One of the more challenging things that
organizations do is create, revise or amend their bylaws. Some
members often find this boring, unnecessary, and a waste of time.
These members don't understand the purpose of self-government
which is that law and individual's consent to be governed by
this law is the very basis self-government and freedom. In the
original Noah Webster's Dictionary, he defines
"free":
"Subject only to fixed laws, made by
consent, and to a regular administration of such laws. Instituted
by a free people, or by consent or choice of those who are to be
subjects, and securing private rights and privileges by fixed
laws and principles."
The difference between self-government, or
constitutional government, and tyranny is that all the people get
together and agree on the laws that will govern them instead of
one person determining the laws that will govern them. So in
organizations the members get to decide by proposing laws,
amending them, discussing them and voting on them how they shall
be governed.
Bylaws give a body of people a governing
document that establishes a framework or structure in which the
body carries out its functions and operations harmoniously to
benefit the members individually and collectively.
Bylaws establish a basis from which the
organization deliberates and make decision for the benefit of the
members and the body as a whole. It establishes who is to govern
or represent the members in the administration of its affairs
which usually appears in bylaws as officers, directors and
committees. It establishes how the affairs are to be administered
and sets limits to those who are to administrate its affairs.
The bylaws determine the qualifications of
these representatives and administrators, how they are selected,
how long they are to serve in these positions, and if necessary
how to remove them and fill vacancies.
Bylaws determine who can join, how to join,
and the responsibilities after joining.
Bylaws then ensure the rights of these
members individually and collectively.
Finally, bylaws provide for order, equality,
justice, and continuity and perpetuity of the organization.
Bylaws should be written and composed by
people who understand basic parliamentary principles, law, order,
equality, fairness and justice-those who truly love freedom and
self-government. If these are the ones who the members select for
this work, they will never have to fear any form of tyranny
invading the organization and usurping power of free men and
women.
