Description
Legal Webinar: Bylaws: The “Constitution” of Nonprofits – The Art and Science of Making Them Work
Originally Presented on January 14, 2026 | 90 Minutes | Speaker: Don Kramer, Esq., Of Counsel, Montgomery McCracken, and Editor, Nonprofit Issues | Moderator: Melissa Sines, Interim Standards for Excellence Director, PANO
Can Donald Trump serve a third term as President?
A lot of commentators say the answer is clearly “No.” Steve Bannon says they have “a plan.”
If the bylaws of a nonprofit function as the “Constitution” of the corporation, and the Constitution of the United States functions as the bylaws of the nation, learn why the term limit provision of the Constitution is not so clear and how it would undoubtedly lead to litigation if Trump seeks to serve a third term.
If you want bylaws that don’t lead to litigation, join us for tips on how to write them so that they say what you mean and mean what you say.
- Not bylaws that are open to several interpretations.
- Not bylaws that describe the way things used to be done.
- Not bylaws that fail to cover key power issues.
But bylaws that set out clear roles and responsibilities so that people can understand how to proceed, without litigation.
There is both art and science in drafting nonprofit bylaws that work. Well-written bylaws help shape power relationships within a nonprofit organization, provide unambiguous procedures to prevent disputes, and reduce the risks of litigation. They are the “Constitution” of a nonprofit corporation. They should provide answers, not raise questions.
This webinar recording will answer your questions and leave you with confidence in being able to recognize a workable set of governing instruments:
- Understand the relationship to articles of incorporation.
- Learn whether you should be a “membership” organization.
- Determine whether your bylaws answer the question: "whose organization is it?"
- Learn how to deal with ex officio directors.
- Learn how to deal with term limits.
- Learn how to deal with board committees.
- Learn the critical issues in removal clauses.
In a line-by-line review of sample articles of incorporation and bylaws, you will learn how to avoid aspirational language, inconsistent language, passive tense and ambiguities.
You will take home our most popular Ready Reference Pages on articles of incorporation and bylaws, "annotated" with explanatory comments. You will also take home sample forms that work!
Once you have purchased this webinar, you will be emailed the link and password to access the video, along with a link to download any supporting materials (e.g., copy of the PowerPoint, handouts, etc.). This email will be sent to the address that you list when you check out. If you have any questions, please email info@pano.org or call PANO’s main business line at 717-236-8584.
