Behind the Bylaws #4: Articles 12 & 13 Review
This week, we are continuing the article-by-article review of the proposed bylaws updates. In this update, we will address questions received after the Article 11 review, then focus on Articles 12 and 13.
Questions from Week 3
Below are answers to common questions submitted after last week’s update.
Question 1: [Insert member question]
Answer: [Insert approved answer in plain language.]
Where to review: [Point members to the relevant article, page, section, or link.]
Question 2: [Insert member question]
Answer: [Insert approved answer in plain language.]
Where to review: [Point members to the relevant article, page, section, or link.]
Question 3: [Insert member question]
Answer: [Insert approved answer in plain language.]
Where to review: [Point members to the relevant article, page, section, or link.]
Question 4: [Insert member question, if needed]
Answer: [Insert approved answer in plain language.]
Where to review: [Point members to the relevant article, page, section, or link.]
What’s Covered This Week?
This week’s update focuses on Articles XII and XIII, which address Association meetings and committee operations. While these proposed changes may not be as visible as the leadership changes we discussed last week, they are designed to help Longleaf Pine REALTORS® operate more efficiently while continuing to encourage member involvement and transparency.
Please remember to visit the Behind the Bylaws Resource Page which can be found at
https://www.longleafpinerealtors.com/bylawsupdates/. There you will find a library of all updates; a documents page with links to the red-lined version of the bylaws and a clean version of the draft; an archive of all questions received from members; and more.
Thank you again for following our Behind the Bylaws series.
Article 12 Meetings
Proposed updates include:
Several proposed changes update meeting procedures to better reflect today’s business practices. These include the following:
- Establishing that the Annual Meeting will be held no later than November 30.
- Clarifying Board meeting procedures, including attendance expectations, quorum requirements, and special meeting procedures.
- Increasing member notice for meetings from one week to ten days.
- Expanding the use of electronic notices, electronic meetings, and electronic voting where permitted by law.
- Clarifying when Association business may be conducted electronically between meetings.
Why does this matter?
These recommendations provide:
- Clearer governance procedures for future Boards
- More advance notice for members
- Greater flexibility when conducting Association business.
- Better use of today’s technology
Article 13 Committees
Committees remain one of the most valuable ways members contribute to the success of Longleaf Pine REALTORS®. Several recommendations are intended to strengthen committee operations while allowing the Association to adapt more easily as members’ needs evolve.
Proposed updates include:
- Listing only National Association-required committees in the Bylaws.
- Moving operational committees to the Association’s Policy Manual.
- Clarifying how committee chairs and vice chairs are appointed.
- Allowing committee chairs to determine when members may participate electronically.
- Strengthening the Finance & Budget Committee through:
- Increasing membership from six to seven members.
- Providing Board members with additional time to review the proposed annual budget.
These recommendations are intended to improve both committee effectiveness and long-term financial planning.
Why do these changes matter?
Although many of these revisions are administrative in nature, together they help create a governance structure that is:
- More efficient, flexible, and transparent.
- Better aligned with today’s technology.
- Better equipped to respond to future members’ needs.
Rather than requiring frequent bylaw amendments for routine operational changes, these recommendations provide the flexibility needed for the Association to continue serving members effectively.
Submit a Question
Members are encouraged to submit questions throughout the review process. Questions received may be addressed in future weekly updates, FAQs, or other member communications. Submit a question here: Question Form
Continue Following the Series
The next update will be shared on August 4 and will review Articles 14–19, along with questions received from this week’s update.
