Bylaws of the American Apitherapy Society, Inc.

Approved: August 20, 2025​

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Preamble

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The members of the American Apitherapy Society, Inc. (AAS), united by a shared commitment to advancing the responsible use of honeybee products for health and well-being, establish these ByLaws to guide the governance and operations of the Society. Recognizing the historical traditions and emerging scientific interest in apitherapy, we dedicate ourselves to fostering education, ethical practice, collaboration, and stewardship of honeybee resources for the benefit of individuals and communities worldwide.

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Mission Statement

The American Apitherapy Society, Inc. (AAS) is a nonprofit membership organization committed to promoting the health and wellness of individuals and communities through education, research, and advocacy for the therapeutic use of honeybee products.
 

Vision Statement

We envision a world where apitherapy is recognized as a safe, evidence-informed component of integrative health care, and where the vital role of honeybees in sustaining human and environmental health is valued and protected.

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Core Values

• Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our activities.

• Education: Providing accessible, accurate, and evidence-based information to professionals and the public.

• Community: Building connections among apitherapists, beekeepers, researchers, and patients.

• Sustainability: Supporting environmentally responsible practices to protect honeybees and their ecosystems.

• Collaboration: Encouraging multidisciplinary partnerships to advance the field of apitherapy.

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Article 1 - Name

The name of this organization shall be the American Apitherapy Society, Inc. A non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

 

Article II – Purpose

 

The American Apitherapy Society, Inc. (AAS) is a tax-exempt, non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge, practice, and accessibility of apitherapy—the therapeutic use of honeybee products to promote health and well-being.
 

The Society pursues this mission by:

1. Collecting and disseminating knowledge

   • Assembling, evaluating, and sharing scientific and clinical information on honeybee products and their applications in health care.

   • Gathering data on the uses, benefits, and safety of these products to inform evidence-based practices.

2. Educating professionals and the public

   • Offering educational programs, including seminars, workshops, courses, conferences, and continuing medical and alternative care certifications (CMACC).

   • Publishing newsletters, maintaining an informative website, and using other media to increase awareness nationally and internationally.

3. Fostering a professional community

   • Building and maintaining a network of practitioners, researchers, beekeepers, and patients engaged in apitherapy.

   • Establishing ethical and professional standards for apitherapists.

4. Supporting training and research

   • Providing training opportunities for apitherapists and supporting research initiatives that advance understanding of apitherapy’s role in integrative and complementary health care.

5. Advocacy and outreach

   • Promoting the responsible use of honeybee products and advocating for their inclusion in broader health and wellness conversations.

 

Article III – Members

 

Section 1. Eligibility & Categories

Membership in the Society is open to any individual or organization that supports the mission and objectives of AAS. Membership shall be granted upon completion of the application process and payment of applicable dues. The Society may offer multiple membership categories (e.g., Individual, Professional, Organizational, Student, Lifetime) as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2. Rights & Benefits

All members in good standing are entitled to:

• Vote in general elections and on matters submitted to the membership.

• Receive Society publications, communications, and member discounts for events.

• Participate in Society programs, activities, and committees.

• Access educational resources provided by the Society.
   

Section 3. Dues and Renewals
Annual dues for each membership category shall be established by a vote of the Board of Directors and reviewed periodically. Members shall pay dues in advance. Membership renewal notices will be sent to members before expiration.

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Section 4. Termination and Reinstatement
Membership may be terminated for nonpayment of dues or for conduct detrimental to the mission and reputation of the Society, as determined by a majority vote of the Board. Terminated members may request reinstatement subject to Board approval.

 

Article IV – Board of Directors 

 

Section 1.  Powers and Duties: 

The governance of the Society, including control of its property, finances, strategic direction, and policy decisions, is vested in the Board of Directors. The Board shall act in the best interest of the Society and its mission.

 

Section 2.  Enumeration: 

The Board of Directors shall consist of fifteen (15) members in good standing. The Board will be divided into three (3) classes of five (5) directors each, with staggered three-year terms so that the term of one class expires each year.

 

Section 3.  Election of the Board of Directors: 
 

• Nominating Committee: In January, the Board shall appoint a Nominating Committee for a one-year term (renewable at the Board’s discretion). The Committee shall consist of two (2) current Directors and two (2) non-Board members, with a Director serving as Chair.
   

