The mission and purpose of ACRA is to contribute to the conservation, development, and promotion of the ACRA sheep for all members, breeders, and Cotswold enthusiasts.
The American Cotswold Record Association (ACRA) became America's official registry and certifier of the Cotswold breed of sheep in 1878 (see Article 7), then formed their sister registry called the Black Cotswold Society (BCS) in 1990 which was changed to Black Cotswold Registry (BCR) in 2023 (see Appendix I). The mission includes but is not limited to:
- Guarding the purity of the ACRA sheep.
- Registering and retaining pedigree records of all animals that qualify for either ACRA or BCR standards.
- Providing educational support and opportunity for collaboration for breeders to preserve the Cotswold breed and attract new breeders.
- Exhibiting livestock and educating the public in order to promote interest for ACRA sheep.
- Maintain a “best effort” policy in all work done assisting ACRA in achieving its mission, objectives, and goals.
- Conduct all work as outlined in the Bylaws with a focus on the conservation of the ACRA Cotswold sheep and ACRA’s charitable purposes.
- Set a standard and be an example to others maintaining the highest standards of ethics in my work with this organization.
- Follow best and lawful practices for conducting all business related to ACRA as well as during member meetings and committee meetings. As a member of the board or a member of a volunteer committee, I will exemplify, communicate, and enforce the expectation that meetings be conducted in an orderly and respectful manner. I will conduct business in a manner that meets ACRA’s public interest and not for personal gain while also being as open as possible about decisions or actions that have been made by the board.
- Consider and protect the rights of individuals by not disclosing confidential information belonging to, or obtained through ACRA to any person, relatives, friends, and business and professional associates, unless ACRA has authorized disclosure. This policy is not intended to prevent disclosure where disclosure is required by law.
- Refrain from voting when a conflict of interest arises and know I will be held responsible for breaches against the bylaws or this statement. I will disclose any possible or actual conflicts of interest within my work on this board and will follow the ACRA’s policies and procedures for conflicts.
The board and other volunteer members of ACRA must observe the highest standards in order to retain the trust and confidence of ACRA members as well as anyone donating towards the conservation of Cotswold sheep. The board provides the public face of this non-profit, and its behavior, and that of individual board members must always strive for excellence. Values of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, honesty, and leadership lead to best practices and these values are needed to ensure the conservation of the ACRA Cotswold sheep.
With the before mentioned in mind, as a board member of the American Cotswold Record Association or committee member volunteer, I pledge to: