World YWCA GUIDE TO STARTING A YWCA
World YWCA GUIDE TO STARTING A YWCA
World YWCA GUIDE TO STARTING A YWCA
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<strong>GUIDE</strong>LINES FOR DRAWING UP<br />
A NATIONAL CONSTITUTION<br />
Note: A lawyer should be consulted to determine what must be included in the Constitution according<br />
to the laws of the country.<br />
A Constitution is a basic document, written to endure but able to be changed if necessary. For that<br />
reason, it should include fundamental principles but not extraneous details. The Bye-Laws may include<br />
more detail since they are usually easier to amend. An example of what belongs in the Bye-Laws is the<br />
duties of the Officers, membership fees, the basis for calculating the annual quota from the local<br />
associations to the national, notice required for the calling of annual meetings, etc.<br />
Name: The name of the national association.<br />
Affiliation with the <strong>World</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong>: The Basis of the <strong>World</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong> must be quoted either at this point or<br />
elsewhere in the Constitution.<br />
Aim or Purpose: The fundamental reason for the existence of the association.<br />
Function: The role and activities of the association in carrying out the aim.<br />
Affiliation of Local Associations: Criteria for being affiliated with the National Association.<br />
Development of New Associations: Who is responsible for development, how assistance is requested, etc.<br />
Membership Requirements: Eligibility and categories of membership, eligibility for leadership and<br />
disaffiliation requirements.<br />
Leadership by Women: In joint <strong>YWCA</strong>-YMCA associations, attention should be given to having equal<br />
numbers of <strong>YWCA</strong> and YMCA leaders on the Executive Committee/Board.<br />
Legislative Meeting: What the legislative meeting is (e.g. Convention, Council, Assembly), how frequently<br />
it meets, who may attend, how is it called, etc.<br />
Officers:<br />
List of officers, procedures for their election, and terms of office.<br />
Executive Committee and Sub-Committees, if desired: Size, how elected, frequency of meeting and<br />
functions.<br />
Finance and Property: Sources (dues, fees, donations) and management responsibility of finance and<br />
property.<br />
Amendments to the Constitution: Procedures for amending the Constitution (e.g. special legislative<br />
meeting, quorum required, etc.)<br />
Procedures for dissolution and disposition of its resources.<br />
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