Leadership & Governance Bylaws
Approved for the 2026 Calendar Year
Article I. Name
The name of this organization shall be the Midwest Dressage Association, INC. herein referred to as the "Association"
Article II. Purpose & Objectives
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of the Association is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage in the general area of the Midwest, primarily through educational programs. Dressage is the gradual harmonious development of a horse's physical and mental condition with the aim toward improving its natural gaits and perfecting its understanding and communication with its rider.
The purpose of the Association is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage in the general area of the Midwest, primarily through educational programs. Dressage is the gradual harmonious development of a horse's physical and mental condition with the aim toward improving its natural gaits and perfecting its understanding and communication with its rider.
Section 2. Objectives
a. To improve the general understanding of dressage for Association members and any non-members expressing an interest therein through educational clinics, forums, and seminars and to promote these and other activities to affect this goal.
b. To assist and cooperate with other regional or national dressage organizations in matters of common concern.
c. To offer a framework in which individuals can progress with the schooling of themselves and their horses.
a. To improve the general understanding of dressage for Association members and any non-members expressing an interest therein through educational clinics, forums, and seminars and to promote these and other activities to affect this goal.
b. To assist and cooperate with other regional or national dressage organizations in matters of common concern.
c. To offer a framework in which individuals can progress with the schooling of themselves and their horses.
Section 3. Limitations
a. No part of net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, and officers or other private person, except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in the furtherance of its objectives and purposes as herein set forth.
b. No sustainable part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of the statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
c. The Association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
d. Upon dissolution, the assets of the Association, after payment of all the liabilities of the Association, shall be disposed of only for the purposes of the Association in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), and more specifically to the United States Equestrian Team, Inc., so long as it qualifies at the time or dissolution as an organization exempt under section 501(c)(3) United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as hereinbefore provided, the Board of Directors shall determine.
e. If the Directors fail to dispose of all said assets dissolution in the manner so provided, the home county circuit court of the active President shall dispose of them to such charitable, educational, or scientific organizations as it deems meets the requirements of these purposes.
a. No part of net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, and officers or other private person, except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in the furtherance of its objectives and purposes as herein set forth.
b. No sustainable part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of the statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
c. The Association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
d. Upon dissolution, the assets of the Association, after payment of all the liabilities of the Association, shall be disposed of only for the purposes of the Association in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), and more specifically to the United States Equestrian Team, Inc., so long as it qualifies at the time or dissolution as an organization exempt under section 501(c)(3) United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as hereinbefore provided, the Board of Directors shall determine.
e. If the Directors fail to dispose of all said assets dissolution in the manner so provided, the home county circuit court of the active President shall dispose of them to such charitable, educational, or scientific organizations as it deems meets the requirements of these purposes.
Article III. Membership
Section 1. Classes
There shall be four (4) classes of membership: Active, Contributing, Family, and Life.
There shall be four (4) classes of membership: Active, Contributing, Family, and Life.
Section 2. Active Membership
Active members shall consist of all persons with an active interest in the purposes of the Association, who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Active members shall consist of all persons with an active interest in the purposes of the Association, who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Section 3. Contributing Membership
Contributing Members shall consist of all persons who shall have contributed more than the current dues in any given year.
Contributing Members shall consist of all persons who shall have contributed more than the current dues in any given year.
Section 4. Family Membership
Family memberships shall consist of the persons in the immediate family and residing in the same domicile of the Active Members of the Association who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Family memberships shall consist of the persons in the immediate family and residing in the same domicile of the Active Members of the Association who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Section 5. Life Membership
Life Members shall consist of persons who have been named to Life Member status and whose dues have been waived for the remainder of their lives
Life Members shall consist of persons who have been named to Life Member status and whose dues have been waived for the remainder of their lives
Article IV. Dues
Section 1. Annual Dues
Annual membership dues shall become due and payable for the year in advance on December 1st for the following calendar year.
Annual membership dues shall become due and payable for the year in advance on December 1st for the following calendar year.
Section 2. Amount of Dues
The Board of Directors of the Association shall exercise their best judgment in setting the amount for the annual dues, bearing in mind the purposes of the Association and its non-profit status.
The Board of Directors of the Association shall exercise their best judgment in setting the amount for the annual dues, bearing in mind the purposes of the Association and its non-profit status.
