Code of Ethics

Constitution

Media Rules and Regulations (.pdf)

Media Rules and Regulations (.doc)

Whistleblower Policy and Procedures

Strategic Plan 2010 - 2014

Code of Ethics for Arborists

The Arborist:

• Will utilize personal knowledge and skills for the greatest good to society.
• Will advance arboriculture by exchanging knowledge with other arborists and supporting arboriculture associations, publications, schools of instruction, and plant research agencies.
• Will be truthful in oral or written statements concerning the services qualified to offer and the plant benefits that may be expected there from, and will not advertise as certified or licensed or as insured unless the extent of coverage is clearly stated.
• Will discourage the promotion and use of techniques, methods, and materials that have not been adequately tested and approved for arboriculture use by reputable plant scientists. Should unproven material still appear to be best, the client will be completely advised.
• Will base all expert testimony on adequate knowledge of the subject and substantiated facts and render an opinion according to honest convictions.
• Will refrain from expressing, either orally or in writing, an opinion on a technical subject unless informed concerning the matter, and will not distort or withhold relevant data to substantiate a point of view.
• Will be loyal to clients or to the employing organization and will faithfully perform work assignments.
• Will, if a technical judgment in arboricultural matters is overruled by a non-technical authority, present clearly the consequences that may be expected to occur as a result of deviating from the procedure and policies which are believed to be correct.
• Will not, if employed as an arborist in public capacity, compete with arborists in private business or recommend one arborist in private business above other in the community where all are equally qualified and available.
• Will avoid making unfounded statements that in a way might injure the professional reputation of another arborist.
• Will not reduce a quoted fee for a specific job if informed of a lesser fee by another arborist for the same job.
• Will refrain if engaged in the private practice of arboriculture, from reviewing the work of another private arborist for the latter's employer, but will refer the review to a qualified person not engaged in private arboriculture.
• Will not offer employment to an employee of another arborist without the latter's knowledge, but will instead endeavor to train employees where possible.
• Will uphold the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in arboriculture work as an essential to the maintenance of high standards of arboricultural endeavor.
• Will conduct all matters relating to technical arboriculture activities, business operations, and civic responsibilities in a manner that will further the status of arboriculture as a respected profession.

Constitution

The Constitution is also available as a Word Document . You can right-click and choose "Save Target As" to save this document to your computer.

Article 1. Name – Wisconsin Arborist Association, Inc. a Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, established in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the parent organization of this chapter.

Article 2. WAA Mission Statement – "To improve the understanding of trees and the practice of arboriculture, and to promote high ethical standards."

1. Provide professional education for arborists.
2. Be responsive and responsible to the membership's needs.
3. Maintain organizational vitality and viability.
4. Promote public awareness and understanding of trees.
5. Promote compliance with recognized standards of arboricultural practices.
6. Support, stimulate, and communicate arboricultural research.
7. Increase the number of certified arborists and promote their use.
8. Develop working relationships with other organizations and professions.

Article 3. Membership

A. Application for Membership: Any individual or firm desiring membership in the Association shall submit their application on forms prepared by the International Society of Arboriculture or Wisconsin Arborist Association to the membership committee who shall make their recommendation to the Board of Directors.

Membership Application

B. Membership Classifications:

1. Professional Membership: Professional membership shall be open to any and all individuals actively engaged in the practice of arboriculture. This shall include those individuals who are responsible for the supervision, management, and/or planning of arboriculture activities. Professional membership shall include, but not be limited to the following sub-groups: municipal arborists, utility arborists, commercial arborists, and other practicing arborists who will be classified as "at large."

2. Educational Membership: Educational membership shall be open to those individuals who are engaged in education or research in supportive or allied disciplines with a recognized institution or agency.

3. Associate Membership: Associate membership shall be open to any and all individuals not actively engaged in the practice of arboriculture, but whose associated profession or interests supports the purposes of the Association.

4. Affiliate Membership: Affiliate Membership shall be open to all individuals or firms who manufacture or supply products and materials utilized in the practice or arboriculture and who, by their affiliation, wish to support the Association.

5. Honorary Membership: Honorary membership shall be conferred by majority vote of the Board of Directors upon any individual who has served the purposes of the Wisconsin Arborist Association with distinction or who has made a significant contribution to the science or practice of arboriculture.

6. Student Membership: Open to students enrolled in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, or other related fields.

