Section 1 of Article 1 may state, for example: “The name of this [group type] shall be (insert full name), hereafter referred to as (insert a shortened name). ”[3] X Research source The shortened name may also be an acronym, and if you use an acronym, this article may say, after stating the full name of the organization, “This organization will use the name or its acronym (enter acronym) in all publicity materials and correspondence. “[4] X Research source Section 2 of Article 1 may state, for example: “The officers of (enter shortened name or acronym) shall make up the Executive Board of (enter shortened name or acronym), hereafter referred to as the ‘Board. ’”[5] X Research source
Section 1 of Article 2 should provide the purpose of the organization. You can write, for example: “The purpose of this organization shall be (enter in a few sentences the purpose of the organization). ”[6] X Research source Section 2 of Article 2 should provide the purpose of the executive board. You can write, for example: “The Board shall (enter purpose of the executive board). ”[7] X Research source
Section 1 of Article 3 can say, for example: “The general body of the organization must be comprised of at least two-thirds of (enter the group(s) to whom you wish to extend two-thirds majority membership, such as students within a specific department). The requirements of membership are (insert requirements). ”[9] X Research source Section 2 of Article 3 can say, for example: “The privileges and responsibilities of membership are (enter a list of rights and responsibilities). ”[10] X Research source Section 3 of Article 3 can say, for example: “Membership may be revoked (by whom and by what procedure) due to (list criteria). ” You can also use this section of Article 3 to note any restrictions on membership of specific group(s) of people. Note, however, that in the case of university organizations, it is generally against the rules to exclude people from joining your organization on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability. [11] X Research source This may also be true of non-university organizations, and it is in your best interest not to include in your constitution arbitrary rules that exclude certain groups from joining your organization for no legitimate reason. To make clear your nondiscrimination policy, you may write, for example, “Membership shall be open to all current students, faculty, and staff of (enter name of university), regardless of age, creed, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, national origin, or status as a veteran. This list is not exhaustive. "
Section 1 of Article 4 can state the frequency of meetings and can designate the party who has the right to call meetings. Section 2 of this article can indicate how policy decisions will be made and how formal voting will take place for the approval of those decisions. [12] X Research source You can write, for example, “A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum to transact any business. A majority of those voting shall constitute an affirmative vote of the Board. Each Officer shall be entitled to one vote and the vote of the majority of the Board at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be sufficient to transact business. "
Section 1 of Article 5 can say, for example: “The group shall have the following officers…” followed by a list of officer titles. This section should also indicate the methods of nomination and election of these offices and who is eligible to hold these offices. [14] X Research source Section 2 of Article 5 can say, for example: “The duties of these officers shall be (list duties). ”[15] X Research source Section 3 of Article 5 should state the lengths of terms that the officers can hold and any term limits. [16] X Research source Section 4 of Article 5 should state the group from which the president and treasurer of the group may be chosen. You can write, for example: “Only members who are undergraduate students in the College of Engineering may hold the position of president or treasurer. ”[17] X Research source This section should also state that no member can be president and treasurer at the same time. [18] X Research source
Section 1 of Article 6 can say, for example: “Organizational elections must take place at least once per year. ”[20] X Research source This section should also provide the general rules on elections, whereas more specific election rules can be written in the group or organisation’s bylaws. [21] X Research source The general rules on elections may include, for example, rules on voting procedure. You can write, for example: “The winners of the elections for representatives shall be determined by plurality vote. No student, however, shall be elected as class representative unless he or she receives the vote of ten percent (10%) of the class from which he or she was elected. “[22] X Research source Section 2 of Article 6 should provide the general appointment procedures for appointing officers, whereas more specific appointment procedures can be written in the bylaws. [23] X Research source Section 3 of Article 6 can say, for example: “The members of the Board may be impeached and removed (enter grounds for impeachment and removal and enter impeachment and removal procedures). ”[24] X Research source Section 4 of Article 6 can say, for example: “In the event of a mid-term vacancy of an elected officer…” followed by the procedure for electing an interim or permanent replacement officer. [25] X Research source
Section 1 of Article 7 can say, for example: “The standing committees of this group shall be…” followed by a list of all standing committees. [27] X Research source Note: a standing committee is a permanent committee whose purpose is to consider all matters that relate to a particular subject. Section 2 of Article 7 can say, for example: “The duties of each of these standing committees shall be…” followed by a list of the duties. [28] X Research source Section 3 of Article 7 should provide the rules on how committee members will be selected and removed. [29] X Research source Section 4 of Article 7 can say, for example: “Additional committees may be formed and dissolved by the group…” followed by the procedures for adding and removing committees. [30] X Research source
Section 1 of Article 8 can say, for example: “Bylaws of the group shall be established and amended by…” followed by the procedures for creating and amending the group bylaws. [33] X Research source Section 2 of Article 8 can say, for example: “Bylaws of the Board shall be established and amended by…” followed by the procedures for amending and creating bylaws of the executive board. [34] X Research source Bylaws should not contradict anything in the Constitution. Generally, bylaws contain detailed provisions on such topics as membership, dues, duties of officers, the Board, committees, order of business, amendment procedures, and other specific policies and procedures necessary for the group or its operation.
