Sorry Renee S, I don't know what happened. I sent you an email from a different address. Try that to see if it works. Thanks for your help! I appreciate it.
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Newvpmom,
I tried sending you copies of my by-laws but I keep getting it returned saying your email address is in-valid. My old pto's by-laws, the terms were for 2 yrs. only in one position. But you could do another position for 2 yrs. then run again for another.... My new pto the positions are for 1 yr. terms but can keep it if noone else wants it. Good luck. my email again is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We do have bylaws currently and they need to be amended. Our Bylaws are Roberts Rule bylaws. It seems very formal and difficult to understand, unless you have a law degree. Do you have a set of bylaws that is easy to understand? There is a number of sections that need to be clarified but for instance one part of our bylaw currently reads: "no officer shall be eligible to serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office" Do that mean EVER? Another words, can someone serve for two terms (which would be 4 yrs according to our bylaws) and then sit out, or serve as a different position and then go back and serve again?
I am not sure I should have responsed to this post...so I am sorry if I got off track here.
Thank you so much for all your help! I am not sure who else to ask.
If you're writing new bylaws, or amending some that don't speak to how the bylaws themselves should be amended, then typically Roberts Rules of Order takes precedence (that rule should also be in your bylaws). RRO says your original bylaws must be approved by majority of the members present and voting. Amendments must be approved by 2/3 of members present and voting. Amendments or revision must be announced in writing in advance (so the members can absorb the bylaws and make an informed vote at the meeting).
Your bylaws should be straightforward and easy to understand. RRO says every sentence should stand on its own so that it makes sense taken out of context (that's not easy to do). RRO also says they shouldn't be overly restrictive. You shouldn't need a law degree to understand the bylaws. You don't want your members to be intimidated by them. You want everyone to abide by them.
I suggested, therefore nominated, to start a bylaw committee. We need to amend our bylaws to reflect some additional duties required by the treasurer. My question is, Our current bylaws are very difficult to understand. Is that normal? Does anyone have any bylaws that are easy to read and understand? Would you be willing to share them? If so, could you please email them to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you so much!