Last Amended September, 2002 in Sheraton Grand in Sacramento
PREAMBLE
The California Young Democrats shall endeavor to stimulate in young people an active interest in governmental affairs, increase the efficiency of our government, maintain the viability of our free institutions, and contribute to the growth and influence of the ideals and philosophies of the Democratic Party.
ARTICLE I NAME AND AFFILIATION
Section 1 Name
The name of this organization shall be the CALIFORNIA YOUNG DEMOCRATS
Section 2 Affiliation
The California Young Democrats shall be affiliated with the Young Democrats of America. The California Young Democrats shall be affiliated with the College Democrats of America through its California College Democrats Caucus.
ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION
The structure of the California Young Democrats shall be comprised of six regions which shall be called the North State Region, the Bay Area Region, the Central Valley Region, the Central Coast Region, the Los Angeles Basis Region, and the South State Region.
The North State Region shall consist of Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Plumas, Mendocino, Glenn, Butte, Sierra, Lake, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado and Nevada Counties.
The Bay Area Region shall consist of Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Marin, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties.
The Central Valley Region shall consist of Amador, Alpine, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mono, Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Inyo and Kern Counties.
The Central Coast Region shall consist of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
The Los Angeles Basin Region shall consist of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.
The South State Region shall consist of Riverside, San Diego and Imperial Counties.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 State Membership
The membership of the California Young Democrats shall be comprised of duly chartered Young Democratic Clubs and the members thereof.
At-Large membership to the California Young Democrats shall be granted to individuals on a limited basis at an annual rate of $10.00. At-Large members receive all privileges except those of voting, and may not file to run for CYD elected office. At-Large membership is open to persons who meet requirements as outlined in Article III, Section 2, part a.
Section 2 Club Membership
Regular membership in chartered clubs shall be open to persons who are at least fourteen (14) years of age and not more than thirty-five (35) years of age who are registered Democrats or who intend to register when eligible.
Every regular member of a duly chartered club shall be eligible for any office in this organization, but no club shall have more than two members serving as State Officers or Regional Directors during any one term.
Persons below the minimum age or over the age of thirty-five (35) may be admitted as non-voting members of any club. No non-voting member may be used for the purpose of representation at any meeting of this organization.
No member may be claimed by more than one club even if that person is a member of another club for the purpose of representation at any meeting this organization. The most recent date of club membership shall be binding unless the member in question expresses a choice to have another club make a claim for their membership for purposes of such representation. Individuals are considered to reside in the region in which the club in which they are a member resides.
Article IV CHARTERING/MEMBERSHIP PROVISIONS
Section 1 Procedure
Any club that meets the requirements of these Bylaws and has at least ten (10) members may charter with the California Young Democrats.
A club seeking to be chartered with this organization shall file an application with the Rules Committee Chair thirty (30) days prior to an Executive Committee meeting in order to vote at that meeting. The application must contain the materials detailed in subsection (d) below.
In order to vote at the State Convention, all clubs must be chartered by January 31.
Submitted charter applications shall include:
- Club membership form listing of all members including name, address, phone number and date of birth. E-mail address should be included if available. A printed list must be submitted, along with an electronic copy of the membership list that may either be emailed to the Credentials chair or may be submitted on a computer disk in a standard database format;
- A list of the applying club’s officers;
- A current copy of the applying club’s bylaws signed by the President and Secretary;
- The appropriate chartering fee of one dollar ($1.00) for high school clubs, and two dollars ($2.00) per member name for Young professional and college clubs submitted in accordance with this subsection plus twenty dollars ($20.00).
- The California Young Democrats shall cover the $25 College Democrats of America (CDA) national chartering fee for all College Democrat clubs meeting the chartering requirements of this section.
Section 2 Duration
Every club charter shall expire annually January 31. Any club charter received less than thirty (30) days prior to the last Executive Committee meeting before January 31 or anytime thereafter through January 31 shall be deemed to be an application for charter for the year commencing January 31.
