Author: Heidi Mobley

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January 2023 Board Meeting Agenda

Members,

This month’s regularly scheduled meeting of the ASCA Board of Directors will be held Thursday, January 19.

Agenda:

  1. December 2022 Treasurer’s Report (Executive Session) – Each month the Treasurer (Wesen) updates the Board regarding ASCA’s current fiscal condition and projections for the future.

  2. Seating of the Finance Advisory Panel (Executive Session) – The deadline for applications was January 15.

  3. New ASCA Portal (Executive Session) – The Board will discuss the functionality of the newly rolled out ASCA user/admin portal and future enhancements.

  4. 2024 Nationals Committee (Executive Session) – The Board will vote to appoint members of the 2024 Nationals Committee as recommended by the Nationals Advisory Committee. (Liaison Busquets)

  5. Last Month’s Email Business – Due to the requirements of Washington State Law, each meeting includes a motion to ratify all business conducted via email since the last meeting. (Any director can motion)

  6. System Liaison’s Report – Each month the System Liaison (Larson) updates the Board regarding the ongoing progress of the computer system upgrade and overall technology plans.

  7. 2023 Nationals Judge Change – The judge for Intact Best of Breed at the 2023 Nationals has withdrawn and the Board needs to approve the replacement judge. (Liaison Sims)

  8. PayPal – The Board will discuss our ability to provide PayPal as a funding method for our European members. (Gann)

  9. Aussie Times – The Board will continue their discussion of making the Aussie Times available online only. (Wesen)

Note: This agenda is not final and discussion topics may be added until two days before the meeting.

A recording of the open session of this meeting will be available on ASCA’s YouTube channel shortly after the meeting’s conclusion.

Thank you,

Kalla Jaco

ASCA Executive Secretary

—

Kalla Jaco
Executive Secretary, Australian Shepherd Club of America
6091 E. State Hwy 21, Bryan, TX 77808 | (979) 778-1082
Check us out on our Website, Facebook, and YouTube Channel
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Announcements

2023 Statement on Bobbed and Docked Tails

THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD CLUB OF AMERICA

2023 Statement on Bobbed and Docked Tails

Introduction: The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)® was established as the parent club for the breed in 1957. It is the largest breed-specific club in the United States, also having chapters in nine other countries around the world. ASCA members are welcome to share this statement with breeders, dog owners, veterinarians, policymakers, and other interested parties.

Background: A tail not over four inches in length long has been recognized by ASCA and other organizations as part of the Aussie breed standard. When the result of genetics, this is referred to as a “bobbed” tail. When the result of surgical intervention, it is instead a “docked” tail.

The docking of dogs’ tails has become the subject of increased debate. In some places, laws have been adopted setting a maximum age at which docking may be performed; elsewhere, the level of veterinary care to be given when performing docking is specified by law. In Europe, there is a trend toward outlawing the docking of dogs’ tails. The American Veterinary Medical Association opposed docking done for cosmetic reasons, while recognizing that breeds such as Australian Shepherds may have short tails solely from genetics (i.e., bobbed tails). By contrast, the American Kennel Club adopted a 2008 statement declaring tail docking an acceptable practice that can be “integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health,” with the additional notation that appropriate veterinary care should be provided for the practice.

Statement: After consideration of the varied interests of breeders, owners, and others who support the welfare of Australian Shepherds, ASCA adopts the following position statement:

 

  1. Efforts to outlaw the docking of dogs should not be overextended to prohibit the participation in competition of dogs whose tails are bobbed (i.e., that are short purely as a result of genetics). Otherwise, bobbed dogs and their owners would suffer discrimination for an inherited trait that causes the dogs no harm.
  2. Where the law allows the docking of a dog’s tail, and the owner chooses to undertake it, the docking should be conducted in close coordination with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to prevent the dog from suffering in the process.
  3. Restrictions on the age at which docking can be done and rules requiring related veterinary care can offer a reasonable alternative to banning docking.
  4. As our members have a variety of views about the appropriateness of docking, we conclude that the ultimate decision on whether or not to do it is best left to individual owners. They are in the best position to weigh any associated risks/benefits for their dogs, in consultation with the dogs’ medical care providers.

 

Adopted by the ASCA Board of Directors this ___________________________, 2023.

 

Rick Gann, ASCA Board President

Attest:

Kalla Jaco, ASCA Executive Secretary

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Announcements

Ensuring a Safe Environment at ASCA Events

Just as TSA will often remind passengers that “if you see something, say something,” if you observe something peculiar or suspicious at a local or national ASCA event, please let a local officer or national board member or senior staff member know.

Because events are generally open to the public, in addition to those coming for the best of reasons, there also is the possibility that some would come to take advantage of the situation. Whether it be theft, harassing competitors, or something else, we cannot assume that everyone is there to promote the breed. We particularly want to ensure that our Juniors can focus on competing without worrying anyone will mistreat them due to their youth. Or it may be you come across what appears to be a safety hazard that others haven’t yet spotted or fixed.

If the person you report a troubling situation to does not appear to take it seriously, please report it higher and higher up the chain until you are sure that someone has. What may be resolvable as a simple adjustment or by asking someone to leave the event can fester into something significantly worse if ignored or otherwise allowed to fall through the cracks.

