BYLAWS TEMPLATE FOR [CHAPTER NAME] Use this template to create your chapter's governing documents. Adapt language and processes to match your values and context. --- ARTICLE 1: NAME AND PURPOSE Section 1.1 Name This organization shall be known as the [Chapter Name] Chapter of the Universal Basic Income Foundation (UBIf). Section 1.2 Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to: - Advance understanding of universal basic income and its potential to address economic inequality - Organize community members around mutual aid and infrastructure projects - Build local power and agency in our community - Create democratic structures that distribute decision-making authority - Support our broader movement for economic justice and community self-determination Section 1.3 Values Our chapter is committed to: - Democratic decision-making and transparency - Inclusion of people most affected by economic inequality - Respecting diverse perspectives while maintaining shared purpose - Accountability to our community - Integrity in how we organize (we practice what we preach) --- ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP Section 2.1 Who Can Join Membership is open to any person who: - Affirms commitment to our mission and values - Lives in or works in our geographic area - Has participated in at least [one meeting/one event] in the past [time period] - Pays membership dues (if applicable) or qualifies for reduction/waiver Section 2.2 Membership Rights Members have the right to: - Attend all chapter meetings and events - Participate in chapter decisions according to these bylaws - Vote on chapter matters (if voting member) - Run for leadership positions - Propose projects and initiatives - Request time on meeting agendas - Receive communications about chapter activities Section 2.3 Membership Responsibilities Members commit to: - Upholding chapter values and mission - Attending meetings when possible - Contributing skills, time, or resources as able - Respecting other members and working through conflict respectfully - Following these bylaws and chapter decisions Section 2.4 Types of Membership [CHOOSE ONE MODEL] MODEL A - Single Membership Type: All members have equal voting rights and participation opportunities. MODEL B - Tiered Membership: - Active Members: Attend [X] meetings per year, vote on all decisions - Supporting Members: Participate in projects, limited voting rights - Youth Members: Under [age], participate with adult mentor, partial voting MODEL C - Consensus-Based (No formal membership): Participation is open; we use consensus decision-making so formal voting isn't needed. Section 2.5 Removal of Membership A member may be removed by [two-thirds vote of chapter/consensus of leadership] if they: - Consistently violate our values or bylaws - Are asked to leave after a conflict resolution process - Stop participating for [6+ months] and don't respond to outreach --- ARTICLE 3: STRUCTURE AND LEADERSHIP Section 3.1 Governance Model [CHOOSE ONE] MODEL A - Direct Democracy: All decisions are made by the full membership through meetings and votes. MODEL B - Representative/Board-Based: An elected board makes decisions on behalf of the membership, with major decisions going to full membership votes. MODEL C - Distributed/Committee-Based: Different committees manage different areas (projects, fundraising, communications, etc.). A coordinating council aligns across committees. MODEL D - Hybrid: [Describe your specific combination of models] Section 3.2 Leadership Positions [IF APPLICABLE] Core Positions: - Coordinator/Facilitator: Schedules meetings, coordinates between groups, ensures communication - Finance Lead: Manages budget, tracks expenses, pays bills, reports on finances - Secretary: Takes meeting notes, maintains decision log, archives documents - Community Liaison: Outreach, recruitment, supports new members Optional Positions: - Project Lead(s): Oversee specific initiatives - Communications Lead: Social media, website, newsletters - Fundraising Lead: Pursues funding sources, manages donor relationships Section 3.3 Election and Terms - Elections held [annually/biannually] - Term length: [1-2 years] - Members may serve consecutive terms - Leadership roles can be shared by 2+ people - Candidates nominated at [prior meeting/open nomination] - Voting method: [consensus/supermajority/simple majority] Section 3.4 Removal of Leaders A leader may be removed by [two-thirds membership vote] if they: - Violate these bylaws or chapter values - Are unable or unwilling to fulfill their role - Are asked to step down after conflict resolution --- ARTICLE 4: DECISION-MAKING Section 4.1 Decision Types Tier 1 - Major Decisions (Full membership): - Chapter goals and priorities - Taking public positions on policies - Approving large budgets or expenditures - Significant bylaw changes - Major projects or initiatives - Expulsion of members or leaders Tier 2 - Operational Decisions (Leadership/Committees): - Day-to-day budget decisions within approved allocation - Committee work and implementation details - Hiring staff or contractors - Communications and messaging (within chapter position) Tier 3 - Tactical Decisions (Staff/Working groups): - Meeting logistics and schedules - Internal organization and communications - Details of project execution Section 4.2 Decision-Making Methods [SELECT THE METHODS YOUR CHAPTER WILL USE] Consensus (for major decisions): - Proposal presented - Discussion: each person speaks once - Concerns raised and addressed - Proposal modified if