What do Bylaws Accomplish?
WHAT DO BYLAWS DO OR ACCOMPLISH?
By Robert McConnell Productions
One of the more challenging things that organizations do is
create, revise or amend their bylaws. Some members often find this
boring, unnecessary, and a waste of time. These members don’t
understand the purpose of self-government which is that law and
individual’s consent to be governed by this law is the very basis
self-government and freedom. In the original Noah Webster’s
Dictionary, he defines “free”:
“Subject only to fixed laws, made by consent, and to a regular
administration of such laws. Instituted by a free people, or by
consent or choice of those who are to be subjects, and securing
private rights and privileges by fixed laws and principles.”
The difference between self-government, or constitutional
government, and tyranny is that all the people get together and agree
on the laws that will govern them instead of one person determining
the laws that will govern them. So in organizations the members get
to decide by proposing laws, amending them, discussing them and voting
on them how they shall be governed.
Bylaws give a body of people a governing document that
establishes a framework or structure in which the body carries out its
functions and operations harmoniously to benefit the members
individually and collectively.
Bylaws establish a basis from which the organization
deliberates and make decision for the benefit of the members and the
body as a whole. It establishes who is to govern or represent the
members in the administration of its affairs which usually appears in
bylaws as officers, directors and committees. It establishes how the
affairs are to be administered and sets limits to those who are to
administrate its affairs.
The bylaws determine the qualifications of these
representatives and administrators, how they are selected, how long
they are to serve in these positions, and if necessary how to remove
them and fill vacancies.
Bylaws determine who can join, how to join, and the
responsibilities after joining. Bylaws then ensure the rights of
these members individually and collectively.
Finally, bylaws provide for order, equality, justice, and
continuity and perpetuity of the organization.
Bylaws should be written and composed by people who
understand basic parliamentary principles, law, order, equality,
fairness and justice—those who truly love freedom and self-government.
If these are the ones who the members select for this work, they will
never have to fear any form of tyranny invading the organization and
usurping power of free men and women.