1. The Vice President shall be elected for a one-year term, to commence upon election. Upon expiration of that term, the Vice President will progress through the President track as follows: a one-year term as President-elect, a one-year term as President, and a one year term as Past President, each term to commence at the WAA Annual Business meeting.

2. The Secretary shall be elected for a two-year term, to commence upon election. The Treasurer shall be elected for a two-year term, to commence upon election.

3. Unexpired terms shall be filled by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

4. All chapter officers must be members of the International Society of Arboriculture.

B. Voting members of the Board of Directors shall consist of the President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President, four membership representatives, and the Wisconsin Arborist Association representative to the International Society of Arboriculture.

1. The four membership representatives shall be elected for two-year terms. Not more than two representatives from each voting membership sub-group (at large, commercial, educational, municipal, and utility) shall serve at one time.

2. The Wisconsin Arborist Association representative to the International Society of Arboriculture shall be elected to a three year term, term to commence at the ISA Annual Conference following the election.

3. Unexpired terms shall be filled by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

C. Ex-Officio (non-voting) members of the Board of Directors shall consist of the WAA Educational Advisor, WAA representative to the ISA Certification Liaisons Committee (hereafter called the Certification Liaison) and the WAA representative to the TREE Fund Liaisons Committee (hereafter called the TREE Fund Liaison).

1. Ex-Officio members shall be elected to staggered three-year terms by majority vote of the Board of Directors, terms to commence upon election. The election will take place at the first Board of Directors meeting following the Association’s annual business meeting.

2. Ex-Officio members shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive three-year terms.

3. The WAA Certification Liaison and the WAA TREE Fund Liaison must be members of the International Society of Arboriculture.

4. Unexpired terms shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Article 5. Duties and Powers of Officers and Board of Directors

A. The duties of the President shall be those usually assigned to the office.

B. The duties of the President-elect shall be those usually assigned to the office, including acting as chairperson on the nominating committee.

C. The duties of the Vice President shall be those usually assigned to the office, including acting as chairperson on the Program Committee.

D. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all Association and Board of Directors meetings and maintain the necessary official records of the Association. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all monies of the Association, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. (Previously Article 5C)

E. The Board of Directors shall direct all affairs of the Association. (Previously Article D)

Article 6. Committees

The following committees shall be standing committees, whose chairperson, and members shall be appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Board of Directors. The chairpersons for all standing committees, with the exception of the Editorial Committee, must also occupy a position on the Board of Directors. Each standing committee shall report yearly activities at the annual business meeting.

A. Membership: Chair – Membership Representative
The membership committee shall actively participate in seeking and screening potential new members. They shall recommend to the Board of Directors regarding all application for membership and all termination and suspension cases.

B. Legislation: Chair – Membership Representative
The legislation committee shall keep abreast of legislation that might directly or indirectly affect professional arborists as well as the Association and advise the membership of such legislation.

C. Certification: Chair - Membership Representative
The professional certification committee shall administer the International Society of Arboriculture Certification Program is Wisconsin.

D. Publicity: Chair – Membership Representative
The publicity committee shall make public the work of the Association and arboricultural activities through the use of all news media, and create a favorable public image of the Association.

E. Finance: Chair – Treasurer
The finance committee will be responsible to audit the financial records before the annual business meeting, review and monitor funds and investments of the WAA, make sure taxes are filed in a timely fashion, and create and monitor an annual budget. The committee will meet at least once a year, with additional meetings as necessary. Committee members will consist of all WAA officers and report to the Board of Directors.

F. Nominating: Chair – President-Elect
The nominating committee shall present a slate of qualified candidates to the membership at the annual business meeting.

G. Program: Chair – Vice President
The program committee shall plan programs for all conferences, seminars, short courses, or other meetings of, and related to, the Association.

H. Research: Chair – ISA Representative
The research committee shall gather and disseminate information on arboricultural practices and initiate research projects.

I. Editorial: Chair – Off the BOD – Appointed
The editorial board shall be responsible for the production and distribution of "The Wisconsin Arborist" newsletter and for the production of any other printed materials necessary to the operation of the Association.


Article 7. Board Meeting

The President shall call at least one annual Board of Directors meeting and whatever additional meetings that are deemed necessary.

Article 8. Business Meetings

There shall be at least one business meeting a year, the place and time to be designated by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the meeting shall be to inform the membership of the business transacted by the Board of Directors and the standing committees, to plan the course of action for the coming year and transact other association business.

