Our Commitment to Responsible Governance

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is committed to ethical governance, transparency, and accountability in support of our nonprofit mission. Our policies exist to guide decision-making, protect the organization and the community we serve, and ensure that our work remains aligned with animal welfare and conservation ethics.

This page provides an overview of our governance framework and links to key organizational policies.

Governance Structure

LHCOS operates under a volunteer-led governance model designed to balance oversight with operational effectiveness.

Our governance framework includes:

  • A volunteer Board of Directors responsible for fiduciary and strategic oversight
  • Officers and leadership roles supporting day-to-day operations
  • Program-specific guidelines and review processes
  • Written policies governing ethics, transparency, and conduct

This structure helps ensure independence, consistency, and long-term sustainability.

Core Governance Principles

LHCOS governance is guided by the following principles:

  • Mission-first decision-making
  • Ethical stewardship of resources
  • Independence from commercial influence
  • Transparency appropriate to a nonprofit educational organization
  • Accountability to the community we serve

Policies & Standards

The following policies establish expectations for behavior, transparency, and participation across LHCOS programs and platforms:

  • Mission & Values
  • Leadership & Governance
  • Code of Conduct & Ethics
  • Sources, Relationships & Disclosures
  • Partner With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Copyright & Intellectual Property
  • DMCA & Copyright Infringement Notice

Each policy is reviewed periodically and updated as needed to reflect evolving best practices and legal requirements.

Program Governance

LHCOS programs operate under Board-approved guidelines and review processes. Participation in programs, including applications, approvals, or partnerships, is subject to eligibility criteria and ongoing compliance with organizational standards.

Approval or participation does not grant endorsement, ownership, or influence over LHCOS governance or educational content.

Transparency & Accountability

We strive to make key governance information publicly accessible while protecting volunteer privacy and organizational integrity. Public-facing governance pages are intended to provide clarity, context, and accountability without overexposure of internal operations.

Policy Review & Updates

Policies and governance practices are reviewed on a regular basis and may be updated to reflect changes in law, organizational growth, or emerging best practices.

Continued engagement with LHCOS constitutes acceptance of the current versions of these policies.

Questions About Policies or Governance

Questions regarding LHCOS policies or governance practices may be submitted through the official contact channels listed on this website.

Financial & Legal Transparency

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is a nonprofit organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In accordance with federal law, LHCOS makes its most recent IRS Form 990 available for public inspection upon request.

Requests for copies may be submitted using the contact information listed on this website. Reasonable copying and mailing fees may apply.

IRS Determination Letter Availability

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In accordance with federal public disclosure requirements, LHCOS’s IRS determination letter is available for public inspection upon request.

Requests may be submitted using the contact information listed on this website.