Periodically, issues arise that necessitate changes to MTTWS bylaws. This year, we are proposing adding language that enables us to grant additional awards and travel money to students and professionals. Please read and get familiar with the proposed language new and amended language below. We will have an online election (dues-paying members only) for these changes this coming fall.
Modifications/additions to the MT TWS bylaws
New funding to support students:
Text to be added to Article VIII – Committees, Section 2, Clause G – Scholarship
1) Name: ____ Scholarship Fund (name TBD)
2) Recipient: An outstanding wildlife student(s) enrolled at a university/college in Montana other than the University of Montana or Montana State University.
3) Amount: A minimum of $500.00 to be awarded each year at the Annual Meeting (to begin in 2022).
4) chairmanship will alternate every other year between the two universities.
1) Name: Dick Mackie Memorial Fund
2) Recipient: An outstanding wildlife student(s) at the University of Montana, Montana State University, or both.
3) Amount: A minimum of $500.00 to be awarded during summers as funds allow.
4) chairmanship will alternate every other year between the two universities.
Text to be added to Article IX – Financial Operations
Section 5
NAME? SCHOLARSHIP FUND – The ____ Scholarship Fund will finance the scholarship awards given annually to one student from other universities/colleges in Montana (not Montana State University or the University of Montana).
CLAUSE A – SOURCE – Monies will be raised from tax-free donations, raffles, and/or other fund-raising efforts approved by the membership. Items raffled will be awarded at the Annual Meeting. Donations, interest from CDs, returns from investments, proceeds from fund raising efforts, and funds from the Operations Checking Account (as recommended by the Financial Management Committee and approved by the membership) will be used to fund the scholarship awards.
CLAUSE B – ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT – All monies raised for this scholarship fund will be invested in financial instruments to include, but not limited to, federally-insured certificates of deposit (CD), stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. Investments will be made according to the following criteria:
- agreement with The Wildlife Society’s goals and objectives;
- protection of principal; and
- return on investment.
Monies in excess of the scholarships awarded will be reinvested in the scholarship fund. The sole use of all monies raised for the scholarship fund and interest generated by these monies will be to fund wildlife scholarships. The Financial Management Committee may periodically recommend to the membership that surplus proceeds from the Operations Checking Account be used to supplement the principal of the scholarship fund. The Financial Management Committee will audit the Treasurer’s records of this fund annually.
Section 6
DICK MACKIE AWARD – The Dick Mackie Award will provide financial support for a member of the UM or MSU student chapter to attend the national TWS conference.
CLAUSE A – SOURCE – Monies will be raised from tax-free donations, raffles, and/or other fund-raising efforts approved by the membership. Items raffled will be awarded at the Annual Meeting. Donations, interest from CDs, returns from investments, proceeds from fund raising efforts, and funds from the Operations Checking Account (as recommended by the Financial Management Committee and approved by the membership) will be used to fund the awards.
CLAUSE B – ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT – All monies raised for this fund will be invested in financial instruments to include, but not limited to, federally-insured certificates of deposit (CD), stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. Investments will be made according to the following criteria:
- agreement with The Wildlife Society’s goals and objectives;
- protection of principal; and
- return on investment.
Monies in excess of awards made will be reinvested in the fund. The sole use of all monies raised for the fund and interest generated by these monies will be to fund student attendance at the national TWS conference. The Financial Management Committee may periodically recommend to the membership that surplus proceeds from the Operations Checking Account be used to supplement the principal of the fund. The Financial Management Committee will audit the Treasurer’s records of this fund annually.
Formalizing the Rising Professional Award:
Text to be modified/added to Article VIII – Committees, Section 2, Clause F – Awards
1) AWARDS: Five awards are authorized by the Chapter: a Distinguished Service Award, a Wildlife Biologist of the Year Award, a Bob Watts Wildlife Communications Award, a Wildlife Conservationist Award, and a Rising Professional Award. Each award will be a certificate or plaque presented at the Annual Meeting provided that a worthy candidate has been selected. It is not mandatory that all five awards be given every year.
2) CRITERIA FOR NOMINATIONS: Each award shall be given to an individual (member or non-member) who has contributed toward furthering the objectives of this Chapter. Each award will be given for contributions in wildlife management and research which incorporate one or more of the following attributes: administration; communications with the public; interagency communications; legislation; management accomplishments; scientific publications; teaching; professional leadership and progress; and others as designated by the members.
e) Rising Professional Award: This award will recognize emerging professionals and rising leaders in the wildlife field who are drivers of professional progress in Montana. Eligible candidates will have worked in a part- or full-time professional capacity for at least 3 years, and no more than 8 years. Years need not be consecutive. Current students are not eligible. Employment may include, but is not limited to: wildlife and habitat management or research, conservation policy or advocacy, environmental education or program development, consultation, etc.
Co-workers, supervisees, supervisors, and other professional or public associates of a candidate may sponsor award submissions. Collaborations across a candidate’s employment history are encouraged.
Nominations will consist of 3 letters of sponsorship, no longer than one page each, that testify to the candidate’s record of:
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- Professional-caliber engagement with supervisors, co-workers, supervisees, and the public
- Pursuit of professional and personal development
- Community involvement and commitment to work-life balance
- Practice of inclusion, equality, and respect across human circumstance and identity