Hello,
I am forming a new non-profit organization dedicated to
insect/invertebrate-centered education, outreach, research and
conservation. Please see the text below for the organizations mission,
vision, strategy and structure.
If you or anyone you can think of would be a good candidate to serve on
the board of the directors for this organization, please contact me as
soon as possible!
Invertebrate Studies Institute (ISI)
501(c)(3)
MISSION:
The Invertebrate Studies Institute’s mission is to promote public
awareness and appreciation of invertebrates, science and the natural world.
VISION:
An institution focused on expanding invertebrate centered education,
outreach, research and natural conservation. It will be a place where
people learn in depth information about insects, their ecology, their
chemistry/biochemistry as well as observe real-time research at the
institution. The organization and its research would focus on all
invertebrates including insects, spiders, nematodes, etc. We will
achieve this vision by: 1) Construct and maintain a uniquely designed a
series of live invertebrate displays (insect zoo) and research facility
each charged with its own element of our Vision: education, outreach,
research and natural conservation; 2) Create an internationally
recognized invertebrate-centered research facility which also
contributes to our vision to expand invertebrate centered education,
outreach and natural conservation; 3) Establish a network of
collaborators, partners, facilities, colleagues and other stakeholders
for executing our vision of expanding invertebrate centered education,
outreach, research and natural conservation.
STRATEGY:
1) Create and maintain an insect zoo and USDA-APHIS approved
laboratories for culturing numerous invertebrate species (insects,
arachnids, nematodes, etc.), including exotic species, for use in
education, outreach and research activities.
2) Apply for grants targeted for research projects as well as
educational and outreach activities. Identify other sources of funding
including, private donors and partner organizations.
3) When applicable the institute will pursue opportunities to generate
revenue from Intellectual Property (including but not limited to
patentable materials, copyrighted materials, trademarks, software, and
trade secrets) derived from research and educational activities.
4) Recruit and support/train passionate and energetic scientists,
professionals and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds who wish to
move our mission forward toward our vision.
5) We will host outside scientists and collaborators doing
invertebrate-related research who wish to utilize our facilities or
research animals either in collaboration, via pay for service, or a pay
for facility basis.
6) The institution will community events including a large annual
festival and have a presence at other science festivals around the USA.
GOVERNANCE:
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
• Run the day-to-day operations
• Attend all board meetings
• Call special meetings if necessary
• Approves all meetings of the board of directors
• Makes final approval of the budget approved by the board of directors
• Approves all financial expenditures
• May process financial expenditures
• Makes final approval of meeting minutes approved by board
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
• Oversee board meetings
• Work in partnership with the chief executive to make sure board
resolutions are carried out
• Call special meetings if necessary.
• Assist the chief executive in preparing the agenda for board meetings
• Assist the chief executive in conducting new board member orientation
• Oversee searches for a new chief executive
• Coordinate the chief executive’s annual performance evaluation
• Work with the board of directors and chief executive to recruit new
board members
• Coordinate periodic board assessment with the chief executive
• Periodically consult with board members on their roles and help them
assess their performance
VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
• Attend all board meetings
• Carry out special assignments as requested by the board chair
• Understand the responsibilities of the board chair and be able to
perform these duties in the chair’s absence
• Participate as a vital part of the board leadership
• Serve as the interim chair of the board if vacated until a new chair
is elected while continuing to function as vice chair
TREASURER OF THE BOARD
• Attend all board meetings
• Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its
goals and objectives
• Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations
• Serve as financial officer of the organization
• Manage the board’s review of and action related to the board’s
financial responsibilities
• Work with the chief executive to ensure that appropriate financial
reports are made available to the board on a timely basis, and assist
the chief executive in preparing the annual budget and presenting the
budget to the board for approval
• Review the annual audit and answer board members’ questions about the
audit
• May process financial expenditures
• Shall succeed vice chair as interim until a new vice chair is elected
while continuing to function as treasurer
SECRETARY OF THE BOARD
• Attend all board meetings
• Maintain all board records and ensure their accuracy and safety
• Review board minutes
• Provide notice of board meetings when such notice is required
• Shall succeed treasurer as interim until a new treasurer is elected
while continuing to function as secretary
BOARD MEMBER
• Attend all board meetings
• Carry out special assignments as requested by the board chair
INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special
events
• Be informed about the organization’s mission, services, policies, and
programs
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee
meetings
• Serve on committees and offer to take on special assignments
• Make a personal financial contribution to the organization
• Inform others about the organization
• Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant
contributions to the work of the board and the organization
• Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization’s field
• Follow conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies
• Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such
as reviewing the organization’s annual financial statements
Sincerely,
ATD of ATB
--
Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs
Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation
http://allthingsbugs.com/about/people/
http://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs
1-352-281-3643
