Document 3: Constitution of the Baltimore YWCA 1883, unprocessed collection of YWCA of Greater Baltimore, 128 W. Franklin Street, Annual Reports, 1883-1902.
Introduction
The constitution of the Baltimore YWCA articulates the rules of the association. Membership was open to any self-supporting woman who could prove herself to be of good moral character, references were required as part of the application process. The constitution also stipulated that active members were required to serve on boards, thus encouraging service by women for women.
CONSTITUTION
________________ ARTICLE I.
NAME AND OBJECTS.
1. This Society shall be called "The Young Women's Christian Association of the City of Baltimore."
2. The object of this Association shall be the temporal, moral and religious welfare of women, especially young women, who are dependant upon their own exertions for support.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP.
1. Any woman of good moral character may become a member by recording her full name and address and the payment of one dollar annually, and will be entitled to a vote at the annual meeting, for the election of officers.
2. The members shall be divided into three classes, ACTIVE, PASSIVE and LIFE.
3. ACTIVE MEMBERS shall be such as will serve upon one or more of the Standing Committees when appointed.
4. PASSIVE MEMBERS shall be such as contribute annually, but will not be called upon for active committee duty.
5. LIFE MEMBERS shall be such as donate twenty dollars at one time.
ARTICLE III
DUTIES OF ACTIVE MEMBERS.
1. To serve upon one or more of the Standing Committees.
2. To increase the membership of the Association.
3. To raise funds for its support.
ARTICLE IV.
OFFICERS.
1. The Officers of the Association shall be elected annually by ballot, and shall consist of a President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.
2. A Board (thirty-five) of Managers, who shall be selected from the Protestant churches of the city.
3. An Advisory Board of Gentlemen.
4. An Executive Committee, which shall consist of all the Officers and Managers, meeting once a month at the regular Board meeting.
ARTICLE V
1. The monthly meeting of the Executive Committee shall be on the second Thursday of every month at 1 P.M. in winter, and 9:30 A.M. in summer.
ARTICLE VI
QUORUM AND VACANCIES.
1. Three officers shall constitute a quorum of officers for the transaction of business.
2. Fifteen members shall constitute a quorum of the Association, and seven members a quorum of the Board of Managers.
3. All vacancies shall be filled by a vote of the Board of Mangers, and all nominations shall be made by a committee, consisting of the President, Secretaries and one lady from each denomination represented in the Board.
ARTICLE VII.
This Constitution may be altered or amended at any regular meeting of the Association (except the meeting in June, July, August and September) by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, provided due notice shall have been given of such intended change at the preceding meeting.