Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/144562
IIIIIIIIII What are Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws? (( and How Do They Pertain to Me )) Non-profit organizations, like ours, are under increasing scrutiny by the IRS and other legislation. Focus is placed on good governance principles (management) and ethical practices. Because of this, the ability of organizations to change and adapt rapidly has become vitally important. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws state how an organization is operated. The language should be relevant, clear, and easy to understand and use. Some of the provisions in these documents are required under state law, but many are not. In order to clarify the purpose of the Society, provide a framework to better clarify that purpose, enhance good governance and regulatory compliance, we are taking some practical steps. Simplifying language and removing unneeded sections as well as eliminating duplications relating to certificate provisions are becoming more common in the document revisions of fraternal societies. A motion was made and approved at the 2010 Quadrennial meeting, that the NCSF Constitution and Laws Summer 2013 — www.ncsf.com Members will always be at the top of the hierarchy, but clarifications in language should move the document to "English" rather than "legaleeze". be reviewed and updated. To meet this mandate by the membership, a "Constitution Task Force" is currently reviewing the document. Several months ago, courts were asked to submit ideas. These suggestions as well as board member input are currently under evaluation for updates. Trends among fraternal societies will also be reviewed. Members will always be at the top of the hierarchy, but clarifications in language should move the document to "English" rather than "legaleeze". The Constitution and Education Task Forces will be presenting new ideas in future issues of the National Catholic Forester magazine. We hope this information will be of interest to the membership, and especially to those of you who will serve as delegates to the 2014 Quadrennial Meeting. 5