1.2 ASA Bylaws

The ASA bylaws were created as part of becoming an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and provide a codified foundation for governing ASA.

Agreeing to and upholding the ASA bylaws is a requirement to be a Parent Member. (Article V.1)

The Bylaws include the vision and mission statement of ASA, as well as the core requirements for ASA to effectively and legally run.

Click HERE to read the complete bylaws.

1.3 Guiding Principles

1. We are united by a shared identity as children of God. 

a. We recognize the inherent worth of each individual.

b. We are strengthened when our community includes members of all faiths.

c. Our environment is enhanced when all are allowed to share their experiences and knowledge about their faith.  

d. We avoid promoting ideologies and concepts that divide and polarize.

2. We are anchored in eternal truths and the teachings of Jesus Christ and His prophets.

a. We share a common desire to align our will with His and to serve Him in our unique capacity.

b. All truth is taught through the Holy Spirit, and therefore an environment conducive to the Spirit should be protected and maintained. 

c. ASA is built on and aligns with the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

3. When everyone strives to work together in harmony, ASA is a mutually beneficial experience between the organization and families involved.

a. Positive interactions build a positive community.

b. Healthy relationships are fostered by communicating effectively and working, training, and learning together.

c. We recognize the impact of our own example as we learn and grow together.

d. We communicate expectations clearly and strive to ensure they are understood.

e. We speak and interact with each other with love and respect, especially in difficult situations.

f. As ASA and its members each take responsibility for their part, the mission and vision of ASA is fulfilled.

4. We are a more effective ASA community as we get to know each other and work together. 

a. We celebrate the individual talents, personalities, and learning styles in each other.

b. We appreciate the effort and contribution of everyone, including ourselves, and we allow room to grow, recognizing that we are not all in the same place.

c. Collaboration is enhanced when we share our unique perspectives and experiences.

d. We look for and act on opportunities to serve.

e. We respect each others’ boundaries. 

f. We show empathy as we actively listen to each other.

g. We build well-rounded relationships through classes, activities, events, and gatherings.

5. Families are central to a student's education.

a. Parents are primarily responsible to guide the education for their children.

b. Parent involvement and presence influences student commitment. 

c. We respect the ability of each family to make their own educational choices.

6. Our community thrives and our hearts are changed as we all strive to develop Christ-like characteristics.

a. Characteristics such as compassion, integrity, grace, and being open to and following the influence of the Spirit are foundational to developing Christ-like character.

b. Humility and patience are necessary as we seek knowledge.

c. As we cultivate a Christ-like character in our words, actions and expectations, we become powerful, effective leaders and significantly influence others.

d. We strive to be teachable as we learn new ideas and listen to one another.

e. As we adopt a positive attitude, we significantly influence our ASA community.

7. Each member has the responsibility to pursue their own learning and education.

a. I am responsible for my own education and recognize that I must put in effort to accomplish great things.

b. I develop wisdom and understanding as I diligently seek knowledge and truth and apply principles that I learn.

c. I am careful to examine new knowledge in light of prior knowledge to build upon what I already know.

d. I am willing to identify and challenge my own biases and assumptions.

e. I learn from others as I come to class prepared academically, spiritually, and ready to participate.

f. I foster my curiosity as I internalize and reflect on what I have learned.

g. I ask questions, knowing that there are not always perfect, easy answers.

h. I understand that part of the process of learning is asking questions, seeking answers, and realizing that there is more to discover. 

8. Individuals who develop an understanding of who they are and their purpose in life are inspired to embrace challenges that help them reach their potential.

a. I am born for greatness, and I see that potential in others as well.

b. I keep trying and don’t give up even when the road seems difficult.

c. Resilience comes from the lessons I learn and the skills I absorb as I face life’s experiences.

d. I develop confidence as I stretch beyond my comfort zone and realize that I can accomplish more than I thought possible.

e. I develop self-discipline as I engage in challenging tasks and am diligent in doing the things that need to be done.

9. Communities thrive when individuals hold themselves accountable.

a. I set goals, manage my time, and organize myself effectively.

b. I follow through with what I have committed to do.

c. I stay informed and follow instructions.

d. I act in accordance with established systems.

e. I strive to be flexible and adapt to situations.

1.4 ASA Policies

ASA Policies exist to further clarify and codify how ASA is run. Policies are created and adjusted by the Board and are used in guiding all decisions made by the Board. ASA policies are found throughout the ASA Handbook in gray boxes and numbered relative to their section. For a searchable list of policies see here. 

1.5 Articles of Incorporation

To become a 501(c)3, ASA filed Articles of Incorporation with the State of Utah. Each time the Directors or the main address of ASA changes, the articles must be amended.

Instructions on filing an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation can be found here.

1.6 Dissolving 

1.7 Revising Documents and Policies 

1.7.1 Amending ASA Bylaws

The ASA Bylaws are a legally binding document filed with the State of Utah. It’s imperative that all ASA policies and procedures align with the bylaws.

The bylaws should be reviewed each year by the Board of Directors. If the Board discovers that a revision to the Bylaws is necessary in order to allow ASA to continue to adjust to current circumstances,  the Board meets and discusses the necessary change.

Amendments should not be made lightly but can be made if the bylaws are no longer consistent with intentional decisions by the Board on how ASA should be run. All amendments must be consistent with the tax-exempt status of ASA. Note that most changes in the administration of ASA can be made through policies that are consistent with the bylaws. 

Amendments to the bylaws are recommended by the Board and must be approved by a two-thirds majority of Parent Members who chose to vote. Parent Members must be given 14 days notice prior when the amendments are announced.

After a successful vote, the amendments must be filed with the State of Utah following the process explained in Section 16-6a-1005 of Part 10 Amendment of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Utah Code. 

1.8 ASA Handbook 

The ASA Handbook serves as the central location for all policies, procedures, and information related to running ASA. 

The ASA Handbook should be reviewed regularly in leadership meetings and used as the foundation for trainings. Every Parent Member should review sections related to their involvement at ASA, as well as their responsibilities, when they are first appointed and then at least once a year thereafter.

1.8.1 Revising the ASA Handbook

Because it is the manual that helps keep ASA running effectively and efficiently, the handbook should be kept as up to date as possible. The Board is responsible for maintaining the Handbook.

Anyone can recommend changes to the Handbook. Committee Heads and committee members review sections of the Handbook pertaining to their responsibilities at the end of the school year prior to the transition to new leadership and recommend changes to the Board.

The Board approves all Handbook changes. The Secretary is in charge of making updates, as well as considering other locations, such as the website, where changes should also be made.