Bylaws of the Eugene Local Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America
Revised and adopted November 22 2020
Article I. Name.
The name of the Local Chapter shall be the Eugene Local Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (National DSA). National DSA is a not-for-profit corporation.
Article II. Purpose.
The Eugene Local Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is organized exclusively to promote social welfare. It seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means/resources of production are democratically and socially controlled.
DSA rejects capitalism, an economic order based on oppression, private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, gender, disability or sexual orientation, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.
DSA envisions a humane social order based on popular control of resources, production, and economic planning, equitable distribution, gender and racial equality, and non-oppressive relationships.
Our conception of socialism is a profoundly democratic one. It is rooted in the belief that human beings should be free to develop to their fullest potential, that public policies should be determined not by wealth but by popular participation, and that individual liberties should be carefully safeguarded. It is committed to a freedom of speech that does not recoil from dissent, to a freedom to organize independent trade unions, women’s groups, political parties, and other formations — recognizing these as essential bulwarks against the dangers of an intrusive state. It is committed to a freedom of religion that acknowledges the rights of those for whom spiritual concerns are central.
We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision. In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the broad democratic Left. In the long run, we hope to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States. Our strategy acknowledges the class structure of the U.S. society. This class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population.
Article III. Membership.
Section 1. Membership.
Members of the Eugene Local Chapter of DSA will be those individuals who are in good standing with National DSA, who reside and/or work in Eugene and environs, defined to be the area with Zip codes beginning with 974; if they do not, individuals may join the Local Chapter by sending an email or letter to the Coordinating Committee (collectively, the membership). Individuals who are already members or become members of another chapter of National DSA may not also be members of this Local Chapter. It will be the responsibility of members to approve policies and guidelines for the operation of the Local Chapter, to elect the Local Chapter’s Coordinating Committee, to elect delegates to the national convention, to vote on matters related to local and national policy, to make recommendations on issues, policies, activities, and ongoing efforts pursuant to local or national political goals, and to contribute toward the Local Chapter’s goals as described in Article II.
Section 2. Resignation and Expulsion.
Any member may resign from National DSA by submitting an email or letter of resignation to the National Director of National DSA. Any member may resign from the Local Chapter and become an at-large member of National DSA by sending an email or letter of resignation to both the Data Custodian of the Local Chapter and the National Director. Furthermore, if a member in good standing is found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, if they are found to have violated the Local Chapter’s Code of Conduct, or if they are found to be under the discipline of any self-defined democratic centralist organization, the Local Chapter may vote to suspend (as defined in the Code of Conduct) or expel them from the Local Chapter. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member must formally proffer written charges against the member in question to the Local Chapter Coordinating Committee, which shall set the date of a Local Chapter meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two weeks before that meeting takes place, as well as an opportunity to speak before members prior to a determining vote. Suspension or expulsion of a member shall require a two-thirds vote at this Meeting. A suspended or expelled member may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA.
Section 3. Voluntary Donations.
As mandated by the national Bylaws, the Local Chapter may establish a Local Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment or nonpayment of a Local Chapter donation may not deny membership or the privileges or the powers of membership to any individual that is in good standing of National DSA, including voting or for holding Local Chapter office. Members may not face retaliatory action for the nonpayment of donations or preferential treatment for paying local donations (see the Code of Conduct). Donations shall be kept anonymous to the greatest practical extent.
Section 4. Privacy concerns.
Care will be taken to protect the privacy of each member’s contact information. Public information includes the names of Coordinating Committee members. Protected information includes member email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing or physical addresses. Protected information may only be shared to members outside the Coordinating Committee on a need-to-know basis to facilitate communication to members. Anyone with access to protected information must agree to use it only to further goals of the local chapter.
Section 5. Disclosure
Recognizing that law enforcement functions under capitalism to protect private property relations and the interests of the ruling class, rather than the safety and well-being of the people, and recognizing also the severe physical danger posed by the legal system to people of color, the Eugene Local Chapter shall not allow participation by those employed or affiliated with any institution forming a part of the carceral system, insofar as their employment or affiliation contributes to the oppressive functions of that system. The carceral system is understood to include police departments, jails and prisons, judges and state prosecutors’ offices, immigration enforcement organizations, federal law enforcement bodies, and labor organizations representing workers in any of the above organizations. Individuals seeking to participate in chapter activities must disclose any employment or political relationships with such organizations. Failure to disclose such a relationship is grounds for suspension or expulsion from the chapter. Individuals working within such organizations in a capacity that does not significantly contribute to their oppressive character, or mitigates it to some degree – working, for instance, as a janitor at a police department, a therapist at a prison, or a public defender at a courthouse – will be allowed to participate in chapter activities, on a case-by-case basis.
