Committees
IWANE Volunteers and Committees Guide the Work and MissionLeadership
Board Responsibilities
The board is collectively accountable for the club, its mission, and its members. Individual board members have no authority to act on behalf of IWANE unless granted by the full board.
President
Vice President
Performs duties as may be assigned by the President. In the absence of the President at board and member meetings, the Vice President shall preside.
Secretary
Per Article III, Section 2B, serves as official record keeper of all board and member meetings, responsible for scheduling meetings, retaining records of all club matters including committee correspondence, and handling official club communication. Keeps a roll of all members, collects member applications, communicates bylaws and policies, issues membership correspondence and meeting notices, and acts as day-to-day liaison between board members and members.
Treasurer
Per Article III, Section 2C, maintains all financial records of the club, reports financial conditions at each board meeting, shares financials at the annual membership meeting, and renders an account of all monies received and expended. Bonded at an amount determined by the board. Ensures all checks of $1,000 or more include a second signatory from the President. Presides over the club financial committee.
Board of Directors
Directors-at-Large (Article III, Section 1) serve three-year staggered terms, with one director elected each year at the annual meeting. Directors assist board officers in general management and administration of the club’s affairs and actively participate in committees supporting the club’s mission to promote responsible dog ownership and breed standards.
“Every committee is a small act of devotion to the breed.”
Club Committees
Committees & Coordinators
Website & Social Media
PURPOSE
Oversees, manages, and supports the online presence of IWANE, ensuring the website accurately reflects the organization’s mission, values, and activities. Consists of at least three members, including one Board member who will chair.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain website content, design, security, and compliance with privacy and accessibility standards.
- Review and approve all website content before publication.
- Ensure the website adheres to best practices for data protection and user privacy.
- Provide regular updates to the Board and respond promptly to website-related concerns.
- Review website status and make updates monthly.
- Review member content submissions within five business days for accuracy and alignment with the organization’s mission.
- Ensure approved updates are reflected on the website within three business days.
Special Events
PURPOSE
Assists in planning, organizing, and executing special events such as community outreach initiatives, AKC/IW sponsored educational events, St. Patrick’s Day parades, Irish festivals, and cultural events. Board appoints committee members based on interest, experience, and availability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define the schedule of events and communicate the plan to the IWANE Secretary for the club calendar.
- Prepare a list of potential costs, including insurance, promotional, and educational materials.
- Identify resource needs and assign volunteers for set-up, event management, and cleanup.
Rescue
PURPOSE
Consists of 3 regular members including 1 chair who provides leadership on a national level. The chair reports to the IWANE Board and oversees all potential rescue hounds through the adoption process, keeping the board informed of each case for transparency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Respond to public inquiries providing breed and rescue information.
- Support and maintain a directory of regional rescue coordinators — one per state.
- Develop and maintain a list of IWANE members who will provide on-the-ground rescue help.
- Arrange reimbursement funds per current approved board policy and maintain a spreadsheet of expenses for quarterly reports.
- Evaluate dog temperament and coordinate full medical evaluations prior to placement.
- Determine foster placements — two members per New England state.
- Promote and support the rescue efforts of the national club.
Nomination
PURPOSE
Established per Article IV, Section 5 of the bylaws, with the sole responsibility to identify, evaluate, and recommend qualified candidates for election or appointment to the board. Consists of 3 regular members in good standing, only one of whom shall be a current board member, who acts as chairperson.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Submit a slate of candidates in writing to the Secretary at least three months before the annual meeting.
- Ensure the Secretary mails the candidate list to members at least two months before the annual meeting.
Club Ambassador
PURPOSE
Maintains the IWANE brand and logo and performs design work on collateral and other merchandise for the Club. Consists of three members, one of whom is a current board member. The chair reports to the IWANE board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Solicit vendors to provide Club merchandise.
- Establish programs and procedures for purchasing IWANE branded products.
- Serve as the source of truth for the Club logo across educational, marketing, and cultural events.
- Provide plans, estimated costs, and financial reporting to the Board on marketing endeavors.
Education Coordinator
PURPOSE
Acts as a steward within the Irish Wolfhound community, enhancing knowledge of the breed among members and the public through resources on training, health, breed standards, nutrition, genetic testing, and ethical breeding. Reports to the board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Help develop programs for members to deepen understanding of breed history, standards, and health issues.
- Seek out educational speakers and programs for club meetings and events.
- Identify potential mentors and judging support through workshops, seminars, and communications.
- Provide educational content and materials for events like ‘Meet The Breeds’.
- Offer referrals and advice to prospective owners looking for ethical breeders.
Trophy & Ribbon
PURPOSE
Responsible for selecting, procuring, and presenting trophies or awards for the Club’s show events, performance events, annual recognitions, and other achievements. Consists of a trophy chair and a ribbon chair, both reporting to the IWANE board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain records of all trophies, ribbons, and associated sponsors.
- Obtain vendor quotes for trophy and ribbon design and purchase.
- Maintain a record of orders, expenditures, and inventory of unused trophies.
- Organize trophy presentations at designated events.
- Disclose any relationships or interests that could influence impartiality.
- Report annually to the Board on activities, expenditures, and recommendations.
Specialty
PURPOSE
Responsible for the overall planning, execution, and reporting of the IWANE Specialty, utilizing the AKC Show/Trial Manual as the principal guide. Consists of 2–3 members including one chair who reports to the IWANE Board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Appoint a Show Chair to perform the many functions of the Specialty.
- Secure host hotel and site contracts in coordination with the Show Chair.
- Establish an initial budget with the Show Chair, Treasurer, and Board.
- Set rates for entry fees and activities such as banquet meals, catalog advertising, and seminars.
- Coordinate events and establish the tentative schedule of activities.
- Contract judges and professional services including Show Secretary, AKC Superintendent, Veterinarian, Photographer, and Videographer.
- Prepare mailing lists for required mailings such as premium list and judging programs.
- Assist with set-up and breakdown on show dates and gather volunteers as needed.
Fundraising
PURPOSE
Responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising activities to support the organization’s mission and goals. Generally consists of 3 members and develops a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational objectives. The chair reports to the IWANE board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Organize fundraising events and campaigns including annual galas, online fundraisers, silent auctions, and grant applications.
- Create timelines, budgets, and detailed plans for each activity.
- Ensure effective donor communication and keep donors informed of the impact of their contributions.
- Work with the marketing team to create compelling messages and reach supporters through various channels.
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers for fundraising events.
- Track funds raised, manage budgets, and prepare progress reports for the board and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the board, staff, and other committees to integrate fundraising with overall organizational strategy.
Financial Audit
PURPOSE
Per Article V, Section 1b, responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures and acting as general oversight to the financial operations of the Club. The Treasurer serves as chair and non-voting member, with three additional members. Reports to the IWANE board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Regularly review the Club’s fiscal procedures to ensure financial operations are conducted accurately and transparently.
- Monitor compliance with established policies.
- Recommend improvements as needed to maintain financial integrity.
Coursing & Field
PURPOSE
Consists of five IWANE club members per AKC rules, responsible for event planning, safety design for courses, and compliance with all regulations. Three committee members must be on-site during each event. Reports to the board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee all event logistics, from scheduling to arranging the physical site and necessary equipment.
- Ensure all committee members are familiar with and enforce the latest AKC rules.
- Decide upon matters arising during the trial, working with judges to resolve issues fairly for all participants.
- Address serious misconduct, including the authority to suspend persons from AKC privileges.
- Ensure the Field Trial Secretary does not judge at their own trial.
“Whatever your interest — there is a place for you at IWANE.”