CONSTITUTION
THE GLOBAL GECKO ASSOCIATION

Article I: NAME
Section 1.

The name of the organization shall be The Global Gecko Association,  Inc.

ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES

Section 1.

The Global Gecko Association is organized exclusively for educational and advocacy purposes to promote general interest, education, and conservation of Gekkota globally, and providing for members a vehicle for the exchange and sharing of resources, information, and ideas relating to all aspects of Gekkota.

Section 2.

The Global Gecko Association will carry out its mission through educational activities including, but not limited to:

• education of the public
• advocacy in both general and specific conservation activities and ecological concerns
• the publication of journals, newsletters, and other printed and electronic resources
• the implementation of and participation in activities relevant to the mission and its membership as approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.

To monitor International, Federal, State, and Local legislation or any other pertinent changes concerning Gekkonids and to bring such legislation or other pertinent changes to the attention of Association members. To inform and educate public officials and representatives about issues of concern to the  GGA and its members. To act for the protection of habitats directly and  indirectly related to Gekkonids. To act for the protection of the opportunity of the individual citizen to maintain these animals responsibly in  captivity.

Section 4.

To encourage responsible academic research regarding Gekkonids and to facilitate closer cooperation between those interested in Gekkonids at both  the amateur and professional level.

Section 5.

This Association is not organized, nor shall it be operated, for pecuniary gain or profit, and it does not contemplate the distribution of gains, profits, or dividends to the members thereof or to any private shareholder or individual. The property, assets, profits, and net income of the Association are irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes, and no part of this Association shall ever incur to the benefit of any director, officer, or member thereof or to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Upon dissolution or upon abandonment , the assets of the Association remaining after payment of, or provision for, all debts and liabilities of this Association shall be donated to  such corporation or corporations, association or associations, fund or funds, or foundation or foundations having objectives and purposes similar to that of this  Association, as the Board of Directors of this Association may designate, subject to the order of a Court as provided by law and provided that none of  such assets shall be donated to any organization other than one organized and  operated exclusively for one or more of the objectives presently set forth in  Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This section shall not prohibit  the Association from awarding grants for research, conservation, education, etc., to individuals or organizations who are engaged in activities relating to  or about Gekkonids, if such pursuits are judged by the board of directors to be for the betterment of amateur or professional Herpetology and not for the  express benefit of the individual or organization alone.

Section 6.

The Global Gecko Association shall not allow a substantial amount of time or activities to the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.