• Nomination Process: By February, the Nominating Committee will solicit nominations from AAS members, including self-nominations, Board nominations, and nominations from the membership. Nominees must submit an application and a written statement outlining their proposed contributions to the Society over their three-year term.
   

• Candidate Review: Applicants will be interviewed by at least two members of the Nominating Committee. Approved candidates' biographies and statements will be posted on the AAS website by March 31 for member review.
   

• Voting: Voting will be conducted electronically or via email proxy, closing by April 20. Election results shall be announced online and by email to all members.
   

Section 4.  Term of Office: 

Directors shall hold office from their election in April until the completion of their three-year term. Terms commence at the end of April when election results are finalized.

 

Section 5.  Vacancies: 

Vacancies may be filled by majority vote of the remaining Board members until the next general election. A Director’s seat may be declared vacant by a two-thirds (2/3) vote for failure to attend two (2) consecutive Board meetings without notice or for neglect of duties.

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Section 6.  Meetings: 

The Board shall meet at least quarterly, including an Annual Meeting during the Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and Conference (CMACC). Board members are expected to attend all meetings, which may be conducted in person or virtually.

 

Section 7.  Emergency Meetings: 

An emergency meeting may be called by any officer of the Society.

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Section 8.  Committees: 
 

• Committee Composition: The Board may delegate tasks to committees, each consisting of two (2) Directors and up to two (2) non-Board members. A Director shall serve as Chair, and another as Vice Chair. Every Board member, except the President, shall participate in at least two committees.
   

• Standing Committees:
   

  1. Speaker Series and CMACC
      

  2. Nominating Committee
      

  3. Bee Venom and Propolis
      

  4. Honey and Pollen
      

  5. Royal Jelly, Wax, and Nontraditional Beekeeping Products
      

  6. Educational and Curriculum Development / AAS Journal
      

  7. ByLaws Implementation
      

  8. Audit Committee
      

• Committee Responsibilities:
   

1. Submit bi-monthly reports to the Vice President.
    

2. Develop archives of scientific and testimonial articles.
    

3. Establish educational content and assessment materials for CMACC and regional meetings.

 

Section 9.  Quorum:

A quorum shall consist of at least fifty percent (50%) of the Board. This quorum is required to conduct official business.

 

Section 10.  Attendance & Open Meetings: 

Board meetings shall be open to members and the public at the Board’s discretion. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be provided to members at least 30 days in advance.

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Section 11.  Removal of Directors:

A Director may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board for:
 

1. Gross neglect of responsibilities
    

2. Misrepresentation of AAS
    

3. Fraudulent or unethical behavior
    

4. Behavior harmful to the organization’s reputation
    

5. Activity contrary to the mission of the Society

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Section 12.  Office Manager: 

The Board may appoint an Office Manager to handle administrative operations, supervised by the Executive Committee.

 

Article V - Officers 

 

Section 1.  Enumeration and Qualification: 

The officers of the Society shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each officer must be a member of the Board of Directors in good standing.

 

Section 2.  Election & Term: 

Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the Board of Directors immediately following the election of Directors at the Annual Meeting. Officers shall serve for a term of three (3) years and may be re-elected. Upon completing a term, an officer may continue serving as a Board member without holding an officer position.

 

Section 3.  Vacancies: 

A vacancy in any office shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The individual elected shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

 

Section 4.  Duties of Officers 

President:

The President is the chief executive officer of the Society and presides at all meetings of the members, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. The President shall nominate committee members for approval by the Executive Committee and serve as an ex officio member of all committees. The President is responsible for ensuring that all directives and goals established by the Board and Executive Committee are implemented effectively and in a timely manner.
 

Vice President:

The Vice President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in their absence or inability to serve. The Vice President supports the President in overseeing committee work and other responsibilities assigned by the Board or Executive Committee.
 

Secretary:

The Secretary is responsible for keeping accurate records of all Board and Executive Committee meetings, maintaining official documents, and managing organizational communications. The Secretary shall distribute meeting notices, agendas, and minutes, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to organizational records.
 

Treasurer:

The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the Society, ensuring that all funds are properly collected, recorded, deposited, and disbursed in accordance with Board policies. The Treasurer shall prepare annual financial reports, present quarterly financial updates to the Board, and ensure timely filing of federal and state tax forms. The Treasurer shall manage accounts with a national bank as designated by the Board.
 

