Bylaws of the Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats
ARTICLE I
PURPOSES AND AFFILIATION
Section 1.1: Name
The name of this Club shall be the Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats.
Section 1.2: Purpose
All persons registered as Democrats, or whom plan to register as Democrats once they are able, are eligible to become members of the Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats. This club shall foster democratic ideals by stimulating active interest in the Progressive Democratic movement, to support the progressive platform, contribute to the democratic party leadership, promote accountability, and to provide a constructive role for volunteering in Democratic politics.
Section 1.3: Affiliation
Shall affiliate, and remain affiliated, to the California Democratic Party via chartering with the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee. In order to secure such affiliation, members agree to the following:
- No member shall support any person not a registered Democrat against a registered Democrat in any election.
- No member shall authorize the publication of his or her Democratic Party affiliation in support of any candidate not a Democrat in any race.
- This provision will not be enforced regarding races in which the State or County Democratic Central Committee has declared the Democratic candidate to be offensive to the principles of the Democratic Party.
Article II: MEMBERSHIP
Section2.1: Eligibility
Open to all registered Democrats.
Open also to, teenagers whom plan to register as Democrats when they become voting age.
Open also to persons who are otherwise unable to register as Democrats but who plan to once they are able .
Supports the purpose of the Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats as stated in Article I- Section 1.2.
Section 2.2: Good Standing
Members whose annual dues are currently paid, or had waived hardship, shall be considered a member in good standing.
Any member paying dues between January 1 and August 30 shall be considered a member in good standing until the end of that year. Any member paying dues after September 1 of any year shall be considered a member in good standing until the end of the following year.
Section 2.3: Dues
Dues shall be reviewed mid-year and recommended by the Executive Board, for approval by the membership, to go into effect for the next membership meeting.
Dues are due and payable upon joining the club, and annually at the beginning of every club calendar year thereafter.
Dues are $10.00 for regular members, $5.00 for seniors and students; and hardship waivers are available.
Section 2.3: Voting
Each member in good standing is eligible to vote shall have one vote.
No proxy voting or absentee shall be permitted.
A member in good standing who has attended at least one prior meeting shall be eligible to vote with the exception of the inaugural meeting of the Club.
ARTICLE III: OFFICERS
Section 3.1:
The officers of the Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats shall be Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Communications Chair. All officers must be members in good standing. Each shall be elected at the general meeting and hold office position for two years and shall not hold a position for more than two consecutive terms. An elected officer may be removed from office by resolution of a two-thirds vote of the members at a General Membership Meeting for such causes as missing three unexcused consecutive meetings or non-performance of duties. This is providing the membership and officer have been notified ten days in advance of the meeting or the proposed action against the officer.
Section 3.2: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The Chair Shall:
- Preside over all meetings of the club and Executive Board.
- Prepare a written agenda for all meetings
- Make appointments to non-elected positions as required
- Carry out the policies and purpose of the club and shall pursue its interests to the best of their abilities.
- Provide overall direction and supervision of all activities.
- Regularly report to the membership body regarding all activities.
- Stimulate active interest in the political process
- Provide constructive roles for members to become active participants and volunteers
- Demonstrate effective leadership and individual responsibility
- Promote harmony within the club membership, between other clubs and within the Alameda County Central Committee
The Vice Chair shall:
- Serve at the direction of the Chair
- Preside all meetings in the absence of the Chair or if requested by the Chair
- Fulfill the duties of the Chair as requested
The Secretary shall:
- Record minutes from the General Membership, Executive Board, and Special meetings
- Assist Chair in preparing meeting agendas
- Keep an accurate record of attendance
- Maintain all records of the club’s activities
- Maintain and update membership roster
- Provide updated documentation for the clubs charter to Alameda County Central Committee
- Whenever a club’s bylaws change a copy should be submitted to the Alameda County Central Committee within 30 days to ensure continued eligibility for chartering.
- Prepare internal and external correspondence as required by bylaws
- Electronic device maybe used for recording minutes
The Treasurer shall:
- Be responsible for all club dues collected from members
- Receive and deposit money received in club’s bank account
- Sign all checks as authorized by the Executive Board
- Maintain an accurate record of club receipts and disbursements
- Provide a report of all dues received and membership names date and month.
