The Constitution & Bylaws
This is the most current and up to date version of the Constitution and Bylaws of the DemVets. A PDF copy is available by emailing [email protected] and requesting one.
ARTICLE ONE
Section I
1. Name & Logo
1.1 The name of this organization shall be Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County. It may be abbreviated to ‘VDCSC’ and may be referred to as ‘DemVets’. In this Bylaws it is also often referred to as “the organization” or “the club”.
1.2 The logo of this organization shall be that of a Bear Silhouette, Solid Blue in color with Gold border and a Yellow Star with Gold Border in the center of the bear. When used, the words “Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County” shall appear on the same document or in the same picture.
2. Mission Statement
2.1 It shall be the mission of the VDCSC to work within the Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC), providing a strong voice and representation within the party structure that promotes the welfare of Veterans; both through effective legislation and by encouraging Veterans to participate fully as Democrats at all levels of policy making and public service. Strong support of candidates who are supportive of the rights and care of Veterans and Democrats will be available, as will strong opposition to candidates who fail to support these causes.
2.2 Additionally, and without regard for party affiliation, any Veteran who shall approach this organization for aid in any non-political form shall receive the best care and assistance the organization and its resources are capable of providing. No Veteran seeking aid of a non-political nature shall be turned away.
3. Values
3.1 The VDCSC shall maintain the following three values: Leadership, Honor, and Service.
a. Leadership- In compliment to our overall mission, an element of leadership development will be present in all we do.
b. Honor- The honor developed during the careers of those who have and are serving, shall not be forgotten by those who participate with this organization.
c. Service- The organization will maintain the same level of service to the country demonstrated by those who served in the Armed Forces. Service to those who have served will result in service to the communities of the county and abroad.
4. Vision
4.1 The VDCSC shall strive to become a community leader within Sacramento County. It shall strive to better serve the needs of veterans in the county and California by providing a steadfast, staunch voice to the veterans’ needs and of their desires for action from their elected officials and local municipalities; with attention specifically directed to these issues as they present within the Democratic Party.
5. Affiliation
5.1 The VDCSC shall be affiliated through charter membership with the DPSC. It shall abide by all of the different governing rules and bylaws of the DPSC in concern to its conduct as a club.
5.2 Additionally, the VDCSC shall be affiliated with the California Democratic Party and the Democratic- Veterans Caucus and the California Democratic Council.
Section II
1. Structure
1.1 The Membership governs the VDCSC via this provision: The vote of the membership of the VDCSC shall supersede all other votes or decisions by any committee or persons within this organization.
2. Law
2.1 The Bylaws shall govern this organization and the members shall govern the Bylaws through the process provided to them herein. In cases where the Bylaws shall conflict with the decisions of any part or whole of the VDCSC, the Bylaws shall supersede all until such a time where they are properly changed.
3. Service
3.1 The VDCSC shall work to meet its mission as outlined in the Mission Statement. It shall incorporate the Values into all of its actions and activities. Responsibility of directing this organization towards the fulfillment of this mission shall rest with the President.
ARTICLE TWO
Section I
1. Members
1.1 Membership in the organization shall be open to any person who supports the mission of the VDCSC; and, if eligible to vote, is a registered Democrat. If not eligible for registration, the intent to register as a Democrat is required.
2. Membership Categories and Qualifications
2.1 Membership shall be divided into three categories:
a. Veteran:
This level of membership is open to veterans of the United States Armed Forces, which shall be broadly construed to include: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Filipino Veterans who served with our allies during the Battan Death March and resistance in World War II, Native Americans who provided the communications code for our allies during World War II. This shall include all current members of the Armed Forces who have served at least 30 days of duty beyond their initial training and shall have either continued forward with their service or have been discharged under any circumstances. This shall be proven by the submission of a DD214 or other documents. The degree of discharge indicated on the DD214 shall have no bearing on the admission of the applicant to the club.
b. Non-Veteran:
This level of membership is open to all persons not meeting the definition of a Veteran outlined above who are at least 15 years of age and meet the requirements of Article 2, Section I, 1.
c. Sponsor Membership-
This level of membership is open to businesses and organizations that wish to sponsor the VDCSC.
3. The Membership Committee
3.1 A standing committee shall be formed to screen all applications of membership for all levels. Applications approved by this committee will be considered valid retroactive to the date the application was received. Applications rejected by this committee will be considered invalid and will be returned to person who applied with a request for corrections, or other recommended action, including the denial of membership to the club.
4. Voting Members
4.1 All members are permitted to vote in the manner prescribed for the vote they are present for.
4.2 Electronic votes of the General Membership may occur in the rare cases where the President calls for them and this shall be done by the means the President declares acceptable when calling for the it. Only the means through which the President outlines a vote shall be considered acceptable will be accepted as valid votes and only those members compliant with the Good Standing Clause will be permitted to vote electronically.
4.3 The President or Acting President is permitted the privilege of calling for an electronic vote of the Executive Board via the means the President declares acceptable when calling for it (i.e. E-Mail, Voting Buttons on the website, etc).
4.4 In cases of voting by electronic means, there must be a thorough effort to notify all eligible to vote in a timely manner. The President will consider the amount of notification time given when considering how long the voting shall be open.
4.5 Sponsor members are not permitted a vote.
5. Good Standing Clause
5.1 No member has the right to vote unless they are found to be in good standing at the exact time and place they wish to do so. Good standing shall be defined as being current on membership dues and found to have attended at least one prior meeting of the DemVets in the past 12 months.
6. Dues
6.1 Membership is for 365 days each period. (i.e. When a Member joins in March, they will be due in March of the next year.) Dues are charged to the member on the anniversary of their membership. A member is considered delinquent on their dues and no longer meets the good standing clause effective the day after their anniversary. Members shall be notified in advance of their pending renewal requirements.
