bylaws

Essential tips for effective online meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / March 25, 2020 / Comments Off on Essential tips for effective online meetings

  Moving your meeting online presents special challenges. Here are our best tips for success. Make sure you can meet this way. Refer to state law and your bylaws to make sure you can meet by telephone or videoconference. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition, discusses this issue on pp. 97-99. According to…

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What if your nonprofit board isn’t following its bylaws?

By Ann Macfarlane / November 6, 2019 / Comments Off on What if your nonprofit board isn’t following its bylaws?

  Updated July 26, 2020 If your board isn’t following its own bylaws, here are some different approaches you can take. Download PDF 1. Educate the board about liability The first step is to educate the board. Point out to them that bylaws are not a “suggestion,” they are mandatory. They form the foundation of…

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Sanctioning rogue board members

By Ann Macfarlane / July 19, 2019 /

In general, people who serve on nonprofit boards or in local government are peaceful and compliant. But every once in a while, you get a rogue board member. What can be done? We believe that it’s important for boards to be prepared to sanction rogue members when necessary. Download PDF This is an unpleasant subject.…

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After amending bylaws, secretary must…

By Ann Macfarlane / February 20, 2019 / Comments Off on After amending bylaws, secretary must…
amend bylaws

Do you find this dangling headline annoying? Unfortunately bylaws are often left dangling. Once you’ve amended your bylaws, here are some important steps to take. Prepare a copy of the amended bylaws that contains all changes that were made. Make sure that “track changes” has not tricked you into unexpected errors. Review all the numbering…

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When does chair discuss and vote?

By Ann Macfarlane / February 13, 2019 / Comments Off on When does chair discuss and vote?

Confusion about the role of the chair at meetings can be widespread. Here are some parameters. Download PDF Chair of large meeting does not discuss and vote When a large assembly (group) is meeting, the chair serves as a facilitator. The chair does not take part in debate (discussion) and does not vote, unless the…

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Starting a nonprofit? Here’s a helpful workbook

By Ann Macfarlane / October 5, 2018 / Comments Off on Starting a nonprofit? Here’s a helpful workbook

Are you planning to start your own nonprofit organization? The process is complex.

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When is a quorum not enough?

By Ann Macfarlane / September 28, 2018 /

It seems that confusion is rampant about the “quorum” and related voting issues. Read on:

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The board booted me out – but can they?

By Ann Macfarlane / July 10, 2018 / Comments Off on The board booted me out – but can they?

A reader writes that he was voted off the board of directors of his neighborhood association. On investigation, it turned out that the board didn’t have the right to remove him.

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