- Present a written financial report at each general membership meeting.
- File appropriate federal, state, and local campaign disclosure reports.
- Ensure that the club follows recommended financial practices
The Communications Chair shall:
- Maintain the club’s social media accounts by: posting club announcements and events, sharing local political action opportunities for all cities represented by the club, and sharing news and memes in support of the club’s values.
- Organize regular blog postings on the club’s website
- Engage in activities to drive more traffic to the club’s social media sites and webpage
The Executive Board shall,
- The Executive Board consists of officers elected by the membership
- Five members consist of the Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Communications Chair.
- The Chair presides over all meetings of the club and the Executive Board
- Makes appointments to non-elected positions as required
- Acts as official spokesperson of the club
- Each officer serves a two (2) year term.
- Elections are scheduled the first meeting of each calendar year.
- If any officer resigns the Executive Board members shall elect an acting replacement, by majority vote.
Section 3.3: Additional Leadership and Recommended Positions
As the club develops, other positions may be established in order to meet club needs and encourage broad participation in club activities. The bylaws should state how committee chairs and other leadership positions will be appointed (e.g.; elected by the body or appointed by the officers) and which of the leadership positions will be members of the Executive Board.
Article IV: MEETINGS
Section 4.1: General Membership Meeting
Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats will participate in identifying issues of interest to the local community. We can provide arguments for and against issues and develop appropriate positions regarding candidates, and elected officials.
There shall be a minimum of four (4) General Membership Meetings each year.
Special meetings maybe scheduled by the Chair or:
Upon call of the Executive Board
Upon call of a written request signed by a majority of the members of this club
Notice of all meetings should be provided to all members of the club through the club’s newsletter, email or other mechanism. For certain kinds of meetings, e.g., endorsement meetings, special meeting (other method specified in our bylaws for those without email). All members should be notified two weeks in advance.
Chair is responsible for conducting orderly meetings and the Executive Board is responsible for removing any member who causes harm to the reputation and/or finances of the club in order to maintain their charter.
Only one person speaks at a time, no one will take the floor until it is yielded.
Each person shall express their own views, rather than speaking for others or attributing motives to them
There shall be no cross-talking or personal attacks
Everyone agrees to make a strong effort to stay on track with the agenda and to move the deliberations forward.
A quorum for a General membership meeting shall consist of three Executive Board members and a minimum of 10 percent or ten members in good standing.
If a quorum is not present, those present may adjourn until a time when a quorum shall be present.
General membership meetings shall be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation and persons with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.
Section 4.2: Executive Board Meeting
The Executive Board shall:
- Approve all expenditures
- Discuss activities and conduct affairs of the club.
The Chair shall report the results of all meetings
A quorum of the Executive Board shall be a majority of its elected members
Executive Board meetings are open to all members in good standing.
Members may participate but can’t vote
ARTICLE V: ELECTION
Section 5.1: Election
Elections shall be held every two years at the first meeting in odd years
Candidates to hold offices in the club can be:
- Nominated by self
- Nominated by a member in good standing from the floor
After nominations, each candidate shall have two minutes to speak on why they should be elected
The election may be held by show of hands or voice vote for uncontested offices
A secret ballot will be used for any contested office
Those nominees who receive a majority vote shall be declared elected
If no person receives a majority of votes cast, a run-off shall be held between those two people.
The person receiving the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected.
Section 5.3: Term of Office
The term of the office positions shall be two years. Officers shall not hold the same position for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
Section 5.4: Vacancies
Should any officer resign or fail to attend three general or Executive Board meetings in a row without cause; the Executive Board shall declare that office vacant and appoint a successor to the office position
Appointment should be approved by the membership at the next membership meeting
At the meeting nominations to fill the vacancy shall also be accepted from the floor
Section 5.5: Resignation
Resignation of officers shall be in writing via email or hard copy to the Chair and recorded by the Secretary. Afterward presented to the body
ARTICLE VI REMOVAL
Section 6.1: Removal of Officers
An officer of this club may be removed from office for misconduct or neglect of duty in office by the following procedures:
- Any officer of this Club may be removed from office for just cause.
