The Greater New Haven Young Democrats Bylaws
Mission Statement
To increase participation of 14-35 year olds residents of Greater New Haven in the Democratic Party for all levels. The young democrats will work to create effective policies that impact our targeted constituent base. We will work to create and develop a new generation of leaders. We will hold elected officials accountable for promises and work with them to address issues. We will bring true representations and leadership to the greater New Haven area and throughout the State of Connecticut.
Section I
Organizational Format
The organization shall have four elected officials: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and an appointed leadership body that consists of 7 young democrat members. There shall be an official general membership body, which will include individuals from ages 14-35 years old.
The organization shall also consist of three ad hoc committees that focus on the goal and integrity of the organization. The three ad hoc committees include: Political organizing committee, fundraising committee, and a membership committee.
There shall be two advisory councils, which include a Policy Advisory council and Greater New Haven Town Representative Council.
The Greater New Haven Young Democrats will also have highschool units under the advisory and the authority of The Greater New Haven Young Democrats. An advisor will supervise them.
Section II
General Membership
A member must be an individual between the ages of 14-35 years old and have an interest regarding the democratic political issues of the Greater New Haven region. Adult members are between the ages of 18-35 years old.
General membership rights
A general member will be able to vote for all elected officials; President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. They would be able to provide input regarding the organization's policies, issues, or activities, also they will be able to run for an elected position. General members meeting are every 3rd Wednesday of the month. If need be the leadership can change the days or location with the approval of the members by majority vote of members that are in good standing.
Membership Dues (recinded):
All members will be obligated to pay the following yearly dues:
$30.00 young professionals
$15.00 high school/organization
Section III.
Elected Positions
President- Manages day to day operations of the organization, plans and implements policies for the organization and leadership. Creates the agenda for all executive and general meeting. Speaks on behalf of the organization and represent the organization at functions sponsored by the organization or other interest. Delegates tasks, authority and personnel to accomplish the mission of the organization. Set the goals and standards for the leadership of the organization. Creates budget for activities and operation of the organization. Gives authority to the treasurer to sign off on checks or withdrawals. Perform other tasks set by the organization and leadership. President must compile and present an annual report for review and vote at each designated annual meeting. The President shall appoint all administrative officers, committee chairs and it will subject to approval by the elected leadership by a majority vote.
Vice-President- Assists in the President in the operation of the organization with the president. Represents the president and assume responsibility if the President is not capable of executing his or her authority. Manages operation in the absence of the president. Perform other task on request of the president.
Treasurer- The Treasurer manages the bank account of the organization. Sign off on all transaction with the counsel of the President and leadership. Inform the organization through a monthly financial report. Performs other tasks set by the president and leadership. The treasurer shall file all necessary reports with the State of Connecticut Elections Commission as required by law, and keep a record of receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer must compile and present a budget for approval by the entire Greater New Haven General membership.
Secretary- Records all meeting notes during executive and general meeting sessions. Inform all executive members of the agenda through email or other means. And perform other tasks set by the President.
Section IV
Appointed positions
The president will have the authority to appoint the designated leadership positions with the approval of the executive board. He/she shall also have the authority to create new appointed positions when needed.
The President with the consent of the executive board appoints leadership positions. Each leadership position will have a one-year term.
Public Affairs/Marketing Director- Manages all information of the organization and decimates it to the public. Represent the organization to the public in counsel with the president and leadership. Perform other task set by the president and leadership.
Fundraiser Director- Creates fundraising activities and implements activities. Chairs the fundraising committee. Creates annual fundraising plans.
Membership Director- Creates membership activities and manages membership data. Works with the Fundraiser Director on activities that promotes both membership and fundraising. Create chapter and unit for the organization in direction of the president and leadership.
Outreach Coordinator- Creates and manages all outreach activities and social responsibilities of the organization with the communities. Handles all volunteer activities of the organization. Performs other tasks set by the President and leadership.
Chapter liaison- Assists in distribution of all information of the organization to other chapters throughout the State and the Nation. Assist in the creation and development of other chapters and build coalition with the chapters' work with the Membership Director.
Policy Advisor- Advises the President and the organization on policy on all levels of government. Assists in the creation of the organization's policy agenda. Manages policy resources.
Political Affairs- Oversees all political activities of the organization and oversees campaign staff and resources. Performs other tasks set by the President and leadership.
Removal of appointed positions
With just and proper cause the executive board shall remove any appointed person from their position.
Section V.
Elections
All nominated individuals must be an active member for one year before being nominated for an elected position. Also, all nominated members shall meet the following criteria:
(1) they must attend the majority of the general meetings (8 meetings)
(2) They must have served on a committee for one year
(3) The nominated individuals must be at least 20 years old.
There shall be the creation of a nominating committee that will oversee the election of the executive board. They will conduct interviews and monitor the candidates' records in the organization to make sure that they are in good standing. The creation of this committee shall be chair by a general member in the organization in good standing followed by one leadership officer and two general members and one executive member from the Connecticut Young Democrats. They shall create question and standards for the interviewing process.