Section 3. New Members
If a member/s joins the Association after the end of the horse show season, marked by the USDF/USEF Regional or National Finals but before December 1st, then such member shall not be liable for the dues the following year
If a member/s joins the Association after the end of the horse show season, marked by the USDF/USEF Regional or National Finals but before December 1st, then such member shall not be liable for the dues the following year
Article V. Membership Rights
Section 1. Active Membership
All Active Members in good standing shall be entitled to one vote each at membership meetings and at all elections of Directors, and shall be eligible to hold office in the Association.
All Active Members in good standing shall be entitled to one vote each at membership meetings and at all elections of Directors, and shall be eligible to hold office in the Association.
Section 2. Contributing Membership
Contributing Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Contributing Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Section 3. Family Membership
Family Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Family Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Article IV. Membership Meetings
Section 1. Annual Meetings
An Annual Meeting of the membership of the Association will be held no later than January 31st, at the completion of the show season, on a date and at a place to be determined by the Board of Directors. Notice of the Annual Meeting must be sent to all members at the last known address at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting. Method of notification used will be either USPS or electronically.
An Annual Meeting of the membership of the Association will be held no later than January 31st, at the completion of the show season, on a date and at a place to be determined by the Board of Directors. Notice of the Annual Meeting must be sent to all members at the last known address at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting. Method of notification used will be either USPS or electronically.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the membership may be held from time to time as the Board of Directors shall see fit, provided due notice of the time, place and object of the meeting is sent by USPS or electronically at the last known address/location of each member at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting or by publication in any newsletter distributed by the Association to its members at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Special meetings of the membership may be held from time to time as the Board of Directors shall see fit, provided due notice of the time, place and object of the meeting is sent by USPS or electronically at the last known address/location of each member at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting or by publication in any newsletter distributed by the Association to its members at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 3. Amendments
The Articles and Bylaws of the Association may be amended by the general membership at any Annual or Special meeting of members by a vote/s received prior to the start of the meeting. All proposed Bylaw changes must be brought before the Board of Directors before being voted on by the general membership.
The Articles and Bylaws of the Association may be amended by the general membership at any Annual or Special meeting of members by a vote/s received prior to the start of the meeting. All proposed Bylaw changes must be brought before the Board of Directors before being voted on by the general membership.
Article VII. Board of Directors
Section 1. Capacity and Eligibility
The affairs of the Association shall be directed by a Board of Directors composed of a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of twelve (12) Directors, each of whom must be an active member in good standing. The Board of Directors will also be responsible to review the bylaws on a regular basis. Also, within 30 days of the end of term, all outgoing board members must transfer information relevant to their successor.
The affairs of the Association shall be directed by a Board of Directors composed of a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of twelve (12) Directors, each of whom must be an active member in good standing. The Board of Directors will also be responsible to review the bylaws on a regular basis. Also, within 30 days of the end of term, all outgoing board members must transfer information relevant to their successor.
Section 2. Term Staggering
Each Director, duly elected shall serve a term of three (3) consecutive years and the terms shall be staggered so that four (4) terms will commence in 1998, four (4) terms will commence in 1999, and three (3) terms will commence in 2000. The schedule for expiring terms would be that of four (4), four (4) and three (3).
Each Director, duly elected shall serve a term of three (3) consecutive years and the terms shall be staggered so that four (4) terms will commence in 1998, four (4) terms will commence in 1999, and three (3) terms will commence in 2000. The schedule for expiring terms would be that of four (4), four (4) and three (3).
Section 3. Rhythm of Elections
The Directors shall be elected by the membership either at the Annual or a Special Meeting of the members as hereinafter provided. Notice of the election of Directors shall be given to members in the same manner as provided with respect to notice of amendments of the Articles or Bylaws as provided in Article VI, section 3.
The Directors shall be elected by the membership either at the Annual or a Special Meeting of the members as hereinafter provided. Notice of the election of Directors shall be given to members in the same manner as provided with respect to notice of amendments of the Articles or Bylaws as provided in Article VI, section 3.
Section 4. Nominations
Nominations of Directors - no later than September 15th of each year, the President of the Association shall appoint a Nominating Committee composed of three (3) Directors other than him/herself. This Committee shall meet and nominate the required number of members as Directors and these members shall be certified by the Committee to the President, who will then cause the election to be held.
