How to Amend the Bylaws

Southern Conference • Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

How to Amend the Bylaws

Resolution guide based on Article IX of the Bylaws amended November 4, 2023

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What Article IX Requires

Amending the Bylaws: Article IX, Section 9.1 states that the Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting body during a Conference meeting, provided due written notice of the changes is either:

  1. submitted at the previous Conference meeting; or
  2. sent at least two (2) weeks prior to the Conference Meeting by the Conference Secretary via Email or U.S. Mail to the President and Secretary of each Conference Department and all members of the Conference entitled to vote, with the exception of the Delegates from each Department.

Suspending the Bylaws: Article IX, Section 9.2 states that the Bylaws may be suspended in whole or in part by a majority vote of the voting body during a Conference meeting.

About the Resolution Form Below

The Bylaws do not prescribe a required resolution form. The form below is a suggested example designed to help clearly identify the existing bylaw, state the proposed change, and explain the reason for the amendment. The notice and voting requirements in Article IX still control.

Suggested Steps for Writing an Amendment Resolution

  1. Identify the exact Article and Section. Example: Article V, Section 5.8.
  2. Copy the current wording exactly from the adopted Bylaws so everyone can see what is being changed.
  3. State the proposed wording clearly. Indicate whether wording is being added, deleted, or replaced.
  4. Explain the reason for the change. Keep the rationale concise and connected to the proposed amendment.
  5. Prepare the written resolution in time for Article IX notice. The proposed change must satisfy one of the two notice routes described in Section 9.1.
  6. Conference action. Adoption of a bylaw amendment requires a two-thirds vote of the voting body during a Conference meeting.

Suggested Example

Resolution to Amend the Southern Conference Bylaws

Example Form

Resolution Preview

Complete the form above and select Build Example Resolution.

Sample Resolution Format

This sample shows the structure only; it is not a proposed amendment.

RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE BYLAWS

WHEREAS, Article ___, Section ___ currently provides: “[insert current wording]”; and

WHEREAS, [briefly explain the reason for the proposed change];

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Article ___, Section ___ of the Southern Conference Bylaws be amended to read as follows:

“[insert the exact proposed wording]”

Submitted by: ________________________________

Department/Auxiliary: _________________________

Date: __________________