Article IV. Local Chapter Meetings.
Section 1. General Meeting.
The Local Chapter will hold a minimum of one General Meeting annually, at a date, time, and location agreed upon by the Coordinating Committee within 2 months of the anniversary of the prior General Meeting. At least fourteen (14) days before the General Meeting, all members of the Local Chapter will be sent notice of the meeting along with a proposed agenda. Notice may be sent by electronic means, but individuals who have not provided an email address or other means of electronic communication must be sent a paper copy. The General Meeting will elect chapter officers, receive reports of the activities of the chapter, set the political direction and policies of the chapter and its programming for the coming year, and may adopt an annual budget. The General Meeting shall be considered the “Annual Meeting” where local or state law may require such and may coincide with a Regular Meeting.
Section 2. Regular Meetings.
The Local Chapter will hold Regular Meetings at least monthly, the time and place of which shall be set in a schedule published and distributed by the Local Chapter Coordinating Committee. The Regular Meetings will set Local Chapter policy and work priorities and may include political discussion or education sessions. The Local Chapter Coordinating Committee will propose the agenda for Regular Meetings.
Section 3. Special Meetings.
The Local Chapter Coordinating Committee or 10 percent of the membership may call a Special Meeting of the Local Chapter on at least seven days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation. No matters other than those listed in the meeting notice may be brought to or raised from the floor at a Special Meeting.
Section 4. Quorum.
A quorum of 10% of the members or 80% of the average attendance of the last three Meetings, whichever is higher, (but not fewer than six persons) is required for General, Regular, or Special Meetings (each, when they meet quorum, is a Meeting) to transact business. Should a meeting fail to meet quorum in two consecutive occasions, the Coordinating Committee shall be permitted to modify this formulation, subject to a majority vote of the members present at the next planned Regular Meeting.
Section 5. Accessibility.
Members may participate in Meetings by, or through the use of, any means of communication allowing all participants to simultaneously or sequentially communicate with one other, such as teleconference, video-conference, or other available technology. This includes voice votes. Any participant in a Meeting by such means shall be deemed present in person at such meeting.
A Member in good standing (Proxy) who is present at a Meeting may hold up to two signed proxy cards from other non-present Members in good standing. The Proxy must vote in line with each non-present Member’s directions as written on their proxy card. Any member who requests an accessibility accommodation and is not present at a Meeting shall not be counted toward the two proxy-vote limit. Despite being deemed present by attending electronically, non-physically present members may avail themselves of proxies for purposes of voting by secret ballot.
Section 6. Online Voting.
The Coordinating Committee may decide to, or shall, at the request of 5 members making a proposal, hold an online vote on any issue except for candidate or ballot initiative endorsements. Members shall be eligible to vote so long as they are members in good standing as of the start of the online voting period following close of debate. At least 20%, or 80% of the average response rate of the prior three (3) online communications, whichever shall be higher, of members in good standing must vote or the vote will be considered invalid for lack of a quorum.
The Coordinating Committee shall announce all online votes to the membership by email and all other reasonable means. There shall be a 7-day period for debate following the announcement. At the close of debate, there shall be a 7-day voting period during which any eligible member may vote. The Coordinating Committee may propose a shorter time-frame for discussion or voting, but if any member objects to the shortened time frame, it may not be shortened. No motions to call the question or extend debate will be allowed, and no amendments will be allowed.
All voting thresholds for a passing vote shall be the same as if the vote were held at an in-person meeting. Votes to abstain will count toward the quorum. A vote can become binding before the close of the 48-hour voting period if the number of votes in favor or against has surpassed the threshold that would be required if all eligible votes were cast.
Section 7. Decision-Making Authority.
The membership, meeting in a General, Regular or Special Meeting, shall constitute the highest decision-making body of the Local Chapter. All decisions, policies, agendas, statements, and other items of business decided at these Meetings are binding over any other body of the Local Chapter. Meetings may overturn the decisions of prior Meetings, but no other body may.