Nominations of Directors - no later than September 15th of each year, the President of the Association shall appoint a Nominating Committee composed of three (3) Directors other than him/herself. This Committee shall meet and nominate the required number of members as Directors and these members shall be certified by the Committee to the President, who will then cause the election to be held.
Section 5. Elections
Election of Directors - A ballot containing the names of the members nominated by the Committee with blank spaces for the write-in candidates shall be provided with clear instructions to the members that they must vote for the stated number of Directors and may write-in the names of other members not nominated by the Committee. Ballots received from the members in good standing and those present will be tabulated at the general membership meeting. The members receiving the highest number of votes shall be considered elected Directors. Only those members who have paid their annual dues will be eligible to vote.
Election of Directors - A ballot containing the names of the members nominated by the Committee with blank spaces for the write-in candidates shall be provided with clear instructions to the members that they must vote for the stated number of Directors and may write-in the names of other members not nominated by the Committee. Ballots received from the members in good standing and those present will be tabulated at the general membership meeting. The members receiving the highest number of votes shall be considered elected Directors. Only those members who have paid their annual dues will be eligible to vote.
Section 6. Term Start and End
Terms of the elected/appointed officers of the Board of Directors will begin on the day of the Annual Meeting. The officers' terms will end after one year on the day of the Annual Meeting, no sooner or later unless a formal resignation has been submitted. They will remain on the Board of Directors for three years, not necessarily as an officer unless re-elected.
Terms of the elected/appointed officers of the Board of Directors will begin on the day of the Annual Meeting. The officers' terms will end after one year on the day of the Annual Meeting, no sooner or later unless a formal resignation has been submitted. They will remain on the Board of Directors for three years, not necessarily as an officer unless re-elected.
Section 7. Board Vacancy
In the event of the death or resignation of any Director, the remaining Directors shall find member(s), in good standing that is/are interested in serving as an interim board member. They will be presented and voted on as a successor to serve out the balance of the vacant term. If a member is appointed to a vacancy on the Board, they will still be eligible to be elected and may serve up to two full terms.
In the event of the death or resignation of any Director, the remaining Directors shall find member(s), in good standing that is/are interested in serving as an interim board member. They will be presented and voted on as a successor to serve out the balance of the vacant term. If a member is appointed to a vacancy on the Board, they will still be eligible to be elected and may serve up to two full terms.
Section 8. Geographic Representation
It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to attempt in their selection to ensure that the various geographic areas are represented by the Board of Directors by capable and interested persons.
It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to attempt in their selection to ensure that the various geographic areas are represented by the Board of Directors by capable and interested persons.
Section 9. Nominee Consent
In all cases, consent of the nominee must be obtained prior to the election.
In all cases, consent of the nominee must be obtained prior to the election.
Section 10. Term Limits
Effective January 1, 2004, Board of Directors may be elected for only two consecutive terms serving a total of six years. If an individual is interested in returning to the board, a period of one (1) year must pass before they are eligible to be considered for reelection to the Board of Directors.
Effective January 1, 2004, Board of Directors may be elected for only two consecutive terms serving a total of six years. If an individual is interested in returning to the board, a period of one (1) year must pass before they are eligible to be considered for reelection to the Board of Directors.
Article VIII. Directors Meetings
Section 1. Initial Meeting and Officer Elections
First Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the organization meeting of membership and officers of the Association shall be elected at such meeting.
First Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the organization meeting of membership and officers of the Association shall be elected at such meeting.
Section 2. Annual Meeting
The Annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year immediately following the Annual Meeting of the membership at the same place where such membership meeting takes place.
The Annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year immediately following the Annual Meeting of the membership at the same place where such membership meeting takes place.
Section 3. Special Meetings
Special meeting of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the President upon ten (10) days written notice to all Directors.
Special meeting of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the President upon ten (10) days written notice to all Directors.
Section 4. Meeting Procedures
The President of the Association shall preside at all meetings of the Directors and minutes shall be taken by the Secretary. The Board of Director will hold (10) to twelve (12) meetings per year.
The President of the Association shall preside at all meetings of the Directors and minutes shall be taken by the Secretary. The Board of Director will hold (10) to twelve (12) meetings per year.
