Statement of Purpose :

We, the members of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) wish to state that the express purpose of our organization is to create an association made up of paid professional administrators employed by organizations generally accepted to be a part of the humane movement. It is our intention to establish standards of competence, integrity and professionalism by which we will judge our own number and which, we hope, will identify us as the best in our field.

We hope by this means to enhance the value, effectiveness and standing of our individual members in particular and the humane movement in general.

We wish particularly to stress that it is not a policy of our organization to in any way alter or influence the policies or activities of any persons or organizations except as their policies or activities may directly effect the reputation, standing or livelihood of our individual members.

The formal first meeting was scheduled to be held prior to the September 1970 American Humane Association annual convention in St. Louis. Since its first meeting, SAWA has taken pride in accomplishing many tasks.

One of SAWA's first goals was to develop and maintain positive relations with national organizations such as the American Humane Association (AHA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Membership in SAWA has expanded to include executives in related fields as well as others who impact the animal welfare industry.

Another project begun and completed by the founding members was a nationwide salary survey. This survey is conducted every other year and is of benefit to members. In addition to the salary survey, a full resource directory which includes data on organizational size, structure and budgets is produced annually.

Over the years, SAWA has evolved with its original statement of purpose continually in mind. SAWA's foremost goal is to encourage and promote a professional approach to management of animal care and control agencies. The goal of the board of directors is to design its spring and fall meetings in an effort to continually enhance the standards of competence and integrity of its membership, as well as provide a significant benefit to the humane movement. Meetings are designed to stimulate thought on a wide variety of subjects such as animal welfare issues, legislation, administration, finances, personnel and fund development.

Objectives:

• To promote the sharing of information among and within animal welfare and control agencies.
• To enhance the positive and professional image of animal welfare and control agencies.
• To provide educational opportunities for its members.

Code of Ethics:

Humane Treatment and Responsible Stewardship

"In a general sense, ethics is the name we give to our concern for good behavior. We feel an obligation to consider not only our personal well-being, but also that of others and of human society as a whole." -Albert Schweitzer

Purpose:

Formal codes of ethics, in themselves, are never enough. No document can cover every eventuality. No series of rules and procedures can guarantee ethical behavior. But establishing a formal code of ethics is crucial because it sets the tone, defines the issues and articulates the values and visions of the organization. Codes of ethics are public announcements. They are statements about the beliefs and intentions of the organization. Codes help to define both the issues at stake, and exactly who has a stake in the issues. Codes help to clarify rights and obligations and articulate an unmistakable minimum standard of conduct. Codes help to make up for human frailty by guiding the individual on what conduct is acceptable. Finally, codes provide a basis for doing principled reasoning and making ethical decisions.

Values:

"Unless all members of an organization share a common vision and a similar series of values, the objective, purpose, and/or goals of that organization cannot and will not be achieved." -James MacGregor Burns

• We believe in the intrinsic dignity and sanctity of human life.
• We believe in the intrinsic dignity and sanctity of animal life.
• We believe all animals are entitled to be free from suffering, abuse and exploitation.
• We believe that companion animals are a product of human intervention and that we have a special obligation to them in regard to humane treatment and responsible stewardship
• We believe we have an obligation to alleviate suffering.
• We believe we have an obligation to prevent cruelty.
• We believe that people should treat each animal as kindly as possible.
• We believe we have a duty to protect and care for the suffering and homeless.
• We believe that our values, decisions, conduct and behavior should set the tone and be a model for others in their care and treatment of animals.
• The commitment, care and attention we afford to both human beings and animals is only differentiated by degree and not by kind.

Organizational Policy and Values:

"The culture of any organization can be documented in its rules and values, but the real culture and worth of an organization is truly demonstrated in the behavior of its members." -Allan Cox

I. HONESTY

• Communicate consistently, truthfully and with integrity inside and outside of the organization.
• Accept responsibility for our actions.
• Provide honest and accurate information regarding agency policies, procedures and programs like fund raising and the disposition of animals.

II. RESPECT

• Treat all living creatures with respect and dignity.
• Create an open environment which encourages and solicits input from all stakeholders.
• Recognize the value of each individual or group.
• Acknowledge socio-economic, cultural, ethnic and philosophical differences.
• Advocate and model respectful behavior through individual and organizational example.

III. RESPONSIBILITY

• Apply all applicable laws impartially with organizational guidelines.
• Provide humane treatment and care for animals.
• Seek ways to improve the operation and delivery of services. Pursue excellence.
• Share information and seek input from, educate, and cooperate with others.

IV. BE FAIR and JUST

• Use good judgment instead of being judgmental. o Listen to and consider opposing viewpoints.
• Make informed decisions without personal bias.
• Apply consistent principles in decision-making while allowing for flexibility.

V. CARING and COMPASSION

• Strive to provide for the physical and psychological needs of people and animals.
• Encourage and support board and staff development.
• Provide a humane and dignified death for animals using recommended and approved methods.
• Extend the principles of caring and compassion to the public.
• Provide a supportive environment in which to deal with issues of euthanasia and grief.

VI. CITIZENSHIP

• Represent the organization in a professional manner.
• Strive to promote positive and collaborative relationships with other agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Membership Practices:

Eligibility
SAWA Membership is based on individuals only. Membership is not transferable. For example, when one Executive Director leaves an organization and is replaced by a new person, the new executive would need to apply for SAWA membership, unless he or she is already a current member. Dues are renewable annually on a calendar year basis.

Application and Approval
The membership application and approval process is defined in the SAWA By-Laws.

Recruitment efforts
The Membership Committee supervises, coordinates and reports on the work of its’ efforts. The Membership Committee plans and implements efforts to increase the number of members joining SAWA. This committee also helps SAWA maintain programs and services that retain current members. All new membership applications are reviewed and approved by the Membership Committee.

Membership Benefits
Members are entitled to receive all benefits of membership. A welcome message is sent to new members.

Membership Renewal
Membership renewals are required annually, on a calendar year basis; renewal notices are e-mailed to all SAWA members.

Termination and Removal of Members
Termination and removal of members are defined by the SAWA By-laws.

SAWA Bylaws and Strategic Plan

SAWA Bylaws (December 17, 2009)

2009-2012 Strategic Plan

SAWA Committee - Structure and Responsibilities:

Executive Committee
An Executive Committee, consisting of the Officers plus one additional Board member appointed by the Chair, may act on behalf of the Board when so authorized by the Board, or in emergency matters subject to subsequent review by the Board at its next meeting.

Certification Committee
The Certification Committee develops, promotes and administers the CAWA Exam and Process.

Conference Committees
The Conference Committees manage and execute the delivery of professional conferences.

Development Committee
The Development Committee cultivates partnership opportunities with sponsor and other funders resulting in support revenue for SAWA.

Governance Committee
No less than 60 days prior to the annual membership meeting, the Chair of the Board will appoint a Governance Committee consisting of three SAWA members, two of whom are current Directors.

Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer and is composed of SAWA members who are each appointed for a one-year term.

Issues, Linkages and Strategic Alliances
The Issues, Linkages and Strategic Alliances Committee assumes a national leadership role on issues effecting operations of animal care and control agencies.

Membership Committee
The Membership Committee reviews and approves membership applications, implements effective recruitment strategies, and provides member support and relations.

Other Committees
The Board may create or disband such other committees as needed.

Committee Procedures
The Chair of the Board is responsible for appointing all committee chairs, unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws. The Chair of the Board shall serve as chair of the Executive Committee and act as ex-officio member of all other committees. Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws, committee chairs are responsible for appointing their committee members. The operating procedures of all committees are approved by the Board and subject to annual review.