A. As provided in Article 4, officers and other voting members of the Board of Directors shall be elected at this meeting by a vote of those WAA members with voting privileges present (see Article III of the organizational by-laws). The persons receiving the most votes for each position shall be deemed elected to those positions.

B. A special business meeting shall be called upon petition of ten members of good standing.

C. At least ten voting members shall be present to conduct a business meeting.

D. All business meetings shall be conducted in accordance with “Robert’s Rules of Order.”

Article 9. Amendments

Amendments to this constitution may be made by a 2/3 affirmative vote of the voting members present at a business meeting. Amendments can also be made by mail ballot of the voting members with a 2/3 affirmative vote of those returned within 30 days.

A. Amendments shall be filed with the Secretary at least thirty days prior to the voting deadline.

B. Copies of the proposed amendment shall be distributed to all voting members at least fifteen days prior to the voting deadline.

Article 10. Dues
Annual membership dues for each membership classification shall be established by the Board of Directors.

Article 11. By-Laws
By-laws may be adopted as required or as deemed essential in the best interest of the Association by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

BY-LAWS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
WISCONSIN ARBORIST ASSOCIATION

Whistleblower Policy and Procedures

1. The WAA Finance Committee shall receive, retain, investigate, and act on complaints and concerns of volunteers and members regarding questionable accounting, internal accounting controls, and auditing matters, including those regarding the circumvention or attempted circumvention of internal accounting controls or that would otherwise constitute a violation of the organization’s accounting policies.

2. At the discretion of the WAA Finance Committee, responsibility of the WAA Finance Committee created by these procedures may be delegated to any members of the WAA Finance Committee or to a subcommittee of the WAA Finance Committee.

1. Any Accounting Allegation that is made directly to the Board of Directors, whether openly, confidentially, or anonymously shall be promptly reported to the WAA Finance Committee.

2. Each Accounting Allegation forwarded to the WAA Finance Committee by the Board of Directors and each Accounting Allegation that is made directly to the WAA Finance Committee, whether openly, confidentially, or anonymously, shall be reviewed by the WAA Finance Committee, who may, at their own discretion, consult with any member of the Board of Directors or any volunteer whom they believe would have appropriate expertise or information to assist the WAA Finance Committee. The WAA Finance Committee or Board of Directors should investigate the Accounting Allegation, taking into account the considerations set forth in Section C (below).

i. If the WAA Finance Committee determines that the Board of Directors should investigate the Accounting Allegation, the WAA Finance Committee will notify, in writing, the General Legal Counsel for the organization of that conclusion. The Board of Directors shall thereafter promptly investigate the Accounting Allegation and shall report the results of its investigation, in writing to the WAA Finance Committee. The Board of Directors shall be free in its discretion to engage outside auditors, counsel, or other experts to assist in the investigation and in the analysis of the results.

ii. If the WAA Finance Committee determines that it should investigate the Accounting Allegation, the WAA Finance Committee shall promptly determine what professional assistance, if any, it needs in order to conduct the investigation. The WAA Finance Committee shall be free in its discretion to engage outside auditors, counsel, or other experts to assist in the investigation and in the analysis of results.

1. Who is the alleged wrongdoer? If an officer is alleged in wrongdoing, that factor alone may militate in favor of the WAA Finance Committee conducting the investigation.

How serious is the alleged wrongdoing? The more serious the alleged wrongdoing, the more appropriate it is that the WAA Finance Committee should undertake the investigation. If the alleged wrongdoing would constitute a crime involving the integrity of the financial statements of the organization, that factor alone may militate in favor of the WAA Finance Committee conducting the investigation.

2. How credible is the allegation of wrongdoing? The more credible the allegation, the more appropriate it is that the WAA Finance Committee should undertake the investigation. In assessing the credibility, the WAA Finance Committee should consider all the facts surrounding the allegation, including, but not limited to, whether similar allegations have been made in the press or by another source.

Strategic Plan 2010-2014

A Board Task Force assessed the 2005 to 2009 plan with the report shared with the Board prior to the planning retreat on October 15 and 16. The general sense was that a good plan had been created, but there was continuing difficulty securing the help needed to implement key sections of the plan.

