"Be in the Know: Perfect Parliamentary Practices"
Soror June Cole Boulware, Parliamentarian
Page 12
Bylaws Basics
What is the purpose of Bylaws?
Bylaws are a document adopted by an organization which contains the basic rules
for governing itself.
Bylaws define the primary objectives of an organization and describe how that
organization will function.
Bylaws outline the duties, powers, and procedures of the members, officers, and
committees.
Overview of Bylaws
Bylaws should be concise; clear in meaning; and well organized so that they are
easy to use.
Bylaws should never be unduly restrictive.
Each sentence in the Bylaws should be complete so that it cannot be quoted out of
context. Any exceptions to or qualifications of a rule should be included within
the sentence to which they apply. Common usage words for exceptions are
“except that” or ‘provided that.”
Bylaws are different from Standing Rules ( i.e. our Operations Manual). Standing
Rules are those rules that relate to the details of administration. They may be
adopted without previous notice by a majority vote. They may be rescinded and
amended without notice.
How to Change a Bylaw
Bylaws should be reviewed from time to time to ensure that they reflect the
current needs and practices of the chapter.
Bylaws may be changed by either amendment or revision. The distinction between
the two forms of change is important: Amendment only opens specific sections
to change for which notice has been given; and Revision opens the entire
document to review and change. It involves rewriting the document and
substituting a newly written document.
Changes to Bylaws usually require previous notice and a two-thirds vote. When
drafting the published notice, it is important to specify whether the notice
relates to an amendment or a revision.
The proposed amendment is placed on the agenda under General Orders, just
before New Business.
Bylaw amendments become effective immediately upon adoption.
Above information is taken from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., International
Constitution Resource Guide 2014-2018, Pages 8-10.