Section 3 Suspension or Revocation
Club charters may be suspended or revoked by action of any duly called meeting of the Rules Committee at the State Convention for violations of these Bylaws. Said club and all Rules Committee members must be notified of alleged violations and such action at least thirty (30) days prior to said meeting.
Section 4 Name of Clubs
Clubs may assume any name, including the name of its college, region, city, county or political subdivision, provided that the name has not already been taken.
Section 5 Annual Reports
All clubs shall submit written reports to the State Executive Committee annually. The progress report should provide general information regarding membership, meeting schedules, noteworthy events, and a financial statement. The progress report is due by the opening of the State Convention. Violation of this provision shall not prevent a club’s delegation from being seated at any meeting or the State Convention.
Section 6 Quarterly Reports
All clubs in attendance at any meeting of the Executive Committee shall give an oral report to the body if they choose.
Article V OFFICERS
Section 1 Officers
The officers of this organization shall be: State President, State Vice President of Membership, State Vice President of Finance, State Secretary, State Parliamentarian, National Committeewoman, National Committeeman, State Political Director and six Regional Directors.
Section 2 Duties
The State President shall be the chief executive officer and official voice of this organization and shall be its representative at all State Democratic Party functions. The President shall preside over all meetings of this organization. The President shall appoint chairs of all standing committees and the chairs and membership of all special committees, unless otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. The President shall appoint, from the membership, three individuals from each sex as voting members of the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC), with preference given to State Officers and the President of the California College Democrats if they are not already members of the DSCC. The President may also appoint a State Controller in consultation with the State Vice President of Finance. All appointments of the President are subject to the approval of the State Executive Committee. The President shall establish an organizational calendar and shall make all efforts to maintain and strengthen communications between the various member clubs.
The State Vice President of Membership shall be responsible to the State President. The Vice President of Membership shall be a member of all standing and special committees, shall coordinate this organization’s At-Large membership, and shall coordinate major state events. In the absence of the President, the Vice President of Membership shall preside at the meetings of this organization. Should a vacancy occur in the presidency of this organization, the Vice President of Membership shall assume the duties of President until such time as a replacement is selected according to these Bylaws.
The State Vice President of Finance shall serve as the Treasurer of record, be responsible for all fund raising activities of the State Organization, shall submit financial statements to the State Executive Committee at each regularly scheduled meeting, and shall chair the Finance Committee. In addition, the State Vice President of Finance shall be responsible for seeing that all disbursements, receipts, banking relationships, FPPC statements and in general, any and all bookkeeping responsibilities of the State Organization are fully and properly performed. Bookkeeping duties may be performed by a State Controller, provided one has been appointed by the State President, but responsibility resides with the State Vice President of Finance. An annual budget of the State Organization shall be prepared for approval of the State Executive Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the fall Executive Committee meeting.
The State Secretary shall maintain all records of the State Organization, serve all required notices, and discharge any other duties at the discretion of the President.
The National Committeewoman and the National Committeeman shall, together with the State President, represent this organization at all meetings of the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America. In the event that the National Committeewoman, National Committeeman and/or the State President is unable to attend any meeting of said National Committee, that person shall give their proxy to any member of the California Young Democrats or any Young Democrats of America National Committee person. The National Committeeman and the National Committeewoman shall prepare materials as necessary to maintain the State Organization’s current membership in the Young Democrats of America.
Should a State Controller be appointed, disbursements, receipts, banking relationships, FPPC statements, financial statements for the Executive Committee and in general any and all bookkeeping responsibilities of the State Organization shall be performed by the State Controller under the direction of the State Vice President of Finance. The State Controller shall reside in the same section as the President of the State Organization.
The State Parliamentarian shall assist the State President and render opinions and rulings requested by the Chair, or when appealed to from the membership regarding this organization's bylaws, or its interaction with the State or National Party or with the Young Democrats of America. The State Parliamentarian shall chair the Rules Committee and to facilitate the ability to make accurate rulings, shall collect, maintain and update all past, present and future records of this organization. Copies of these records shall be provided to any officer, club or members as requested.