Article V. Local Chapter Officers: Powers and Duties.
Section 1. Officers and Terms.
The officers of the Local Chapter will be Co-Chairs, Data Custodian, Treasurer and 1 Organizer. The term of office will be one year, and shall run from June 1 to May 31 or until their successors are elected. Officers are eligible for re-election for up to 2 consecutive terms unless no other candidate is nominated.
Section 2. Vacancies.
In the event of a vacancy in any Local Chapter office, a special election for the remainder of the vacant member’s term shall be triggered within thirty (30) days after the opening of the vacancy if regular elections are not to be held within sixty (60) days of the vacancy. Special elections may coincide with a Regular Meeting..
Section 3. Co-Chairs.
The Co-Chairs will preside over Local Chapter and Coordinating Committee meetings or will appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. The Co-Chairs will be the official public spokespersons for the Local Chapter and will facilitate such actions and policies as the Local Chapter’s general welfare may demand.
The Co-Chairs will also be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Local Chapter’s branches and committees. The Co-Chairs will also be responsible for coordination with the National Organization, other chapters, and any State or Regional DSA organizations, and facilitating communication between these organizations and members of the Local Chapter.
The Co-Chairs will report to Local Chapter Regular Meetings on the business of the Coordinating Committee Meetings, at which time a copy of the minutes of those meetings will be available for inspection.
The Co-Chairs must not both be cis men. Should only cis men be nominated for Co-Chair, one of the positions will be held open, and may be filled by a special election of an eligible member.
Section 4. Data Custodian.
The Data Custodian will be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Local Chapter, for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Local Chapter, distributing copies of minutes and agendas to each Coordinating Committee member, and assuring that corporate records are maintained for legal status. They will ensure that chapter data is up to date with national DSA, including the filing of any amendment to these bylaws. They will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair if neither Co-Chair is able to do so.
The Data Custodian will be responsible also for the taking of minutes of all Local Chapter and Coordinating Committee Meetings, the collection and maintenance of Committee charters, notes, and meeting minutes, and making copies available to members promptly. They shall have custody of these documents, and of the resolutions, reports and other official records of the Local Chapter, and shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Official records shall include the documents necessary for continued functioning of the Local Chapter, such as member lists, and all documentation necessary to provide, to the general membership, transparent accountability of Local Chapter actions and decisions to the greatest reasonable extent.
When Robert’s Rules of Order is used, the Data Custodian will have the same powers as a Secretary.
Section 5. Treasurer.
The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Local Chapter. All funds collected by the Local Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer, who shall deposit them in a bank account under the name of the Local Chapter. In cooperation with the Data Custodian, the Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are paid up-to-date. The Treasurer will chair a Finance Committee if one is established; will prepare the annual Local Chapter budget and deliver the Local Chapter financial report to the General Meeting of the Local Chapter, as well as periodic progress reports as requested by the Coordinating Committee of the Local Chapter; will provide basic information to National DSA related to the operations and finances of the Local Chapter.
Section 6. Organizers.
Organizers will be responsible for facilitating communication within the chapter, or between the chapter and local communities. Organizers will participate in Coordinating Committee decision-making, and are responsible for attending all relevant meetings and reading all relevant documents. Organizers are also tasked with representing the views of the membership that elected them as well as helping to advance the goals of the Local Chapter.
Section 7. Additional Duties.
The Local Chapter Coordinating Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Local Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws.
Section 8. Diversity.
At least 2 of the officers must not be cis men; and at least 1 must be people of color. If the elected officers of the Local Chapter do not meet these requirements, Organizer positions must be held open that may be filled by a special election of eligible members. For the purpose of determining eligibility for any office or other position within the Local Chapter, self-identification shall be the only acceptable means of determining a member’s gender or race.
Harassment & Grievance Officer. There shall be at least two Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGOs) that will be independent of the Coordinating Committee.
Section 9. Harassment & Grievance Officer.
The HGOs will be responsible for receiving, acknowledging receipt of, and archiving complaint reports. This position will also coordinate communications with the accused by notifying them of the accusations, request their written response, and archive any written response. If accusations are denied or ignored by the accuser, the HGOs will conduct any necessary investigation of the claim and prevent findings to the Coordinating Committee with a written report and recommendation of disciplinary action if necessary. If necessary, the HGOs may recommend that parties do not contact each other for the duration of the investigative process.
