Invertebrate Studies Institute (ISI)
a 501c3 Non-Profit: Incorporated June 18, 2013. 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 invertebrates, 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 (invertebrate 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 invertebrate 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.
3) Recruit passionate and energetic scientists, professionals and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds who wish to move our mission forward toward our vision.
4) 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.
5) The institution will community events including a large annual festival and have a presence at other science festivals around the USA. GOVERNANCE:
PRESIDENT
• 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
VICE PRESIDENT
• 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
• 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
• 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 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
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
Current Board Members and Officers:
Board Members:
Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (All Things Bugs)
Officers:
President and Chair of the Board: Dr. Aaron T. Dossey
Vice President:
Treasurer/Secretary:
