Rules of Order

These Rules of Order were adopted by WAG officers on July 15, 2020.

1. Definition
   The group is a Division of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and is therefore bound by the Bylaws of the Institute and the policies set by the Institute’s Board of Directors.
   
   
2. Mission
   The group supports wooden objects conservation professionals in preserving cultural heritage by: establishing and upholding professional standards; promoting research and publications; providing educational opportunities; and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public.
   
   
3. Membership
   Membership is open to any member of the Institute upon payment of annual dues. Members have the right to vote on election of officers, changes to the Rules of Order, membership dues, and any other issues requiring a vote. All members are eligible to hold office and serve on committees. All members are entitled to receive any group publications and communications.
   
   
4. Governance
   • 4.1. Officers
     • 4.1.1 Chair Emerita/us: advises current officers. Term is two years (2).
     • 4.1.2 Chair: communicates activities to the membership, moderates the annual business meeting, facilitates budget has authority to make final decisions on all issues, consulting with the other officers or committee members, as necessary. Term is two (2) years. After the term, assumes the role of Chair Emerita/us.
     • 4.1.3 Program Chair: chairs the annual meeting program. Term is one (1) year.
     • 4.1.4 Assistant Program Chair: assists the Program Chair. Term is one (1) years. After term, the Assistant Program Chair assumes the role of Program Chair.
     • 4.1.5 Secretary/Treasurer: maintains a written record of the meetings and activities, prepares an annual budget and provides an accounting of all expenditures prior to the annual business meeting. Term is two (2) years.
   • 4.2. Elections
     • 4.2.1. A Nominating Committee, consisting of the Chair Emerita/us, an appointed member, and an emerging conservation professional, puts out a call for nominations.
     • 4.2.2. Elections for officers are held in conjunction with the Institute’s other elected positions.
     • 4.2.3. Chair withholds vote in case of a tie.
     • 4.2.4. Newly elected officers take office at the annual business meeting.
     • 4.2.5. Officers serve for no more than four consecutive years. If an officer resigns, the officers will appoint someone to serve out the remaining term. Any Officer may be removed, with or without cause, by a three-fifths (3/5) majority vote of the Officers.
   • 4.3. Committees
     • 4.3.1. Chairs appoint members for committee positions.
     • 4.3.2. The chairs of those committees may appoint additional members at their discretion.
       
       
5. Meetings
   • 5.1. Business Meeting: the group holds its business meeting annually during the Institute’s annual meeting.
   • 5.2. Internal Advisory Group (IAG): the Chair attends the meeting each year. If the Chair cannot attend, the must appoint another officer to attend in their stead.
     
     
6. Finances
   • 6.1. Income
     • 6.1.1. Dues: The Institute collects dues and holds income in trust for the group.
     • 6.1.2. Fundraising: The Institute sets rules and procedures for and assists the group when fundraising for programs and events.
   • 6.2. Expenditures
     • 6.2.1. The Chair may spend up to $1,000 per annum for unbudgeted expenses. Discretionary spending must be communicated to the group’s membership. Amounts in excess must be approved by the group’s membership.
     • 6.2.2. The group reimburses non-funded officers for annual meeting registrations.
       
       
7. Amendments
   The group may amend, repeal, or alter, in whole or part, the rules with a two thirds (2/3) majority vote and not less than twenty five percent of members voting. Notice of any proposed Rules change or changes must be furnished in writing to the members entitled to vote not less than thirty (30) days prior to the vote.