- Misconduct in the exercise of their duties as an officer or neglect of duty in office
- If officers affiliate or register to vote as a member of another political party
The Secretary, within seven (7) days of the receipt of statement of charges shall send a copy of the statement to the accused officer. The accused officer may either resign, or file an answer to the statement. The answer to the statement should not be more than 200 words. Such answer must be received by the Secretary within ten (10) days of the date that the Secretary mailed the statement of charges.
The Secretary, within five (5) days following receipt of the answer and statement of charges shall present all information to the Executive Board.
A petition for removal:
- Must be in writing.
- Signed by at least five (5) members in good standing.
- Indicate statement of charges for removal and submit all information to the Chair or Secretary.
Removal of an officer requires two-thirds votes of the members present.
Voting shall be by secret ballot.
ARTICLE VII: STANDING COMMITTEES DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Section 7.1 Candidate Endorsements
Only candidates who are registered Democrats are eligible for Club endorsement.
Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats may take positions on candidate races and ballot measures in accordance with their by-laws.
A democratic process should be used for making endorsements by the club membership. An online voting mechanism, such as Google Forms or OpaVote, sent to all members in good standing is to be preferred for endorsement votes.
All club members shall be notified by phone or email of an endorsement consideration meeting.
The endorsement committee shall notify all prospective Democratic candidates at least ten business days prior to the meeting and provide details about the club’s process.
Only candidates who have signed the Democratic Party Platform are eligible for Club endorsement.
Section 7.2: Procedure for Candidate Endorsement
A candidate for any of the above offices shall be endorsed only by votes of the members at a general membership meeting. Endorsement must be approved by 60% of the votes received. Voting by electronic methods (i.e. Google forms, OpaVote).
The procedure for review of candidates prior to their presentation to the club for consideration for endorsement shall be developed and published by the Executive Board. The procedure shall be open to all Democrats who are seeking the Club’s endorsement. The procedure should include measures to determine that candidates are Democrats, that they are listed as candidates by the County Register of Voters and that no more candidates will be endorsed than there are offices available to be filled. Endorsements may be considered at any time prior to the election (early endorsement). This endorsement will be considered the final endorsement of the club. All candidates for an office who are Democrats shall be notified of the Petition for Endorsement by another candidate prior to the General Meeting at which the endorsement is considered.
For endorsements made in a primary race, those endorsements will stand if the endorsed candidate makes it to the general election. If the endorsed candidate doesn’t make it to the general election, the Club may revisit the endorsement in that race.
An endorsement may be rescinded and reconsidered only in the following situations; 1) The endorsed candidate withdraws from the race, or 2) The candidate engages in egregious behavior and/or violates the Democratic Party platform. The reconsideration of the endorsement in this case must be approved by 75% of the voting membership.
Section 7:3 Democratic Clubs – CDP pre-endorsement
All Democratic Clubs desiring to participate in the CDP (California Democratic Party) pre-endorsement conferences must be chartered and submit their rosters to their chartering County Central Committee by July 1st of the year prior to the endorsement process.
Only members in-good-standing of a Democratic Club as of the July 1st roster shall count for purposes of determining the number of pre-endorsement conference delegates the club shall be allocated, and only those same members shall be eligible to serve as delegates from the Democratic Club.
The term “member-in-good-standing” must be defined by each Democratic Club’s rules or by-laws, and such definition shall be the basis which is used for each club. The status of each member shall be certified by the Democratic Club’s Chair, Secretary or Treasurer.
Chartered Democratic Clubs desiring to participate in the CDP pre-endorsement conferences shall outline their process for delegate selection at a duly-noticed meeting of the Club, affirmed by a vote of those members-in-good-standing in attendance and voting.
A Democratic Club’s delegation selection process must ensure that:
- Only members-in-good-standing participate in delegate selection
- Only members-in-good-standing are eligible to be appointed as delegates
Section 7.4: Procedure for endorsing Ballot Measures
State and Local ballot measures that have been officially qualified for the ensuing election shall be presented by the Executive Board. The procedure shall provide written notice of a general meeting of the club membership. The procedure shall describe the steps which will be taken to afford members the opportunity be heard in support or opposition. At the conclusion of each hearing, the club members shall vote to decide whether to endorse, oppose, or withhold endorsement by a majority of those members present and voting.