Each Regional Director shall be the chief organizing officer of their respective region of the state. The Regional Director shall proactively recruit members, regularly inform their region of political activities, and aid in the development and retention of clubs. The Regional Director shall call and preside over the Regional Executive Committee. Regional Directors shall assist the State President with the State President's duties in their respective areas.
The Political Director shall maintain contact with elected officials, statewide campaigns and political events. The Political Director shall also submit recommendations to the Executive Board, including those regarding endorsements and an endorsements rules process for Democratic candidates. The Political Director shall endeavor to keep the membership informed on relevant political activities in the state.
Section 3 Election of Officers
All officers shall be elected at the State Convention of the California Young Democrats held annually.
The State President, State Vice President of Membership, State Vice President of Finance, State Secretary, State Parliamentarian, State Political Director, and National Committee persons shall be elected by the entire membership of this organization at the State Convention in the order listed.
The State Vice President of Membership shall be elected from a different region than the State President.
The first National Committee person shall be elected at-large from the membership. The second National Committee person must be of the opposite sex of the first National Committee person.
All Regional Directors shall be elected by the membership of their respective regions.
An unsuccessful candidate for an officer position may be elected for any remaining officer position provided they meet all requirements as stipulated by these Bylaws.
All candidates for state office shall file their "intent to run" with the State Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to election.
Section 4 Term of Office
Officers elected at the State Convention shall take office immediately after the adjournment of the Convention.
Every officer shall hold office until the adjournment of the next State Convention or until removed pursuant to Section 6 of this Article.
Section 5 Vacancy
Vacancy in any of the eight statewide offices shall be filled by a majority vote at a meeting of the State Executive Committee, which shall be summoned upon at least three (3) weeks notice.
For the offices of State President, State Vice President of Membership, National Committeeman and National Committeewoman, the person filling the vacancy must be of the same gender and reside in the same region as the person being replaced if required by these Bylaws.
Section 6 Removal
Any statewide officer may be removed by two-thirds (2/3) vote at a meeting of the State Executive Committee contingent upon the following procedures;
Written charges shall be provided against the officer to every member of the State Executive Committee at least five (5) weeks in advance of the meeting at which the removal shall be moved.
The officer shall be given the opportunity to answer said charges and to know the identity of their accuser(s). Notification by certified mail to all known addresses shall be deemed as an invitation to answer such charges and shall constitute sufficient notice.
A motion for removal, if passed, shall take effect immediately, at which time a vacancy shall be declared pursuant to Section 5 of this Article. If within twenty-four (24) hours the officer submits a resignation, the motion to remove shall be expunged from all records and the resignation shall be recorded as such.
The excessive absence of a statewide officer at properly noticed events of the State Executive Committee shall create a vacancy in his or her office. At the close of the second consecutive event in which an officer has not submitted a written excuse for absence or submitted an officer’s report, his or her office shall be declared vacant via dereliction of duty. When personal, academic or professional obligations prevent an officer’s executive committee attendance, an officer may submit a written note and an officer’s report prior to the next meeting directed to the state president, state secretary or regional director as a sufficient excuse for absence .
ARTICLE VI STATE CONVENTION
Section 1 Time and Location
This organization shall convene in a State Convention every year in the month of April unless the convention committee reports that this is not feasible. In such a case, the Convention may be held in May of that year.
The location of the Convention shall follow the annual rotation of the State Party between the Northern and Southern Section. A notice as to the date, place, tentative agenda, list of existing clubs, their Presidents and addresses, and a current copy of these Bylaws shall be sent to each chartered club and to each member of the State Executive Committee.
Section 2 Voting
All chartered clubs shall receive one (1) delegate vote for 10-24 members, two (2) delegate votes for 25-49 members, three (3) delegate votes for 50-74 members, four (4) delegate votes for 75-99 members and one (1) vote thereafter for each twenty-five members thereafter.
The Credentials Committee shall determine membership and assign the proper number of delegate votes to each club.
Each delegate from each club of the section in which the convention is being held has only one (1) vote and may not cast more than their allotted vote. Each delegate from each club of the other section shall have one (1) vote and may carry a proxy and may not cast more than these two (2) votes.
