The standing rules of an organization outline procedures that can be amended by a two-thirds majority vote and provide flexibility compared to bylaws. This document provides a draft template for standing rules that establish items like the chapter name, affiliation with HLAA, meeting schedule, officer roles and duties, committee structure, funding sources, use of the HLAA logo, quorum requirements, and procedures for notifying HLAA of leadership changes.

1. DRAFT TEMPLATE
The standing rules
The standing rules of an organization are simply a compilation of main motions adopted
by an organization from time to time by a majority vote. They are more flexible than
bylaws and may be amended or rescinded by a two-third of the membership. They can be
adopted when the need arises.
Items for consideration:
The name of this chapter is the (YOUR CHAPTER NAME) Chapter.
The (YOUR CHAPTER NAME) Chapter is affiliated with Hearing Loss Association of
America. (HLAA).
(State if the chapter chooses or does not choose to come under the Umbrella of HLAA).
Regular meetings of the (YOUR CHAPTER NAME) Chapter shall be held each month at
(time) at the (location).
(Not any exceptions here, i.e., will not meet in August, will substitute the national
convention for the June meeting. etc.)
The mailing address of the organization is……………………….
The officers of this chapter will be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
(Or a chapter may choose to be governed by steering/planning committee with a
designated treasurer.)
Duties of each officer or duties of a treasurer is no designated or elected officers.
Vacancies may be (appointed/elected)
The chapters governing body (Board, Steering Committee,) will meet monthly at
(date/time), (location).
Reimbursement, but no compensation may be paid to officers or members for expenses
incurred for the chapter.
No hearing health related business may be conducted by any members or participants.
An HLAA member is someone who has paid a membership fee to the HLAA office in
Bethesda, MD.
The (YOUR CHAPTER NAME) chapter operating expenses are funded through
(newsletter subscriptions, donations, etc.)
The chapter’s standing expenses committee will be …………………
The chapter’s special committee will be ………………

2. That (YOUR CHAPTER NAME) chapter will (elect, name, appoint) (1) (2) members to
attend the HLAA National Convention as delegates of our chapters and pay their
registration, (travel, hotel,) (Or designate a set sum of money for delegate(s).)
We will use the HLAA logo on all chapter publications and correspondence.
For voting purposes, a quorum is the majority of HLAA members at the voting meeting.
(You may wish to decide if proxy voting will be permitted and include that statement)
Twice a year, or when requested, a designated person (i.e., president, vice-president,) will
send a report about the chapter to the HLAA Office.
The outgoing leader (i.e. President, Organizing Committee chair, Planning Committee
Chair), will notify the Chapter Development Office of HLAA of changes in leaders as
soon as they are made.
The outgoing leader (i.e. President, Organizing Committee chair, Planning Committee
Chair) will provide for a smooth transition of leadership to the new leader and will pass
on to the new leader such items as files, records, database and Chapter Manual etc.