6.2 The Annual Dues for each level of membership are due to the Treasurer no later than 365 days after the member has last paid dues to the club. An exception to this shall be the dues of persons who have filed with the Membership Committee for an approved leave of absence or an approved delay of remittance of dues for cause. The dues are set annually with the adoption by majority vote of the new Handbook for the year.
6.3 An honor system will be in place, allowing anyone to join the club for any fraction of the dues, without being questioned on their hardship status. Financial burden shall not prevent someone from joining the club if found to be otherwise qualified.
7. Privileges
7.1 Members will be given all privileges outlined in the most current edition of the Membership Handbook. This will include the ability to propose changes to this handbook and the Bylaws.
7.2 Sponsor Members are permitted to:
a. Advertise their membership with the VDCSC to their targets markets.
b. Participate in activities of the organization.
c. Make recommendations to the organization via letters to the Executive Board.
8. Lapsed Memberships
8.1 Any member who does not renew membership before the expiration of the membership period will no longer be considered to meet the Good Standing Clause.
9. Membership Termination
9.1 Membership in the VDCSC is a privilege. This privilege can be revoked for conduct that is deemed harmful to the organization.
9.2 Any member may voluntarily resign their membership at any time. Members who resign are eligible for return to the VDCSC at any time by paying their dues and updating their information.
9.3 Any member can request that another member be reviewed for potential disciplinary action, up to the termination of their membership. Such a request must be submitted in writing to the Membership Committee Chair. The Chair then has a period of no more than 72 hours to inform the President or Acting President of the VDCSC of the request.
9.4 The President then appoints a Special Committee for Review. This Committee is tasked with the investigation of the request and all parties involved. In a timely and efficient manner, the Committee presents their findings to the President in writing. The President will then decide if the findings require a Special Meeting or can wait for presentation to the membership at the next Regular Stated Meeting.
9.5 At the time the findings are presented to the membership, a motion for the recommended disciplinary action is needed. A seconding of the motion is required and the motion must pass by a two-thirds majority vote of the voters present. It is the right of the accused member to address the membership in their own defense prior to the presentation of motions for disciplinary action(s).
9.6 Once passed, the execution of disciplinary action(s) is delegated to the President, who then carries out the action(s) prescribed.
Section II
1. Voting in Meetings
1.1 The method for voting on items before the General Membership is set by the Presiding Officer at the time the vote is called for. The methods available to the Presiding Officer are: voice vote, show of hands and open, signed ballot. All votes of the membership on endorsements or resolutions are by open, signed ballot and pass with a majority of those present and voting.
1.2 The total of the votes/ballots cast may be closed at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. Should the Presiding Officer deem it necessary to place a matter being voted on into an ‘on-call’ status, they may do so provided the matter is closed and the votes/ballots certified before the end of the meeting.
1.3 A majority vote of the General Membership may close the balloting regardless of the will of the Presiding Officer, provided this is moved and seconded. Additionally, a motion, second and majority vote made prior to the closing of voting/balloting on any matter to place the matter ‘on-call’ with the same requirement for completion before the close of the meeting.
2. Voting in the Annual Election of Officers
2.1 All votes of the membership carried out in regard to the Annual Election of Officers, are by ballot. The Annual Election Committee is tasked with the counting and certification of these votes.
3. Voting
3.1 A ‘voting member’ is a member who qualifies for a vote by meeting the Good Standing Clause, at the time of the vote or vote deadline.
4. Challenged Votes
4.1 In cases where a member is suspected of having voted on an issue or ballot without having met the Good Standing Clause, their vote or ballot is classified as ‘Challenged’. Challenged vote or ballots are not initially tallied.
4.2 In cases where challenged votes or ballots could not have possibly made an impact on the outcome of the overall results of the vote or election, it falls to the member whose vote/ballot was challenged to prove that they were qualified to vote at the time of their attempt to do so and the presiding officer certifies the outcome without tallying these votes/ballots.
4.3 In cases where challenged votes or ballots could have made the difference in the outcome of the vote or election, a Special Committee for Review is formed by the President to investigate the legitimacy of the votes/ballots challenged. Challenged votes/ballots proven to have been valid will be counted. Challenged votes/ballots proven to have been invalid will not count. Once the tally of the vote/election has been added to the tally of proven valid votes/ballots, the Special Committee for Review shall provide their findings to the President or presiding officer at the next stated meeting of the membership and there will be a vote of the membership to certify the same.
Section III
1. Meetings
1.1 The Regular Stated Meeting of the membership is held monthly. A minimum of five (5) voting members is required to qualify the presence of a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the President/presiding officer is granted permission to suspend part or the entire meeting. Votes on any issues are postponed in the absence of a quorum.
1.2 Regular Stated Meetings adhere to a standard order of business. The approval/disapproval of an agenda is not permitted in order to ensure that a time exists for the membership to present new items of business before the club from the floor of these meetings.
1.3 The standard order of business for the General Membership meetings is:
Opening Ceremonies
Roll Call of Members
Previous Minutes Consideration
Correspondence
Reports (President, Officers, Committee Chairs)
Business (Old Business, New Business)
Special Programs
Ceremonies
Announcements
Adjournment
1.4 Regular Stated Meetings may be cancelled by a simple majority vote of the membership at the meeting immediately prior to the one considered for cancellation. Immediately following such a vote is a vote to consider the scheduling of a Special Meeting to replace the time lost by the cancellation of the Regular Stated Meeting.
1.5 Committee meetings occur in accordance with the guidance of the Committee Chair. Standing committees meet a minimum of once a quarter and special committees meet frequently enough to allow for adequate time to effectively accomplish its assignment(s) by its deadlines. A quorum for these meetings shall be that of those present and voting.
1.6 Special Meetings shall occur under the following circumstances:
a. When called by the President or Acting President.
b. When requested by any member in writing for any reason found by the President or Acting President to be valid.
c. When voted by the Membership to occur for the replacement of a cancelled Regular Stated Meeting.