The HGOs will also compile a yearly report of the number of complaints in a year, how many were taken to the disciplinary process, how many disciplinary actions were taken, and make recommendations for changes to the reporting system to make it more effective. This report will not include personally identifying information of any parties in any dispute. The local HGO(s) will send the yearly report to the national HGO(s) no later than January 1 of the new year.
Article VI. Coordinating Committee.
Section 1. Composition.
The Local Chapter Coordinating Committee will be composed of the officers of the Local Chapter, and the chair(s) of any Local Chapter branches.
Section 2. Duties.
The Coordinating Committee shall administer the affairs of the Local Chapter and coordinate the implementation of the decisions of any Meetings, and shall prepare an agenda proposal for each Meeting. It shall have the power to receive reports of any committee or Branch and advise thereon, to call Special Meetings of the Local Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Coordinating Committee is the highest decision-making body of the Local Chapter between Meetings, and is subordinate to the general membership.
The Local Chapter Coordinating Committee will be responsible for establishing program activities for the Local Chapter, for proposing guidelines and policies that will subsequently be voted on by the Local Chapter’s members, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Local Chapter meetings.
Section 3. Meetings.
The meetings of the Coordinating Committee will be held at such intervals as may be determined by a prior Coordinating Committee Meeting or by consultation between a majority of the members of the Coordinating Committee. All members of the Coordinating Committee must (ordinarily) be given four (4) days oral, written, or electronic notice of regular Coordinating Committee Meetings; a 24-hour notice may be given under special emergency circumstances. Notice requirements may be waived only by unanimous approval. Coordinating Committee Meetings may be held electronically by any means acceptable to all the members of the Coordinating Committee. Any member of the Local Chapter in good standing may observe meetings of the Coordinating Committee and the Coordinating Committee shall allow for a question and answer period and a comment period. However, the Coordinating Committee may hold executive sessions if 60% of its members vote to do so in order to discuss member discipline or security matters.
The Coordinating Committee may govern itself through any reasonable decision-making process, including development of meeting rules and norms or decisions by consensus. When there is a dispute over how decisions shall be made, Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern.
Section 4. Quorum.
There is no quorum for Coordinating Committee decisions. However, no Coordinating Committee decision shall be valid without a majority of the total number of Coordinating Committee members voting in assent, and notice as specified in Section 3.
Section 5. Board of Directors
For the purposes of meeting the requirements of local and state incorporation laws, the Chapter shall have a “Board of Directors” consisting of members of the Coordinating Committee assigned for the purpose as logical and required by law. (For example, if the law requires a “Secretary” then the Chapter’s Data Custodian is a logical fit.) Officers of the Coordinating Committee so appointed do not gain any new or additional powers or responsibilities except those strictly required by law.
Article VII. Branches.
Section 1. Definition.
A Branch is a subgroup of the Chapter formed to facilitate participation in the Local Chapter in a logistically convenient way. Branches may be defined by geography, membership in an institution, or language. It is expected that Branches be able to carry out as much of as many of the pillar functions of the Chapter for their members as necessary for their logistical purposes. The chair or co-chairs of each Branch shall hold membership on the Coordinating Committee. Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapters within the geographic area defined by a DSA Chapter may affiliate as a Branch of that Chapter.
Section 2. Formation.
Any group of at least five (5) Members of the Local Chapter, in good standing, may request to be recognized as a Branch. They must apply to the Coordinating Committee in writing. Their application must include the names of its members; a description of purposes, functions, and membership criteria; and any other information deemed necessary by the Coordinating Committee. A majority vote of the general membership at a Meeting shall be required to establish a Branch. YDSA chapters need only show proof of being an officially recognized chapter of YDSA as part of a generic request to be recognized as a Branch of the Local Chapter, subject to approval by a majority vote of the general membership at a Meeting. Sections 3 and 4 below shall not be required of YDSA chapter-Branches.
