Bylaws

The rules and regulations enacted by an association or a corporation to provide a framework for its operation and management. Bylaws may specify the qualifications, rights, and liabilities of membership, and the powers, duties, and grounds for the dissolution of an organization.

Source:  The Free Dictionary

Related National FAQ:

Who can amend the GSUSA Bylaws?

Either the National Council or the National Board.

Source: Constitution/ARTICLE XVI/BYLAWS

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What’s the difference between the GSUSA Constitution and the Bylaws?

Think of the Constitution as the primary document while the Bylaws are secondary.  The Constitution establishes the overall framework of the organization and also establishes authority, while the Bylaws deal more with specifics.  For example, who is a member of what committees and what those committees can and can’t do would be found in the Bylaws, not the Constitution.  Authority that is stated in the Constitution trumps authority in the Bylaws.

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What topics are covered in the Bylaws?

ARTICLE I/MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  1. Regular Meetings
  2. Special Meetings
  3. Quorum

ARTICLE II/OFFICERS

  1. Duties of Officers
  2. President
  3. First Vice President
  4. Second Vice President
  5. Secretary
  6. Treasurer
  7. Chief Executive Officer

ARTICLE III/INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONER

ARTICLE IV/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

  1. Composition
  2. Duties
  3. Meetings
  4. Quorum

ARTICLE V/COMMITTEES

ARTICLE VI/FINANCE

  1. Fiscal Year
  2. Examination of Accounts
  3. Bonding
  4. Approved Signatures
  5. Access to Securities

ARTICLE VII/INDEMNIFICATION

ARTICLE VIII/BLUE BOOK OF BASIC DOCUMENTS

  • Distribution
  • Contents

ARTICLE IX/GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

ARTICLE X PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

ARTICLE XI/AMENDMENTS

Source:  Blue Book of Basic Documents

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Related articles:

Council Governance Documents

Posted: March 26, 2020

If you’re a council delegate, it’s important that you to educate yourself on the types of governance documents that apply to your council in order to be an effective delegate and representative.  Here are a few that all delegates should get to know.

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Why Should Councils Abide By Their Bylaws?

Posted: January 3, 2020

Sometimes volunteers have governance related questions regarding councils and whether or not they are faithfully following their bylaws.  Why is this a big deal? 

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