Constitution

Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians Constitution

Article I – Name

This organization shall be known as the Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (AVBT) hereinafter referred to as the “The Academy”.

Article II – Incorporation

Section 1. The Academy shall be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization organized exclusively for educational purposes, within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code).

    (i)          Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Academy shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation/organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 50l(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code) or (b) by a corporation /organization, contributions to which are deductible under, Section 17O(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section at any future Federal Tax Code).

  (ii)          No substantial part of the activities of the Academy shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Academy shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Section 2. No part of the net earnings of the Academy shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Academy shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of Section 50l(c) (3) purposes.

Section 3. The term for which the Academy is organized shall be perpetual. However, if dissolution of the Academy should occur its property shall be distributed evenly between the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (SVBT) and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

However, if the named recipient(s) is not then in existence, no longer a qualified distributee, or is unwilling or unable to accept the distribution, then the assets of the Academy shall be distributed to a Veterinary Technician and / or animal welfare fund, foundation, or corporation organized and operated exclusively for the purposes specified in section 50l(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code).

Article III – Statement of Purpose

Section 1. Mission Statement

The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (AVBT) exists to promote excellence in the discipline of veterinary behavior medicine. The AVBT will provide a process by which veterinary technicians may become certified as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of behavior. The veterinary technician who becomes certified as a VTS (Behavior) will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically – and humanely – based techniques of behavior health, problem prevention, training, management, and behavior modification. The AVBT will advance the skills of veterinary technicians within the discipline of animal behavior and further their recognition as critical components of the veterinary behavior team in creating, maintaining, and strengthening the human-animal bond.

Section 2. Objectives

    (i)          Promote advancement and high standards of practice for those accredited veterinary technicians involved in animal behavior.

  (ii)          Establish education and experience prerequisites leading to certification in the veterinary technician specialty of animal behavior.

(iii)          Examine and certify veterinary technicians as specialized team members in animal behavior.

(iv)          Encourage research and other contributions to knowledge relating to animal behavior.

  (v)          Promote continuing education and dissemination of knowledge relating to animal behavior.

Article IV – Membership

Section 1. The members of the Academy shall be known as “Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) (Behavior)”.

Section 2. VTS (Behavior) shall be further classified as one of the following:

    (i)          Charter VTS (Behavior): Veterinary Technicians having achieved distinction in the field of animal behavior and having qualifications far exceeding those proposed as necessary for candidates desiring to take the certifying exam.

  (ii)          VTS (Behavior): A veterinary technician of high ethical and moral character who has fulfilled the requirements for certification as set forth in the Bylaws of the Academy.

(iii)          Hereinafter Charter VTS (Behavior) and VTS (Behavior) will be referred to as VTS (Behavior).

(iv)          Honorary VTS (Behavior): A person who has made substantial contributions to the development and progress of animal behavior. Honorary members shall have all rights and privileges of members except the right vote and hold office.

Article V – Organization / Administration

Section 1. The Council of Regents (hereafter referred to as the Regents) shall be the executive body of the Academy and shall consider first all business and policies pertaining to the affairs of the Academy.

Section 2. The Regents will consist of President, Past President, the elected officers (President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and at least one Member at Large). The regents shall be appointed by the organizing committee of the Academy. A parliamentarian and CVTS liaison may be appointed as a non-voting members by the president.

Section 3. Following provisional recognition, the Regents will be elected by the Charter VTS (Behavior).

Article VI – Officers

Section 1. The elected officers of the Academy shall be the President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and at least one Member at Large. The President and the Past-President are non-elected officers. These officers shall be voting members of the Regents. A Parliamentarian and CVTS liaison may be appointed by the president as a non-voting members of the Regents.

Section 2. The President-Elect shall automatically become President at the termination of their predecessor’s term of office. The President shall automatically become Past-President at the termination of their term as president.

Section 3. Election of President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member(s) at Large shall take place biennially (every two years) by mail or secure electronic ballot prior to the business meeting of the Academy. The officers shall begin their term of office immediately following completion of the business meeting in the year elections are held.

Article VII – Committees

Section 1. This organization shall have the following standing committees: Nominating, Credentials Approval, Examination, Re-certification, and Continuing Education Committees. Additional committees and ad hoc committees may be appointed by the President.

Section 2. Chairpersons of the committees shall be voted on by committee members. Members of all committees shall be appointed at the President’s discretion.

Article VIII – Amendments

Section 1. Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be submitted to the Regents for review ninety (90) days before a scheduled meeting of the Academy, the distribution of a mail ballot, or secure electronic ballet to the membership. Proposed amendments shall be distributed to the entire membership with a recommendation by the Regents at least thirty (30) days prior to a voice vote, the distribution of a mail, or secure electronic ballot.

Section 2. An affirmative vote shall require that at least half (½) of the members in good standing vote, and at least three quarters (3/4) of the members voting approve the proposal.