Bylaws are the essential governance document for every branch, with some articles mandated by national AAUW, and others left to each branch to write to best meet the branch’s preferences and circumstance. The bylaws define the branch’s governance structure and members’ rights. Read your bylaws’ Amendments to the Bylaws article for crucial information on what is required to amend your branch bylaws.

Model branch bylaws can be found on AAUW National website HERE. AAUW California no longer certifies the branch bylaws nor retains a master file of branch bylaws. Branch bylaws are filed directly with National through the online MSD system. If you need further assistance the AAUW California Governance Committee is available to help answer questions and can be reached at governance@aauw-ca.org.

Please remember that Articles I through VII are mandated by National to be in all Affiliates (Branch) Bylaws and may not be altered in any form. The governance specific to your branch will begin with Article VIII.

Policies and Procedures provide many of the policy details not in the bylaws and ideally provide job descriptions of elected and appointed positions. They may be amended by a vote of the board.

• Model Branch Policies and Procedures – includes job descriptions. (click HERE)

Standing Rules are decisions affecting the entire membership.  Therefore, they may only be amended by a vote of the branch members.