1.7 Special Meetings must meet the same requirements of Regular Stated Meetings.
2. Notice of Meetings
2.1 All members eligible to attend a meeting shall be informed of that meeting’s occurrence a minimum of 24 hours prior to the same. All meeting notices must contain information pertaining to the time and place of the meeting, the purpose of the meeting and any needs from potential attendees.
3. Rules of Meetings
3.1 The VDCSC may consult the Newly Revised Robert’s Rules of Order as a reference for the conducting of the meetings in an organized manner.
4. Activities
4.1 Activities outside of the Regular Stated or Special Meetings are encouraged where they are found to be appropriate, in agreement with the furthering or maintaining of the mission of the VDCSC, and when approved by the Social committee.
ARTICLE THREE
Section I
1. Officers of the VDCSC
1.1 The VDCSC will have the following officers:
a. President
b. 1st Vice President
c. 2nd Vice President
d. Treasurer
e. Recorder
f. Sergeant At Arms
g. Legal Officer
h. Alternate Central Committee Liaison
i. Immediate Past President
1.2 With the exception of the Immediate Past President, these officers are elected during the Annual Election of Officers for a term of office lasting one (1) year, from January 1st to December 31st. They are elected by simple majority vote in a ballot voting process. Their specific powers and privileges are outlined in the most current edition of the Officer Handbook.
1.3 The Immediate Past President is an officer position automatically bestowed on the person who served as the President of the Club for the past term.
a. In cases where the person who was President for the last term and the President for the current term is the same person, this position is not filled by anyone.
b. The Immediate Past President is permitted to vote during the meetings of the Executive Board and as a member of the club.
c. The Immediate Past President is not permitted any of these privileges if they do not meet the Good Standing Clause.
1.4 Additionally, each Chair of the club’s committees will be considered an officer of the club. These officers are appointed by the President at the first meeting of the club in the new term of office.
1.5 Each Committee will have the following appointed officers:
a. Chair
b. Vice Chair
c. Recorder
1.6 The following positions can only be fulfilled by Veterans:
a. Elected President
b. Acting President
c. Interim President
d. 1st Vice President
e. 2nd Vice President
f. Interim 1st/2nd Vice President
1.7 Interim Officers are officers fulfilling a position normally occupied by an elected member but without having been elected in the Annual Election of Officers. These are normally members who were appointed by the President to fill a vacancy. They are entitled to all powers afforded the elected officer once appointed.
1.8 Presiding Officers are those who are currently acting as the President or Chair during the meetings, as needed.
1.9 Acting President is a member who is serving as the President in place of the elected President either at the request of the same or in the absence thereof. Acting President is a temporary situation where the powers of the President transfer to the person acting as President until they are taken back by the elected President or they are removed permanently from the President.
1.10 Should the office of President be vacated, the 1st Vice President becomes the Interim President and appoints another member to the position of Interim 1st Vice President.
1.11 Should the President be considered for removal from office; the 1st Vice President becomes Acting President during the Special Committee for Review’s Investigation. Once the Membership votes to approve the removal of the President, succession takes place as outlined above.
1.12 Democratic Party of Sacramento County’s Central Committee. This person will be given all the same powers of an elected or ex-officio member of the Central Committee and will have full rights to perform their duties in this capacity as they feel are fitting to both themselves and the DemVets. This Club Representative shall have an alternate, as is required by the DPSC bylaws. This alternate shall be elected during the same annual election as the other officers of the club.
2. The Executive Board
2.1 This committee consists of all of the elected officers, appointed officers and immediate past President. It is a planning committee that meets at least monthly for the purposes of planning the next month’s agenda, processing of any resolution proposals, and the management of the overall function of the DemVets. This committee does not introduce any specific resolutions or other official decisions for the VDCSC, while it may become involved in vetting the language of such proposals for final approval by the membership.
3. Standing Committees
3.1 Standing Committees serve in their assigned capacities to handle specific elements of the VDCSC. They meet a minimum of once per quarter and consist of a minimum of 5 regular members including the officers.
3.2 The following standing committees exist within the VDCSC for the purposes stated below:
a. Membership Committee
This committee is tasked with the handling of all of the new membership applications, member specific issues, the planning and execution of all activities of the VDCSC, maintaining morale through social activities, and other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board.
b. Campaign Services Committee
This committee will handle the endorsement process, questionnaire formation and all other aspects of screening candidates and issues for endorsement consideration by the Membership. Additionally, it will handle the different services made available to candidates who have been endorsed by the VDCSC, and the coordination of DemVets volunteer efforts for the campaigns of each candidate endorsed. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board.
c. Fundraising Committee
This committee is tasked with the planning of events for fundraising purposes, and management of the fundraising plan. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board.
d. Communications Committee
This committee is tasked with the communications and messaging of the club to include media, social media, online content, and internal and external communications. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board. The 2nd Vice President chairs this committee.
e. Legislation Committee
This committee is tasked with the monitoring of all different forms of legislation coming before the different bodies of Government of Sacramento County. It keeps the club informed on the legislation, provides an analysis of the language, and recommends to the club pro or anti positions for the club to then vote on. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board. The Legal Officer chairs this committee.
f. Advocacy Committee
This committee is tasked with the tracking of all elected officials’ actions and endorsed candidates actions while in office, lobbying of the different bodies of government within the county, and advocacy for Veterans and Veterans Organizations. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board. The 1st Vice President chairs this committee.
4. Ad Hoc Committees
4.1 The President can create Ad Hoc Committees when such action is recommended for the handling of an issue or task. Ad Hoc Committees should not exceed a size of 5 members including the officers.
4.2 Ad Hoc Committees may be created through the majority vote of the membership during meetings. In this instance, the President would then create the committee through the appointment of a Chair.
