Chapter Starter Kit:
Chapter Constitution and Continuity
Introduction
Your chapter’s constitution, or charter, is an important tool for insuring the continued success of your chapter after its founders have left. It should be flexible enough for future changes but remain true to its original purpose. Below are some hints and suggestions for writing your chapter’s constitution. We suggest that you get your friends together and write the constitution for approval of the rest of the chapter.
The constitution does not have to be very long, and if it is written with a lot of foresight and anticipation, it can last a long time and provide your chapter with a valuable service. Use it as a launch pad for your chapter. Don’t limit the good possibilities, just the undesirable ones. For example, limit the capability of chapter leaders to take the resources for themselves, but increase the capability for the chapter to get more resources for the chapter. Use common sense and don’t be afraid of creating this document. Be sure that the spirit of the constitution does not conflict with SEDS goals.
Bylaws
Bylaws are the operating procedure as well as the distribution of power and responsibilities among your chapter’s leadership. The procedures can be handled by Robert’s Rules of Order for the most part. The distribution of power and responsibilities can be handled by the constitution or your bylaws. The length of the constitution can be shortened if you put this in the by-laws.
Leadership Styles and Executive Positions
It is important, before writing your constitution that you and the others who will help you decide on the leadership style you will employ. We suggested that you have elected officers who will take the responsibility for the group’s activities. This prevents a floating group of semi-detached leaders who may or may not do their job. The elected president or chair of the executive committee should coordinate the efforts of the other officers. It is important not to pile too much responsibility on one person alone, as they may become overwhelmed and not be able to serve the chapter very well.
Continuity
The constitution should provide for continuity within the group. The responsibility for the chapter should pass to new leaders continuously through elections. The time at which elections occur is not as important as the fact that you do not want to graduate and not have your group know who is in charge. The idea of having elections well before initiation of new officers allows a grace period for new officers to get a handle, or learn the position from the incumbent.
Other Interested People
Do not discourage new members from helping out! Another important aspect of SEDS is to train the future leaders of tomorrow. This includes everybody! It is all too easy to elect friends your age to positions high up in the group. Keeping others (especially freshmen and sophomores) on your executive board will ensure not only that there will be a board the following school year, but that some of the members will probably have experience. For instance, if your whole board is of graduating individuals, the incoming board will be very devoid of people who can answer questions from experience. Remember, SEDS-USA will be there for you! Feel free to ask questions. Email the Director of Expansion or the Director of Chapter Affairs for more information.