Section 3. Structure, Membership, and Elections
Each Branch shall have its own bylaws explicitly defining its purpose, functions, and membership criteria in detail. Such bylaws may establish the Branch’s methods and structures as long as they do not violate these bylaws. Each Branch shall be responsible for electing its leadership and Coordinating Committee representation. Every Local member may vote in only two Branch elections for Coordinating Committee representatives, although they may be a member of as many Branches as they wish. Branch leaders shall be responsible for scheduling and organizing meetings and actions of their Branch. In the event of a vacancy of a Branch leader or Coordinating Committee representative, the Branch may vote to elect new leadership or Coordinating Committee representation. Each Branch shall maintain an official membership list.
Section 4. Dissolution
A Branch may have its status revoked by a majority vote of the membership at a Meeting. A Branch may also choose to dissolve itself by means specified in its Branch Bylaws. In the event that a Branch chooses to split into several new Branches, each new Branch must apply for membership through the same method as creating any Branch, although the Coordinating Committee may choose to waive requirements for certain documentation if it is identical to the prior or parent Branch.
Article VIII. Committees.
Section 1. Committee Formation.
The Chapter may establish committees to organize around specific functions for the chapter or external campaigns. Members who wish to form a committee must submit a proposed written charter to the Coordinating Committee that includes a group name; a mission statement and objectives; If necessary, a proposed budget that shall include any planned donation drives; a list of at least five prospective members signed or affirmed by those members; a statement of whether the proposed committee is to be a standing committee of indefinite duration or a temporary committee to expire at a time certain or upon the occurrence of a specified event; whether membership in the committee is to be open to all members in good standing or limited, and if membership is to be limited, the number of members the committee shall have and the means by which members will be selected. A proposed committee shall be chartered and created with the approval of a majority of the votes cast at an General, Regular, or Special Meeting. Charters for proposed committees must be distributed to the membership by email or other electronic means at least two weeks prior to the meeting, and may not conflict with these Bylaws or with the charters of other active committees.
Section 2. Membership and Election of Committee Leadership.
Membership in a committee shall be open to all Local Chapter members in good standing unless the committee’s charter limits membership, in which case the terms of the charter shall control. Committees shall maintain an official membership list. After the committee is created, but by no later than the committee’s second meeting, the committee shall hold elections for two (2) committee Co-Chairs and, if the committee chooses, one (1) Vice-Chair, using Ranked-Choice Voting. Terms shall be for either six months or one year at the committee members’ choosing, and incumbents may stand for reelection. At least one of the elected Co-Chairs must not be cis men. Should only cis men be nominated for Co-Chair, one of the positions will be held open, and may be filled by a special election of an eligible member.
Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities.
The members of a committee are responsible for executing their respective body’s strategy in fulfillment of its objectives. Co-Chairs and the Vice-Chair, if elected, are responsible for organizing their respective body’s members, running meetings, acting as liaisons to the Coordinating Committee, and serving as the committee’s points of contact to the membership. Committees must keep official records of meeting dates, attendance, and meeting notes, which must be made available to the membership.
When a committee’s proposed activities relate to the mission of another committee, the co-chairs of that committee shall be notified. Should a dispute arise between two or more committees that cannot be resolved between them, it shall be resolved at a Meeting.
A committee’s activities shall be reviewed by the Coordinating Committee at its meetings, and meeting minutes and other committee documentation, as well as all financial receipts and statements, shall be kept up to date with the Local Chapter’s Data Custodian and Treasurer respectively. Committees shall report on their activities to the membership at the Annual Meeting or more frequently at Regular or Special Meetings as necessary.
Section 4. Modification and Dissolution.
Committees may be dissolved or may amend their charters, including changes to the committee’s budget, with the approval of a majority of the votes cast at an Annual, Regular, or Special Meeting. Notice of a proposed committee dissolution or an amendment to a committee’s charter must be given to the membership by email or other electronic means at least at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
Additionally, committees that are chartered as temporary committees for a limited time or particular purpose shall dissolve automatically upon the expiration of the certain time or the occurrence of the particular event specified in their charter.
Upon dissolution, the member(s) maintaining custody of the committee’s records shall provide copies of those records to the Data Custodian.
Section 5. Subcommittees.
A committee or subcommittee may choose to delegate some portion of its mission statements or objectives to a subcommittee. A subcommittee so created must select its members, form a charter to be voted on by the committee above it, elect officers, and coordinate with other committees in accordance with Sections 1 through 3 (above). The creation, chartering, and modification of a subcommittee shall require only the approval of the committee creating it, however all budgetary decisions requiring Chapter funds held by the Treasurer must be approved by a majority of the votes cast at an Annual, Regular, or Special Meeting.
