SEPAC Bylaws – Template and Tips for Family-led Groups

Closeup of a hand holding a pen to complete paperwork.

We offer an outline of what should be included in the bylaws of a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) or other family-led group. You can use this template as a starting place for writing your SEPAC bylaws.

No matter your group’s size or purpose, bylaws can be useful to leaders, members, and anyone wanting to learn more about your work. Thinking about and writing down how you will operate, as an organization, can help minimize conflict and save time deliberating over each item as it arises.

[Family-Led Group Name] By-Laws

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1: Name The name of this organization shall be [Family-Led Group Name].

Section 2: Purpose The purpose of this organization is to [briefly describe the mission and objectives of the family-led group].

Article II: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility Membership in the family-led group is open to [define eligibility criteria].

Section 2: Rights and Responsibilities Members shall have the right to [list rights, e.g., vote, participate in activities] and the responsibility to [list responsibilities, e.g., adhere to group guidelines].

Section 3: Membership Meetings Regular membership meetings shall be held [define frequency], and special meetings may be called as needed.

Article III: Leadership and Governance

Section 1: Leadership Structure The family-led group shall be governed by [define leadership structure, e.g., a board of directors, officers].

Section 2: Elections Elections for leadership positions shall be held [define frequency], and members shall have the right to nominate candidates.

Section 3: Duties of Officers/Directors Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each officer or director.

Article IV: Finances

Section 1: Funding Sources Describe the sources of funding for the family-led group.

Section 2: Financial Management Define procedures for budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing.

Article V: Committees

Section 1: Establishment The family-led group may establish committees as needed.

Section 2: Committee Responsibilities Specify the responsibilities and authority of each committee.

Article VI: Amendments

Section 1: Amendment Process By-laws may be amended by [define amendment process, e.g., a majority vote of the members].

Article VII: Dissolution

Section 1: Dissolution Process In the event of dissolution, assets shall be distributed [define distribution process, e.g., to a charitable organization].

Article VIII: Bylaws Adoption

These by-laws shall be adopted by [define adoption process, e.g., a majority vote of the members].