Gayla Schmid

Email: ksgs41001@reagan.com

Phone:

Resolutions and Amendments

Resolutions: In the ALA, a resolution is a written motion that follows a standard format and is used for matters such as proposing a change to a policy or for special recognition of people, organizations, or events, often referred to as “courtesy or ceremonial” resolutions. A resolution is distinguished from a “regular” motion in that a resolution provides the reason(s) for the motion via the “whereas” clauses, and provides a “date-stamp” for the motion via the “takes effect” provision in the resolved clause.

• Resolution Form Example
• Resolution Form Template

Amendments: An amendment is a specific proposal to modify an organization’s entity/governance documents. In the ALA, an amendment is a proposal to modify the
entity’s Constitution, Bylaws, or Standing Rules.

• Amendment Form Example
• Amendment Form Template

Resolution and Amendment Routing: Author, Department Secretary, Resolution Chairman, Committee(s), Constitution & Bylaw Chairman.  Reviewed Resolutions and Amendments are returned to Department for numbering, organizing and assembling for the DEC and Convention body.  NOTE: It is recommended that the author of the Resolution or Amendment keep a copy.

Constitution & Bylaws

Key Program Statements 

• The Constitution & Bylaws program informs and educates members of the American Legion Auxiliary on the importance and power of having properly written and regularly reviewed and updated governing documents at all levels of the organization.       
• Governing documents include your articles of incorporation (if incorporated), constitution, bylaws, standing rules, and policies. 
• These fundamental rules of the organization state how the membership agrees to govern itself, how it will choose its leaders, hold its meetings, and policies of the administration of the organization.
• Knowing the non-profit laws in your state provides the essential foundation for your governing documents at the department, district, county, and unit level.
• Having governing documents is essential to ensure operations can continue during emergencies.
• Keeping your governing documents up to date and making them available to all members are key to a healthy organization that functions as a team.
• Remember that department, district, county, and unit constitution, bylaws, and standing rules shall not conflict with national governing documents. 
• When the national constitution, bylaws, and standing rules change, departments, districts, counties, and units will automatically amend their governing documents to reflect the National changes.
• Contact your Department Constitution & Bylaws Chairman for assistance.  The National Association of Parliamentarians is a valuable resource for finding a professional registered parliamentarian near you.

Governing Documents

Department of Nebraska ALA Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules

Department of Nebraska ALA Uniform Unit Constitution

• Uniform Unit Constitution – Updated 2021

Department of Nebraska Cornhusker Girls State Governing Documents

• Cornhusker Girls State Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules – Updated 2022

Information on Original Governing Documents:

All Districts, Counties and Units must retain a current original CB&SRs signed by its President and Secretary including the approval date. A second signed and dated original must be submitted to the Department of Nebraska Secretary to be recorded and kept on file.

Distribution of Governing Documents:

• Department – a copy to Department Officers and each District President
• District – a copy to District Officer and each Unit President
• County – a copy to County Officers and each Unit President
• Unit – a copy to Unit Officers and each Unit member