The Co-Chairs of a subcommittee shall serve as regular members of the committee above them to coordinate the committee and subcommittee’s work, and shall provide to that committee up to date records of their and all subsequent subcommittee’s minutes, actions, financial, and other necessary documentation.
Article IX. Caucuses
Any group of 5 or more members may form a caucus by submitting a proposal to the Coordinating Committee. The Coordinating Committee must recognize all such groups as caucuses as long as they align with the Chapter’s purpose (see Article II). Such recognition shall not be construed as having authority to officially act on behalf of the Chapter. Caucuses must be permitted to announce their meetings using the communication channels the chapter uses to announce Meetings of the chapter. Caucuses may dissolve themselves by notifying the Coordinating Committee.
Article X. Delegates and Nominees to National, Regional, and State Bodies.
Section 1. Convention.
Local Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention will be elected by members in good standing of the Local Chapter of DSA. Elections for the National Convention delegation shall be held on the schedule announced by the national organization.
Section 2. National Committees.
In the event that a national committee is being formed and the national DSA asks local chapters for nominees to serve on that committee, the Local Chapter Coordinating Committee shall notify all members in good standing and request volunteers. The names of all those who volunteer shall be forwarded to the national DSA for consideration, or if a limited number of nominees are requested, an election shall be held.
- Article XI. Elections, Nominations and Recalls.
- Section 1. Nominations Committee.
A three-person Nominations Committee shall be established at least one month prior to every election by vote of a Regular Meeting. It shall solicit and receive nominations for the positions to be elected.
Section 2. Nominations Process.
Nominations for Local Chapter officers and delegates to the National Convention shall be opened at least 10 days before an election. The call for nominations shall be announced to all Chapter members in good standing as soon as nominations are open.
Section 3. Elections Process.
Elections will be held by secret ballot, using a single multi-winner election with a ranked or scored ballot. Winning candidates may select offices in the winning order provided by the election system or in conference after the election. The election system used to count ballots and select the winners must be approved by a Meeting before any votes are cast.
Section 4. Recall.
Members may petition for the removal an elected official by collecting signatures of 10% of the membership, and having a majority of those present at a Meeting vote in favor of removal. Membership must be given at least two weeks’ notice of any upcoming removal vote.
Members may petition for a snap election of any elected body by having two-thirds of those present at a Meeting vote in favor of a snap election, to be held at the time and place of the membership’s discretion. The general membership must be given at least two weeks’ notice of any upcoming snap election.
- Article XI. Code of Conduct
The Local Chapter will establish, by vote of a Meeting, a code of conduct (Code of Conduct) that outlines the boundaries of acceptable behavior by members of the Local Chapter and describes options for censure of members, including suspension. The Code of Conduct shall be made available to all members of the Local Chapter. Amendments to the Code of Conduct must be approved at a Meeting.
Article XII. Amendments.
Proposed amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five members of the Local Chapter, and submitted to the Coordinating Committee a month in advance of a General or Regular Meeting. The Coordinating Committee shall take at most one week to process the amendment and must then provide the Local Chapter membership written or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The amendment must be approved by a 2/3 supermajority vote at a General or Regular Meeting.
Article XIII. Rules of the Local Chapter.
Section 1. Rules.
The Rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern this Local Chapter in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws. Consensus decision-making is desirable where feasible, but meetings must submit to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised upon the request of a member.
Section 2. Action Out of Order.
Any action taken by an officer or member of the Local Chapter in contravention of these Bylaws is null and void.
Article XIV. Dissolution.
In the event of the dissolution of this Local Chapter, all remaining funds and assets are to be released to National DSA or a neighboring DSA chapter. If both this Chapter and National DSA are being dissolved, then all remaining funds and assets are to be released to such other organizations that are organized exclusively for the promotion of social welfare and that will operate to further the common good and general welfare of the community included in this Chapter’s stated boundaries.
Article XV. Prohibited Activity
The Eugene Local Chapter shall not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501 (c) 4 organizations or similar rules or laws established by the state of Oregon. Nor shall the Local Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.