Student Builders
Sample Bylaws
9/30/2018Page 1 of 3V.B.4
Important note: We created these bylaws to be a helpful starting place for your group to develop your own particular bylaws. Read this document, but then discuss it with your group and customize it as needed so that it best fits your unique situation. (One exception: the “Preamble and Purpose” applies to all groups so it should be included in the final approved bylaws.)
(Name of School)FullerCenter Student Builders
Bylaws(date)
Preamble and Purpose
The Fuller Center for Housing, faith driven and Christ centered, promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships with individuals and organizations in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide. We, as a Fuller Center Student Builders group, seek to support the local and global mission of The Fuller Center.
Student Builders “Build on the Rock!” because we believe showing true faith in Jesus is turning his love into action (Matthew 7).
Therefore, Fuller Center Student Builders build…
- Each other up in Christ
Building more than homes, we build up our partner families, each other, and our communities.
- Support
Raise money, speak with local leaders, recruit volunteers, and garner gifts-in-kind.
- Homes
Volunteer on worksites, work overseas or travel within the U.S. for a week, or sponsor a house.
- Awareness
Get the word out about the enormous need and all the ways people can help.
Article 1: Contributors
A. Who we welcome
All (name of school) students, staff, faculty, and alumni are welcomed to become(name of school) Fuller Center Student Builders. There will be no required annual dues so as to encourage and welcome anyone to join in our work. We are unashamedly a Christian organization that enthusiastically welcomes anyone who wants to contribute to our shared mission. Becoming a part of the work of The Fuller Center for Housing is not so much joining a club as it is contributing to a movement.
B. Organizational structure
We will utilize a three-tiered structure. The foundation of the pyramid is the general volunteers who offer helping hands but accept the least commitment. The second tier consists of the leadership teams who carry out specific goals, such as awareness or fundraising. The top level is the Executive Board, which should consist of the most committed and dedicated organizational leaders.
This structure allows individuals to choose their own level of commitment and also develops future leaders for smooth leadership transitions.
Article 2: Leadership
A: Executive Board
The Executive Board acts democratically in making organizational decisions, providing leadership and direction for both short and long term concerns and aspirations. It will make decisions with the purpose of furthering the goals and mission of The Fuller Center for Housing and its local partners. The board members will consist of President, Treasurer, Fundraising, Awareness, Outreach, Construction, Volunteer Coordinator, and other members or positions as decided upon by the President. The President may fill open positions by appointment until the next elections.
B. Duties of Executive Board membersand leadership teams:
The duties of the President are to operate as captain of the Executive Board, oversee and run regular meetings, and to keep in contact with the other board membersto encourage their progress.
As a board member the duties of the Treasurer are to keeprecords of all accounts, funds, and money used to operate the group. In addition, he or she willrecord and track all money invested in fundraising efforts and other expenses not directly related to building a home.
TheFundraising Teamwill oversee, initiate, brainstorm, and plan fundraising opportunities. The size of this and all leadership teams will be dependent on the year, the plan of action, and the interest level. The captain of this team will serve on the Executive Board.
The AwarenessTeamwill seek to raise awareness for the student group itself, upcoming events, worksite opportunities, and the mission and work of The Fuller Center for Housing. The team captain will serve on the Executive Board.
The Outreach Team should become a link to the larger community, both within the school and in the surrounding area. Connecting with other organizations and the local community can uncover partnership opportunities that are mutually beneficial and will help more people get involved. Outreach is also encouraged to pursue opportunities to build in the United States or abroad for a week or more during school breaks. Finally, Outreach should keep other participants up-to-date with the general work and progress of The Fuller Center around the world. The team captain will serve on the Executive Board.
The Constructionleader(s) will serve on the board and coordinate work projects/build days with local Fuller Center Covenant Partners or other like-minded organizations. These days should occur periodically and whenever practical throughout the year.
The Volunteer Coordinator will direct interactions between the group and the volunteers largely by preparing liability forms, writing emails, and speaking with people interested in getting involved. In addition, the Volunteer Coordinator will help volunteers find how they can best use their unique skills and abilities to contribute to the organization, and conversely will find and train volunteers to fit the organization’s needs.
Lastly, the role of Team Captains first and foremost is to lead their team, not necessarily to personally do the task at hand. A team working together can be more successful than an individual working alone, and implementing a full team structure will ensure smooth leadership transition in those vital roles. In some cases it may be beneficial to have co-captains, both of which may serve on the Executive Board.
C. Elections:
Only board members need be elected, and positions are open to all current studentswho have been involved with Fuller Center Student Builders. Those hoping to be a Team Captain should be nominated by the team and elected by the board, and a team may nominate up to two sets of individual or co-candidates.
The Executive Boardwill vote on the board members for the coming year, giving consideration to his or her experience, availability, leadership skills, and vision for the role. The candidate receiving the most votes will be awarded the position.
The Executive Board will decide whether positions will be held for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) or the school year (July 1 to June 30).
Article 3: Meetings
General meetings for anyone who is interested will be scheduled by the Executive Board.Leadership teams will meet on an as-needed basis and the Executive Board will meet a minimum of twice a month. To further the flow of information, the Volunteer Coordinator should create and maintain an email list through which pertinent information may be shared with interested persons.
Article 4: The Faculty Advisor
The Faculty Advisor should provide guidance to the student leaders as well as a stable presence to assist in leadership transition. The advisor should be informed of and give approval for Student Builder activities, but the responsibility of leadership will fall primarily on the shoulders of the students in this student-run, student-led organization. The advisor should have an active interest and commitment to community service.
Article 5: Annual reports
In order to foster communication between Student Builder groups and The Fuller Center headquarters, the group will complete and submit the annual report provided by FullerCenter headquarters by the given deadline.
Article 6: Amendments
The bylaws may be amended through a two-thirds vote by the Executive Board.
9/30/2018Page 1 of 3V.B.4