Important Dates:
End of Year narrative reports of activities are due to the national Constitution & Bylaws chairman by May 15.
Key Program Statements
- The Constitution & Bylaws program informs and educates members of the American Legion Auxiliary on the importance and power of having properly written and regularly reviewed and updated governing documents at all levels of the organization.
- Governing documents include your articles of incorporation (if incorporated), constitution, bylaws, standing rules, and policies.
- These fundamental rules of the organization state how the membership agrees to govern itself, how it will choose its leaders, hold its meetings, and policies of the administration of the organization.
- Knowing the non-profit laws in your state provides the essential foundation for your governing documents at the department, district, county, and unit level.
- Having governing documents is essential to ensure operations can continue during emergencies.
- Keeping your governing documents up to date and making them available to all members are key to a healthy organization that functions as a team.
- Remember that department, district, county, and unit constitution, bylaws, and standing rules shall not conflict with national governing documents.
- When the national constitution, bylaws, and standing rules change, departments, districts, counties, and units will automatically amend their governing documents to reflect the National changes.
- Contact your Department Constitution & Bylaws Chairman for assistance. The National Association of Parliamentarians is a valuable resource for finding a professional registered parliamentarian near you.
Basic Parliamentary Procedure Unit Guide BookDepartment Operations Guide Constitution & Bylaws Annual Reporting Guidelines Governing Documents of an OrganizationThree Column Amendment Template Resolution Form Template Motion Form Robert's Rules of Order Find a Professional Registered Parliamentarian
