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ISGA Bylaws
Issue 1
I. Purpose
The purpose of the International Sugar Glider Association's By-Laws
is provide a clear understanding by which this association shall operate.
II. Definitions
A. Sugar Glider
A small gliding marsupial that is either captive-born or wild-caught.
Scientific Name: Petaurus Breviceps
B. Member in good standing
Persons who have indicated a willingness to be a member of the association
and are willing to adhere to the By Laws. In addition, association
membership fees must be paid in full for the current year unless membership
is honorary or complimentary as defined in section IVd and IVe.
C. Proper care
Includes providing, at a minimum, the following:
- Diet
A proper diet consisting of approximately 75% fruits/vegetables
and 25% protein (no additives/preservatives/low fat) and fresh drinking
water (not tap water).
- Housing
A dry well-ventilated living area that is of adequate size, protects from
excessive cold or warm temperature, provides a shelter that protects
against daylight, that is kept clean, and contains an appropriate clean
bed/nest/pouch area with appropriate bedding.
- Attention
Time each day for human handling and interaction (with 1-2 hours
being optimal) in a sugar glider-safe environment.
- Health
Keeping the Sugar Glider reasonably free of external & internal
parasites. Perform practice preventive maintenance by regularly checking
condition of eyes, ears, teeth, and nails. Obtaining any necessary
veterinary care, including routine veterinary maintenance as recommended
by your veterinarian, and provide prompt medical care for ill or injured
sugar gliders.
- Environment
A clean and dry area in which the Sugar Glider is allowed to move
freely (cage, home, playground) and is reasonably free of any threats to
the glider's health and well-being by removing all potential dangers in
homes, avoiding situations that could cause harm or neglect to Sugar
Gliders. This includes, but not limited to providing safety from other
pets and keeping all water holding devices closed (to prevent accidental
drowning).
D. Good home
A living situation in which the Sugar Glider will receive proper care as
defined in section IIc.
III. Objectives of the International Sugar Glider Association
A. The International Sugar Glider Association (ISGA) is a
not for profit association dedicated to the following goals:
1 . Informing and educating the public of the pleasures and
responsibilities of owning Sugar Gliders and how to provide proper care for
Sugar Gliders as pets
2 . Finding adequate homes for lost, abandoned,
confiscated, and relinquished Sugar Gliders
- Following pending legislation which may affect Sugar Gliders
- Keeping up with current and new medical issues affecting Sugar Gliders
- Promote understanding of the nature and origin of the Sugar Glider
IV. Membership
**Note: The ISGA is not accepting new membership applications at
this time.
A. Qualification for Membership
The ISGA is dedicated to issues concerning Sugar Gliders, and as
such members must actively participate in promoting the welfare of Sugar
Gliders. Members must provide proper care (as defined in section IIc) for
all Sugar Gliders in their possession or care. To be a member "in good
standing" with the ISGA, each member must be either paid in full for the
association's membership dues (see section IVc), or be an official honorary
member (see section IVd).
B. Privileges of Membership
Access to members only sections of ISGA web pages and members only mailing
lists. Voting privileges which include contests, elections, etc.. One
subscription to the ISGA newsletter (mailed quarterly). Personalized
membership card(s).
C. Membership Dues [Amended August 1998]
Membership starts on the date of which membership was granted by a
welcoming letter from the ISGA President and ends one calendar year later.
Members' dues must be current to have ISGA voting privileges. ISGA members
who fall more than one month behind on association dues automatically lose
association membership. Refer to section IVb for membership privileges. The
membership levels are as follows:
- $15 Youth Membership
Includes one personalized membership card and subscription to the
ISGA, Inc. Newsletter.
- $25 Regular Membership
Includes normal membership privileges (section IVb), one
registered vote per member voting opportunity, one personalized membership
card and subscription to the ISGA, Inc. Newsletter.
- $35 Breeder Membership
Includes normal membership privileges (section IVb), one
registered vote per member voting opportunity, one personalized membership
card, subscription to the ISGA, Inc. Newsletter and listing on the ISGA,
Inc. website (MUST be USDA Licensed)
**Note: The ISGA is not accepting new membership applications at
this time.
D. Honorary Memberships
Honorary membership is a privilege in the ISGA and may be granted
if a person meets the membership qualifications set forth in section IVa and
is voted in as an honorary member by the majority of ISGA Board. The
duration of an honorary membership must be specified before the vote on
membership. Honorary memberships may be for a specific time or for life.
Honorary members shall have full membership privileges (IVb). Honorary
memberships may be revoked by vote of the majority of the Board.
Honorary memberships shall be granted in order to acquire involvement of
persons that would be of great resource or resource of information for the
ISGA, but may not have the time to dedicate fully to all ISGA actions.
Veterinarians, USDA officers, Department of Wildlife officials along with
other needed persons to help promote and be a source of education for the
ISGA and its intentions.
