24 Constitution. A constitution is a founding document that provides a clear outline of the structure and mission of the organization and provides a basic set of rules that will govern the group. The foundational documents of a Chapter should be guided by the policies of the college or university. Its intent is to provide consistent leadership for the organization as it will be passed on to future Chapter Officers. Creating a constitution for the Chapter can be challenging, but an effective Chapter constitution should reflect the purpose and goals of the organization. A Chapter constitution should be simple and concise. Outside of our student veteran law students, members are generally going to avoid reading exhaustive documents unrelated to daily life or operations of the Chapter. They should be created by several members of the organization. A constitution created by a single person, whether the founding member or Chapter advisor, is not going to best serve the Chapter. Input from a diverse group will bring a collection of perspectives to ensure the language is inclusive and effective. Finally, it should include appropriate guidelines to govern the organization in concise and effective language that enumerates all aspects of the Chapter. Bylaws. Bylaws, alternative to a constitution, are principles that govern the internal affairs of a Chapter. \They describe in detail the procedures and steps the organization must follow to conduct business effectively and efficiently. Chapters are not required to have bylaws, specifically, though they may be required by the education institution. However, Chapter Leaders may find them helpful to the Chapter's operations. The following are some standard articles that commonly appear in Chapter bylaws: • Membership Sections: discuss and detail the various aspects of membership that may be applicable: membership selection process, types of membership, and procedures for disciplining and/or removing members. • Officers Sections: discuss the officer selection process, duties, powers, and responsibilities of each officer, and procedures for removal from office and filling vacant officer positions. • Committees Sections: discuss and detail standing and special committees (formation, selection, powers, and duties) and the executive committee (membership, powers, and duties), along with the roles and responsibilities of committee chairs. • Meetings Sections: discuss types of meetings, how and when they are to occur, requirements for notice, attendance, and quorum (number of members needed present to transact business), meeting format, and parliamentary rules of order (usually Robert's Rules of Order). • Financial Procedures Sections: discuss and detail (as applicable) dues, fees, and products, collection procedures, and other financial procedures (budgets, expenditures, etc.). • Amendment Procedures Sections: discuss the procedure for amending the bylaws (means of proposals, notice required, voting requirements). • Other specific policies and procedures unique to the Chapter that may be necessary for its operation. Before crafting Chapter Bylaws, Chapter Leaders should thoroughly understand the guiding policies set forth by the college or university. Remember the reasons for having a constitution and/or bylaws; these documents articulate the purpose of the Chapter and spell out the procedures to be followed for its orderly functioning. Constitutions usually require a two-thirds vote of the membership for adoption, while bylaws only require a simple majority for passage, though this is defined by the school, generally. Once the constitution and bylaws have been developed according to the guiding policies of the college or university, review them often. The needs of the Chapter will change over time and it is important that the constitution and bylaws are kept up to date to reflect the current situation. Make sure every new member of the organization has a copy of governing documents. This will help to unify Chapter Members by informing them about the opportunities that exist for participation and the procedures they should follow to be an active, contributing member. A thorough study of the constitution and bylaws should be a part of Chapter Leader training and transition, discussed below. Chapter Leaders should also provide a copy of the constitution and/or bylaws to the Chapter Advisor.
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