Sample Constitution and Guidelines

Creating a Club Constitution is one of the final steps of becoming an official NYCLU Campus Chapter. It is likely also a step required by your high school or university. A constitution provides a framework for the structure and procedures of your organization and can be relied upon as a 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 Chapter.

The template below provides a sample outline for an ACLU Campus Club Constitution. Use the questions asked under each Article heading to create a working structure for your group. You should 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 Campus Organizer at the NYCLU office for review and inclusion in your file.

Click here to view a sample chapter constitution.

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