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CONSTITUTION AND
BY-LAWS
A constitution is a written set of rules for a group. It defines on paper what
the group is organized for and how it will operate. As time goes by, the
constitution is amended and by-laws are adopted and amended by the group for
successful management of its meetings or affairs.
A usable constitution should be stated in simple, easily understood terms. It
should include only essential items. Amendments should be simple and direct.
The constitution must be observed and updated as needed to be vital meaningful
and real.
FORM FOR A
STUDENT
ORGANIZATION
CONSTITUTION
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| Article I | Statement of the name of the organization |
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| Article II | The general purpose of the group |
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| Article III | Powers vested in the organization |
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| Article IV | Definition of membership for the group |
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| Article V | Establishment of the time, methods, and procedures for nomination and election of members, officers, and advisors |
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| Article VI | Frequency of meetings defined and outlined |
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| Article VII | The duties and responsibilities of the organization, the officers, the members, and the advisor |
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| Article VIII | Method and procedure for ratification of the constitution |
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| Article IX | Provisions for amending the constitution |
FORM FOR
STUDENT
ORGANIZATION
BY-LAWS
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| Article I |
The number of members needed to constitute a quorum |
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| Article II |
Rules for conducting elections |
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| Article III |
Procedure for filling an office that has been vacated |
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| Article IV |
Procedure for amending the by-laws |
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| Article V |
Definition of the rules of order for conducting business |
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| Article VI |
Procedure for dealing with delinquent members and officers |
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| Article VII |
Method of spending funds |
STEPS TO
FORM A
CONSTITUTION
- Gather ideas and information from group members and staff. Obtain
copies of past constitutions and constitutions from other schools.
- Review the gathered information and compile it into a single package.
- Decide the basics of the constitution.
- Outline the basics of each part of the constitution.
- Revise the rough outline of the constitution into sentence form.
- Edit for clarity.
- Vote to adopt the constitution. Ratify each part separately.
- Distribute copies to all interested parties and maintain a copy in an
accessible spot.
Taken from NASSP NLC Leadership Curriculum Guide, 1994 edition, pp.
60-62. Reproduced with permission.
This page is from the book CASAA Leadership Handbook. You can purchase this book from our resource library.
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