Section 5. Quorum Requirements
The presence of greater than fifty percent of Directors shall constitute a quorum to transact business at any Directors meeting, regular or special.
The presence of greater than fifty percent of Directors shall constitute a quorum to transact business at any Directors meeting, regular or special.
Section 6. Virtual & Remote Attendance
In the event a quorum cannot meet, conference calls or virtual computer/phone meetings may occur to include those directors out of town, or unable to attend due to distance or weather conditions.
In the event a quorum cannot meet, conference calls or virtual computer/phone meetings may occur to include those directors out of town, or unable to attend due to distance or weather conditions.
Article IX. Officers
Section 1. Election & Term of Officers
The Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors for a term of one (1) year as an officer of the Board at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors.
The Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors for a term of one (1) year as an officer of the Board at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Officer Eligibility
All Officers must be Directors of the Association.
All Officers must be Directors of the Association.
Section 3. Duties of the President
The President shall prepare an agenda and preside over all meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors. He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except for the Nomination Committee.
The President shall prepare an agenda and preside over all meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors. He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except for the Nomination Committee.
Article X. Committees
Section 1. Standing and Temporary Committees
Here shall be such standing and temporary committees as are deemed necessary by the Board to carry on the work of the Association. The committees will be created or dissolved based on need by the Board of Directors.
Here shall be such standing and temporary committees as are deemed necessary by the Board to carry on the work of the Association. The committees will be created or dissolved based on need by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Committee Chairs
Committee chairpersons for all other committees shall be appointed by the President.
Committee chairpersons for all other committees shall be appointed by the President.
Section 3. Executive Committee
An Executive Committee shall be constituted for the purposes of expediting matters coming before the Board and to represent said Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the Association's four (4) Officers as well as two (2) Directors appointed by the President with the approval of the remaining Directors. The committee shall also include the preceding President. If there are none, then an additional Director shall be appointed. Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called from time to time. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members.
An Executive Committee shall be constituted for the purposes of expediting matters coming before the Board and to represent said Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the Association's four (4) Officers as well as two (2) Directors appointed by the President with the approval of the remaining Directors. The committee shall also include the preceding President. If there are none, then an additional Director shall be appointed. Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called from time to time. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members.
Article XI. Code of Conduct
Section 1. Common Expectations in Dressage
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish the Midwest Dressage Association's ("MDA") common expectations in dressage.
As ambassadors for dressage, this Code of Conduct applies to all members at all times.
A. Act as an ambassador of the sport and in a manner that does not bring embarrassment to MDA
B. Adhere to all applicable levels of state, federal, and foreign laws, as applicable, including those governing the possession and use of drugs and alcohol and providing of drugs to any person and alcohol to minors.
C. Engage in no verbal or physical threats against others.
D. Model fair play, respect, and the highest levels of sportsmanship.
E. Model inclusive behavior, supporting diversity while opposing all types of discrimination.
F. Treat people and horses fairly, properly, professionally, and respectfully.
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish the Midwest Dressage Association's ("MDA") common expectations in dressage.
As ambassadors for dressage, this Code of Conduct applies to all members at all times.
A. Act as an ambassador of the sport and in a manner that does not bring embarrassment to MDA
B. Adhere to all applicable levels of state, federal, and foreign laws, as applicable, including those governing the possession and use of drugs and alcohol and providing of drugs to any person and alcohol to minors.
C. Engage in no verbal or physical threats against others.
D. Model fair play, respect, and the highest levels of sportsmanship.
E. Model inclusive behavior, supporting diversity while opposing all types of discrimination.
F. Treat people and horses fairly, properly, professionally, and respectfully.
Section 2. Social Media
MDA Members joining any social media network (listed here or not) as member of the MDA are subject to following the rules set forth by such social media site, the MDA By-Laws and the MDA Code of Conduct. Any member who violates terms of use of such networks may be subject not only to revocation of their rights on that social network, but their MDA Membership rights as well.
MDA Members joining any social media network (listed here or not) as member of the MDA are subject to following the rules set forth by such social media site, the MDA By-Laws and the MDA Code of Conduct. Any member who violates terms of use of such networks may be subject not only to revocation of their rights on that social network, but their MDA Membership rights as well.
