Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Preparing to write the charter
• Part 2 of 4: Writing bylaws
• Part 3 of 4: Completing the bylaws
• Part 4 of 4: Keeping and Using the Charter
• Tips

Non-profit organizations, legal entities and organizations in other countries can use this formal and legally recognized resource to identify the way the organization functions. It is called the charter, and it is applied to the management of various enterprises and institutions, it is extremely important. The bylaws are often viewed as the “operating manual” of the organization. If you must write a charter for a business or organization, this article provides instructions on how to write a charter that will help you effectively manage your organization.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Preparing to write the charter

1. 1 Appoint two, three members of the organization to write the bylaws. It is necessary to consult with the majority or all of the members of the organization who stood at the origins of its creation. It is unlikely that you are the only such person, and you will have to write him alone. Designate at least two or three more assistants who will contribute and help you write the charter.
   • If you start a non-profit organization, you need to create a board of directors that will provide investment and help in writing the articles of association. By working as a team, you ensure that all positions are presented and accounted for in the bylaws.
2. 2 Structure the charter as a diagram. It is usually written in the form of paragraphs and paragraphs. This structure will make your bylaws easy to read and align with other bylaws. This will make it easy to find information regarding voting rules, committees, and other elements that you may have questions about when the organization goes live.
3. 3 Begin each article with the heading ITEM. These headings will be printed in bold and numbered with Roman numerals. Center the title on the page.
   • For example, the first item would be titled: ITEM I: ORGANIZATION. Second item: ITEM II: OBJECTIVES.
4. 4 Number each paragraph subheading in each article. Give a short description for each paragraph.
   • For example, you could write: Paragraph 1. Regular meetings. This will be followed by a summary of the minutes of regular meetings. Then specify: Paragraph 2: Special Meetings. This will be followed by a summary of the minutes of the ad hoc meetings.
5. 5 Use simple but clear language for your charter. The charter is not an arbitrary document. It contains all the formalities that can be announced in court or help professionals understand the specific rules and regulations of the organization.Review sample bylaws, use appropriate vocabulary to make the document look professional. Maintain the appropriate style.
   • There is no need to use legal language in the charter. Use simple language that is easy to understand.
   • Leave details for the management strategy. The charter contains the basic management principles that are designed to implement a specific strategy. Therefore, the charter should be flexible and interpreted in accordance with a more detailed strategy. The charter is a relatively general document.
6. 6 Adapt your organization's charter. Many templates and other guidelines for drafting bylaws need to be tailored specifically for your organization. Each organization has its own needs that need to be reflected in the charter.
   • "Writing of the church charter" ': a paragraph on the congregation of priests is included in the church charter. This section will examine the attitude of priests towards the congregation, about the ordination of priests, and about the process of attracting a new priest or removing the present one.

A sample charter might begin with the words: “The priest is the religious and spiritual leader of the church. He or she must be free to preach and speak. The priest is ex officio a member of the Council and all committees, with the exception of the Nominations Committee. ” # "" Writing corporate articles of association "": When writing corporate articles, you can also include paragraphs on the frequency of shareholder meetings, issues related to the company's shares, and so on.

Part 2 of 4: Writing bylaws

1. 1 Write a paragraph with the name of the organization. This is the short official name of your organization. At this point you can also give information about the location of your office. If the organization does not have a fixed location (if you are, for example, an online group), do not include the address.
   • In this paragraph, you can write: "The name of the ABC Elementary PTO organization."
2. 2 Write a paragraph about the goals of the organization. It will include your goal statements. It can be pretty simple, just one sentence. You can make it more complex if you like.
   • Sample: “ABC Elementary was founded to support parenting by strengthening the bonds between school, parents, and teachers.”
3. 3 Write a membership clause. This clause will address several paragraphs, including eligibility (who can become a member and how), membership fees (do I have to pay to become a member of the organization? Do I have to pay annually?), Classes of members (active, inactive), requirements for how to remain a member of the organization, and how to relinquish membership.
   • An example for the first paragraph under the heading Membership: "Membership is open to anyone who is committed to the goals and programs of the church, regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, mental or physical problem." In the following paragraphs, describe the fees, membership requirements, and how to leave the organization.
4. 4 Write a paragraph dedicated to officials. This clause will consist of several paragraphs concerning officials, including a list of officials, their duties, procedures for appointment and election, terms of office (how long they can be in office).
   • For example, in the first paragraph, you could write, "The organization's employees are a president, a vice president, a secretary, an accountant, and three directors." This will be followed by paragraphs describing the responsibilities of each official, and so on.
5. 5 Write a paragraph on meetings. This clause covers several paragraphs describing how often the meetings will take place (quarterly? Semi-annually?), Where the meetings will be held (in the workplace?), And how many votes can be cast for changing locations.
   • This clause also sets out the number of members for the quorum and the number of Board members that must be present for the change of venue to take place. If an organization has nine Board members and the charter requires two-thirds of the Board of Directors to constitute a quorum, then at least six Board members must be present to make decisions in the best interests of the organization. Some states may require a minimum to create a quorum; check this information with the Secretary of State.
   • An example of the first paragraph of this clause: “Regular meetings of the Council are held on the first Tuesday of every month.” Then go on to other paragraphs of the paragraph.
6. 6 Write a clause about the committee. Committees are specific entities of your organization, which can be a volunteer committee, community committee, membership committee, fundraising committee, and so on. Give a short description for each one. Also complete a brief description of how the committees should be formed (appointed by the Board of Directors?).
   • Sample Clause: “The Society has the following standing committees,” followed by a list and brief description of the committees.
7. 7 Write a clause on Parliamentary Powers. Parliamentary powers are a set of principles that govern how your organization is run. Many organizations abide by Robert's "Rules of Procedure". A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure based on House Rules; guidance on how to organize a meeting to ensure that all voices are heard and accounted for. The parliamentary powers clause will be referred to as the specific resource that governs the organization's charter, procedures and operations.
   • Sample: Robert's "Rules of Procedure" govern meetings when they do not conflict with the organization's charter. "
8. 8 Write the clause Amendments and Other Provisions. While the bylaws are intended to be useful and apply in many situations that may arise during the functioning of an organization, from time to time they require changes. The charter's description of the process by which it can be changed demonstrates that your organization is flexible and ready for change. Don't make the process of amending the Bylaws too complicated; Concentrate on a process that fits the culture and policies of your organization. ... You can also include a paragraph about the specifics of the fiscal year, or describe the fiscal year in a separate paragraph.
   • Sample Amendment Clause: “These Articles of Association may be amended or replaced at any meeting by a majority (2/3) majority of those present and voting. Notification of planned changes should be included in the minutes of the meeting. ”
9. 9 Write a conflict of interest clause. Your organization must protect itself from personal or financial conflicts of interest on the Board of Directors or other officer. Include an article that defines what happens in the event of such a conflict.
   • Sample: “Whenever a director or officer has a financial or personal interest in any matter submitted to the Board of Directors for approval, he must a) fully disclose his true interest and b) withdraw from discussion, lobbying and voting on the matter. Any transaction or vote with a potential potential conflict of interest can only be approved when a majority of the disinterested directors have determined that the transaction or vote is in the interests of the organization.
10. 10 Write the item Liquidation of the organization. Some state laws require this clause, which describes how to close the organization. This is a good idea, even if the state of your organization does not require this clause, as it will help protect your organization in the event of an internal conflict.
    • Here, you could write: "The organization can be liquidated after prior warning (14 calendar days) and with the consent of at least two thirds of those present at the meeting."
    • Some states require organizations to include a liquidation clause in their bylaws. Check this information with the Secretary of State

