Constitution/Bylaws
Chapter constitution/bylaws must be consistent with the OSEA Constitution and Board Policy. The chapter may include additional provisions provided they do not conflict with provisions in the OSEA Constitution and Board Policy.
The chapter constitution/bylaws contains all the rules of the chapter that are of such importance they cannot be modified or rescinded without advance notice to the membership and a two-thirds vote. For example, rules for membership qualifications, establishing chapter executive offices and standing committees, contract ratification and the chapter dues schedule should be included in the constitution/bylaws so these rules can be changed only by the membership.
Standing Rules
In addition to adopting the constitution/bylaws, chapters may consider adopting “standing rules” that provide detailed procedures for operating the chapter. They can cover any matter that can be legally voted on by the membership which is not in conflict with the chapter constitution/bylaws, the OSEA Constitution and Board Policy or provisions of law.
Standing rules are adopted by a majority vote with or without previous notice to the membership and are as binding on the chapter and its officers as the constitution/bylaws. A standing rule remains in effect until rescinded or amended by the membership at a chapter meeting; however, a rule that applies to meeting procedures only can be suspended by majority vote at any particular meeting.
Why Have Standing Rules?
Standing rules provide consistency to the chapter’s operations through instructions to the officers, executive board and committees. The rules allow flexibility to meet changing circumstances.
Examples of standing rules
- The time and place of regular chapter meetings
- Procedures to place items on meeting agendas prior to or during the meeting
- Procedures for maintenance of chapter records and files
- Additional chapter officer duties and responsibilities beyond those specified in the chapter constitution/bylaws
- Chapter political action procedures, such as endorsement of candidates and local initiatives, that are consistent with OSEA Board Policy
- Procedures for reimbursing officers’ and members’ expenses when they act on behalf of the chapter
- Procedures and standards for awarding chapter scholarships
- A method for paying bills between chapter meetings
- Authority for the executive board, committees and possibly members to place items on the chapter meeting agenda prior to the meeting
In summary, standing rules are the operating procedures of the chapter. They can cover any matter that can be legally voted on by the membership. The standing rules must be distributed with a copy of the chapter constitution/bylaws. Standing rules should be reviewed periodically to make sure they meet the needs of the membership and comply with chapter constitution/bylaws and OSEA Constitution and Board Policy.
Chapter Management
Executive board meetings
Executive boards, as the public face for the chapter, should meet to facilitate the interests and direction of the membership. Meetings provide a formal process for officers to plan and review chapter activities and projects. The chapter president usually schedules executive board meetings and develops an agenda based on chapter business, current activities and input from other officers or members.
Planning and building a strong union
Among the executive board’s responsibilities are to work with the chapter to develop a mission statement and to set both short- and long-term goals, objectives and priorities. Listening to members to build consensus and ownership is the key. The field representative, zone director and OSEA State Office will gladly provide assistance if needed.
Mission statement
Developing an effective mission statement for the chapter is vital to the planning process and the continued success of OSEA programs.
A good mission statement should answer the following:
- Who are we?
- What are we trying to do?
- Who do we serve?
- What distinguishes us from other groups?
Objectives and goals
Chapter goals need to be specific rather than general. The progress should be measurable and have the ability to hold members accountable for the work. The chapter should formulate specific and general short-, medium- and long-term goals. The following goals are examples to help a chapter define the scope of its mission and make sure the goals are consistent with their needs.
- Increase membership and participation in the bargaining unit. This increase should come through membership drives and welcoming all new hires. Recruiting new members should be a top priority as the percentage of members makes a huge difference when dealing with management.
- Better communication with members and the community about OSEA. Improve the delivery of OSEA information and positions to members and prospective members.
- Improve the identification and training of OSEA members to be leaders in the union. This process will encourage participation, prevent burnout and provide future leadership at the chapter, regional and state levels.
- It is critical to maintain a written history of the chapter. Good contracts are the result of effort and sacrifice. Too often, members think contract language is a gift from their employer. All concerns, questions and violations of the contract should be documented. Just because an issue has been resolved does not mean it doesn’t need to be remembered when the bargaining committee begins work on the next negotiations.
- To remain vital, the chapter should periodically review its mission statement or at least test it for continued validity. Reviewing the chapter’s mission statement forces leaders to respond to changes, share successes and maintain clarity of purpose.
Strategic plans
Develop an action plan and identify tasks, projects, programs and the means for completing them.
Resources
What is needed to get the job done? Identify and allocate finances, people, time, equipment and facilities to each project.
Measurement
To remain vital, the chapter should frequently review the progress of its goals. Successes need to be celebrated and members need to be thanked often for their efforts. When progress has been unsatisfactory, the goal can be revised as needed.