All non-profit organizations need to create a set of bylaws.
All non-profit organizations need to have bylaws established before they can begin operations. Bylaws act as a guiding document for organizational operations. In the interest of transparency, bylaws should be written and voted on at their creation and any time they are changed. If you are establishing a non-profit, you should create by-laws to serve as your guide. First, you will need to decide what your organization will do and how it will do it.
Instructions
1. Determine your mission statement. This statement is the most important aspect of your organization as it explains your organization's purpose and goals. The bylaws should work to help you accomplish these goals.
2. Read the bylaws of similar organizations. This will give you a good place to start and provide a guideline for you to follow. Most bylaws are set up with various articles and sections which explain everything from board structure to operations Mark up a copy of the bylaws with information which pertains to your organization.
3. Type out the bylaws for your organization. As stated in Step 2, your bylaws should have several different sections which spell out how your organization operates. There should be at least one section dealing with mission and culture, one section regarding each of your general operational areas, and one section dealing with the board of directors, including term limits, how board members are elected and their general duties.
4. Present the bylaws to your general membership. Membership includes anyone who has a stake in the continued success of the operation, usually board members and donors. They should have an opportunity to vote on the bylaws and to suggest changes they feel are needed. Make changes that can be agreed upon and present the bylaws again for a new vote. Once the bylaws are ratified, they will be referred to for guidance when the board or membership wish to make further changes.
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