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Features

Standardizing the more appropriate term “bylaws” is beneficial, especially for an organization operating
across multiple countries and legal systems. Additionally, the National Association of Parliamentarians
(2023) recommends consolidating governing documents into a single document known as bylaws. Having
“one document is the preferred model” for governance, as it helps minimize potential duplication and
conflict (RONR 2:8-2:13). Therefore, the Revision Task Force suggests transitioning from the terminology
of Constitution and International Standing Rules to International Bylaws, to be supported by the Guidelines,
and Policies & Procedures (GAPP).

How does consolidating information into a single document improve the
overall functioning of the organization?

Like the Constitution and International Standing Rules, the International Bylaws will be written to
include information that members consider so important that it cannot be changed without prior notice
and a vote by a specified majority, likely a two-thirds vote (NAP, 2023). Ideally, the International Bylaws
will be structured in such a way that they will seldom need to be
amended. When crucial information is spread across multiple Consolidating
documents, such as the Constitution and International Standing
information. Consolidating information into a single bylaws information into
Rules, members must sort through both sources to find needed

document will simplify access, reducing search time for relevant
content. Furthermore, having two documents increases the a single bylaws
potential for errors and misunderstandings. A key advantage
of having a single document is that “it reduces potential document will
duplication/conflict” (Mouritsen, 2024, para. 12). Clear and
concise language is essential in avoiding misunderstandings
and misinterpretations, as well as the potential for discrepancies simplify access,
that may arise from conflicting information in separate
documents. The Revision Task Force will adhere to the principle reducing search
that bylaws should not need to be “so specific as to require
uncertainty” (ASAE, 2016, para. 8). Streamlined information time for relevant
frequent amending” and must not be so “vague that they create

retrieval and improved understanding will allow for improved
communication and enhanced decision-making, allowing the content.
Society to operate more efficiently and effectively and thereby
improving the overall functioning of the organization.

What happens to the International Standing Rules?

The current International Standing Rules will generally be absorbed into GAPP. McRay (2024)
cautioned not to “treat your bylaws as a policy and procedure manual” (para. 8). Bylaws will address
governance-related questions while guidelines, policies, and procedures focus on operational matters.
Guidelines suggest best practices, policies provide general principles or broad directives, and procedures
outline step-by-step instructions for implementing those policies. These three components need to be
flexible to adapt to changing operational environments—and properly can be modified more quickly than
bylaws. Keeping GAPP separate from the International Bylaws will allow for easier updates and revisions
without requiring the formal amendment process.

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