While the last plan did not have a vision statement, the Board in its retreat decided the vision statement would be a useful addition to the 2010 to 2014 plan. Although recommended by the consultant, the development of a set of value/belief statements for the Association was not specifically considered during the retreat.

This initial draft of the plan was sent to the Board for its comments, reviews, and suggestions with formal discussion occurring at the December 2009 Board meeting. One of the key components of that interaction was coming to an agreement on the specific goals and possible milestones for each of the strategies that have been outlined. The plan was fine tuned throughout 2010 while several of the plan action items were also being implemented.

The contents of the plan which follows have been suggested by the previous plan, the discussions at the October Board retreat, and McLennan's work with other membership organizations including the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the ISA's Southeast Chapter. Edits from Board members are incorporated into this document. The recommendation is that once the Board reaches preliminary agreement on the goals and milestones, then these strategies can be turned over to the appropriate work group(s) (Board committees or task forces) to develop the specific action plans which will then be presented to the Board for further discussion and approval. The focus of future WAA Board meetings should be on the decisions that need to be made based on these action plans. In some cases, an entire Board meeting could be devoted to one strategy. NOTE: The "Strategies" (previously described as "Goals" in the last plan) are ordered according to the priority understood by the facilitator coming out of the October retreat. The "milestones" are intended to be measuring guides for progress in a particular strategy. These can be altered and reprioritized by the assigned work group. How these milestones will be achieved is up to each work group. 

A primary resource for WAA members to promote the profession of urban forestry and arboriculture in Wisconsin.

Improving the understanding and appreciation of trees and the practice of arboriculture.

1. Improve WAA's Organizational Structure

2. Promote the Value of Membership

3. Sustain Education

4. Increase Public Awareness of the WAA

The Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) was founded in 1964 by a small group of individuals dedicated to improving the knowledge and quality of the profession of arboriculture. Since that time, it has grown into a large organization of commercial, municipal, utility, and academic arborists. These members serve Wisconsin by providing private and public arboriculture services and research. The WAA is a chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture which has representation in over 30 countries. 

Long-Term Goal: Improve the overall confidence level of the Board in understanding and implementing its roles and responsibilities.

Milestones:

A. By May 1, 2011, a Governance Committee will be established. They will need orientation and training from Joe McLennan.

• Detailed description and purpose of committee.
• Help to keep the Board focused.
• Cory Gritzmacher will help to spearhead.

B. By July 1, 2011, we will have our policy and procedures manual in place. The manual will include job descriptions for the WAA Board members. This includes the Board President, each Board officer, Ex-Officio Members, and Committee Chairs (if not a Board Member). This will include a list of what we do on a regular basis and who is to do it. We will ask the people who perform the tasks to create a detailed explanation of the process/steps. Job descriptions will be part of this, but it will also include a calendar of activities and how they are done.

• Mutual expectations description to be included.
• This document should allow future Board and committee members to know the what, when, why, and how of their responsibilities.
• Defining the structure of each committee will be part of this.
• Include operating principles for committees.
• The job descriptions and calendar will be reviewed and updated once per year.
• Draft timeline for each committee by May 1, 2011.

C. By September 1, 2011, we will have developed a process for Board member end-of-term interviews.

D. By September 1, 2011, we will have developed and piloted a Board member recruitment process that includes a well thought-out orientation process.

E. By January 1, 2012, we will have Board and Committee development training in place.

F. By January 1, 2013, we will have a pool of potential candidates for the Board and for Board officer positions. These individuals will know Board member responsibilities.

G. By January 1, 2013, we will develop long-term strategies to ensure we are operating in a cost-effective manner while providing sufficient funds to support our strategic initiatives.

Reserve fund equal to at least one year of operating expenses.

H. By January 1, 2015, we will have designed and completed at least three Board orientation programs.

Long-Term Goal: WAA members will recognize and appreciate the value of membership as determined by the results recorded from periodic member satisfaction surveys.

Milestones:

A. By February 1, 2011, a new approach to annual business meeting will have been done for a second time with the goal of increased interaction between the Board and members. Evaluate if we will continue with this format in future years.

B. By September 1, 2011, a baseline of current participation of members in programming and committees will have been confirmed. (This is the number of people involved by committee now.)

C. By January 1, 2012, a new member orientation program will have been successfully piloted as evidenced by a number of new committee members.