E. Complimentary Memberships
Complimentary memberships in the ISGA may be granted by a vote of
the majority of the Board. Complimentary members shall have full membership
privileges (IVb) with the exception of voting privileges. Complimentary
memberships may be revoked by vote of the majority of the Board. The length
of time for a complimentary membership is up to one year with a normal
duration of one quarter calendar year, at which time the membership may be
renewed with extension period agreed upon by a majority vote of the Board.
Complimentary memberships are to be used to entice people, who are not sure
of what the ISGA is about, to join. This would include, but not be limited
to: pet stores, magazines, organizations, perspective members, etc..
Complimentary memberships may be revoked by vote of the majority of the
Board.
F. Revoking, Denying, or Suspending Memberships
Membership in the ISGA may be revoked or denied if a person fails
to meet the membership qualifications specified in section IVa or violates
any of the prohibited actions specified in section IV, and the majority ISGA
Board vote for revoking or denying the membership. Notice will be given to
member in writing, noting the reason for revoking, denying, or suspension of
membership. Memberships may be suspended if actions are deemed by the
majority of the board to be in conflict of the interests of the ISGA.
Membership suspensions and length of suspension shall be agreed upon by the
majority of the board. At the end of the duration of the suspension, the
board shall review and decide whether to reinstate suspended member or
revoke membership entirely. Membership fees are not refundable.
G. Upgrade of membership
Membership may be upgraded within 90 days of activation of
membership by submitting a letter of request to the ISGA Treasurer along
with the difference of funds for the upgrade. Upgrades requested after 90
days will be evaluated and approved by the Board as well as the amount of
the upgrade.
H. Adherence to by-laws
Each member or person requesting membership shall be distributed a
copy of the by-laws. Persons must agree to abide by current by-laws by
signature of acceptance or have the membership revoked or denied.
V. Prohibited Actions
The following actions are prohibited as an ISGA member or the general
public. Members in violation of these clauses may have their memberships
revoked as stated in section IVf. The ISGA may take legal action against any
person or persons violating any of these clauses and require that those
found in violation of these clauses pay all attorney and legal fees incurred
by the association for enforcement of these by-laws.
A. No person shall solicit or accept goods on behalf of the
ISGA without expressed written consent from the current ISGA President and
one other officer. Any goods accepted on behalf of the ISGA shall be
notified to the officers and turned over to the ISGA President or officer
appointed by the President, in writing, within 7 days of acquiring the
goods.
B . No person shall represent the ISGA without permission
from the current ISGA President and one other officer. This person must
represent the ISGA according to the By Laws.
C . No person shall accept Sugar Gliders on behalf of the
ISGA without written authorization from the current ISGA President and one
other officer. Any Sugar Glider relinquished by another party that is
intended for the ISGA shall be turned over to the ISGA President (or care
center appointed by the ISGA President) within 7 days of acquiring the Sugar
Glider(s).
D. No person shall misrepresent themselves as a member of
the ISGA when they are not in good standing. Non-members may represent the
ISGA at public events if they have the written authorization from the
current ISGA President and one other officer. At public events, official
ISGA representatives (members or non-members) shall be designated in a
conspicuous manner.
VI. Board
A . The ISGA Board shall consist of six member nominated
and elected officers and at least three other board members which at the
very minimum shall include Webmaster, Newsletter Editor, and Director of the
Board. Webmaster and Newsletter Editor shall be nominated and elected by the
officers only and each shall hold a two year term. Elections for these two
board members shall be held on even years.
Each officer shall be elected to a two-year term. Elections shall be held
for the offices of President, Asst. Treasurer, and Secretary on odd years
with Vice President, Treasurer, and Public Relations held on even years.
Elections for officers take place in February, with the elected officials
taking office March 1st of the same year. The terms for the offices are
staggered, such that only three officers will be up for election every
February.
B . Officers must be nominated from the association
membership and voted for by a majority of voting members. If no single
candidate for a position receives a majority of the votes, a run-off
election will be held between the two candidates with the largest
percentages of the vote. If the run-off election produces no majority
winner, the remaining association officers not up for reelection determine
the outcome of the vote. If an office is vacant (except President and
Treasurer), the duties of that office shall be fulfilled by the remaining
officers until a special election can be held or a temporary officer can be
recruited who is approved by a majority of the remaining officers.
C. If an officer or appointed board member is no longer able to fulfill
his/her duties, the majority of the remaining association officers must
appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy until the next scheduled election
for vacated office. The exception to this rule is when the President or
Treasurer leaves office before the term ends: the vice-president or Asst.
Treasurer shall assume the Presidency or Treasurer office and a new
Vice-President or Asst. Treasurer shall be selected by the association
officers. If for any reason the Assistant Treasurer or Vice President is
unable to fulfill the Treasurer or Presidential position, the Assistant
Treasurer or Vice President shall remain in the position and the board shall
appoint an Acting Treasurer or acting President to hold office until the
next scheduled election.
