About PAMA
Here you can find a brief summary of what PAMA is, the current officers, and the PAMA constitution.
PAMA (People Against Mistreatment of Animals) is a student organization on the campus of Illinois State University. The group was started in 1996 as Pariah and was later changed to PAMA in 1997. Our focus is on animal welfare and rights.
We maintain a listserve which sends action alerts and information about PAMA to interested members. One can join this list by going to the Contact Us page, and sending us an e - mail with a request to join the mailing list.
PAMA regularly sets up informational tables on the quad or in class buildings. At these informational tables we distribute information on many issues concerning animals. Some issues are cosmetic testing, factory farming, vegetarianism, and pet care. Recently we have sponsored events such as movies, lectures, and roundtable discussions on some of the aforementioned issues.
Current Officers
- President - Lindsay Califf
- Vice-President - undecided
- Treasurer - undecided
- Secretary - undecided
- Affirmative Action Coordinator - undecided
- Faculty Advisor - Barbara Kurtz
Note: All the undecided postitions need to be filled.
Constitution of People Against Mistreatment of Animals
by Emily McQuillan
Summary: Presented below is the constitution for the RSO People Against the Mistreatment of Animals. It was designed to give an overall framework to the group. The constitution was drafted during the Fall semester of 2001. There have been no revisions to the constitution since its adoption.
ARTICLE 1: PURPOSE
People Against Mistreatment of Animals (henceforth titled as PAMA) exists to educate the Illinois State University campus and the broader community on the issues surrounding animal welfare and animal rights. PAMA will serve as an advocate to animals in the community and a support system for people interested in the welfare of animals.
ARTICLE 2: IMPLEMENTING THE PURPOSE
PAMA shall take an active role in meeting its purpose. Education and advocacy will be performed by (and not limited to) the following: protests, working with other organizations, holding informational tables, hosting speakers, leading workshops, petitioning, campaings conducted by phone,e-mail, or letters.
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Membership in PAMA is open to all students, faculty, and the wider community. A member should be in support of PAMA's goals and attend meetings when possible. A member may be removed if they work against the goals of the group. This shall be determined by group consensus. Membership is also open to those who cannot attend meetings, but wish to support thegroup when possible through any of the actions listed in Article 2 and beyond.
ARTICLE 4: GOVERNING OF GROUP
First and foremost PAMA is governed by the input of its members. Officers exist in the group to help things run smoothly. The officers shall be the following: a president, a vice-president, a treasurer, secretary, and an affirmative action coordinator. Officers are nominated and confirmed informally.
- President. This officer leads the group and is responsible for its organization. Matters of contention within the group or issues that cannot be decided may be settled by the president. In addition the president keeps the group on track and listens to each member.
- Vice-President. This officer supports the president. Also the vice-president should help implement the organization that the president decides upon.
- Treasurer. This officer is responsible for the appropriate handling of funds.
- Secretary. This officer may maintain the website and record the general gist of the meetings.
- Affirmative Action Coordinator. This officer insures that the Univeristy's policy on affirmative action is upheld.
Any officer may be removed for extreme tardiness, for not attending meetings without notice or for habitually missing meetings. In addition if an officer works against the goals of the group, does not work with the group smoothly, etc, this person may be removed with group consensus. If the president is the offending party the group must give warning of its intention and bring up any problems. If not the president, the president must warn the offending party that his or her behavior is unacceptable.
Article 5: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
PAMA will not discriminate against members, officers, or in its activities on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Article 6: THE CONSTITUTION
This constitution exists for the group. It is a fluid document and shall be changed when deemed necesarry by the members and followed only as much as it makes sense for the group.
