Contents of this multi-part series on writing bylaws for a non profit organization.

1. The Mission Statement

2. Article 1 (NAME)

3. Article 2 (OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES)

4. Article 3 (FAIRNESS) THIS PAGE

5. Article 4 (MEMBERSHIP, VOTING ELIGIBILITY, RUNNING FOR OFFICE)  THIS PAGE

6. Article 5 (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

7. Article 6 (FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD)

8. Article 7 (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF)

9. Article 8 (FINACES)

10. Article 9 (COMMITTEES)

11. Article 10 (AMENDMENTS)

In the previous section, we discussed how write Articles 1 and 2 and gave examples of how I wrote those articles for The League of Fools Community Theater.  In this section we will discuss how to format Articles 3 and 4 which deal with Fairness and Membership.

A set of bylaws is supposed to be a document that an organization is bound to follow. Not all issues can be accounted for in any set of bylaws, so in order to compensate there has to be a section that deals with fairness. It should be written into the bylaws how to handle any matter or disagreement that should arise.

Article 3 specifically deals with Fairness. It should be a simple statement of how the organization will handle issues that are not covered in their set of bylaws. The following is how I drafted Article 3 for The League of Fools:

ARTICLE 3: (FAIRNESS)

No set of Bylaws can cover all circumstances. In the event of an issue arising which is not covered by these Bylaws, the issue will be decided upon on the basis of fairness, the good of The League of Fools, and common sense.

Article 4 will deal with the nonprofits membership. This is the place that explains who can become a member of the nonprofit and the types of membership. It also spells out the roles and responsibilities of members in the governance of the nonprofit.

Below is how I drafted Article 4 of The League of Fools. Take note that a nonprofit organization that is seeking exemption from federal income tax under the provisions of 501(c)3 must have a non discriminatory policy.

ARTICLE 4: (MEMBERSHIP, VOTING ELIGIBILITY, RUNNING FOR OFFICE)

Membership is open to all interested persons, without discrimination. Membership is required to participate in any of The League of Fools activities.  In order to vote, members must be over 14 years of age. Members younger than 14 may not vote, but shall be accorded all other benefits of membership. To run or hold an office of the Board, a member must be at least 18. The Board will determine the dollar amount of dues which may be a requisite of membership. The amount for dues for non-voting members will be less than that for voting members. Dues are payable when a person joins The League of Fools , and after that, yearly, by January 31st. The Fiscal Year for The League of Fools begins January 1st, and ends December 31st of the same year.

Membership of 30 days is requred to vote, nominate, be nominated or be elected to office (except for the inaugural Board). Dues will be considered to have been paid when the Treasurer, a Board member, or a duly appointed representative of the Board has received them.

The League of Fools bylaws have 10 Articles, so I have decided to break it down and explain the bylaws 2 Articles at a time.  When you are ready to move on to the next section, just click on the link at the top of the page.

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