5. Special Committees for Review
5.1 This committee shall be created and tasked with a specific matter to be reviewed by way of investigation for determination of possible disciplinary or negative action on the part of the membership.
5.2 It will be chaired by the Legal Officer and will have a Vice Chair representing the plaintiff and a Vice Chair representing the defendant. These Vice Chairs will be tasked with a respective side of the investigation and will present their findings to the Committee at the time they are deemed due.
5.3 These three shall not have a vote in the finalization of the findings. Instead, five (5) members shall be appointed to this committee to serve as a jury for deliberation of evidence presented by both sides of the investigation. Two (2) of these five (5) shall be appointed by one Vice Chair, and the other Vice Chair shall also appoint two (2). The Chair appoints the remaining member.
5.4 Findings are to be voted on by the five (5) members and only a simple majority is required to approve findings in favor of either side of the investigation. Members may not abstain from voting on the findings being considered.
5.5 Upon presentation of their findings to the membership, the specific Special Committee for Review formed for that issue ceases to exist.
6. Committees
6.1 All committees shall have a Chair appointed by the President or Acting President. This Chair is tasked with the appointment of the committee officers. At a minimum, the Chair shall select a Vice Chair and a Recorder.
Section II
1. Annual Election of Officers
1.1 The Annual Election of Officers shall be the process through which the elected officers are chosen for the next term. The process is conducted as follows:
a. Nominations are opened from the September meeting to the November meeting. During this time, the different members of the club who are eligible for the specific offices may be nominated for them. Members may self-nominate. Nominations are made from the floor. For nomination to be official, the nomination must be accepted and then seconded.
b. Once the period for nomination has closed, the option for the membership to hear from candidates in opposed elections in a question and answer style forum should be provided.
c. Notice of the upcoming election meeting must be made seven days prior to the meeting occurring. The Annual Election of Officers is held during the November Regular Stated Meeting.
d. All members of the club who wish to vote in this election must be present for the meeting to do so. During this meeting, the Legal Officer presides over the election process of the President, then allows the current President to resume presiding.
e. Once all ballots have been cast, the President then certifies the vote and the new officers are elected.
f. Each specific office and the tally of votes for the candidates running for them are considered independently for certification. The winner of the election for each specific office is the candidate that received at least one (1) more vote than any of the other candidates in the same race. In cases where a tie is present, the race is certified as requiring special election. Only the candidates that tied for the victory in said race are eligible for the Special election. This special election takes place during the December Regular Stated Meeting.
g. Special elections are held on the floor of the same membership meeting that the certified election results are presented. Only those candidates who are deemed by the certified results to have tied for victory for office are voted on. Each race for a specific office certified as requiring special election is considered separately. Candidates will each have one (1) minute to present their request for votes. Immediately after this concludes, the membership proceeds to elect one of the candidates for office. The President or presiding officer upon its completion certifies the vote and this serves as the final outcome of the race being considered.
h. A transitional meeting between the outgoing and incoming officer for each position takes place no later than December 31st. This can be accomplished by any means agreed upon.
i. All officers begin their terms effective midnight January 1st and are entitled to the full powers and privileges from that point to the end of their terms.
j. A Ceremonial Installment of the Officers may take place during the next Regular Stated Meeting of the membership. All officers may take the following oath:
“I promise to fulfill the duties of my office in the Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County in a manner that strives to bring honor upon all that I serve herein.”
k. The President then announces the appointments to fill all of the appointed officer positions and any elected officer positions left vacant by lack of a candidate.
l. All appointed Chairs appoint their committee officers no later then January 31st. These appointments are presented in the next report of their committee.
2. Appointment of Replacement Officers
2.1 If an elected or appointed position, other than that of President, becomes vacant at any time; the President is permitted to immediately appoint someone to fulfill that office as an Interim Officer for the remainder of the term.
2.2 If the position of President becomes vacant at any time, the 1st Vice President succeeds to the position of Interim President.
3. Removal of Committee Officers and Members
3.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of an officer or member of a committee is required, the Chair of that committee dismisses the committee officer or member in question.
3.2 Committee Chairs also have the ability to request from the membership during a meeting, a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in a committee officer or member. 3.3 Should that vote pass, the Chair may dismiss them from the committee, without any further action against them.
3.4 In cases where it is the opinion of the President or Presiding Officer that more disciplinary action is necessary or the decision to remove the member in question may not be just, a Special Committee for Review is created. The President gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the member continues to serve in their position until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the membership.
4. Removal of Committee Chairs
4.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of a Chair of a committee is required, the President dismisses the Chair in question.
4.2 Members will be permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in committee Chairs. Should that vote pass, the President may dismiss the Chair from the committee, without any further action against them.
4.3 In cases where it is the opinion of the President or Presiding Officer that more disciplinary action is necessary or the decision to remove the member in question may not be just, a Special Committee for Review is created. The President gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the member continues to serve in their position until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the membership.
5. Removal of Elected Officers
5.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of an Elected Officer, other than the President, is required, the President dismisses the elected officer in question.
5.2 Members will be permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in Elected Officers. Should that vote pass; the President offers the Elected Officer the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the Elected Officer decline to resign, the President creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The President gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the Elected Officer continues to serve in their position until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the membership.
5.3 Members are permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the President. If seconded, the President shall step aside and allow the 1st Vice President to serve as presiding officer. If the 1st Vice President is not present, the 2nd Vice President becomes the presiding officer. If none of these are present, another elected officer becomes the presiding officer and the vote is presented to the floor. Should that vote pass; the 1st Vice President or presiding officer offers the President the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the President decline to resign, the 1st Vice President or presiding officer creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The 1st Vice President or presiding officer gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the President continues to serve until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the Membership.
ARTICLE FOUR
Section I
1. Resolutions
1.1 Resolutions of the VDCSC are handled in a manner that works to accurately reflect their different positions on political and veteran issues.