All Statewide Officers, Regional Directors, and members of the Democratic National Committee who are members of a chartered Young Democrats club shall be voting delegates. These persons may not proxy their votes and must inform the Convention Secretary if they want to carry their vote or a club's vote. They shall not do both.
Section 3 Procedure and Action
The State Convention shall have the power to amend these Bylaws, adopt such resolutions as may be in order, and take such actions as may be appropriate and consistent with these Bylaws.
The State Convention and all its meetings shall be run according to California Young Democrats Convention rules, these Bylaws and Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised).
Any report or resolution to be presented to the full convention must be copied in sufficient numbers as to allow each delegate one (1) copy.
Section 4 Special Conventions
Special State Conventions shall be called by the State President upon written request of a majority of the entire State Executive Committee.
A Special Convention shall consider only those items stated in the request for such a convention.
A sixty (60) day notice shall be sent to all chartered clubs and State Executive Committee members stating the time, location and agenda.
ARTICLE VII STANDING COMMITTEE
Section 1 Credentials Committee
There shall be a standing Committee on Credentials consisting of one member for each chartered club.
For the purposes of the first Credentials Committee meeting after the start of the new year, each club chartered thirty (30) days before the Executive Committee Meeting prior to the State Convention shall be entitled to a vote on the committee.
It shall be the duty of the Credentials Committee to approve the true number of members of chartered clubs for the purpose of representation at any statewide meeting requiring such representation.
The Credentials Committee shall be formed by January 31 of each year.
The President shall appoint the Chair of the Credentials Committee from among the membership of the organization, provided that the Chair is not running for election to any office enumerated under these Bylaws at the next State Convention. If the Chair of the Credentials Committee runs for such an office, that person shall cease to be Chair, and shall immediately turn over all Credentials Committee documentation to the President or, if the President has appointed a new Chair, to the new Chair of the Credentials Committee.
All documentation required to be submitted under Article IV of these Bylaws must be addressed to the Rules Committee Chair. A postmark or a receipt from a guaranteed overnight delivery service shall be deemed sufficient proof of mailing.
The Rules Committee Chair shall forward the membership lists of the chartered clubs to the Credential Committee, along with a copy of the envelope showing the postmark or a receipt from a guaranteed overnight delivery service.
The Credentials Committee shall verify each club's membership by randomly calling or contacting by electronic means ten percent (10%) of that club's membership.
Section 2 Rules Committee
There shall be a standing Committee on Rules consisting of one member from each chartered club.
It shall be the duty of the Rules Committee to keep these Bylaws and the rules of this organization with the aims and policies of this organization, to maintain and review these Bylaws and the Bylaws of the member clubs, to propose special rules or Bylaws amendments when necessary, and to interpret the rules when called upon by the State President or the State Executive Committee.
It shall be the duty of the Rules Committee to approve the chartering of all clubs.
Section 3 Resolutions Committee
There shall be a standing Committee on Resolutions consisting of one member from each chartered club.
It shall be the duty of the Resolutions Committee to review all resolutions proposed to this organization. The committee shall have the authority to recommend, reject, or amend all such resolutions prior to referral to any statewide meeting at which the resolution will be heard or resolved.
Copies of such resolutions must be distributed to all members who are to vote on such resolutions by the Resolutions Committee.
Section 4 Finance Committee
There shall be a standing Committee on Finance consisting of the State Vice President of Membership, State Vice President of Finance, President of the College Democrats and one representative from each chartered club and chaired by the State Vice President of Finance.
It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to explore all fund raising possibilities and to recommend future fund raising measures to the State Executive Committee.
The Finance Committee shall propose a budget for the California Young Democrats at its first Executive Committee meeting following the State Convention.
Section 5 Platform Committee
There shall be a standing committee on Platform, consisting of one committee chair, and two members from each chartered chapter. the platform should strive to specifically enumerate youth positions from a youth perspective.
The committee shall meet in even-numbered years only, and shall draft a recommendation to be voted upon no later than summer of the same year.
