Certain information must be present in an organization’s constitution in order for the organization to function effectively and to protect the rights of all members

How to Write a Constitution

Certain information must be present in an organization’s constitution in order for the organization to function effectively and to protect the rights of all members. The following information needs to be included:

NAME

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

OFFICERS

What officer positions exist and who may qualify for each office?
What are the duties of each officer?
What is the term of office?
What procedure is to be followed in the event of a vacancy?
How may an officer be removed? (VERY IMPORTANT TO ASSURE THE PRESENCE OF DUE PROCESS)

ELECTIONS

When are elections to be held?
How are nominations to be made?
Who is eligible to run for each office?
What type of voting system will your organization use?
By what means and how far in advance will nominations and/or elections be announced?

MEMBERSHIP

Who is eligible for membership?
Will different categories of membership exist? What are the rights and priviledges of the different catagories?
Can a member be removed? If yes, for what reasons?

FINANCES

Will dues be required? If yes, how much, how often and to whom are they paid?
Who is responsible for collection and disbursement of funds?
What happens if a member does not pay his or her dues?
Who may authorize expenditures?

MEETINGS

How often will meetings be held?
When will the first meeting of the semester be held?
How will members be notified of such meetings?
How will organizational decisions be made?
Who is eligible to vote at meetings?
What constitutes a quorum at meetings? (A quorum is the absolute number of members or the percentage of members, usually voting members, required to be in attendance for the organization to conduct business.)

AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

What procedures will be used for amendments to be proposed, discussed, etc.?
How will such an amendment be incorporated into the Constitution? (If by vote, then by what majority, i.e., 2/3 vote, unanimous?)

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

What reference will be used in parliamentary instances not covered by the constitution or bylaws, i.e., Roberts Rules of Order?

ADVISOR

What is the role of the advisor in the organization?
How is he or she selected?

AFFI LIATIONS

What is the affiliation, if any, with local, state, national or international organizations?
What is the relationship of the organization to the affiliate?

For Assistance in creating a constitution for your organization,

please contact the RSO Director at 575-5255