Know constitutions, bylaws and rules

The Constitution & Bylaws program assists and educates members about the need to have proper governing documents at all levels. The Constitution and Bylaws for units, districts and the department are approved by Department Convention action. The Department Standing Rules are also approved by convention action.

Standing rules are detailed administrative policies that spell out how districts and units operate. Every district and unit should have its own unique set of standing rules. Unit standing rules may be changed as your unit needs change but there are guidelines that must be followed. With prior notice to all members, standing rules may be changed by a majority vote. Without prior notice to all members, the vote needs to be a two-thirds majority vote. These rules cannot be determined by the Executive Committee.

Why are governing documents so important? The ALA is an incorporated, nonprofit organization and can be held accountable if it does not follow state nonprofit laws and the unit’s own standing rules. The laws of the state supersede everything. It is the responsibility of each unit, district and department to make sure that their governing documents comply with the laws of their state.

Keep your governing documents up to date and make them available to all members so that we can continue to support our veterans, military and their families.

One key item to be aware of is that department, district and unit constitutions, bylaws and standing rules cannot be in conflict with national governing documents. When National Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules change, departments, districts and units should automatically update their governing documents. No vote is necessary on these levels to make these changes.

It is highly recommended that all units review their standing rules annually and then send a copy to the Department Office to be on file.