Purpose

The Constitution & Bylaws program informs and educates members of the American Legion Auxiliary on the importance and power of properly written, reviewed and updated documents, policies and procedures at all levels. Constitution & Bylaws are the basis for governance of your unit. Preparing and adhering to updated Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules will ensure a more successful organizational process, and provide the structures to follow at all levels of our organization.

A Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules are required for each Unit. Your Constitution rarely changes; however, you should review them often to be knowledgeable in order to teach members.Your Bylaws should be amended every five to ten years as needed and supported by Standing Rules. Standing Rules should be reviewed often, and may be changed as often as necessary.

When changes are made, you MUST send a copy of your governing documents via email to the Department of FL Chairman at [email protected]

Special 100th Anniversary Program History Facts:

In 1921, at the Auxiliary’s 1st National Convention, the Committee on Permanent Organization created the Constitution Committee, whose job it was to draft a National Constitution. Twenty-six women from twenty-six different departments were named to this committee. By 1927, the committee name changed to Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.