Constitution and by Laws TEMPLATE

INSTRUCTIONS:
Constitutions state the purpose, describe the structure, and establish the identity of
an organization. It should be clear enough to provide a complete picture of an
organization. Meanwhile, By-Laws serve as the supporting documents, practices,
and policies that support the internal operations of an organization.
Here are a few tips before you begin to write your Constitution and By-Laws:
1. You may form a small group of five to ten members who may represent the
diverse viewpoints of your members;
2. As much as possible, consult your members in setting the mission, vision,
objectives and directions of your organization;
3. Strive for consensus to ensure that the CBL will represent the whole of the
organization and not just individual members;
4. Use words which are easy to understand; and
5. Aim for efficiency and avoid too much bureaucracy.
How to use the template?

The CBL template is just a working draft. You may modify, add or even
remove statements so that you will be able to describe the organization, its structure
and processes that you collectively envision.
Texts in black are your cues. They serve as a skeleton for the template. You
may choose to retain or restate them. While it is your decision to customize the CBL
according to your organization’s direction, remember not to make the CBL too
lengthy nor too brief. Articles and sections in the template are provisions common to
the CBL of any organization.
Texts in red are for your editing, or for you to supply the information described.
While texts in blue are question which you should answer with declarative
statements.
Should you still have questions on how to use the template, or need further
assistance, please email us at [email protected] or call us at (+432) 4268760 loc. 103.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF
[FULL ORGANIZATIONAL NAME]
Established [Date] Adopted[Date]
Article I. Name
Section 1. This organization shall be known as [Formal Name of the Organization]
a. Throughout this document, this organization shall be referred to as
[Acronym, abbreviated name, etc.]
Article II. Vision, Mission and Objectives

Section 1. The organization shall envision to [vision statement]
Section 2. The organization shall pursue to [mission statement]
Section 3. The organization shall have the following objectives:
a. [List organizational objectives]
Article III. Membership

Section 1. Who can become a member?Any individual who meets the following
qualifications shall be eligible to become a member of the organization:
a. [Age range]
b. [Area of residence]
c. [Other qualifications]
Section 2. How does someone become a member?In order to become a member,

a qualified candidate shall: [Enumerate steps to attain membership]
a.
Section 3. The Secretary shall maintain the roster of members of the organization.
Section 4. Are there attendance/dues requirements?
Section 5. How can a member voluntarily withdraw?
Section 6. Can a member be forcibly removed? What are the grounds for
removal?What is the process? What is the timeframe of this process?Is there an
option for appeal?
Section 7. Is there an Advisor? There shall be an advisor of the organization who shall
be selected by the [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers]based on the following
qualifications: [List down qualifications for adviser]
a.
How is the advisor selected/placed?Can the advisor be replaced? On what

grounds?
Article IV. Officers

Section 1.The organization shall be headed by a/n [Executive Committee/ Board of
Officers] which will be composed of: [List positions and corresponding
duties/functions]
a. President. Serves as the highest authority in the organization,represents
members of the organization in activities, programs, and transactions
done with other legal persons and individuals, leads the meeting of the
[Executive Committee/ Board of Officers], signs all documents of the
made by the organization, and approves activities that are suggested
and proposed by committees and members;
b. Vice President. Assists the President in the performance of his duties, and
takes over in times when the President is unable to perform his duties and
function due to temporary or permanent absence;
c. Secretary. Keeps the minutes of the [Executive Committee/ Board of

Officers], as well as other pertinent documents and communications
necessary for the operations of the organization;
d. Treasurer. Keeps the financial resources of the organizations safe and

secured and oversees its disbursement for projects and activities;
e. Auditor. Ensures the honest use and proper disbursement of organization’s

resources by reviewing financial statements and other pertinent records;
f. Information Officer. Disseminate relevant information about the

organization and its activities.
Section 2. Any member who are able to meet the following qualifications shall be
eligible to be elected into any position within the organization:
a. [enumerate qualifications]
Section 3. The term of office of elected officers shall be [length of term]. Elections
shall be conducted every [specify date] of every year [or specify preferred
frequency].
Article V. Meetings
Section 1. The regular meeting of the [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers] shall
be held every [specify preferred frequency]. In the evident of a lack of a quorum
the regular meeting will be postponed until [preferred alternate schedule].
Section 2. The members of the [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers] must be

notified about the upcoming meeting no less than two (2) days before the meeting
including the place, time and the agenda of the meeting, if it was not decided on
the previously. Notification of the special Meeting that is called to solve urgent issues
can be sent by electronic messaging a day before the date of the Meeting. It is
possible to make decisions on the urgent issues by means of surveying of the
members of the [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers] through electronic
messages. Decision which is made in such a manner must be recorded and affirmed
on the next meeting of the [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers].
Section 3. [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers] makes its decision by open

simple majority voting of the present members. Is there a process of breaking ties?
Article VI. Standing Committees
Section 1. The following standing committees shall be constituted: [list committee
and their functions]
a. Committee on …
b. Committee on …
Section 2. Every committee shall be composed of a Chairperson and at least

[minimum number] members. Who are qualified to become committee chairperson
and members? Who appoints the chairperson and members of committees?
Article VII. Impeachment

Section 1. Any officer may be removed from office on any of the following grounds:
a. Culpable violation of the rules and regulations of the organization;
b. Dishonesty, oppression, misconduct while in position, gross negligence, or
dereliction of duty;
c. Abuse of authority;
d. Three (3) consecutive absences in regular and special meetings;
e. Involved in scandals and civil interdiction, that may destroy the image of the
organization.
Section 2. During the investigation, the officer who is under such will be suspended
until all due processes are undertaken by the [Executive Committee/ Board of
Officers].
Section 3. If proven unworthy of his post, with due process and evidences, the officer
involved will be impeached upon the approval of the [Executive Committee/ Board
of Officers]. Their decision shall be final and irrevocable.
Article VIII. Amendments

Section 1. Amendments and additional provisions that will be made to this
Constitution and By-Laws shall be affirmed by two-thirds of the general membership
in a meeting called for this purpose.

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INSTRUCTIONS:

How to use the template?

Article II. Vision, Mission and Objectives

Article III. Membership

Section 2. How does someone become a member?In order to become a member,

Section 4. Are there attendance/dues requirements?

Section 5. How can a member voluntarily withdraw?

How is the advisor selected/placed?Can the advisor be replaced? On what

Article IV. Officers

c. Secretary. Keeps the minutes of the [Executive Committee/ Board of

d. Treasurer. Keeps the financial resources of the organizations safe and

e. Auditor. Ensures the honest use and proper disbursement of organization’s

f. Information Officer. Disseminate relevant information about the

Section 2. The members of the [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers] must be

Section 3. [Executive Committee/ Board of Officers] makes its decision by open

Section 2. Every committee shall be composed of a Chairperson and at least

Article VII. Impeachment

Article VIII. Amendments

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