1.2 Resolutions shall have the following stages:
a. Resolution Proposal- A resolution in the original format of its proposal from a member to the floor of the membership. This may be as simple as a letter to the membership requesting a resolution be drafted to cover a certain subject or subjects.
b. Resolution Draft- a resolution whose language is being drafted by the Executive Board, using proper resolution format as defined by the President.
c. Resolution Final- A resolution that has been finalized by the Executive Board and is going before the membership for approval by majority vote.
d. Resolution- A final, approved by the membership as written, Resolution of the VDCSC. This is the only version of the Resolution for publication outside of the VDCSC.
2. Executive Directives
2.1 The President or Acting President is permitted to (in circumstances where time is of the essence and the consulting of the VDCSC and its bodies is not available prior to making a decision or taking an action) make a decision or take action under an Executive Directive.
2.2 An Executive Directive is defined as a letter to the membership from the President or Acting President who made the decision or took the action, presenting their action(s) or decision(s) and explaining them.
2.3 Executive Directives are due to the membership by their next meeting and care should be taken to ensure they are voted on at the same meeting. Executive Directives require the approval of the membership as having been justified and in good faith. Exception: Executive Directives can be found to have been unjustified, but in good faith. Executive Directives found to be unjustified and not in good faith shall result in a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the President or Acting President. Appropriate action as outlined in previous sections shall occur in response to the outcome of that vote.
2.4 A President or Acting President shall take great care as to not over-exercise the use of Executive Directives and to regard them as a tool for making decisions in the unavoidable absence of the membership. Delaying of decision(s) or action(s) until the next meeting of the membership shall be done as often as possible. Whenever a delay until the next regular stated meeting of the membership is deemed impossible, but the option of calling a Special Meeting is present, this option shall be exercised prior to the use of Executive Directives.
3. Endorsement
3.1 The VDCSC participates in the politics of the area by offering an endorsement process for the different candidates and ballot measures being considered during special and regularly scheduled elections.
3.2 The Chair of the Campaign Services Committee outlines the specific process for obtaining approval for consideration by the membership for endorsement. This process will include the questionnaire formation, a vetting process for candidates, the research of either side of ballot measures, and the impact of the endorsement/lack of endorsement to the VDCSC.
3.3 The vetting process is done in an efficient manner, and eliminates any candidates determined by the process to be in contradiction to themselves, to be without sound mind, to be without proper credentials (i.e. past history that would directly demean the office they are running for), and/or to be otherwise in opposition to the causes of the VDCSC and/or the Democratic Party. This process also ensures that the candidate for endorsement is registered as a Democrat. Candidates that are recommended for approval to move forward or for elimination from the process are voted on by simple majority vote of the committee.
3.4 The committee is tasked with the presentation of the endorsement portion of the meeting of the membership where the endorsement(s) is/are considered. This includes the process through which candidates are allowed to speak; presenters are allowed to speak on ballot measures; members are allowed to ask questions of the candidates/presenters; and the final preparation of the ballot for the endorsement(s) being considered during that meeting.
3.5 All questions by those properly participating in the endorsement portion of the meeting are presented to the candidates/presenters regardless of the nature of the question. Only questions that duplicate previous questions may be eliminated. Questions will be asked in the order in which they are turned in. Should time allow, the Chair of the Campaign Services Committee (who serves as the Moderator for these portions of the meetings) should strive to make it through all of the different questions submitted.
3.7 The membership votes by ballot and the Chair of the Campaign Services Committee tallies these votes. The final results of the vote are presented to the President for certification and the Recorder for announcement to the membership as certified results.
3.8 No endorsement shall be given to any member of any other party. In cases where multiple Democrats are running against each other for the same position, only one shall be granted endorsement by the VDCSC.
3.9 No person who is found to have made a personal endorsement of any kind in a race is permitted to participate in the endorsement process for that race prior to the presentation of the race to the membership for endorsement consideration. Members having personally endorsed in a race(s) will not be permitted to participate on the Campaign Services Committee during their vetting process for the respective race(s) where such personal endorsement is present.
Section II
1. Amendment of The Bylaws
1.1 Any member may propose an amendment to this Bylaws. Such amendment proposals go through the following process:
a. The amendment is proposed on the floor of a membership meeting. A vote is taken on the amendment proposal to be approved for proceeding through this process.
b. The amendment proposal is given to the Resolutions Committee, who drafts the final language of the amendment proposal and approves the same through a process outlined by the Chair of that Committee. This process carefully ensures that the final language of the amendment does not place the amendment in contradiction to the rest of this document.
c. The approved amendment draft becomes an amendment upon the approval of no less than two-thirds of the members present for the vote and meeting the Good Standing Clause PLUS the total of At Large Members meeting the Good Standing Clause who voted in the current amendment vote by mail.
1.2 Care shall be taken to not approve amendments that unnecessarily redirect the VDCSC away from its original mission. Amendments of similar nature may not be proposed more than once in a six-month period of time. More than one amendment may be considered at a time.
Section I
1. Name & Logo
1.1 The name of this organization shall be Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County. It may be abbreviated to ‘VDCSC’ and may be referred to as ‘DemVets’. In this Bylaws it is also often referred to as “the organization” or “the club”.
1.2 The logo of this organization shall be that of a Bear Silhouette, Solid Blue in color with Gold border and a Yellow Star with Gold Border in the center of the bear. When used, the words “Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County” shall appear on the same document or in the same picture.
2. Mission Statement
2.1 It shall be the mission of the VDCSC to work within the Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC), providing a strong voice and representation within the party structure that promotes the welfare of Veterans; both through effective legislation and by encouraging Veterans to participate fully as Democrats at all levels of policy making and public service. Strong support of candidates who are supportive of the rights and care of Veterans and Democrats will be available, as will strong opposition to candidates who fail to support these causes.