By working together, we can continue to ensure competitors and spectators alike have the best experience possible at ASCA events long into the future. So, even at ASCA events, if you see something, say something.

—

Kalla Jaco
Executive Secretary, Australian Shepherd Club of America
6091 E. State Hwy 21, Bryan, TX 77808 | (979) 778-1082
Check us out on our Website, Facebook, and YouTube Channel

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Seeking Members for ASCA’s Information Technology Committee

Members,
We are seeking 3-5 qualified people to join ASCA’s Information Technology Committee. This committee will review all IT software, contracts, vendors, and anything related to ASCA’s IT projects.

Applicants should have at least 10 years of experience related to the following:
Software Industry
Project Management (should have experience with cloud-based portal development)
Software Engineering (should be knowledgeable on API development, C#)
Database Analysis/Engineering/Architecture
Cloud Operations and Security (either Azure, AWS, or Google)
Quality Assurance (should have experience with cloud-based portal development)
UI Design

We know there are many qualified people in ASCA’s membership and we would be most grateful for their help in guiding ASCA’s technology plans for the future.

Please contact asca.execsec@gmail.com with any questions or to submit your resume for consideration. The deadline is January 30, 2023.

Sincerely,
Kalla Jaco
ASCA Executive Secretary

australian shepherd dog looking at laptop with blank screen,stock image
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Office Closed

The office will be closed January 2, 2023 for the holiday. They will be back open 1/3/23 at 9am. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday!

 

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2023 Board of Director Candidate Information

Members,

It’s time again to start thinking about the annual ASCA Board of Directors election. The board is composed of nine directors, and there are three positions up to be filled. March 1, 2023, is the last day to electronically submit a candidate’s complete Candidate Packet to the business office. Here is a link to the packet on our website: https://ascaclone.buteradesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CandidatInfo2023.pdf

Candidates must have been full members of ASCA for eight continuous years (without a lapse in membership) and must remain in good standing during their tenure on the board. Directors are elected to serve a term of three years. They can serve two consecutive terms, then must take a year off. This year, Directors Liz Busquets and Denise Creelman must take a year off and Director Carol Gerken is eligible to run for another term.

The board manages the business and affairs of ASCA. This is mostly done online, so candidates must be capable of using email to communicate clearly and basic computer functions. Directors are expected to check their email at least once a day, conduct research, and draft motions as needed. The board meets face-to-face twice yearly – during the spring at the business office in Bryan, Texas, and during the fall at the ASCA National Specialty. They also hold monthly teleconference meetings to handle issues outside the usual email business.

However, the obligations of a director are considerable and extend well beyond the basic expectations of attending meetings and voting. They must know ASCA’s mission, vision, purpose, goals, policies, programs, services, strengths, and needs. They must perform their duties responsibly, and with care, loyalty, and obedience to the ASCA members. It is important to note that Directors do not have special privileges, prerogatives, or authority; their obligation is to make corporate decisions. They are expected to meet higher standards of personal conduct on behalf of their organization than those usually expected of other volunteers.

Candidates should be business-minded, able to work with differing personalities, willing to take initiative, willing to provide candid and constructive criticism, detail-oriented, and dependable. Directors are often contacted by members with their concerns, and so should make themselves available either by email or phone.

More information can be found in the Director’s Handbook: https://ascaclone.buteradesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/directorshandbook.pdf

The election calendar is found on page 32 of the Policy Book: https://ascaclone.buteradesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/policybook.pdf

If you’ve made it this far and that sounds like something you’re interested in, please fill out the candidate packet and submit it electronically to the business office by March 1, 2023. I’m also available to answer any questions you may have about the requirements and expectations.

Sincerely,

Kalla Jaco

ASCA Executive Secretary

—

Kalla Jaco
Executive Secretary, Australian Shepherd Club of America
6091 E. State Hwy 21, Bryan, TX 77808 | (979) 778-1082
Check us out on our Website, Facebook, and YouTube Channel
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Seeking Members for ASCA’s Finance Advisory Panel

Members,
The Board is seeking volunteers to serve on the Finance Advisory Panel. The duties of this panel include, but are not limited to, oversight of ASCA’s financial position, review of all financial reporting prior to review by the Board, submission of new panel member nominations when needed, and any additional duties assigned by the Board. The panel will be responsible for all financial analyses and recommendations to the Board, but the Board will have final approval.

Members include the ASCA President, ASCA Treasurer, one other ASCA Director, and up to three other ASCA members with special financial expertise.

Members will serve a term of two years. We are looking for members with experience in banking, financial planning, or any financial aspect in the corporate world. Experience as a Chief Financial Officer would be a plus.

Please contact asca.execsec@gmail.com with any questions or to submit your resume for consideration. The deadline is January 15, 2023.

Thank you,
Kalla Jaco
ASCA Executive Secretary

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Financial Information for Members

Members,
Please see the following message from ASCA’s President.

