions to all fellow members in good standing.
E. To aid the taxidermists as a whole, by lobbying in state and federal legislation for fair and just laws pertaining to taxidermy.

ARTICLE III-MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all taxidermists, professional or amateur and related industries.

ARTICLE IV - DUES AND FEES
A. Active membership is $70.00 for single and $80 for family.  This fee includes annual membership, seminar fees and registration for the annual show.  For members not attending the annual show, the fee is $35.
B. All dues payable in advance are due by the show date of each year.
C. Any member or firm not paying dues by the show date, will automatically lose their membership.
D. Dues collected are used for all the members benefit only!
E. A treasurer's report will be issued at least once yearly to all members.
F. The cost to enter a mount at a show is $15 for the first mount and $10 for each additional mount.  Mounts entered in the youth category are free if the parent or sponsor is a member in good standing.
G. No other assessments shall be levied unless deemed appropriate and necessary and by a two-thirds vote of the members.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
A. Elective offices of the A.I.T. shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.  A board    of directors consisting of not more than 6 members shall also be elected.
B. Qualifications for office
  • Nominees for all offices must have been a member in good standing for six months prior to election.
  • To run for office of President or Treasurer, a member must have served one term on the board or as Vice-President or Secretary.
C. Term of office
  • Officers and Board of Directors terms commence with installation at spring convention.
  • Election will take place every two years for board members and every three years for officers. 
  • An officer or director may be reelected for another term only once for that office. 
  • Members may run again after being out of office for 2 years.
D. Vacancies
   The Board shall appoint a vacancy in any office. If the office of President becomes vacant, the
   Vice-President will assume his/her duties for the remainder of the term.
E. Methods of nomination
  • Nominations may be made by officers or any A.I.T. member.
  • If only one nominee runs for an office, that nominee runs unopposed.
F. Elections
  • Elections shall be by written secret ballot at the spring convention.
  • Election results must be kept for one year.
  • Election results will be made available to all members.
  • Candidates must receive a majority vote of all ballots cast.
  • In case of a tie, a runoff will immediately follow.
  • Elections will take place in even years beginning in 1990.

ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
A.President
  • To schedule at least two board meetings a year before a scheduled competition meeting.
  • To schedule and organize the competitions.
  • To preside at all times over all matters relating to this profession at given meetings and competitions.
  • To relate and create a better fellowship with all members and other state and federal associations.
  • When voting for new amendments or making final decisions, the president’s vote will be cast only to break ties.
  • To always strive for the betterment of this association.

B.Vice-President

  • To assist the President at all times in the duties established in Section A.
  • To assume the duties of the President when he or she cannot.

C.Secretary

  • Keep updated and accurate reports of all memberships, old and new.
  • To record all amendments and resolutions for board meetings as well as recording the minutes of the meetings.

D.Treasurer

  • To keep accurate and updated accounts of this association.
  • To provide a report at every board meeting.
  • To provide a report at least once yearly to all members.
  • To maintain all monetary matters in one account:  checking and savings. 

E.Board of Directors

  • To assist all elected officers in their duties when they need assistance.
  • To create and explore new ideas for the betterment of this association.


ARTICLE VII - VOTING RIGHTS
A. Members in good standing may vote upon any matter coming before this association.
B. Only one vote may be cast per individual

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
These bylaws may be amended by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the board members. Membership upon petition and two-thirds votes of the membership can override the decision of the board members.

ARTICLE IX - LIABILITY
A. For any reason whatsoever legal action cannot be taken against this organization.
B. If a dispute arises, the two parties responsible shall be required to settle their matters on their own expense and time!

ARTICLE X
This association is solely for the benefit of each and everyone involved. Its purpose is to create unity and friendship among the taxidermists of this state. You are this association; it is a reflection of the duties that you care to put forth. Fairness must always be given as well as received.
Web site updated by Doug Hansen © 2007 at Homestead™
By-Laws