English subtitles for clip: File:Bylaw Resource Video.webm

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UG: Hello, I am a User Group,
planning to grow to a <b>Chapter</b>.

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However, I need guidance on the purpose
& process of formulating bylaws

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for our organization.

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Hi! Great!

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Bylaws serve as an operating manual.

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They provide guidelines for general
governance and help you meet compliance.

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They also ensure the smooth
functioning of your affiliate

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by encouraging stability.

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UG: Hmm. So what resources are available?

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You will find resources on Meta,

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But one must understand
these guidelines are only a guide

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and final bylaws will depend
on regional requirements

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as well as your individual group’s needs.

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UG: This is extensive, can you
walk me through these steps?

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Sure. So, the FIRST STEP

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to <b>declare the legal, non-profit
status of the organization</b>.

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UG: Ok, information about
local registration you mean?

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Exactly.

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The next step is to declare
the organization’s mission.

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UG: So for clarity,

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should it be Wikimedia’s mission
or the group’s mission?

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The mission of your organization, which
might vary depending on the local need,

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but which must align
with the larger mission of Wikimedia.

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This can be done either by stating
the group’s mission explicitly

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or discussing it implicitly.

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We advise you to declare the language,
geographic or subject focus

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to help others understand
the scope of work.

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UG: Why there is the focus
on language/geography/subject?

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It will provide information on affiliates
whose work may overlap

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and help ensure mutual coexistence

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between affiliates working
in the same region or theme.

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UG: Ok. What’s next?

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Step 3 is to make bylaws inclusive

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by guaranteeing
a no-discrimination policy.

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You can impose eligibility conditions,
restrictions, and exclusions;

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but these must support
inclusivity which means

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factors that might restrict engagement
and participation, must be avoided.

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UG: Got it. Can we have
a section on Diversity & Inclusion?

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Sure, as we shared earlier,
these are only a guide and are flexible

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as long as they are compliant
with Wikimedia Foundation policies.

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UG: Okay.

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Step 4 is to clearly outline
the structure of the organization

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and guidelines on membership.

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UG: Can you elaborate?
- Sure.

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Clearly define and state
the roles and responsibilities

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of members of the general forum,

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board of trustees,
and the Chairperson or executive.

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UG: Ok, that makes sense.

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Next step is to set up the rules
for the election or selection of members,

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board members, and chairperson.

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UG: Ok, so this means that we must
clearly mention in the bylaws

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the rules for election, term of election,
and terms of service of board members.

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Yes. Now, the next step
is to establish the terms of meetings.

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Terms and cycles of Annual Board Meetings

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or General Body meetings
must be explicitly declared.

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The method and time period
for announcing the meetings

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must also be mentioned in the bylaws.

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UG: Okay, anything else which is required?

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Final step is to share
a <b>code of conduct.</b>

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You must identify the best practices

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to ensure compliance
with Wikimedia Foundation.

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You can choose to follow
the Universal code of Conduct

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or prepare your own customized policy.

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UG: Thank you for the information.

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Please note that a self-assessment checklist
has been provided along with this video

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for you to check whether your bylaws
include the essential prerequisites.

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Wikimedia
Affiliations Committee