The platform must be ratified by the Executive Committee. Copies of the platform are to be distributed to all members of the Executive Committee who will vote on approval of the platform. In the event that a platform is not adopted, the most recently approved platform shall remain the standard. Subject areas not covered by the platform shall be defered to the platforms of the California Democratic Party and the Young Democrats of America.
Section 6 Awards Committee
There shall be a committee on awards for the purpose of acknowledging dedication and achievement by young activists and chartered clubs. The committee shall convene prior to the state convention, with final awards presented at the state convention.
The awards committee chair shall administer the process. Committee composition shall consist of the CYD President, CCD President and the six regional directors. The committee chair will vote in the case of a tie. The Committee chair shall not be a candidate for election to any office enumerated under these bylaws at the next state convention.
Only chartered clubs and members are eligible to receive awards, with the exception of the Willie Brown Jr. Mentor Award. Annual awards shall be: CYD/CCD Man of the Year and woman of the Year (elected officers ineligible), Outstanding Young Democrats Chapter, Outstanding College Democrats chapter, CYD/CCD outstanding Project, Outstanding Leadership Award (reserved for an elected officer), and the Willie Brown Mentor Award for a recipient over 35 years of age.
All awards shall be presented annually at the state convention, with the exception of the Willie Brown Jr. Mentor Award, which shall also be presented at times deemed appropriate by the Executive board.
ARTICLE VIII SPECIAL CAUCUSES
Section 1 Procedure
In order to implement policy guidelines for caucuses of the California Young Democrats may grant official recognition as a caucus to any group of its members who share similar ethnic or other identity for the purpose of participating in the policy decisions and the outreach programs of the California Young Democrats. Recognition shall be subject to the following provisions:
- A Caucus membership list and bylaws are submitted to the Rules Committee for approval by the Executive Committee.
- The Caucus bylaws are consistent with the Bylaws of this organization.
Quarterly financial reports shall be filed by such Caucus groups with the State Treasurer of this organization.
- Official recognition of a Caucus shall be renewed annually except for the California College Democrats which shall be considered a standing caucus.
Membership and full voting rights in an officially recognized Caucus shall be open to all registered Democrats of chartered clubs of the California Young Democrats who meet the membership requirements of the Caucus bylaws.
- ll Caucuses shall meet only in conjunction with the California Young Democrats Executive Committee and regional meetings.
Section 2 California College Democrats
The California Young Democrats recognizes the California College Democrats as an integral part of the overall California Young Democrats organization and will strive to ensure fair and consistent representation to college clubs.
The President of the California College Democrats, or his/her designee, shall serve as the official liaison of the California Young Democrats and the California College Democrats Caucus to the College Democrats of America. The President, his/her designee, shall update the California Young Democrats Executive Committee on activities of the College Democrats of America at each Executive Board Meeting.
ARTICLE IX EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1 Executive Committee
There shall be an Executive Committee of this organization, which shall have all the powers and duties of this organization when the full membership is not in actual session.
Section 2 Executive Committee Membership
The Executive Committee shall consist of the following members:
- All Statewide Officers and the Regional Directors of this organization.
- The immediate past-State President.
- The Presidents from duly chartered clubs.
- The President of California College Democrats
- Any officers of the Young Democrats of America or College Democrats of America residing in the State.
- The chairs of all standing and special committees with all powers except those of voting.
- All California Democratic National Committee members who belong to a duly chartered Young Democrats club.
Section 3 Executive Committee Organization
The State President shall be the President of the Executive Committee and the State Secretary shall be the Secretary of the Executive Committee.
Section 4 Executive Committee Meetings
The Executive Committee shall meet a minimum of four (4) times per year. When possible, these meetings shall be held in conjunction with Executive Committee meetings of the State Democratic Central Committee.
The Executive Committee may convene in special meetings in the following manner:
- At the call of the State President and at such time and in such place as the State President may designate, or
- Upon written request submitted to the State President of eight (8) or more members of the Executive Committee and at such time and in such place as they may designate.
