The rules and regulations enacted by an association or a corporation to provide a framework for its operation and management. Bylaws may specify the qualifications, rights, and liabilities of membership, and the powers, duties, and grounds for the dissolution of an organization.
Source: The Free Dictionary
Related National FAQ:
Either the National Council or the National Board.
Source: Constitution/ARTICLE XVI/BYLAWS
« Back to Glossary IndexThink of the Constitution as the primary document while the Bylaws are secondary. The Constitution establishes the overall framework of the organization and also establishes authority, while the Bylaws deal more with specifics. For example, who is a member of what committees and what those committees can and can’t do would be found in the Bylaws, not the Constitution. Authority that is stated in the Constitution trumps authority in the Bylaws.
« Back to Glossary IndexARTICLE I/MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Regular Meetings
- Special Meetings
- Quorum
ARTICLE II/OFFICERS
- Duties of Officers
- President
- First Vice President
- Second Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Chief Executive Officer
ARTICLE III/INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONER
ARTICLE IV/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Composition
- Duties
- Meetings
- Quorum
ARTICLE V/COMMITTEES
ARTICLE VI/FINANCE
- Fiscal Year
- Examination of Accounts
- Bonding
- Approved Signatures
- Access to Securities
ARTICLE VII/INDEMNIFICATION
ARTICLE VIII/BLUE BOOK OF BASIC DOCUMENTS
- Distribution
- Contents
ARTICLE IX/GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS
ARTICLE X PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
- Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised
ARTICLE XI/AMENDMENTS
Source: Blue Book of Basic Documents
« Back to Glossary IndexRelated articles:
Council Governance Documents
If you’re a council delegate, it’s important that you to educate yourself on the types of governance documents that apply to your council in order to be an effective delegate and representative. Here are a few that all delegates should get to know.
Why Should Councils Abide By Their Bylaws?
Sometimes volunteers have governance related questions regarding councils and whether or not they are faithfully following their bylaws. Why is this a big deal?