Part 3 of 4: Completing the bylaws

1. 1 Combine all points into one document. Use the provided format for the entire document, one type and size of the font (11 - 12 sizes are the most readable). Include a cover page with the title "Bylaws" and the name of your organization, the date of the last revision of the bylaws, and the date it came into force.
2. 2 Ask professional parliamentarians to review your charter. It should define the following procedures: running the organization, holding meetings, electing officers or heads of committees, and so on. These procedures are based on rules that determine the order of procedures, how many people must vote in order to make a decision, who can vote by proxy, etc. A professionally accredited parliamentarian is one who is an expert in these rules and procedures that govern most bylaws.
   • A parliamentarian can be found by contacting the relevant association, such as the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

or find it on the internet. Most likely, you will need to pay for his services. # Ask a lawyer to review your charter. Consult with a lawyer who specializes in the activities of non-profit organizations. He will assess whether your charter is consistent with other key documents in your organization.

1. 1
   • Most communities have free or inexpensive legal counsel for organizations. They can work at a law university, public or non-profit legal clinic.
2. 2 Accept the bylaws of the organization at the meeting. The charter must be adopted by the organization in order for it to take effect. The director of the organization has no authority to adopt the Articles of Association.
   • Include a statement of acceptance at the end of the bylaws and indicate the date of adoption. The secretary of the organization must sign the application.
3. 3 Register the Articles of Association with the appropriate government agency if necessary. Some states require the registration of Articles of Association, while others only require periodic reporting of key employees and filing of financial information. Check with the Secretary of State to provide a copy of the Statutes to the appropriate government agency.
   • Corporate documents, as a rule, do not require state registration. Many states require the drafting of the Charter, but you do not require you to register it. Corporate documents can be shared by shareholders and other key persons.

Part 4 of 4: Keeping and Using the Charter

1. 1 Keep the Articles of Association at the headquarters. Keep it in a folder along with the founding documents, meeting minutes, a list of names, addresses of directors and other top leaders of the organization.
   • It is a good idea to make the charter available to all members of the organization by posting it on your website or in an accessible location in your office. While there are no specific requirements for bylaws accessibility, this will only go into your hands.
2. 2 Bring the Articles of Association to a member meeting or private meeting. Having the Charter on hand in this case will be useful. Refer to the Bylaws when you vote to relocate an organization, decide on committees or board members, or otherwise engage in activities outlined in your bylaws. This will help the meeting run smoothly and convince Council members to express their views appropriately.
3. 3 Reread the Charter and update it regularly. As your organization changes, your charter may need to change as well. The charter must be able to adapt to constant changes, this will make it flexible and easily corrected.You can make minor or more significant changes.
   • For example, you can make minor changes and add a new committee at the same time.
   • If you are going to revise the bylaws, you must first hold a meeting of the members of the organization in order to obtain approval for the changes. Notify all members of the meeting where the charter will be discussed and revised, and give them the opportunity to submit their changes for review. In this case, it is recommended to work with several subcommittees: one subcommittee can write amendments, another to look for inconsistencies with changes, the third to check changes for spelling and grammar. And submit the final membership options to a vote.

Tips

* There are many different versions of the Bylaws. It is useful to look at a number of bylaws, especially organizations like yours. * Consult with another organization for the process of writing and revising their bylaws. * Make sure your Articles of Association are consistent with other key documents of your organization, such as the memorandum of association, governance rules, and any other documents that reflect the functioning of the organization. Make sure that the titles of a number of board positions and job descriptions are the same for all documents, and that meeting days are the same, along with other minor details. If you are associated with another business, such as the State Department of Education, you must ensure that your charter meets its expectations and requirements. * It is a good idea to assign different subcommittees to review the Bylaws consistency. Double check your work.