By-Laws

BYLAWS MODEL

            The following by-laws format is presented in a generic annotated format that can be adapted to the needs of each chapter.  All articles are not required and additional articles may be added as required to properly run the individual Chapter.  Contact the Secretary of State to see if there is any by-laws requirement. (Usually states only have requirements for Articles of Incorporation)

Article I.  Name:  The name of the organization shall be __.

Article II.  Purpose:  The purpose of the organization is:

Section 1:  To promote the development of

Section 2:  To assist members to achieve

Section 3:  To make scholarships available to

Article III.  Membership

Section 1:  Types of membership shall consist of

Section 2:  Qualifications for membership are

Section 3:  Annual dues shall be paid annually

Section 4:  A member in good standing is

Article IV.  The Board of Directors

Section 1:  The board shall consist of the elected officers and the appointed committee chairs

Section 2:  The board shall handle the regular business of the    organization

Section 3:  Meetings: Regular meeting of the executive board shall be

Section 4:  Quorum:  A quorum for conducting the business of the board shall be not less than __ members of the board empowered to vote

Article V.  Officers and Chairpersons

Section 1:  There shall be the following officers

a.  President of Chair

b.  Vice President(s) or Co-Chair

c.  Secretary or Clerk

d.  Treasurer

Section 3:  Process for removal of officers

Section 4:  Process for appointing Committee Chairs

Article VI.  Elections

Section 1:  Nomination Process defined

Section 2:  Voting Privileges

Section 3:  Time

a.  Term of office: Officers hold office from __ to __.

b.  Officers shall not serve more than __ terms

c.  There must be an interval of at least __ elections before another term

Section 4:  Transition of Administration: Define process for transfer of authority and information

Section 5:  Removal of officer will be done by __.

Section 6:  Nomination period is __.

Section 7:  Balloting will be done by__.

Article VII.  Duties of Officers (detail each office)

Section 1:  President

a.  Preside at all meetings of the Board

b.  Appoint Committee Chairs

Section 2:  Vice President

Article VIII.  Meetings

Section 1:  Regular Chapter meetings shall be held monthly for purposes of programs, education, etc.

Section 2:  There shall be an (annual, semi-annual, quarterly) meeting during the month(s) of __ for the Membership with purposes of election and ratification.

Section 3:  Notification of this meeting shall be __.

Section 4:  Special meetings may be called by the president or the board.  Upon written notice of __ members, the president shall call a meeting.  Notice shall be given to the members at least __ days in advance.

Section 5:  A quorum for conducting business of a regular or special meeting of the membership shall be no less that __ members empowered to vote

Article IX.  Restricted Funds

Section 1:  All funds donated or granted shall be used for the designated purpose only

Section 2:  All portions of the members’ dues designated as National dues shall be paid to the National Office

Section 3:  The treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the organization and shall be responsible for proper disbursement of restricted funds.

Article X.  Amendments:  The by-laws maybe amended or revised by an affirmative vote of two-         thirds (or as determined) of all the members present at a meeting designated for that purpose. Copies or the proposed amendments shall be given in writing at least __ (days to months) prior to the meeting.

Article XI.  Dissolution:  In the event of dissolution of the organizations remaining assets, after the satisfaction of all obligations of the corporation shall be distributed for the purposes within the scope of Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c)(3), or amendments thereof.