2.2 Additionally, and without regard for party affiliation, any Veteran who shall approach this organization for aid in any non-political form shall receive the best care and assistance the organization and its resources are capable of providing. No Veteran seeking aid of a non-political nature shall be turned away.
3. Values
3.1 The VDCSC shall maintain the following three values: Leadership, Honor, and Service.
a. Leadership- In compliment to our overall mission, an element of leadership development will be present in all we do.
b. Honor- The honor developed during the careers of those who have and are serving, shall not be forgotten by those who participate with this organization.
c. Service- The organization will maintain the same level of service to the country demonstrated by those who served in the Armed Forces. Service to those who have served will result in service to the communities of the county and abroad.
4. Vision
4.1 The VDCSC shall strive to become a community leader within Sacramento County. It shall strive to better serve the needs of veterans in the county and California by providing a steadfast, staunch voice to the veterans’ needs and of their desires for action from their elected officials and local municipalities; with attention specifically directed to these issues as they present within the Democratic Party.
5. Affiliation
5.1 The VDCSC shall be affiliated through charter membership with the DPSC. It shall abide by all of the different governing rules and bylaws of the DPSC in concern to its conduct as a club.
5.2 Additionally, the VDCSC shall be affiliated with the California Democratic Party and the Democratic- Veterans Caucus and the California Democratic Council.
Section II
1. Structure
1.1 The Membership governs the VDCSC via this provision: The vote of the membership of the VDCSC shall supersede all other votes or decisions by any committee or persons within this organization.
2. Law
2.1 The Bylaws shall govern this organization and the members shall govern the Bylaws through the process provided to them herein. In cases where the Bylaws shall conflict with the decisions of any part or whole of the VDCSC, the Bylaws shall supersede all until such a time where they are properly changed.
3. Service
3.1 The VDCSC shall work to meet its mission as outlined in the Mission Statement. It shall incorporate the Values into all of its actions and activities. Responsibility of directing this organization towards the fulfillment of this mission shall rest with the President.
ARTICLE TWO
Section I
1. Members
1.1 Membership in the organization shall be open to any person who supports the mission of the VDCSC; and, if eligible to vote, is a registered Democrat. If not eligible for registration, the intent to register as a Democrat is required.
2. Membership Categories and Qualifications
2.1 Membership shall be divided into three categories:
a. Veteran:
This level of membership is open to veterans of the United States Armed Forces, which shall be broadly construed to include: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Filipino Veterans who served with our allies during the Battan Death March and resistance in World War II, Native Americans who provided the communications code for our allies during World War II. This shall include all current members of the Armed Forces who have served at least 30 days of duty beyond their initial training and shall have either continued forward with their service or have been discharged under any circumstances. This shall be proven by the submission of a DD214 or other documents. The degree of discharge indicated on the DD214 shall have no bearing on the admission of the applicant to the club.
b. Non-Veteran:
This level of membership is open to all persons not meeting the definition of a Veteran outlined above who are at least 15 years of age and meet the requirements of Article 2, Section I, 1.
c. Sponsor Membership-
This level of membership is open to businesses and organizations that wish to sponsor the VDCSC.
3. The Membership Committee
3.1 A standing committee shall be formed to screen all applications of membership for all levels. Applications approved by this committee will be considered valid retroactive to the date the application was received. Applications rejected by this committee will be considered invalid and will be returned to person who applied with a request for corrections, or other recommended action, including the denial of membership to the club.
4. Voting Members
4.1 All members are permitted to vote in the manner prescribed for the vote they are present for.
4.2 Electronic votes of the General Membership may occur in the rare cases where the President calls for them and this shall be done by the means the President declares acceptable when calling for the it. Only the means through which the President outlines a vote shall be considered acceptable will be accepted as valid votes and only those members compliant with the Good Standing Clause will be permitted to vote electronically.
4.3 The President or Acting President is permitted the privilege of calling for an electronic vote of the Executive Board via the means the President declares acceptable when calling for it (i.e. E-Mail, Voting Buttons on the website, etc).
4.4 In cases of voting by electronic means, there must be a thorough effort to notify all eligible to vote in a timely manner. The President will consider the amount of notification time given when considering how long the voting shall be open.
4.5 Sponsor members are not permitted a vote.
5. Good Standing Clause
5.1 No member has the right to vote unless they are found to be in good standing at the exact time and place they wish to do so. Good standing shall be defined as being current on membership dues and found to have attended at least one prior meeting of the DemVets in the past 12 months.
6. Dues
6.1 Membership is for 365 days each period. (i.e. When a Member joins in March, they will be due in March of the next year.) Dues are charged to the member on the anniversary of their membership. A member is considered delinquent on their dues and no longer meets the good standing clause effective the day after their anniversary. Members shall be notified in advance of their pending renewal requirements.
6.2 The Annual Dues for each level of membership are due to the Treasurer no later than 365 days after the member has last paid dues to the club. An exception to this shall be the dues of persons who have filed with the Membership Committee for an approved leave of absence or an approved delay of remittance of dues for cause. The dues are set annually with the adoption by majority vote of the new Handbook for the year.
6.3 An honor system will be in place, allowing anyone to join the club for any fraction of the dues, without being questioned on their hardship status. Financial burden shall not prevent someone from joining the club if found to be otherwise qualified.
7. Privileges
7.1 Members will be given all privileges outlined in the most current edition of the Membership Handbook. This will include the ability to propose changes to this handbook and the Bylaws.
7.2 Sponsor Members are permitted to:
a. Advertise their membership with the VDCSC to their targets markets.
b. Participate in activities of the organization.
c. Make recommendations to the organization via letters to the Executive Board.
8. Lapsed Memberships
8.1 Any member who does not renew membership before the expiration of the membership period will no longer be considered to meet the Good Standing Clause.
9. Membership Termination
9.1 Membership in the VDCSC is a privilege. This privilege can be revoked for conduct that is deemed harmful to the organization.
