Chapter 08 – Bylaw Development

Developing bylaws is an important part of the organizational structure of a Neighborhood Association and gives a road map on how to govern the group. Bylaws may act as a “manual” for your Association including general information such as membership information, terms of offices, voting procedures, purpose, mission, structure, etc. Consider using this general outline during development.

Article 1 – Name of organization

A. State name of organization

Article 2 – Purpose of the organization

A. State primary focus of group including:

I. Whom will you serve

II. What is your function (social, advocacy, community improvement, etc.)

Article 3 – Membership

A. Define roles of membership

I. Voting members

II. Non-voting members

III. Attendance expectations

Article 4 – Regular Membership Meetings

A. When will regular meetings be held?

B. When will officers be elected?

C. How often will treasurer report on financial issues?

D. When can special meetings be called?

E. How will meetings be publicized?

Article 5 – Officers

A. List offices to be filled

I. How will officers be selected and how long will they serve?

II. Define responsibilities of the President

III. Define the responsibilities of the Vice President

IV. Define the responsibilities of the Secretary

V. Define the responsibilities of the Treasurer

Article 6 – Committees

A. List permanent/ongoing committees

B. Who can serve on committees?

C. How are committees formed?

D. What are the powers of committees?

E. When will committees meet?

Article 7 – Records and Reports

A. What records will be kept and who will keep them?

B. How will members be recorded?

C. When will the fiscal year begin and end?

Article 8 – Contracts, Checks, Deposits & Funds

A. Will you open a bank account?

B. Who can write checks, how are they approved?

C. When and where will funds be deposited?

D. Who will deposit them?

Article 9– Changes to Bylaws

A. When will Bylaws be reviewed?

B. Who can change them?

C. How will changes be communicated?

Tip
Don’t restrict Bylaws by becoming too detailed. Remember, Bylaws won’t cover everything that may come up.