Change That Will Do Us Good
With nimble as our new normal, the WVMA Executive Board is recommending improvements to how the WVMA is governed. These recommendations include changes to the board composition and size, geographical representation, the election process, and clarity of roles. Read through this webpage for detailed information, including these few updates made to the original recommendations:
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NEW Comparison Document: Document with line-by-line changes and line-by-line explanations of the extensive rewrite and simplification as it relates to our current bylaws.
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Updates for UW SVM Faculty Members: Clarifying language that non-DVM faculty shall be non-voting members.
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Updates for Veterinary Staff Members: Ability for certified veterinary technicians to become non-voting members even if they are not employed at a clinic.
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Membership quorum requirements: Updated language to obtain quorum when the majority of members present are regular voting members.
Your vote will be counted only once, either online or at the Annual Meeting.
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Why is this happening now? Because the WVMA is a 21st-century organization with 20th-century governance. We need to fix that, and you’re a big part of making those fixes happen.
How We Got Here explains the WVMA board’s process and rationale for proposing governance changes.
Read President Dr. Meg Mueller’s perspective on the proposed changes to WVMA’s governance to better serve members across Wisconsin.
What’s NOT Changing
Our overall mission to enrich the lives of Wisconsin veterinarians remains our focus. Our strategic plan remains the same, and our CARE model still drives us. The changes we’re making to the way we work make us better suited to getting things done.
What It All Means
Simplicity
Too many WVMA members don’t know what district they live in or what the purpose of a district is. The new structure will provide clarity and enhance access to the board, no matter what part of the state you’re in.
Access
A simplified selection of board members will offer the opportunity for all WVMA members to serve on the board and vote for board directors regardless of where they live.
Representation
Not only will this be a pathway to more involvement in the organization, but it will also help ensure the board represents veterinarians of all shapes and sizes, from all parts of the state and all parts of the profession.
WVMA Bylaws
Our bylaws have been in place for quite a while. To stay current, we need to evolve some things—technology, how we meet, ways to vote, etc. The revision of our bylaws will get us up to speed and allow us to be more nimble and flexible.
Geographic Factors
Board members will come from the five regions, but now represent the entire state. At least one board member—including officers—must work in one of the regions to ensure geographic diversity.
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Transition Plan
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