Bylaws Toolkit
Rules and Tools
The AAUW Bylaws contain the guidelines and regulations enacted by AAUW to provide a framework for its operation and management.
Amending State and Branch Bylaws: Last Updated November 1, 2025
Mandatory Amendment: AAUW Affiliate Agreement completed by affiliates in 2009-2010 mandates, for IRS purposes, that state and branch bylaws be conformed in “all material aspects with the AAUW National bylaws.”
AAUW has identified the Material Aspects:
- Name and Use of Name
- Purpose
- Membership Criteria
- Affiliates
- Parliamentary Authority
- Amendments
Whenever AAUW adopts bylaw amendments that affect these aspects all affiliates must incorporate the changes into their bylaws.
To make it easy to conform, AAUW has created a template in which all material aspects are contained in the first Seven articles of branch bylaw.
Mandatory Conformance:
- In 2023 the AAUW Bylaws were amended.
- Affiliates must incorporate the conforming amendments by June 30, 2026.
How to conform: The “material aspects” of these amendments are contained in the Model State & Branch Bylaws, Articles l-VII.
- Download and open the model bylaws here.
- Highlight all seven articles and click COPY.
- Open your affiliate bylaws in MSWord, Apple Pages, etc.
- Place your cursor at the beginning of your affiliate bylaws, then click PASTE to insert all seven articles from the model.
- Enter your affiliate name in Article I. Name and Governance. Sections 1 and 2.
- Save the bylaws using your affiliate code and name. Ex. GA0001-Georgia Branch.
- Follow your state’s directions for filing amended bylaws. If no state affiliate, send directly to National at connect@aauw.org .
- You’re done! Your affiliate is in compliance.
Please submit revised bylaws to connect@aauw.org and direct any questions to connect@aauw.org or aauwgovernance@aauw.org.
Conformance FAQs
No Vote. Your members do not need to vote on conforming amendments.
No. Other than entering your affiliate name, you must use the seven conforming articles exactly as they are written.
Yes, as long as you comply with state laws and rules for amending provided in your branch by laws such as giving notice, amending at the right meeting (some branches require amendment only at an annual meeting), and taking the right vote—usually 2/3 affirmative vote.
Please submit revised bylaws to connect@aauw.org and direct any questions to connect@aauw.org or aauwgovernance@aauw.org.
Choose the Right Resource
AAUW Bylaws
The AAUW Bylaws contain the rules and regulations enacted by AAUW to provide a framework for its operation and management.
Model Bylaws
States, branches and comparable AAUW-affiliated entities must develop and maintain bylaws that comply with AAUW policies and federal and state laws. Review your own bylaws and determine if they need updating to meet all requirements. AAUW entities must adopt all the mandatory sections contained in the AAUW model bylaws.
Board Policies
This manual of AAUW board policies and responsibilities covers operations, membership and finances.
Strategic Plan
States, branches and comparable AAUW-affiliated entities are encouraged to embrace these goals and strategies, build your own plans, and determine how you can contribute to AAUW’s shared organizational success within the parameters of your own resources and communities.
Volunteer Leadership Positions
Except for the specific administrative and financial responsibilities to AAUW, job descriptions are flexible based on your organization’s resources and interests. Review the position descriptions and amend them to meet your organization’s needs.
Affiliate Agreements
All AAUW organizations must sign an affiliate agreement. Access the forms and read the background of this policy.
AAUW Resolutions and Index
These resolutions include principles to guide study and action, as well as general statements of AAUW policy.
Related
Please direct membership inquiries to connect@aauw.org.
