Rules, Constitution and Bylaws

Many of the questions you have been asking up to this point will help you establish your list of guidelines to follow. These "rules" will provide a structure that should enable you to realize your goals.

A constitution and/or bylaws are a useful way to document your operating procedures. Do not let the word "constitution" intimidate you. It is merely a more formal way to write out your guidelines. Some groups may want to use another group's constitution as a framework for writing their own. That is fine. In fact, it is wise to follow a good example and adjust it to your needs. If you would like some assistance setting up your constitution, please feel free to call or stop by the SOO. In the addendum we have also included a skeletal copy of a constitution for you to use as an example. Your constitution should be kept to no more than a few pages, containing only the essential information that should not change over the years. This is the foundation of your organization so changes should not be easy to make without a two-thirds vote by your membership. Some of the typical elements of a constitution include:

* Name and statement of purpose of the organization
* Qualifications for membership
* Officer positions, election procedures and duties
* Meetings of the organization
* How to amend the constitution

You can put some of the other more detail-oriented information in the bylaws. The Bylaws should be relatively easy to make adjustments to in a meeting or two. This will be more of a working document. Your bylaws are a work in progress. This should be the day-to-day workings of your organization. Change it as often as you need to truly reflect your organizational mission/purpose and members' needs.

Check out our blank Constitution.

For more information, contact the Student Leadership Program, slp@odos.wisc.edu.