Sounds to me like you need to take this over to the forums at www.RobertsRules.com . People who know the ins and outs of Roberts Rules of Order will be able to answer more authoritatively than I can, and be able to cite page and paragraph.

As I see it, the question is this: is it necessary for the board to take any action to accept their resignations before they become effective? Or does a failure to refuse the resignation make it effective? And in the absence of any action, how soon do they become effective?

If you have no by-laws, then there can also be the question of authority. Most by-laws will contain a provision that Roberts Rules apply on any matter not otherwise covered. But in the absence of any by-laws, or any specification, do Roberts Rules apply?

I can tell you how it would work in a perfect world...that is, one in which people do things as I think best. I think that people who quit in a snit and then try to change their mind should learn that they their actions have consequences -- after all, isn't that the exact same lesson we try to teach our kids?

Thank You for the info. I should have explained a little better.. The VP and Sec. and Tres. all quit and for 3 weeks we ran programs and did with out them and had other members ready to step up to the position and then the 3 of them decided they wanted to come back, well we were going to hold a vote and for them and the new members that wanted to run, when the tres. said their resignations were not legal and they can still have there postions without the vote, and since we dont have any by-laws to protect against this kind of thing , there seems to be nothing we can do.

The standard procedure is for each VP to step up one office, and then an election held to fill the vacated office. Thus, if the President resigns, 1st VP becomes president, 2nd VP becomes 1st, etc. Usually, the governing board holds the election to fill the vacancy, but it can be done at a general meeting.

But nothing requires you to use the standard procedure. My old school had specific functions for each VP, and stepping up would require them to assume responsibilities different than what they had accepted. Thus, our by-laws called for an election to fill the vacated office (possibly vacating another office if an existing officer ran the open seat). The president is responsible for calling the election, or in the event of a vacancy in the presidency the highest ranking VP.

we are having to set up by-laws due to a resignation and need help , if you have anything specific about resignations and re-elections please let me know..