Club Constitution and Bylaws

Purpose of the constitution and bylaws

• Every 4-H club is required to have a constitution and bylaws. 
• The constitution and bylaws describe the organizational and governing structure of a 4-H club. 
• Just like the Constitution of South Africa, the 4-H club constitution is the highest law of the club. 
• The constitution describes the purpose of the club, basic principles that govern the club, who can be members, how often the club meets, etc. 
• The bylaws are secondary principles that govern the club. 
• Bylaws describe in detail the steps the club must follow in order to conduct business.

Who is responsible for writing and approving the constitution and bylaws?

• It is important that club members, volunteer leaders, and parents all have input in the development of the club’s constitution and bylaws. 
• Often a committee of club officers and adult leaders drafts the first version for the club’s approval. 
• After completing its constitution and bylaws, the club must provide a copy to the IMonti 4-H PYDC office. 
• The IMonti 4-H PYDC staff must approve the 4-H club’s constitution and bylaws to ensure that they are in compliance with government laws and IMonti 4-H PYDC policies and guidelines. 
• The purpose and needs of the 4-H club may change over time so it is important that the club review its constitution and bylaws on a regular basis.

Tips on writing your constitution and bylaws

• 4-H Clubs can use the sample templates in this document to develop their own club constitution and bylaws. 
• The constitution and bylaws must be written so that the entire membership can understand and feel ownership for these documents. 
• The club should use simple language written from a positive point of view. For example, rather than writing “Any member who misses three meetings is not in good standing and cannot exhibit at the fair.” Instead write “Members must attend seven meetings to be in good standing. Members in good standing are eligible to exhibit at the fair.”

How to use your constitution and bylaws

• A written copy of the 4-H club’s constitution and bylaws should be given to all club members, leaders, and parents. 
• This will ensure that everyone is aware of how the club will function. It also will help to unify the members by informing them about the opportunities that exist for participation and the procedures they must follow to be active, contributing members. 
• The annual 4-H club officer training will include a thorough review of the club’s constitution and bylaws.