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Coalition Bylaws - Voting & Membership

Hi all,

I was wondering if any of you would be willing to share copies of your coalition bylaws? Specifically, we are interested in how other coalitions have defined "active" membership and "voting" members.

We are a Cohort 6 coalition, and while we have a solid bylaw draft document. However, there have been issues recently in several other local groups around membership and voting (i.e. special interests bringing multiple people to a meeting to stack the deck when a specific issue is being voted on). 

We are looking for sample language that clearly defines who can vote, while being mindful of not making it so exclusive that the community feels that they do not have a voice. 

Feel free to share here, or contact me directly.

Thank you in advance,

Elysia Spencer

Coordinator, Shadle Prevention & Wellness Coalition (Spokane, WA)

espencer@esd101.net / 509.703.2924 

Forums: 
General Discussion
t.hizon@co.isla...- Jul 22, 2019 03:20 PM Reply

Hi Elysia,

My Coalition doesn't have "by-laws," per se, but we do have a documented structure with several rules that have served the group well.

First, potential new members have to attend at least two meetings before the group votes to approve their membership application. This allows us to get to know them, and them to get a clear idea of what they're signing up for :)

Second, while we welcome all guests and lively discussions, only approved members may vote.

I've attached our organizational structure doc. Hope it's helpful!

-Tara
Oak Harbor Youth Coalition