Question: How do we revise our bylaws?

At our last PTO meeting, we decided we wanted to make a few changes to our bylaws. How do we go about making these changes? And do they need to appear at the end of the bylaws under amendments, or do we just change them where they are currently written?

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Advice from PTO Today

Elly writes:

To find out how to change your bylaws, check your bylaws. That’s right; your bylaws should clearly state the procedure for amendments. If they don’t, then you need an amendment on amendments. Here’s the scoop.

Presenting an amendment: Typically, a proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the board or, better yet, to the bylaws committee if you have one. At least two or three signatures are required, to show that more than one person is interested in making the change.

Voting on the amendment: The proposed change is presented to the general membership, often with a recommendation from the board or bylaws committee. The general membership votes on the change. Proper notice is required to inform members about the proposed bylaw change before the vote. The length of notice required should be included in the bylaws; two weeks prior to the meeting is usually enough.

According to Robert’s Rules of Order, amendments must be approved by a two-thirds vote of those present, assuming a quorum, or the minimum number of members that must be present to legally transact business. This number also depends on your bylaws. If your quorum is 10, then you need to have 10 or more members in attendance for the vote to be valid.

Writing the amendment into your bylaws: Once your group has voted and accepted the changes to your bylaws, simply create a new and revised set of bylaws as a substitute for the old bylaws. It’s a good practice to keep separate files of all amendments to bylaws, along with the date and number of members present and voting.