Section 7.5: Standing Committees
The Club may establish Standing Committees as needed. A sample of Standing Committees the Club may wish to establish is included in Exhibit A. These committees shall be established by a majority vote of the members ay which point the committee would added to the bylaws. Standing Committees will be authorized for two year terms, after which each member of the committee can apply to remain on the committee, or choose not to re-apply. Any committee member who wishes to resign before their two year term concludes must submit their resignation to the Executive Board and other committee members. Each committee shall appoint a chair who will: report the committee’s activities and progress to the Executive Board, schedule the committee meetings, and prepare meeting agendas. There should be an appointed committee member to take notes at each committee meeting.
Section 7.6: Ad-Hoc Committees
The Club may also establish Ad-Hoc Committees as needed. This committee shall be authorized by a majority vote of the Executive Board. An Ad-Hoc Committee shall operate as do the Standing Committees for no more than one year. After one year, it may be re-authorized, or added to the list of Standing Committees by amendment of the BY-Laws, or abolished.
ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS
Section 8:1 Procedure for Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended by the members in the General Meeting.
Advance thirty-day notice shall be sent to all members
Amendments notice only should be placed on the agenda at least thirty (30) days prior to the next membership meeting
Proposal of the amendments of by-laws should be prepared at the Executive Board Meeting.
Draft of amended by-laws should be present at the membership meeting.
The Final amendment of the by-laws shall require two-thirds vote of the members in attendance to be approved.
ARTICLE IX ROBERT’S RULE of ORDER
Section 9.1: Orderly Meetings
The Club shall be governed by Robert’s Rule of Order.
Provides common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same language.
The conduct of ALL business is controlled by the general will of the whole membership-the right of the deliberate majority to decide.
The fundamental right of deliberative assemblies requires all questions to be thoroughly discussed before taking action!
Typical example: Call to Order – Roll Call of members present-Officers Report – Committee Report- Unfinished Business – New Business – Announcement – Adjournment
Debate cannot begin until the Chair/Vice-Chair has stated the motion or resolution and asked “are you ready for the question” If no one rises, the Chair call for the vote!
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California Democratic Party bylaw Resources Information Below
BY-LAWS & RULES OF THE CALIFORNIA DEMOCATIC PARTY ENDORSEMENT – ARTICLE VIII: Section 2:I (5) (a) (b) (c) 1 & (6)
Representatives from each Democratic Club or other Democratic organization chartered by This Committee or by a County Central committee in the year prior to the pre-endorsing conference, provided by the Chair of the Chartering Organization has certified the validity of the Charter, with such representatives allocated as follows: one representative, resident in the District and duly registered as a member of the Democratic Party of California, for each full (not fraction thereof) 20 members registered to vote in the District who are duly registered as members of the Democratic Party of California, provided that the organization has provided the Regional Director with a roster of names and addresses of its members and potential representatives on a form provided by the secretary of This Committee no later than December 31, of the year prior to the pre-endorsing conference. Club members who hold dual club memberships may only be counted for representation once. Such representatives must be registered Democrats. In the event a name is listed on two or more rosters, only one name shall be counted and the Regional Director shall first count the name on the roster of the organization which does not deprive another organization of representation, if possible; provided, however, if that is not possible, the name on the roster which was first turned in will be counted unless the individual is listed as a Representative from another organization, in which case the individual shall be counted only on the roster of the organization sought to be represented.
California Democratic Party Article IV – Section 8 Resolution Procedures
Form
All resolutions must be typed.
Inducement (e.g., Whereas) clauses shall be limited to (3) or less, and resolve clauses shall be limited to (2) or less,
Resolutions must be no longer than one (1) 8-1/2” x 11” typewritten page.
All resolutions must be adopted by a County Central Committee or a Chartered Democratic organization or sponsored by twenty-five (25) members of This Committee or a majority of the members of This Committee who meet at a Regional Meeting, per Article III, Section 4d.
