Writing a Constitution: 
Guidelines for ACLU of Ohio Campus Clubs

Creating a club constitution is one of the final steps of becoming an official ACLU of Ohio campus club. It is likely also a step required by your school. A constitution provides a framework for the structure and procedures of your organization and can be relied upon to guide the actions of your members individually and collectively.

Writing a constitution should be a collaborative effort. Make sure to discuss the proposed structure of your organization at a club meeting, as members might have concerns or ideas they would like to see incorporated into the document. The process of writing a constitution can be a task that builds a sense of teamwork and unity within your campus club.

The template below provides a sample outline for an ACLU of Ohio campus club constitution. Use the questions asked under each article heading to create a working structure for your group. The sentences in bold are required for inclusion in your constitution. You should also find out whether there are specific requirements for club constitutions at your school. 

Once your group has drafted a constitution, please remember to send a copy to the ACLU of Ohio office for review and inclusion in your file.

CONSTITUTION TEMPLATE

(TITLE)
CONSTITUTION OF THE ACLU OF OHIO 
CAMPUS CLUB OF ___________(YOUR SCHOOL NAME)_____________

Article I: Purpose and Status

Section 1: What is the purpose of the organization? What are its broad goals? Why was the group founded? (You may have multiple sentences listing group goals and purposes that comprise several sections. See Sample Constitution for example.)

Section 2: The Club will represent itself in a way consistent with the mission and views of the ACLU. The Club will not claim to represent the ACLU in any media outlet other than those affiliated with (your school name); furthermore, the Club will accurately represent the views of the ACLU in any campus media venue and will seek clarification on ACLU views from the ACLU of Ohio staff liaison when necessary.

Section 3: Upon receiving permission, the Club may send a representative to affiliate board meetings, but is not permitted to vote on board issues.

Section 4: The ACLU is a non-partisan organization. The Club will not endorse or oppose particular political parties or candidates and will consult with the ACLU of Ohio staff liaison before endorsing or opposing any ballot initiative.

Section 5: The Club will submit a new registration form at the beginning of every academic year. The Club will immediately notify their ACLU of Ohio staff liaison of any changes in leadership or contact information and will maintain ongoing contact for updates regarding status and projects, at least once per school term.
 

Article II: Membership

Section 1: Nondiscrimination Clause. Check with school for suggested or required format. Example: Membership shall be open to current students, faculty, and staff of XYZ University regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or status as a veteran.

Section 2: Who is eligible for membership? What qualifications are there for membership? Are there any restrictions? 

Section 3: Are there different categories of membership? For example, active vs. honorary members? Are there different benefits or requirements for categories of membership?

Section 4: How does one become a member? What steps must be followed? How long is membership For example, semester or yearly?

Section 5: How can membership be terminated and be reinstated?
 

Article III: Leadership

Section 1: Who is eligible to run for a leadership position?

Section 2: Composition: How many officers are there? What are their titles? You may wish to create a wide number of leadership positions, so that many members feel responsible for the success of the group. For example, you might designate a Meeting Facilitator, Fundraiser, Web Specialist, Recruiter, Publicity Manager, Note-taker, etc. The Club will designate primary and secondary student contacts with their ACLU of Ohio staff liaison, who will be considered President and Vice President, respectively, unless otherwise noted.

Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities: What are the duties of each of the leaders listed in Article III, Section 2?

Section 4: Term of Office: How long do leaders serve? Are there specific dates when terms begin and end?

Section 5: Removal: Are there procedures to remove or recall leaders?

Section 6: Vacancy: How are leaders who resign, are recalled, or removed to be replaced? Often, provision is made for automatic succession by the Vice President to President. Provisions for other leaders need also to be specified.

Section 7: The primary and secondary leaders of the Club are expected to become members of the ACLU and should encourage membership among other Club leaders, members, and attendees at events.

Article IV: Committees (optional)

Section 1: What standing committees are necessary for the effectiveness of the Club? Standing Committees are generally permanent committees of the organization.

Section 2: Duties and Responsibilities: What are duties of each of the standing committees? 

Section 3: Committee Chairs: How are committee chairs selected? Who appoints them? Who approves them? How long do committee chairs serve?

Section 4: What is the procedure for establishing a special committee should the need arise?
 

Article V: Elections

Section 1: Nomination: How are leaders to be nominated?

Section 2: Eligibility: Who is eligible to vote?

Section 3: Voting: What format will the voting process follow? (For example, secret ballot, openly at meetings, etc.) How are the winners in elections determined-what is the voting majority rule (for example, 2/3 of the group)? When will elections be held?

Section 4: Installation: When do leaders assume office? 
 

Article VI: Meetings

Section 1: Time and Place: How frequently will regular meetings be held? Where?

Section 2: Do you want to designate the format of your meetings? Will you follow a specific agenda? 

Section 3: Does a certain number of members need to be present to conduct official business at a meeting? (For example, 2/3 of the group, a majority, whoever shows up.)
 

Article VII: Finances

Section 1: Dues: Rather than collecting Club dues, all group members will be encouraged to become members of the ACLU by purchasing a student membership.

Section 2: Fundraising: The Club will not solicit funds from individual donors and will notify the ACLU of Ohio of significant monetary gifts or offers of gifts. Plans for fundraising will first be cleared with the ACLU of Ohio staff liaison.

Section 3: Budget: What are the plans for spending finances of the organization? Who is responsible for developing monetary plans? Will the leadership be required to present plans for spending to the membership?

Section 4: Financing Events: The Club will submit a well-organized budget proposal to their ACLU of Ohio staff liaison at least one month in advance to request funds from the ACLU of Ohio for programming.

Section 5: In the event that the Club establishes a bank account, this account will not be established in the name of the ACLU, the ACLU of Ohio, or the ACLU Campus Club, but will rather be established in the name of the Civil Liberties Club or other similar title. Follow school-designated procedures for establishing an account.
 

Article VIII: Amendments

Section 1: Initiation: Who can propose an amendment to the Constitution? How is an amendment proposed-at a meeting, in writing, etc?

Section 2: Voting: By when must the membership vote on a proposed amendment-at the next meeting? How will the amendment be voted upon? What percentage of the membership needs to be reached to approve the amendment (usually, 2/3 of the membership is required)?

ACLU of OHIO : Max Wohl Civil Liberties Center : 4506 Chester Avenue : Cleveland, OH 44103

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