Some ASCA members have asked for Profit & Loss Statements and other financial information.  Profit & Loss Statements from 2015 to the most current along with IRS 990 filings and other detailed reports are posted on the ASCA website at this link: https://portal.asca.org/#!/resources/mbronly 

You will need to log in, go to the “Resources” tab, and click on “Members Only Content”.  ASCA has been posting some financial information to the “members only” section of its website since 2020 and has just added more detailed financial information to keep its members fully informed.  

Thank you,

Rick Gann
ASCA President

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Announcements News

Important Message from ASCA’s President

ASCA Members and Friends of ASCA,
As your new President, it’s an honor and a privilege to lead ASCA into the New Year and into the future. ASCA is a club we all love dearly. But ASCA needs YOUR help to pay for the new computer system that will bring ASCA into the 21st Century.
Why am I asking for your help when we’ve all just gotten back from Nationals and the holidays are just around the corner? Because, as your ASCA President, it’s my responsibility to be HONEST, OPEN, and TRANSPARENT about the new computer system. ASCA needed the new system because ASCA’s 20-year-old system was on the verge of crashing. If the old system had crashed, all of ASCA’s data would have been lost and ASCA’s doors would have closed. ASCA’s Board would not allow this to happen so in July 2021, we embarked on converting to a new system. This new system will automate many ASCA processes which are currently manual and offer user-friendly features to benefit our members.
As with any major system conversion, we have faced numerous challenges and delays. The ASCA team overseeing this project is working nonstop to finish the new system. And we are SO VERY CLOSE. But, this is where we need YOUR help.
This project has taken a MAJOR toll on ASCA’s bottom line. ASCA is doing everything possible to remain solvent until the project is completed but ASCA’s funds are at a critical all-time low. As you can see from the chart below, we do not have enough money in the bank to keep ASCA’s doors open and pay the last $100,000 to finish the new computer system.
ASCA FINANCIAL POSITION
January 2021
ASCA Operating Account
$148,746
ASCA Savings Account
$400,604
Raymond James Investment Account
$226,255
November 2022
ASCA Operating Account
$77,313
ASCA Savings Account
$25,700
Raymond James Investment Account
Account closed
We are launching a fundraising campaign to make up the shortfall and replenish ASCA’s reserves. Our fundraising goal is $250,000. If every one of ASCA’s more than 6,100 members donated just $20, we would be halfway to our goal. If each of ASCA’s 127 affiliates donated $250, we would be 60% of the way to our goal. You can donate to HELP KEEP ASCA’S DOORS OPEN at this link: https://gofund.me/ae944dcf
If you don’t want to donate online, you’ll can download the donation form from ASCA’s website and mail it to the ASCA Business Office. Every dollar helps and your support is greatly appreciated.
I can always be reached at rgann.asca@gmail.com or by phone at (817) 637-7571. Leave a message and I’ll get back to you in a timely manner.
WE ARE ASCA!
Thank you,
Rick Gann
ASCA President
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November 2022 Board Meeting Agenda

Members,

This month’s regularly scheduled meeting of the ASCA Board of Directors will be held Thursday, November 17. Note that the Board moved their monthly meeting from the second Thursday of the month to the third.

Agenda:

  1. Committee Status Reports (Executive Session) – Board Liaisons will provide a brief status update on their committees. (Held over from the Nationals Meeting)

  2. October 2022 Treasurer’s Report (Executive Session – Confidential Report) – Each month the Treasurer (Wesen) updates the Board regarding ASCA’s current fiscal condition and projections for the future.

  3. Fundraising for ASCA (Executive Session) – The Board will discuss moving forward with plans for a fundraising campaign. (Gann)

  4. 2023 ASCA Budget – The Board will continue their discussion of the budget for the next fiscal year, as prepared by Treasurer Wesen.

  5. Last Month’s Email Business – Due to the requirements of Washington State Law, each meeting includes a motion to ratify all business conducted via email since the last meeting. (Any director can motion)

  6. System Liaison’s Report – Each month the System Liaison (Larson) updates the Board regarding the ongoing progress of the computer system upgrade and overall technology plans.

  7. Junior 500 Club for Performance Events – Liaison McCabe will provide a progress report from the Junior Committee on offering 500 Club for juniors competing in performance events. (Held over from the Nationals Meeting)

  8. Delivery of Finals Letters – The Board will continue their discussion of changing the method of delivering the Finals invitation/confirmation letters to email. (Gann – held over from the Nationals Meeting)

  9. ASCA Going Paperless – The Board will continue their discussion of ASCA moving to a paperless system. Director Gann has been working with the Business Office on this. (Held over from the Nationals meeting)

  10. Merit Award Certificates – The Board will discuss the process for the Business Office to send out merit award certificates. (Gann – held over from the Nationals Meeting)

Note: This agenda is not final and discussion topics may be added until two days before the meeting.

A recording of the open session of this meeting will be available on ASCA’s YouTube channel shortly after the meeting’s conclusion.

Thank you,

Kalla Jaco

ASCA Executive Secretary

—

Kalla Jaco
Executive Secretary, Australian Shepherd Club of America
6091 E. State Hwy 21, Bryan, TX 77808 | (979) 778-1082
Check us out on our Website, Facebook, and YouTube Channel