Scott Filkens of the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce posted this question recently on the Chamber Professionals Facebook Group.
“I had a question posed to me by a member that I couldn’t give an answer to and I thought I’d put it out there for some feedback.
Can a member in good standing look at or request a copy of the Chamber bylaws?
Can a member attend a monthly Board meeting?”
Frank’s response:
While I am not an attorney, this is my take.
Yes, a member can, and should be able to, easily access your bylaws. Many organizations include their bylaws in their annual review or even post them to their website. If you refuse to share your bylaws the member is just going to go around you and get them from a board member or other source. Be transparent. Be open. Your bylaws are one of your best friends (until you go to change them – future post there).
Here is an example of a chamber openly sharing their bylaws – ERIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
About attending board meetings, from my experience, most chambers welcome members to attend. Few members take them up on it. If a member does attend, treat them with courtesy but don’t allow them to disrupt the meeting. Remember, your board members time is valuable, as is your reputation to holding professional meetings. If the member is being a bully or not going through normal channels (trying to go around staff and board leadership) then you certainly don’t have to recognize them or give them any time on the agenda. Refer to your bylaws and see if these specific topic have been included. If not, default to openness and transparency.
