Constitution and By-Laws
Of the
Tarrant County Veterinary Medical Association
Constitution
Article I – Name
This organization shall be known as the Tarrant County Veterinary Medical Association (TCVMA).
Article II – Mission and Objectives
The mission of TCVMA is to support the veterinary community of Tarrant County through advocacy, education, collaboration, and professional development.
The objectives of the Association are to:
1. Foster collegiality and collaboration within the veterinary profession and with the community.
2. Uphold and enhance standards of veterinary medicine and ethical practice.
3. Promote the highest quality care and welfare for domestic animals.
4. Advocate for the veterinary profession’s role in public health.
5. Provide continuing education opportunities and professional growth for local veterinarians.
Article III – Membership
Section 1. DVM Membership
DVM Membership is open to all licensed veterinarians. These members in good standing have voting rights.
Section 2. 65yr+ DVM Membership
65+ DVM Membership is DVM membership open to all licensed veterinarians 65 years of age and over. These members in good standing have voting privileges.
Section 3. Platinum Membership
Platinum Membership is DVM Membership or Corporate/Affiliate Membership with access to in-person or virtual meeting attendance to local Veterinary Medical Associations in Collin County, Dallas County, and Tarrant County. Platinum members who are licensed veterinarians and in good standing have voting privileges.
Section 4. Staff Add-on Membership
Add-on for two one-year passes for veterinary staff to attend the monthly CE meetings.
These can only be used for non-DVM employees and staff of the veterinarian and may be the same or different individuals each month. A base-line membership must also be selected. Add-on Staff do not have voting privileges.
Section 5. Corporate / Affiliate Membership
Open to individuals and organizations that support veterinary medicine, such as veterinary staff, pharmaceutical representatives, and suppliers. These members do not have voting privileges.
Section 6. Honorary Membership
Honorary membership may be conferred on individuals who have made significant contributions to veterinary medicine in Tarrant County. Honorary members do not pay dues and do not have voting privileges. Nomination requires Board recommendation and a two-thirds majority vote by members present at a regular meeting.
Article IV – Officers
Section 1. Elected Officers
The officers shall include: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2. Eligibility
Any DVM member in good standing may be nominated for office.
Section 3. Terms of Office
Officers shall serve a one-year term, except the Treasurer, who serves a two-year term. No officer shall serve consecutive terms in the same office.
Section 4. Executive Secretary
An Executive Secretary may be appointed to manage operations and carry out directives from the Board of Directors.
Article V – Board of Directors
Section 1. Composition
The Board consists of the current officers and the Immediate Past Presidents, who serve a three-year term.
Section 2. Chair
The President shall serve as Chair of the Board.
Article VI – Ethics
The Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Association shall be the governing code of this Association.
Article VII – Meetings
Section 1. Frequency
General meetings shall be held in the evening on the third Thursday of each month excluding July and December, unless rescheduled by the Board.
Section 2. Quorum
A quorum is defined as two-thirds of voting members in good standing in attendance at a meeting. “In attendance” is defined as in-person and virtually.
Section 3. Notification
Members will receive written notice of the date, time, and location of each meeting.
Article VIII – Amendments
Section 1. Proposal
Amendments must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Circulation
Upon Board approval, the proposed amendment will be distributed to all members.
Section 3. Adoption
Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote of the members in attendance at a scheduled meeting. “In attendance” is defined as in-person and virtually.
By-Laws
Article I – Duties of Officers
President
Chairs meetings, authorizes expenditures, serves as the Association’s official representative, and performs other such duties as the office implies.
Vice President
Presides in the absence of the President, assists the President, and oversees membership and attendance. Succeeds the President if necessary. The Vice President is responsible for setting up speakers for the following year.
Secretary
Maintains minutes and records; manages correspondence and documentation.
Treasurer
Manages finances, dues collection, and budget preparation; presents financial updates at Board meetings.
Directors
The three Immediate Past Presidents fulfill the function of Directors. Each Director serves as a voting member of the Board.
Article II – Board of Directors
The Board shall:
● Review proposals and make policy recommendations.
● Present the annual budget to the members of the Association.
● Fill officer vacancies as needed until regularly scheduled elections are conducted.
Article III – Elections
● Nominations may be made by writing to the Board by August.
● Officers will be elected by email, in-person, and other efficient means.
● Installation will occur during the last quarter of the year.
Article IV – Committees
● The President may form committees as needed.
Article V – Dues
● Annual dues:
DVM: $135
DVM 65yr+: $65
DVM Platinum: $200
Staff add-on to any DVM membership: $65
Corporate/Affiliate Members/Staff: $65
Platinum Corporate/Affiliate Members/Staff: $100
Honorary: $0
● Changes to dues require Board recommendation and two-thirds majority approval at a meeting.
● “Members in good standing” is defined as those who have paid their dues for the current year.
Article VI – Amendments to By-Laws
Amendments follow the same process as Constitution and By-Laws amendments:
submission to the Board, circulation, and approval by a quorum.
Article VII – Governance
In all matters not specifically addressed in this Constitution and By-Laws, the Association shall follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
Article VIII – Order of Business
1. Call to Order
2. Reading and Approval of Minutes
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Old Business
5. New Business
6. Adjournment
Final Statement
This is the new Constitution and By-Laws proposed to replace the current constitution, by-laws, and all amendments.