National Council of Catholic Women at 200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 703, Arlington, VA 22203 US - ASK THE PARLIAMENTARIAN...

Q.  How often should our bylaws be reviewed?

A.  Every two years is ideal.  The Organization Commission, a group of past presidents, or a special committee of interested members could be appointed to review the bylaws to see if they are up-to-date and effective.  See your current bylaws article on amendments for the proper way to call for proposals, to give notice to the membership, and to determine the vote needed for adoption (usually 2/3 of members present and voting at your annual meeting or biennial convention).

Q.  What is the difference between an amendment and a revision?

A.  An amendment is a change to a part of the bylaws.  There may be several amendments proposed at one time.  However, if the changes are extensive, it is wise to revise the bylaws; that is, propose a new and complete document as a substitute for the old one.

Q.  May proposed amendments and revisioins be amended from the floor?

A.  Yes.  While on the floor, all proposals may be further amended (within the scope of notice) by a majority vote.  When the bylaws are being amended, only the parts that were included in the notice to the membership are open to further amendment and discussion.  In a revision, the entire new document is open for amendment and discussion.

Q.  Is the voting the same for a proposed amendment as for a revision?

A.  The amendment article in your bylaws should say what vote is required for adoption, usually 2/3, as mentioned above.  That refers to the final vote on each proposed amendment (taken separately if you wish) or on the entire revision (taken as a whole).  Remember that members are asked to stand to vote when a motion requires a 2/3 vote for adoption.

Q.  Does NCCW have some resources on bylaws?

A.  Taking the Mystery Out of Bylaws is the first program on the new leadership video tape on Parliamentary Procedure that was premiered at the 2004 General Assembly in Austin, Texas.  It contains the nine basic articles in bylaws and what each should contain.  There is material on making amendments as well.  The second program on the same tape is Preparing for a Meeting? ($20 + shipping and handling; a real bargain, if I say so myself!).  The NCCW Guidance and Resource Manual ($45) has some general parliamentary information that would be helpful also.

Pat Reymann is a professional Registered Parliamentarian