9.2 Any member may voluntarily resign their membership at any time. Members who resign are eligible for return to the VDCSC at any time by paying their dues and updating their information.
9.3 Any member can request that another member be reviewed for potential disciplinary action, up to the termination of their membership. Such a request must be submitted in writing to the Membership Committee Chair. The Chair then has a period of no more than 72 hours to inform the President or Acting President of the VDCSC of the request.
9.4 The President then appoints a Special Committee for Review. This Committee is tasked with the investigation of the request and all parties involved. In a timely and efficient manner, the Committee presents their findings to the President in writing. The President will then decide if the findings require a Special Meeting or can wait for presentation to the membership at the next Regular Stated Meeting.
9.5 At the time the findings are presented to the membership, a motion for the recommended disciplinary action is needed. A seconding of the motion is required and the motion must pass by a two-thirds majority vote of the voters present. It is the right of the accused member to address the membership in their own defense prior to the presentation of motions for disciplinary action(s).
9.6 Once passed, the execution of disciplinary action(s) is delegated to the President, who then carries out the action(s) prescribed.
Section II
1. Voting in Meetings
1.1 The method for voting on items before the General Membership is set by the Presiding Officer at the time the vote is called for. The methods available to the Presiding Officer are: voice vote, show of hands and open, signed ballot. All votes of the membership on endorsements or resolutions are by open, signed ballot and pass with a majority of those present and voting.
1.2 The total of the votes/ballots cast may be closed at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. Should the Presiding Officer deem it necessary to place a matter being voted on into an ‘on-call’ status, they may do so provided the matter is closed and the votes/ballots certified before the end of the meeting.
1.3 A majority vote of the General Membership may close the balloting regardless of the will of the Presiding Officer, provided this is moved and seconded. Additionally, a motion, second and majority vote made prior to the closing of voting/balloting on any matter to place the matter ‘on-call’ with the same requirement for completion before the close of the meeting.
2. Voting in the Annual Election of Officers
2.1 All votes of the membership carried out in regard to the Annual Election of Officers, are by ballot. The Annual Election Committee is tasked with the counting and certification of these votes.
3. Voting
3.1 A ‘voting member’ is a member who qualifies for a vote by meeting the Good Standing Clause, at the time of the vote or vote deadline.
4. Challenged Votes
4.1 In cases where a member is suspected of having voted on an issue or ballot without having met the Good Standing Clause, their vote or ballot is classified as ‘Challenged’. Challenged vote or ballots are not initially tallied.
4.2 In cases where challenged votes or ballots could not have possibly made an impact on the outcome of the overall results of the vote or election, it falls to the member whose vote/ballot was challenged to prove that they were qualified to vote at the time of their attempt to do so and the presiding officer certifies the outcome without tallying these votes/ballots.
4.3 In cases where challenged votes or ballots could have made the difference in the outcome of the vote or election, a Special Committee for Review is formed by the President to investigate the legitimacy of the votes/ballots challenged. Challenged votes/ballots proven to have been valid will be counted. Challenged votes/ballots proven to have been invalid will not count. Once the tally of the vote/election has been added to the tally of proven valid votes/ballots, the Special Committee for Review shall provide their findings to the President or presiding officer at the next stated meeting of the membership and there will be a vote of the membership to certify the same.
Section III
1. Meetings
1.1 The Regular Stated Meeting of the membership is held monthly. A minimum of five (5) voting members is required to qualify the presence of a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the President/presiding officer is granted permission to suspend part or the entire meeting. Votes on any issues are postponed in the absence of a quorum.
1.2 Regular Stated Meetings adhere to a standard order of business. The approval/disapproval of an agenda is not permitted in order to ensure that a time exists for the membership to present new items of business before the club from the floor of these meetings.
1.3 The standard order of business for the General Membership meetings is:
Opening Ceremonies
Roll Call of Members
Previous Minutes Consideration
Correspondence
Reports (President, Officers, Committee Chairs)
Business (Old Business, New Business)
Special Programs
Ceremonies
Announcements
Adjournment
1.4 Regular Stated Meetings may be cancelled by a simple majority vote of the membership at the meeting immediately prior to the one considered for cancellation. Immediately following such a vote is a vote to consider the scheduling of a Special Meeting to replace the time lost by the cancellation of the Regular Stated Meeting.
1.5 Committee meetings occur in accordance with the guidance of the Committee Chair. Standing committees meet a minimum of once a quarter and special committees meet frequently enough to allow for adequate time to effectively accomplish its assignment(s) by its deadlines. A quorum for these meetings shall be that of those present and voting.
1.6 Special Meetings shall occur under the following circumstances:
a. When called by the President or Acting President.
b. When requested by any member in writing for any reason found by the President or Acting President to be valid.
c. When voted by the Membership to occur for the replacement of a cancelled Regular Stated Meeting.
1.7 Special Meetings must meet the same requirements of Regular Stated Meetings.
2. Notice of Meetings
2.1 All members eligible to attend a meeting shall be informed of that meeting’s occurrence a minimum of 24 hours prior to the same. All meeting notices must contain information pertaining to the time and place of the meeting, the purpose of the meeting and any needs from potential attendees.
3. Rules of Meetings
3.1 The VDCSC may consult the Newly Revised Robert’s Rules of Order as a reference for the conducting of the meetings in an organized manner.
4. Activities
4.1 Activities outside of the Regular Stated or Special Meetings are encouraged where they are found to be appropriate, in agreement with the furthering or maintaining of the mission of the VDCSC, and when approved by the Social committee.