Elections shall happen once a year in the month March.
Term
Each elected official shall have the authority to serve for one year.
Section VI
Voting Rights
All members in good standing will be able to vote on organizational issues and in general elections. A member must participate 5 annual general members Meeting and 1 official Greater New Haven Young Democrat events to be in good standing. All members can vote by proxy if they are not capable of attending general membership meeting that requires a vote.
Section VII.
Annual Reports
All annual reports shall be presented at the beginning of the organization's fiscal year.
The President of the organization will be obligated to submit and present an annual report to the general membership body for a vote each fiscal year.
The Membership Director, Treasurer, Fundraiser Director will be obligated to present their budgets and proposals to the general membership body for a vote each fiscal year.
The general membership body must approve all annual reports and budget by a simple majority vote.
If a report is rejected from the general members, an emergency meeting will be established the following week from the original meeting date and revisions to the report will be presented for a second vote.
Section VIII.
Committee Structure
Each shall be at least 6 general members to each committee and the Director/Chairperson shall appoint or remove members to the committee with the consent of the Executive Board
Fundraising Committee
Shall assist in planning and implementing the Fundraising Director monthly and yearly fundraising plans. They shall meet whenever the Fundraiser Director feels it is necessary to the committee.
Membership Committee
Shall assist in planning and implementing the Membership Director monthly and yearly plans. They shall meet whenever the Membership Director Feels it is necessary to the committee.
Political Organizing Committee
Shall assist in planning and implementing the Political Director monthly and yearly plans. They shall meet whenever the Political Director feels it is necessary to the committee.
Special Councils: The president shall reserve the power to appoint special councils or advisors no less than 2 no more than 4. They shall advise the President on whatever matters the President may have.
Section IX.
Policy Council.
The president shall reserve the right to also create a policy council. The purpose of the GNHYD Policy Council is to advise the President and leadership on political, social and economic issues. They will assist the policy advisor in creating an annual or by annual policy agenda approve by the President. The council will be made up of expert in economic, labor, environment, business, law enforcement and social sector. They will meet whenever necessary with the President and Policy Advisors. The only function they have is to advise the President on issues. The President shall Chair the council meeting.
Greater New Haven Town Advisors
Shall represent the towns that define the Greater New Haven Towns. They will report on all political activities in their towns. They will assist in coordinating political function for the Greater New Haven Young Democrats. They will meet monthly with the president. The Greater New Haven Towns are as follow, New Haven, West Haven, East Haven, North Haven, Hamden, Cheshire, Wallingford, Milford, Guilford, Madison, Woodbridge, Bethany, Branford and Orange.
Section X
Rules of Order
Quorum:
General membership meeting shall be half plus one; the number will be based on the number of members registered
Vacancies
n case of removal of any elected official, the President will appoint an individual to an elected position and until a special election is held within 30 days of a vacancy.
Impeachment/ Removal
Officers of the Greater New Haven are subject to impeachment and removal from office for malfeasance of assigned duties or for violation of any law or rule of the Greater New Haven Young Democrats.
A petition stating sufficient cause for removal of elected officials should be formed. Fifty percent of the registered membership must sign the document. With 75% of the vote from all voting members will be sufficient for removal of any elected official. The accused shall have the right to be accompanied by Counsel and to present and cross-examine witnesses and present evidence in his or her defense.
The president will have the authority to remove any leadership with sufficient cause.
The accused shall have the right to be accompanied by Counsel and to present and cross-examine witnesses and present evidence in his or her defense.
Fiscal Issues
The fiscal year shall begin on March 15 and end on March 14.
Fiscal policy:
Each appointed leader will present an operating budget to the executive board each fiscal year for approval. If additional monies are needed, the leadership must present a proposal to the executive board for approval.
The President and Treasurer shall have the authority to spend up to $400.00 a month on necessary items or events. If they should exceed the designated limit for any reason, the President and Treasurer must request approval for additional funds from the executive committee.
Procedural Guarantees.
All general meeting shall be open to all members of the organization regardless of race, gender, age, color, creed, ethnic identity, economic status, physical disability, or philosophical persuasion.
No test for membership in, nor any oath of loyalty to, the Greater New Haven Young Democrats shall be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members of the Greater New Haven Young Democrats to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, age, color creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, economic status or physical disability.
The Greater New Haven Young Democrats shall publicize fully and in such manner as to assure notice to all interest parties a full description of the practical procedures for selection of officers. Publication of these procedures shall be done in such fashion that all prospective and current members of the Greater New Haven Young Democrats will be fully and adequately informed of the pertinent procedures in time to participate in each selection procedure.
The Greater New Haven Young Democrats shall publicize fully and in such manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a complete description of the practical qualifications of all officers of Greater New Haven Young Democrats. Such publication shall be done in timely fashion so that all prospective candidates or applicants for any elected or appointed position will have full and adequate opportunity to compete for office. It is the intention of Greater New Haven Young Democrats to ensure a full opportunity for all minority group members to participate in these electoral processes.
