Each collegiate chapter, alumnae association, and house corporation, as well as the International Organization, has its own set of Bylaws and Standing Rules. Bylaws are considered proprietary governing documents and should not be released externally without authorization as outlined in the Chapter Operations Book. Instructions for Chapter Bylaws as well as sample Chapter Bylaws may be found in the Chapter Operations Book on Pride Online.

Purpose of Bylaws and Standing Rules#

Bylaws formalize how decisions can be made and business can be conducted. Robert’s Rules of Order explains that Bylaws “should include all the rules that are of such importance that they cannot be changed in any way without previous notice,” while Standing Rules “should contain only such rules as may be adopted without previous notice.” At the core, Bylaws are designed to be overarching and procedural, while Standing Rules are specific and administrative. Both documents are important in defining how decisions are made and who has both the responsibility and authority to make those decisions.

Revising the Bylaws and Standing Rules#

Collegiate chapters, alumnae associations, and house corporations review and vote upon their Bylaw updates annually or as needed through notification and voting procedures specified in their Bylaws.

The International Organization reviews and votes on proposed amendments to the Bylaws at Grand Convention through notification and voting procedures specified in the Bylaws. The review and voting processes are important and the members who serve in those roles are doing important work for the future of our organization. The next time the Bylaws of the International Organization will be amended is during 2024 Grand Convention. The Call for Amendments will happen in Fall 2023, and all proposed amendments are due to the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee by January 31, 2024. On April 20, 2024, the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee will distribute the proposed amendments to be considered at Grand Convention.

Standing Rules changes are considered and approved by Grand Council and the Strategic Leadership Team.

2024 CALL FOR AMENDMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS#

Proposed amendments to the bylaws and resolutions for consideration at the 2024 Grand Convention must be submitted by January 31, 2024. A collegiate chapter, alumnae association, chapter advisory board, house corporation, or any member of the sorority in good standing may submit proposed changes. 

The current Bylaws can be found below. Proposed amendments and resolutions must be submitted to the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee in the proper format to bylaws.adpi@gmail.com. The templates for 2024 will be released soon.

For questions, please contact any of the 2022-2024 Bylaws and Resolutions Committee members listed below:

• Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, Chair
  • 404.210.6140
  • jlyons.adpi@gmail.com
• Alyssa Bernard
  • 920.360.7173
  • adpi.alyssa@gmail.com
• Whitney Gower
  • 979.574.6499
  • W.gower@gmail.com
• Cristina Perez-Simmons
  • 562.665.1124
  • cristina.adpi@gmail.com
• Rachel Reiff
  • 262.719.9670
  • adpi.prd.chair@gmail.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS#

Have questions about ADPi Bylaws? You’re in the right place – below is a webinar (recorded April 24, 2023) along with a list of frequently asked questions. Don’t see your question listed here? Submit your question to the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee. 

You can view more under Bylaws & Resolutions in the International Organization Library Course.

Why should I care?

Every sister has a stake in how our sisterhood is organized and how it functions. The Bylaws of Alpha Delta Pi are the rules and principles that define our governing structure. They are our architectural framework and help us maintain consistency. Our Bylaws are available to every member on Pride Online.

What is the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, and who serves on it?

The work of the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee is to receive, review and recommend proposed amendments to the Bylaws of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. The current composition of the Committee is seven alumnae and two collegians. Committee members have a wide range of experience as International Officers, advisors, and collegiate leaders. Duties of Committee members include

• Understanding Alpha Delta Pi’s International Bylaws and other governing documents, such as the International Standing Rules. 
• Reviewing these to identify amendments that are advisable for the organization to function in accordance with the intent of the provisions
• Reviewing amendments submitted by others for accuracy, completeness, and effect on other provisions
• Working with Alpha Delta Pi’s Parliamentarian to ensure that process for amendments and consideration follow Robert’s Rules of Order
• Educating the membership on proposed amendments and the process of amending the International Bylaws at Grand Convention
• Attending Grand Convention to assist the efficient consideration of amendments, Presenting proposed bylaw amendments at Grand Convention.

Who writes the ADPi Bylaws?

The international Bylaws are dynamic – they have been written, revised, and amended since 1851.

Who votes amendments to the International Bylaws?

The voting delegates to Grand Convention as defined in the International Bylaws. The eligible delegates include one representative from each collegiate chapter, collegiate advisory board, house corporation, and alumnae association, along with International Officers, chairs and members of our Standing Committees, and Past Grand Council members. 

Who can submit proposed amendments to the International Bylaws?

A collegiate chapter, alumnae association, chapter advisory board, house corporation, or any member of the sorority in good standing may submit proposed changes.

When are submissions for proposed amendments due for the 2024 Grand Convention?

January 31, 2024

Where do I submit a proposed amendment?

Proposed amendments must be submitted to bylaws.adpi@gmail.com on the templates that will be released in 2023.