Timely Resolutions
Resolutions must be received by the Sate Chair of the Party, thirty (30) calendar days prior to a meeting of This Committee, except as provided in subsection (c) below
The State Chair of the Party shall mail copies of resolutions submitted according to the above procedure to all member of the Resolutions Committee prior to a meeting of This Committee.
Late/Floor Resolutions
Twenty-five (25) copies of each resolution must be provided to the Resolutions Committee by the sponsor(s) of the resolution.
All resolutions to be considered at a meeting of This Committee must be presented for consideration at the Resolutions Committee meeting proceeding the general session. In order to be considered at the general session, a late resolution must have the unanimous consent of the Resolution Committee to be considered and all resolutions must be approved by the resolutions Committee. Any resolution heard by the Resolutions Committee, failing to obtain approval, may be brought to the floor of a meeting of This Committee with the signatures of three hundred (300) members of This Committee on forms approved by the Resolutions Committee.
All resolutions to be presented from the floor shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Convention for signature verification by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the resolution is presented.
The sponsor of a resolution presented from the floor shall be responsible for providing the Secretary of the Convention with sufficient copies of their resolution for each member of This Committee
Resolutions pending at the close of a Convention of This Committee shall be referred to the Executive Board of This Committee. All such resolutions shall first be present to the Resolutions Committee for recommendation to the Executive Board. The Resolutions Committee shall recommend: adoption, adoption with amendment, or rejection. Such resolutions shall be present to the Executive Board for consideration in its original form unless the sponsor agrees to the amendment(s) recommended by the Resolutions Committee.
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EXHIBIT A
COMMITTEE SAMPLES
Section 1.1 Resolution Committees
It shall be the duty of the Resolution Committee to review all resolutions proposed to Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats (in accordance with the By-Laws of the Democratic Party. See Attached Resource Article IV). This club shall have authority to recommend, reject or make recommendation in amending a resolution. The resolution committee shall establish and publish the procedures of resolutions.
Section 1.2 Nominating Committee
A special form of Ad-Hoc Committee shall be the Nominating Committee, which shall be appointed at the October General Meeting in the even year.
The Nominating Committee will consist of three (3) members, appointed to serve for two years
The nominating committee shall be appointed by the Chair or the membership body.
Nominating committee shall begin the process of preparing a list of nominees three (3) months prior to election in January.
The Chair shall not serve on the nomination committee but shall provide information and recommendations to the committee.
Section 1.3 Political Engagement Committee
Organize public event participation
Identify local issues that require action
Conduct legislative lobbying on issues
Promote the club’s involvement in Alameda County Central Committee Voter Registration Team
Promote club’s involvement in Alameda County Central Committee volunteer for campaign staffing
Support candidate recruitment
Promote the club’s involvement in campaign activity
Develop a system of grass roots organizing at precinct level to facilitate active participation
Section 1.4 Fund- Raising Committee
Sponsor one or more fundraising event a year
Consider demographics of the target area
Choose a good working group of members
Find a good location/venue
Advertise
Organize club participation at fair booths, rallies, parades and other events
Coordinate efforts with other committees and/or clubs when appropriate
Section 1.5 Newsletter and Publicity Committee
Shall be chaired by the Club Communications Chair
Keep members informed, involved, and motivated
Send out newsletter on a set schedule with details of upcoming event, relevant articles, and write-ups of past events
Find cost effective ways of distributing club news
A flair for telling the story in the club’s newspaper
Announce coming meetings and events in the community
Prepare Press Releases
Encourage members to submit timely letters or comments to the editor
Stimulate members interest
Section 1.6 Hospitality Committee
Prepare sign-in sheet for membership and visitors
Provide name tags for everyone in attendance
Provide clip boards and pins
Ensure refreshments are available at the club meetings, as appropriate.
Section 1.7 Membership Committees
Recruit new members
Maintain membership records
Encourage membership renewal
Southern Alameda County Progressive Democrats voter registration year-round activities
To increase voter registration
To organize outreach at college campuses and other sources of potential new Democratic registrations.