ByLaws versus Policy

[Guest Linda]

The  ByLaws of a small not-for-profit state that " Regular Member: This class of membership is open to any candidate member, 18 years of age and older, who has attended at least two member meetings, assisted with at least two club functions, has two members as sponsors and has shown an active interest in promoting the goals and objectives of the club."   Is it acceptable for the Board to write policy requiring that a Candidate Member wait 6 months before applying for  Regular Membership? 

[Richard Brown]

26 minutes ago, Guest Linda said:

 

Edited December 18, 2017 at 11:16 PM by Richard Brown
Post deleted and reposted below

[Richard Brown]

24 minutes ago, Guest Linda said:

 Is it acceptable for the Board to write policy requiring that a Candidate Member wait 6 months before applying for  Regular Membership? 

No. Such a provision would have to be in the bylaws unless the bylaws give the board the authority to impose such additional conditions for membership.

[Hieu H. Huynh]

It appears someone in the same organization asked a similar question in this thread.

[J. J.]

3 hours ago, Richard Brown said:

No. Such a provision would have to be in the bylaws unless the bylaws give the board the authority to impose such additional conditions for membership.

Agreeing with Mr. Brown, I would note that this principle of interpretation applies, "if the bylaws authorize certain things, other things of the same class are thereby prohibited (p. 589-90, #4)."   The bylaw authorized certain requirements for membership, then additional additional requirements for membership cannot be created, except in the bylaws.