A suggested format for bylaws is:
- Name and location
- Statement of Purposes
- Membership classes, criteria, rights and privileges, suspension and revocation of membership
- Dues establishment procedures. Keep in mind that if a specific amount is stated, a bylaws amendment will be required for the organization to have a dues increase, which severely limits the decision-making authority of the board.
- Board of directors, including composition and authority, description of duties, representation, election procedures, terms of office, meetings, quorum, voting, indemnification
- Elected officers, including roles and duties and succession of office
- Voting rights of the membership
- Elections, including nominations process, timing of election, and balloting
- Committees, including standing committees, special committees, selection of chairs, and meetings
- Finances
- Rules of procedure
- Amendments
- Dissolution procedures