D . Any officer or appointed board member may be removed
from office if recommended by and voted upon by a majority of the officers.
E. Officers:
- President
The President's primary responsibility shall be to enforce the
ISGA bylaws. The President is also the chair person of all ISGA events,
and has final say over association policies and actions not covered in the
ISGA bylaws. The President's signature is required to authorize any
monetary transfer. The President is responsible for ensuring that the
Treasurer prepares and files the appropriate tax forms. The President has
veto power over any articles intended for publication in the newsletter.
- Vice-President
The Vice-President fills in for the president when required. If
the President is unable to attend an official association event, for
example, the Vice-President shall perform the presidential duties at the
event. If the President leaves office before the term is over, the
vice-president automatically becomes the President. A special election
shall be held as soon as possible to fill the empty position for the
remainder of the term. If for any reason the Vice President is unable to
fill the Presidency, the Vice President shall remain in the position and
the board shall appoint an acting President to hold office until the next
scheduled election.
- Secretary
The Secretary logs the association and officer meetings and keeps
track of the association membership list and works with the Treasurer for
keeping up-to-date on membership dues. The Secretary is responsible for
producing the mailing labels for the ISGA newsletter, special mailings,
and mailing of the newsletters. The Secretary shall notify members in
writing at least one week in advance of the expiration date of their
memberships. The Secretary shall maintain the by-laws and amendments to
the association and bring any necessary changes to the attention of the
president. The Secretary shall also prepare any official correspondence
including acknowledgments of donations upon the recommendation of the
President. The Secretary must keep the master copies of the ISGA
newsletter. The Secretary shall make an accounting of membership status to
the ISGA Board every two months or as requested by the President but not
more than 13 times per year.
- Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for receipt, accounting, and
disbursement of all funds for the ISGA in a timely manner (within one
month of receipt.) The Treasurer must make a financial report as requested
by the president but not more than 13 times per year. The Treasurer shall
ensure that the appropriate tax forms are filed.
- Assistant Treasurer
The Assistant Treasurer aids the Treasurer. This person has the
same responsibilities as the Treasurer and double checks how the funds are
being handled. If the Treasurer steps down for any reason then the
Assistant Treasurer would take that place until a replacement could be
found. If for any reason the Assistant Treasurer is unable to fill the
Treasury position, the Assistant Treasurer shall remain in the position
and the board shall appoint an acting treasurer to hold office until the
next scheduled election.
- Public Relations
The Public Relations Officer is responsible for contacting and
soliciting contributions from other associations, organizations,
businesses, and individuals and is responsible for coordinating member
involvement into ISGA functions. The Public Relations Officer shall make
an accounting to the ISGA as requested by the president but not more than
13 times per year.
F. Officer Elected Board Members
- Newsletter Editor
The newsletter editor is responsible for producing the ISGA
newsletter, soliciting articles, and for creating enough copies for all
association members and any extra initial copies the association requires.
The editor must provide the President & Secretary a master copy of each
newsletter produced at least two weeks before final printing for approval
by President. At least four (4) newsletters must be produced each year.
- Webmaster
The webmaster is responsible for maintaining the ISGA website for
the dissemination of information to the public, insure and comply with the
integrity of the ISGA on said site. The webmaster must have approval from
the President on all changes to the web pages. The webmaster shall
direct/forward questions to the Public Relations Officer, when unable to
answer them correctly him/herself, via phone, fax, and/or e-mail.
VII. ISGA logo usage
The International Sugar Glider Association logo use is restricted to the
ISGA officers only. Anyone wishing to use the logo must submit a request in
writing to the officers along with the reason for the request. A majority of
the officers must approve the usage and will send written notification to
the submitting party, which shall be signed by at least two (2) officers.
IIX. Amendments
A request to amend the ISSUED by-laws of the ISGA can be made to the
officers, in writing along with a detailed explanation for the requested
change. Notification of receipt of the suggested change to ISSUED by-laws
will be made to the submitter, by the President or Vice-President (or
appointed person), within 7 days. If the majority of the officers approve
the amendment(s) within three (3) weeks of receipt, then the suggested
change will be presented to the members in good standing for
voting on the within five (5) days of the first of the month. The time of
review and voting will run for the length of that month only. Amendments
that have been passed will go into effect on the tenth (10th) day of the
month following voting. Board members have the right to amend by-laws in
rough draft status without approval from the association members.
IX. Address of ISGA
The main address for the ISGA is: International Sugar Glider Association,
Questions/Comments, 824 - 130th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005 . All written
requests, comments, suggestions, or complaints should be sent to this
address and they will be disbursed to the appropriate parties. All
submissions made to this address become property of the ISGA and may not be
returned to the sender.
To contact the officers you can send mail to:
officers@isga.org
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