Get Involved in the MHS

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is comprised entirely of unpaid, volunteer positions. Virtually everything accomplished by the Society is done through individual or group incentive, effort and vision. Much of what is done may not be visible, but is necessary for the success of the Society. MHS is very proud of the high percentage of active, dedicated volunteers. There are many opportunities available to those willing to devote their time and energy by becoming a contributor. Contributions need not be monetary to be effective. Participation of our active membership determines the direction of MHS. Think of how you can help MHS grow, move forward, and find new directions to explore. This is, after all, YOUR SOCIETY. Want to get involved? We've included the duties and description of MHS board and chair positions so you can see what each job entails. For more information contact someone on the board.

Elected Board Members

Responsibility of All Board Members

Board members must be a current active member that has reached the age of majority. Board members duties include serving on and chairing committees, working on special projects and assignments for the Board and responding to correspondence as required. Board members are also required to attend board meetings, fill in for any missing board member at meetings and monitor the voicemail messaging service on their assigned month. All Board members must abide by the Bylaws and Policies of MHS.

President

The President chairs the monthly general and board meetings of MHS, appoints and maintains contact with committee chairs and delegates tasks to other Board members. The President also makes a calendar of meetings, picks up and distributes the society's mail and acts as a public spokesperson for the Society. The President coordinates the common vision and goals of MHS, promoting its growth and sustainability, and upholds the Bylaws.

Vice President

The Vice President is responsible for coordinating and introducing the speakers for the monthly Meetings and introducing the Critter of the Month presenters. Vice presidential duties also include assisting the President, performing the President's duties in case of absence, notifying the Newsletter editor of upcoming speakers, sending notices of monthly meetings to local newspapers and changing the voicemail message monthly.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is required to maintain and balance the MHS financial accounts and keep complete records of all financial transactions. This includes collecting and depositing all income in a timely manner, producing both a monthly and an annual financial statement for the newsletter and supplying the Board with a monthly financial activity report. The Treasurer also participates in the complete yearly audit and budget.

Membership Secretary

The Membership Secretary collects, maintains and updates the membership database. The Membership Secretary is also responsible for supplying a monthly summary of membership activities, maintaining a file of prior newsletters and responding to all information and membership inquiries. The Membership Secretary also maintains the name tag box.

Recording Secretary

The Recording Secretary records the minutes of the monthly board and general meetings and provides summaries to the Newsletter Editor. The Recording Secretary maintains: the minutes of the board meetings, a complete archive of past newsletters, and a listing of the inventory of MHS supplies, fixtures and goods. Other duties include chairing the Election Committee and providing an annual summary of any unresolved action items.

Newsletter Editor

The Newsletter Editor edits submissions, enters monthly business, and prepares the MHS newsletter for printing. The Editor also solicits articles, items of interest and advertising. The Editor is responsible for the appearance of the newsletter.

Members-At-Large / Immediate Past President

The Members-At-Large participate in the decision making process, volunteer for projects or committees. The Members-At-Large perform other duties as assigned by the President. The Immediate Past President will serve as an advisor to the new board.

Enjoying the Renaissance Festival

Committee Members

Committee Members are responsible for following the Bylaws and adhering to the Code of Ethics of MHS and perform duties as outlined. Committee Chairs are responsible for tracking volunteer hours of participants in their committees and reporting progress to the Board in January. Committee members must be current members of MHS. Note: A list of services that are needed on an occasional basis follows this list of active committees.

Adoption Committee

Committee members coordinate the collection and maintenance of animals prior to adoption. The Adoption Chair will present animals at the monthly meetings and determine the animals' disposition adhering the MHS Adoption Policy. The Chairperson will maintain records of adoptions and will present an annual report to the Board.

Education Committee

The Education Chair is responsible for scheduling, organizing, soliciting and staffing MHS public displays. The committee provides information on the society, herpetoculture and herpetology to the general public. Members are expected to adhere to and enforce the MHS Hands-On Policy.

Election Committee

Chaired by the Recording Secretary, the Election Committee responsibilities are to establish a slate of candidates, provide a formal announcement for the newsletter, create ballots, tally the votes and retain the ballots.

Students at the University of Minnesota vet school learn about reptiles from MHS members.

Grant Committee

This committee solicits and receives proposals for MHS grants, summarizes information and assists in implementing the award process.

Holiday Banquet Committee

This committee is responsible for the organization, advertising, registration, and hosting of the holiday banquet.

Library Committee

This committee maintains, organizes and checks books and periodicals in and out of the library. The Chair reports long overdue books to the Board for action.

Newsletter Folding Committee

This committee is responsible for assembling and mailing the newsletter, Occasional Papers, and White Pages. The Chairperson coordinates between Editor, printer and the volunteers to accomplish this task. This person is also responsible for filling out all bulk mail forms and insuring adequate funds are in the mail account.

Photo Contest Committee

This committee is responsible for organizing the contest.

Rodent Sales Committee

This committee is responsible for receiving, storing, selling and transporting rodent orders to the monthly meetings.

Members can buy frozen rodents from the MHS. Orders are for pick up at the monthly meeting only and must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting.

Please check your MHS newsletter for information on how to place your order as well as on pricing and available sizes.

Signs warn visitors to Lake Maria State Park to drive carefully.

Sales Committee

This committee is responsible for sales of MHS items at meetings.

State Fair Committee

This committee is responsible for coordinating the set up and maintenance of the informational display at the State Fair grounds (DNR Building).

White Pages Committee

With the assistance of the Membership Secretary, this committee is responsible for updating the database annually. This committee also solicits artwork and prints the directory. The committee works in cooperation with the Newsletter Folding Chair for assembly and distribution.

White Snake Sale Committee

This committee is responsible for organizing the White Snake Sale. It is also responsible for soliciting donations from local and national vendors and processing of the sales items.

Occasional Services

The need for volunteers will be posted in the newsletter as the need arises.

Construction

Coordinates the construction of specific projects at the request of the Board.

Herp Assistance

Assistance volunteers who become a resource for questions pertaining to specific groups of animals.

Illustration

Can be a request of artwork or the need for organizing an Illustration Contest.

Membership Survey

Prepares, distributes and compiles a survey of current membership opinion.

Occasional Papers Author and Editor

As appropriate subject matter is written or compiled, needs for collecting, editing, researching and overseeing production of the Occasional Papers.

Regulations

Needed when notified of pending or in order to stay abreast of current legislation affecting herpetology and herpetoculture with the goal of working to enact fair legislation; also compiling information on local ordinances.

Mink Frog (Rana septentrionalis)

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