Constitutions, By-laws, Ordinances, and Policies and Procedures are all governing documents. From the highest law in the land--the Constitution--to your Policies and Procedures, each serve important functions:
- Constitution: The document that delegates power from the people governed by it to its leaders
- By-Laws: Best used when detailing the specific legal functions of boards or committees, such as the frequency of meetings, quorum requirements, etc
- Ordinances: Generally used to detail specific laws, such as Election Ordinances
- Policies and Procedures: The “nuts and bolts” of everyday tasks or the administrative rules.
Organizations unsure about which governing document does what would be served well by training on the specifics of these documents.
Governing Documents on the “Back-Burner”?
Many leaders from a variety of organizations recognize that their governing documents are in need of revision and in some cases, total
overhaul. Yet, they often delegate this need to the “back-burner.” Why? Because at first look, amending or adopting new governing
documents seems overwhelming. But is it? By taking the right administrative steps, amending, revising or adopting new measures
doesn’t have to come with headaches. CSN has worked with many organizations, taking them from the first step to the last, and
ensuring a smooth and rewarding transition from one document to the next.
So you have a document you want to change? Now what?
The first place to look is in the document, itself. Most have a section near the end that outline the requirements needed to amend,
revise or to adopt new measures. By understanding these requirements, you have taken your first and most important step to begin
updating your governing documents. CSN’s expertise in the drafting and training of governing documents can make a difference.
