Every Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post operates under a set of guiding principles that ensure structure, accountability, and unity. At the core of that structure are the VFW Post Bylaws, the living document that define how your Post operates, governs, and grows. Understanding these bylaws isn’t just a job for the Post Commander or Judge Advocate; it’s a leadership responsibility that benefits every officer and active member who wants to help the Post thrive.
Why VFW Post Bylaws Matter
Currently required by the VFW National Bylaws, Post Bylaws are more than procedural checklists or administrative requirements. They are the framework that ensures your Post can function fairly, efficiently, and in alignment with both Department and National mandates. Well-written, properly and periodically reviewed, and consistently followed bylaws help your Post:
- Establish clear officer and committee roles and responsibilities
- Outline procedures for elections and appointments
- Govern finances and spending
- Define when and where meetings are conducted
- Provide protection and due process for your members
When your VFW Post Bylaws are outdated, vague, or misaligned with current VFW National or Department guidance, it can lead to confusion, conflict, or even jeopardize your Post’s standing. Just because the VFW National Bylaws are the superior authority when bylaws conflict does NOT mean your Post should not be reviewing its Post Bylaws every four or five years.
Getting to Know Your VFW Post Bylaws
Whether you’re a newly elected VFW Post Commander or a Post Trustee stepping into your first leadership role, it’s critical to take the time to read your Post’s bylaws in full. Understanding how your Post Bylaws complement the National Bylaws and Manual of Procedure (MOP) is equally important.
Many Posts also have Standing Rules, those more flexible, day-to-day operational guidelines, which must not contradict the bylaws or National directives. Together, these documents shape the culture and integrity of how your Post is run.
When and How to Amend VFW Post Bylaws
Bylaws are not meant to remain static. If your Post’s operations, structure, or needs have evolved, your VFW Post Bylaws may need to be updated. Note that the Post Bylaws should not normally be a very long document. If your Post has daily operational items, stick those in your Standing Rules and add structure in your Post Bylaws to reflect when and how your Post will review and approve said Standing Rules. Some common triggers for bylaw amendments include:
- Major National Bylaw Changes took place, and Post Bylaws document is significantly obsolete
- Post seeks to add committees or special roles
- Post seeks to permanently change meeting location, dates, and times
- Post seeks to adjust its quorum threshold beyond the National guidance
Amending bylaws requires careful adherence to the procedures outlined in in the VFW National Bylaws, requiring advanced notice to all members of the Post and a two-thirds majority to pass.
Before submitting any amendment to the Department for approval and consideration by VFW National, Posts must ensure the proposal is compliant with National Bylaws and does not conflict with any overarching regulations.
REMINDER: Even when your Post passes the amendments for the VFW Post Bylaws, nothing is official until it is reviewed and signed off by the national organization.
Key Takeaways
- Know Your Documents – Every officer should read and reference the Post’s Bylaws and Standing Rules.
- Stay Current – Ensure your Post Bylaws reflect the current needs and structure of your Post.
- Follow Procedure – Amendments must follow the proper process to be valid.
- Promote Transparency – Bylaws provide transparency and fairness in Post operations.
- Leadership Starts Here – A firm grasp of your Post’s governing documents is one of the strongest indicators of capable leadership.