Section 5.  Additional Roles

The Board may designate additional officer roles (e.g., Technology Manager, Outreach/Membership Coordinator, Marketing/Communications Manager, and Conference/Education Coordinator) as needed to support the Society’s operations. These roles may be filled by Board members or qualified non-Board volunteers.
 

Executive Committee:
The Executive Committee is composed of the elected officers and shall have authority to act on behalf of the Board between meetings. Actions taken by the Executive Committee are subject to review and approval by the full Board at the next regular meeting.
 

Officer Responsibilities Overview:
 

• President: Nominates committees, oversees implementation of Board policies.
   

• Vice President: Assists President, steps in during absences.
   

• Secretary: Maintains records, manages communications, ensures compliance.
   

• Treasurer: Manages finances, prepares reports, ensures regulatory filings.
   

• Technology Manager: Oversees website, cybersecurity, and digital tools.
   

• Outreach/Membership Coordinator: Develops recruitment and retention strategies.
   

• Marketing/Communications Manager: Manages communications and media outreach.
   

• Conference/Education Coordinator: Organizes educational events and resources.
   

Committee Chairs are responsible for reporting activities and updates to the Vice President and ensuring accurate documentation of their committee’s work.

 

Article VI – Executive Committee

 

Section 1.  Composition: 
The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers of the Society (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), the Immediate Past President if available, and one additional non-officer Board member appointed by a majority vote of the Board.

 

Section 2. Authority & Powers: 
The Executive Committee is empowered to act on behalf of the Board of Directors between regular meetings, except where prohibited by law or these ByLaws. It shall oversee urgent matters requiring immediate attention and ensure continuity of governance.

 

Section 3.  Meetings:
Any member of the Executive Committee may call a meeting. Notice shall be given to all members of the Committee at least 48 hours in advance unless waived by unanimous consent.

 

Section 4.  Review of Actions: 
All actions taken by the Executive Committee shall be reported to the full Board of Directors at the next regular or special meeting and may be ratified, amended, or annulled by the Board.

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Section 5. Quorum:
A quorum for Executive Committee meetings shall consist of at least two-thirds (2/3) of its members.

 

Article VII – Advisory Board

 

Section 1.  Membership:  

The Advisory Board shall consist of individuals with expertise in apitherapy or related fields and those willing to assist the Board of Directors in furthering the mission of the Society. Advisory Board members are nominated by the Board of Directors and approved by majority vote. Appointments are for one (1) year and renewable annually. Advisory Board members are honorary and pay no dues.

 

Section 2.  Roles & Responsibilities: 

Advisory Board members serve in a consultative capacity, offering guidance on strategic, scientific, legal, or financial matters as requested by the Board. They may attend Board meetings as non-voting participants and provide specialized expertise.

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Section 3.  Resignation:
Advisory Board members may resign at any time by providing written notice to the President.

 

Article VII – Indemnification of Officers

 

The Society shall indemnify and hold harmless any person who serves or has served as an officer, director, or trustee of the Corporation against reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts, incurred in connection with any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of their role, provided they acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Society.
 

This indemnification does not cover actions adjudged to constitute gross negligence, misconduct, or violations of law. The Board may authorize the Society to purchase insurance to protect its officers and directors from such liabilities.
 

The right of indemnification provided herein shall not be exclusive of other rights and shall extend to personal representatives of any such officer or director.

 

Article VIII – Amendments

 

These ByLaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, provided written notice of the proposed amendment is given to all Board members at least seven (7) days in advance.

 

Article IX – Fiscal Year

 

The fiscal year of this organization shall commence on January 1, of each year and end on December 31, of each year.

 

Article X – Disclaimer

 

Section 1.  Statements on Apitherapy:
The Society does not make any claims regarding the safety or efficacy of honeybee products and does not endorse specific apitherapy treatments. Articles, presentations, or opinions expressed by individual members do not necessarily reflect the views of the Society.

 

Section 2. Authorized Representation
Only the Board of Directors may issue official statements on behalf of the Society. No individual member may present themselves as a spokesperson for AAS without explicit authorization.

 

Article XI – Finances and Adherence to Federal Tax Code

 

No part of the net earnings of the Society shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers, or private persons, except to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. The Society shall not participate in political campaigns or substantial lobbying activities and shall comply with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Article XII - Dissolution

 

Upon dissolution of the Society, any remaining assets shall be distributed exclusively for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to a government entity for a public purpose. Any such distribution shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in the county of the principal office.