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Greetings!
Over the past few months, I have highlighted several necessary and suggested Constitution and Bylaws (PDF) amendments that support the proposed governance change separating certification functions from membership activities. The amendments will modernize the governance document to meet current best practices, simplify the language, and ensure ACVS can effectively adapt to changing business and market conditions.
This month, I want to introduce the concept of ACVS transitioning from both a constitution and bylaws to a single set of bylaws.
A little background
Historically, constitutions held the “big picture”—purpose, name, membership categories, leadership structure, and fundamental principles. Bylaws typically covered operational rules. Over time, many organizations have adopted bylaws as a single governing document covering both principles and operations. With the guidance of legal counsel, ACVS will propose moving to only bylaws.
Advantages of having only bylaws
- Simplicity and clarity–only one governing document to reference, update, and support. It also reduces confusion for members about where to find rules.
- Efficiency in governance–one governing document streamlines the process for making needed updates and helps ACVS stay responsive as it grows, or business conditions change.
- Avoids redundancy–some parts of the constitution overlap with the bylaws. Adopting one governing document helps eliminate redundancy and create a single point of reference.
- Consistency with modern business practices–many nonprofit organizations like ACVS adopt only bylaws to minimize operational complexity and improve adaptability.
I will continue to share recommendations for proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws as we move through this process. Diplomates will have the opportunity to review all proposed amendments and provide feedback.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at aseery@acvs.org or (301) 916-0200 x106.
Sincerely,
Adam Seery, CAE
Membership Director
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