Notice of regular and special meetings shall be given by the Secretary. The Secretary shall send notices via electronic mail and, when electronic mail is not available, deposit the notices in the United States Mail addressed to each member of the Executive Committee at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the convening of each meeting.
Section 5 Executive Committee Voting
No members of the Executive Committee may be entitled to more than one vote. To vote by proxy, the following conditions must be met:
- The person holding proxy must be a member of this organization.
- The proxy holder must not be a member of the Executive Committee, and no person may hold more than one proxy.
- If the member is a President of a chartered club, such member may designate a proxy therefore only a person who is a member of the said President's club.
- No voting officer or past-State President shall be represented by any alternate or proxy.
- Proxies shall be filed in writing with the Secretary of this committee.
Section 6 Executive Committee Quorum
Ten (10) members of the executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 7 Regional Caucuses of the Executive Committee
There shall be a Regional Caucus of the Executive Committee in each region. The Regional Caucuses shall have such duties and jurisdiction within their regions as not covered by the State Executive Committee. For simplification, the Regional Caucuses of the state Executive Committee shall hereinafter be referred to as Regional Executive Committee.
Membership in each Regional Executive Committee shall consist of the following:
- All State Officers of this organization residing in the section and the Regional Director.
- Presidents of chartered clubs in the region.
- The immediate past Regional Director.
- Any other such members as shall be determined by that Region's bylaws.
Regional Directors shall be the Presidents of their respective Regional Executive Committees.
Each Regional Executive Committee shall meet at least once in the interim between each State Executive Committee meeting. Special meetings may be called by the Regional Director or upon written request of at least five (5) members.
Notice of regular and/or special meetings shall follow the same procedure as set forth in ARTICLE IX, Section 4, part c, with the exception that only members of the respective region must be notified.
ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1 Expenditures
Expenditures in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be subject to prior approval by the State President. Expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500.00) shall be subject to prior approval by a majority of the State Executive Committee.
Section 2 Campaigns
The State Executive Committee and all the officers shall use their respective powers and influence to achieve a high level of effective participation by the chartered clubs and their members in the campaigns of nominees of the Democratic Party.
a. The State Executive Committee may, upon due notice of thirty (30) days, by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present and voting, endorse in the Democratic Primary of the following races: California Constitutional officers, United States Senate, United States President and California ballot propositions.
A chartered club may endorse or support the candidacy of a Democratic Party member prior to nomination by the Democratic Party provided that the chartered club uses only its official name in conjunction with the endorsement and not the name of this organization. Endorsement of non-Democrats for purposes of elections is a violation of these bylaws, and could result in charter revocation.
Section 3 Reserved Powers
Subject to the conditions and limitations herein provided, both the Regions and the Young Democratic Clubs thereof shall be considered autonomous organization.
Section 4 National Committee
Should either the State President, National Committeewoman, or National Committeeman be voting members of the National Committee by virtue of any other national position, the State Executive Committee may elect an alternate to represent the State until such time as the affected officer no longer holds said position.
Section 5 Organizational Records
The State President, Secretary and Parliamentarian shall, whenever possible, forward relevant organizational records at an established California Young Democrats archive within the University of California Northern Regional Library facility and Southern Regional Library facility information including but not limited to photos, memorabilia, meeting minutes, leadership rosters, conference notes, convention agendas, credentials reports and other statements shall be forwarded periodically and at the close of each state convention. Such records serve to preserve the history of the organization for future generations.
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS
Section 1 Amendment
These Bylaws may be amended by majority vote of all the delegates accredited and in attendance at any State Convention, or by two-thirds (2/3) vote at any State Executive Committee. Any such amendments shall take effect on the first Monday after the adjournment thereof unless a specific exception is stated in the motion to amend.
Section 2 Notice
Notice to amend the Bylaws shall be given twenty-one days prior to any Executive Board meeting at which such a change is to be voted upon.
ARTICLE XII SUSPENSION OF THE BYLAWS
Any section of these Bylaws may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at any meeting of the Executive Committee. A motion to suspend must identify the Article and Sections being suspended and may not suspend more than one article. This Article may not be suspended.