• Strategy to define and set up systems for committees to involve more people (and feed into future leadership positions).
• Incorporate with Goal 1.A. work to be sure this happens.
• Create a checkoff box on the WAA application to ask if applicants want to be contacted to be involved.

D. By January 1, 2012, a method to track membership retention will have been established.

E. By January 1, 2014, a membership retention rate will have been stabilized at 85 percent.

F. By January 1, 2015, increase members active on committees and Board by 50 percent.

Compare to 2.B. above.

G. By January 1, 2015, membership will have increased to 800 paid members.

H. By January 1, 2010, 2012, and 2014, a membership satisfaction survey will have been completed and results will be used to expand or contract services as appropriate. Results will indicate that WAA is seen by members as a reliable knowledge center/clearinghouse.

Long-Term Goal: Sustain/create education and research and promote/encourage ISA certification programs and services which are known for their high quality and practical use.

Milestones:

A. By January 1, 2010, the intent of publishing and distributing a newsletter to members on a quarterly basis will have been met.

B. By January 1, 2011, the annual conference will have piloted at least two new program tracks for conference participants.

C. By July 1, 2011, an audit of current programs will have been completed with recommendations for those which need to be maintained, changed, or dropped.

D. By July 1, 2011, the program committee will have at least one participant from each of the member categories.

• Include in Policy Manual.

E. By each annual conference, proof is provided that a minimum of 15 ISA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been made available to all members in the previous calendar year.

• Include in Policy Manual.

F. By January 1, 2011, new programming and services, developed as a result of the suggestions made in the membership surveys, will have been being piloted/tweaked.

• Include in Policy Manual.

G. By January 1, 2013, WAA's calendar of education, training, and certification programs for the tree industry will have received statewide acclaim.

H. By January 1, 2014, WAA will have presented an average of four educational awareness events for the public and three education events for our members each year. At least two of them will have been the result of a co-venture with an allied group.

I. By January 1, 2014, WAA will have awarded 40 hours of CEU credit: 35 percent in arboriculture practices, 30 percent in tree science, and 35 percent in management.

• Promote new certifications (BCMA, Tree Worker, Municipal, Aerial Lift).

Long-Term Goal: WAA is acknowledged as a valuable resource for our membership for issues having to do with the urban forest/arboriculture. Over time, there will be an increase in education and knowledge of elected officials and the public. Milestones:

A. By January 1, 2011, will have explored Web site and social media for use to achieve WAA goals.

B. By January 1, 2012, a list of potential allied organizations will have been developed and prioritized for possible co-ventures, partnerships collaboration, etc.

C. By January 1, 2013, a marketing and public relations strategy will have been developed using input from outside experts and resources. (Consultant may be needed.)

D. Each year, the Web site has an increase of 20 percent for hits to the Certified Arborist for Hire and Educational sections of the WAA Web site.

Goal 4. WAA Board will have to evaluate to see if they want to pursue:

• Work with the LEAF program by January 1, 2014, to design a program for elementary schools on urban tree appreciation. (Select two to work with.)
• Include SSA and students groups.
• Link our Web site to WLCA and WPRA (other potential partners).

Goal 1. By January 1, 2012, a fund development group will be in place to coordinate and develop ways to increase donations for scholarships, Tree Fund, or other needs as deemed necessary.

• Increase the number of WAA members participating in fundraising efforts.
• By January 1, 2014, WAA past presidents will have completed fundraising for the Bob Skiera fund totaling $100,000.
• Investigate opportunities for donations to the Tree Fund (i.e., Trees are Good license plates).
• Investigate revenues from the sale of publications and training materials (ISA).

Goal 4. By January 1, 2013, WAA's new family of pamphlets and brochures will have received recognition at regional and national award ceremonies.

1. Reevaluate this long-term goal in 2015 to see if we should change the goal to: "WAA is acknowledged as the go-to source for any issue having to do with urban forestry."

2. Conduct a statewide audit of current market awareness including mentions in Wisconsin media to establish a baseline.

3. Included in the audit is a listing of the number of Wisconsin elected officials with whom WAA has a working relationship.

4. Four to five years after the survey in Goal 2 above, repeat the survey with a goal to reveal that name recognition of WAA and what it does has improved by ____ percent; number of media mentions has increased by ____ percent; number of elected officials known to WAA has increased by ____ percent.

5. Consider a focus on, or a plan for, college students as a separate goal.

6. Increase ISA membership within WAA by 10 percent by 2014.