needed - Final check: "Does everyone accept this?" (No blocks) - Decision made with strong buy-in Supermajority Vote (for important decisions): - [66% or 75%] of voting members must approve - Discussion before vote - Clear vote count and announcement Simple Majority Vote (for choosing between options): - 50%+ votes in favor - Used for operational decisions or picking between clear alternatives - Not used for values/principles questions Delegation: - Committee or leader empowered to decide - Must report decisions to membership - Members can call for membership vote if concerned Section 4.3 Meeting Requirements General Membership Meetings: - Held [weekly/monthly/quarterly] - [Quorum = X% of members or X members] required for binding decisions - Meetings open to all members - Agenda distributed [24 hours/1 week] in advance - Decisions documented and shared Leadership Meetings (if applicable): - Held [weekly/bi-weekly] - Minutes sent to full membership - Major decisions reported at general meetings Section 4.4 Voting Who Can Vote: - Active/full members only - [Or: All participants may contribute to consensus] Voting Methods: - Ranked choice (for choosing between options) - Yes/No/Abstain (for proposals) - Dot voting (for prioritizing) Vote Documentation: - All votes recorded in decision log - Minority views documented if requested - Results communicated to full membership --- ARTICLE 5: FINANCES Section 5.1 Fiscal Sponsor [IF APPLICABLE] This chapter operates under [Organization Name] for tax and legal purposes. UBIf National retains [X%] of funds raised; chapter retains [X%] for local work. Section 5.2 Funding Sources The chapter may raise funds through: - Membership dues: $[amount] per [period] - Donations - Grants - Fundraising events - In-kind contributions Section 5.3 Budget Process - Finance lead prepares draft budget [timeframe] - Membership reviews and votes on annual budget [timeframe] - Major budget changes require membership approval - Monthly financial report provided to membership Section 5.4 Financial Controls - Two people required to approve expenses over $[amount] - All expenses documented and receipts kept - Financial records open for member review - Annual financial summary provided to membership - If applicable, annual audit by [accountant/auditor] Section 5.5 Use of Funds Funds support: - Staff and volunteer support (mileage, stipends, training) - Project costs and equipment - Meeting space and supplies - Communications and outreach - Reserve fund ([10-20%] of budget) --- ARTICLE 6: CONFLICT RESOLUTION Section 6.1 Commitment to Resolution We are committed to addressing conflicts quickly and respectfully. Conflict is normal; unmanaged conflict damages relationships. Section 6.2 Conflict Resolution Steps Step 1: Direct Conversation Two people in conflict meet privately and try to resolve. One may request a third-party mediator. Step 2: Mediation A neutral third party (from within chapter if possible) helps the two people understand each other and explore solutions. Step 3: Restorative Circle If conflict involves community harm, a facilitated circle brings together those involved and affected to understand impact and decide on ways forward. Step 4: Leadership Decision If other steps don't resolve, [leadership/board/full membership] hears both perspectives and makes a binding decision. Section 6.3 Serious Violations Serious harm (abuse, theft, discrimination, etc.) may bypass earlier steps and go directly to leadership/membership decision. --- ARTICLE 7: AMENDMENTS Section 7.1 Bylaw Changes These bylaws may be amended by [two-thirds membership vote/consensus]. Section 7.2 Process - Proposed amendment submitted in writing to [leader/coordinator] - Amendment discussed at [two/three] meetings before vote - Full membership votes on amendment - Approved amendment takes effect [immediately/at next meeting] Section 7.3 Frequency Bylaws reviewed [annually/every 2 years] and updated as needed. --- ARTICLE 8: MEETINGS AND COMMUNICATION Section 8.1 Meeting Format - Meetings held [day/time/location] - [Virtual/in-person/hybrid] format - Meetings [open to public/members only] Section 8.2 Meeting Agreements We agree to: - Start and end on time - Assume good intent; address impact - One person speaks at a time - Respect confidentiality about personal stories - Step up/step back (make space for others) - Stay on agenda unless group agrees otherwise Section 8.3 Communication Members stay informed through: - Email listserv - Slack/messaging platform - Social media - Group chat - In-person meetings --- APPROVED AND ADOPTED [Date]: _____________________ Chapter Coordinator/Chair: _____________________ Secretary: _____________________ --- NOTES FOR ADAPTING THIS TEMPLATE: 1. Start simple. You don't need perfect bylaws before getting started. You can amend them as you learn what works. 2. Match your governance model to your size and complexity: - Under 20 people: Direct democracy works well - 20-100 people: Representative or committee model - Over 100 people: Delegate to leadership, reserve major decisions for membership 3. Be specific about: - Who can vote and under what conditions - What decisions require what voting threshold - How long decisions take - How often you meet 4. Include values, not just procedures. Bylaws shape culture. 5. Make it readable. Use plain language. Avoid legal jargon if possible. 6. Test it. Run through scenarios: "If this happened, who would decide and how?" Adjust until it makes sense. 7. Keep them accessible. Share with all members. Review annually.