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Q&A

Bylaws & more

I know parent organizations usually have bylaws, have you ever heard of them also needing a constitution?
- Yvonne1

A constitution is a legal document that a group typically needs if it incorporates. The constitution is similar to but not exactly the same as bylaws, but in a lot of cases for PTOs the bylaws serve both purposes. The constitution states the purpose of your group and the overarching principles that are key to your work. It also outlines the basic structure of your group. The constitution would rarely, if ever, be amended. The bylaws are the working rules of your group, and they grow and change as the group's needs change. While the constitution might state that the group must have a president, secretary, and treasurer (these three offices are required for corporations in many states), your bylaws might also establish the position of vice president. As you grow, you might amend your bylaws to include volunteer coordinator, fundraising chair, or other positions on the board. But the constitution would not necessarily change. Your basic legal structure would still be the three core offices, with others to be filled in accordance with the bylaws.
- Craig
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