NYCLU Campus Chapter Sample Constitution

Note: The actual provisions of your constitution may vary according to the requirements of your school.

CONSTITUTION

NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION __________ COLLEGE CHAPTER

ARTICLE I: Purpose and Status
1) In order to promote discussion and awareness of civil liberties issues and to safeguard civil liberties, we hereby establish the New York Civil Liberties Union __________ College Chapter.

2) The ACLU __________ College Chapter is a chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU __________ College Chapter shall abide by ACLU and NYCLU policies.

3) The ACLU __________ College Chapter is an official __________ College undergraduate organization and shall act in strict compliance with the __________ College Undergraduate Regulations. The Chapter does not purport to represent the views or opinions of __________ University or __________ College or of the ACLU or NYCLU

ARTICLE II: Membership
1) Membership shall be open to all current students, faculty, and staff of __________ University, regardless of age, creed, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or status as a veteran.

2) Members are encouraged to become members of the New York Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union, but this is not required, nor are any dues required to participate in the Campus Chapter.

ARTICLE III: Officers
1) The officers of the Chapter shall include an Executive Board consisting of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Officers must be full members.

2) The Executive Board shall vote on any pressing decision facing the Student Chapter. No member of the Board has veto power. In the case of a tied vote, the full and associate members shall break the tie at a meeting. The vote must have been previously announced.

3) The President shall be responsible for contacts with the __________ administration, the New York Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union, governmental bodies, and other groups, and for monitoring events in New York, and the nation.

4) The Vice President shall be responsible for the general supervision of the Chapter's events, committees, and programs.

5) The Secretary shall be responsible for the Internet site, publications, newsletters, posters, and other applicable media.

6) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the Chapter, and shall keep accurate financial records.

7) Committees may be formed by the Executive Board to address various topics. Committee chairs shall be designated to supervise the activities of each committee.

ARTICLE IV: Finances
1) The ACLU __________ College Chapter is a non-profit organization.

2) An accurate record of all income and expenses shall be maintained at all times. Receipts shall be written for all contributions. The financial records of the Chapter shall be subject to audit by the Executive Board and __________ University at any time.

3) In the event that the chapter disbands, all disposable property will be distributed to appropriate divisions of __________ College by the __________ College Dean' Office. Remaining funds acquired from __________ University shall be distributed to the __________ College Dean's Office. Notification must be given to the NYCLU.

ARTICLE V: Elections
1) Officers shall be elected annually by the members of the Chapter. Elections shall be held in April, and the term of office shall begin one week following the election. Members must be notified of elections and available positions at least two weeks prior to the election.

2) All members shall have one vote by secret ballot. Any active full member may nominate himself or herself or any other active full member for a position.

3) A full member who attends at least two meetings each semester shall be considered an active full member of the organization. Attendance is subject to verification by the Executive Board. Any denials of membership may be appealed first to the Executive Board and then to the __________ College Dean of Student Affairs.

4) Elections will begin with the first position named in the Constitution and will proceed from the Executive Board to committee chairs. If there is only one contested position in the Executive Board, or among the committees, the contested position will be voted upon first. The order of voting upon positions does not imply any hierarchy among the positions of the Executive Board.

5) Each candidate will speak for no more than ten minutes before a vote takes place. Those who are not elected to a position may be considered for a remaining position if they desire to be so considered.

6) New positions can be created during elections by a two-thirds majority vote. Elections may be called at any other time by a two-thirds majority vote.

ARTICLE VI: Amendments
1) A two-thirds majority vote of active full members as defined by this Constitution shall be sufficient for the ratification of this Constitution.

2) This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of active members.

 

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