ARTICLE THREE
Section I
1. Officers of the VDCSC
1.1 The VDCSC will have the following officers:
a. President
b. 1st Vice President
c. 2nd Vice President
d. Treasurer
e. Recorder
f. Sergeant At Arms
g. Legal Officer
h. Alternate Central Committee Liaison
i. Immediate Past President
1.2 With the exception of the Immediate Past President, these officers are elected during the Annual Election of Officers for a term of office lasting one (1) year, from January 1st to December 31st. They are elected by simple majority vote in a ballot voting process. Their specific powers and privileges are outlined in the most current edition of the Officer Handbook.
1.3 The Immediate Past President is an officer position automatically bestowed on the person who served as the President of the Club for the past term.
a. In cases where the person who was President for the last term and the President for the current term is the same person, this position is not filled by anyone.
b. The Immediate Past President is permitted to vote during the meetings of the Executive Board and as a member of the club.
c. The Immediate Past President is not permitted any of these privileges if they do not meet the Good Standing Clause.
1.4 Additionally, each Chair of the club’s committees will be considered an officer of the club. These officers are appointed by the President at the first meeting of the club in the new term of office.
1.5 Each Committee will have the following appointed officers:
a. Chair
b. Vice Chair
c. Recorder
1.6 The following positions can only be fulfilled by Veterans:
a. Elected President
b. Acting President
c. Interim President
d. 1st Vice President
e. 2nd Vice President
f. Interim 1st/2nd Vice President
1.7 Interim Officers are officers fulfilling a position normally occupied by an elected member but without having been elected in the Annual Election of Officers. These are normally members who were appointed by the President to fill a vacancy. They are entitled to all powers afforded the elected officer once appointed.
1.8 Presiding Officers are those who are currently acting as the President or Chair during the meetings, as needed.
1.9 Acting President is a member who is serving as the President in place of the elected President either at the request of the same or in the absence thereof. Acting President is a temporary situation where the powers of the President transfer to the person acting as President until they are taken back by the elected President or they are removed permanently from the President.
1.10 Should the office of President be vacated, the 1st Vice President becomes the Interim President and appoints another member to the position of Interim 1st Vice President.
1.11 Should the President be considered for removal from office; the 1st Vice President becomes Acting President during the Special Committee for Review’s Investigation. Once the Membership votes to approve the removal of the President, succession takes place as outlined above.
1.12 Democratic Party of Sacramento County’s Central Committee. This person will be given all the same powers of an elected or ex-officio member of the Central Committee and will have full rights to perform their duties in this capacity as they feel are fitting to both themselves and the DemVets. This Club Representative shall have an alternate, as is required by the DPSC bylaws. This alternate shall be elected during the same annual election as the other officers of the club.
2. The Executive Board
2.1 This committee consists of all of the elected officers, appointed officers and immediate past President. It is a planning committee that meets at least monthly for the purposes of planning the next month’s agenda, processing of any resolution proposals, and the management of the overall function of the DemVets. This committee does not introduce any specific resolutions or other official decisions for the VDCSC, while it may become involved in vetting the language of such proposals for final approval by the membership.
3. Standing Committees
3.1 Standing Committees serve in their assigned capacities to handle specific elements of the VDCSC. They meet a minimum of once per quarter and consist of a minimum of 5 regular members including the officers.
3.2 The following standing committees exist within the VDCSC for the purposes stated below:
a. Membership Committee
This committee is tasked with the handling of all of the new membership applications, member specific issues, the planning and execution of all activities of the VDCSC, maintaining morale through social activities, and other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board.
b. Campaign Services Committee
This committee will handle the endorsement process, questionnaire formation and all other aspects of screening candidates and issues for endorsement consideration by the Membership. Additionally, it will handle the different services made available to candidates who have been endorsed by the VDCSC, and the coordination of DemVets volunteer efforts for the campaigns of each candidate endorsed. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board.
c. Fundraising Committee
This committee is tasked with the planning of events for fundraising purposes, and management of the fundraising plan. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board.
d. Communications Committee
This committee is tasked with the communications and messaging of the club to include media, social media, online content, and internal and external communications. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board. The 2nd Vice President chairs this committee.
e. Legislation Committee
This committee is tasked with the monitoring of all different forms of legislation coming before the different bodies of Government of Sacramento County. It keeps the club informed on the legislation, provides an analysis of the language, and recommends to the club pro or anti positions for the club to then vote on. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board. The Legal Officer chairs this committee.
f. Advocacy Committee
This committee is tasked with the tracking of all elected officials’ actions and endorsed candidates actions while in office, lobbying of the different bodies of government within the county, and advocacy for Veterans and Veterans Organizations. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Board. The 1st Vice President chairs this committee.
4. Ad Hoc Committees
4.1 The President can create Ad Hoc Committees when such action is recommended for the handling of an issue or task. Ad Hoc Committees should not exceed a size of 5 members including the officers.
4.2 Ad Hoc Committees may be created through the majority vote of the membership during meetings. In this instance, the President would then create the committee through the appointment of a Chair.
5. Special Committees for Review
5.1 This committee shall be created and tasked with a specific matter to be reviewed by way of investigation for determination of possible disciplinary or negative action on the part of the membership.
5.2 It will be chaired by the Legal Officer and will have a Vice Chair representing the plaintiff and a Vice Chair representing the defendant. These Vice Chairs will be tasked with a respective side of the investigation and will present their findings to the Committee at the time they are deemed due.
5.3 These three shall not have a vote in the finalization of the findings. Instead, five (5) members shall be appointed to this committee to serve as a jury for deliberation of evidence presented by both sides of the investigation. Two (2) of these five (5) shall be appointed by one Vice Chair, and the other Vice Chair shall also appoint two (2). The Chair appoints the remaining member.
5.4 Findings are to be voted on by the five (5) members and only a simple majority is required to approve findings in favor of either side of the investigation. Members may not abstain from voting on the findings being considered.
5.5 Upon presentation of their findings to the membership, the specific Special Committee for Review formed for that issue ceases to exist.
6. Committees
6.1 All committees shall have a Chair appointed by the President or Acting President. This Chair is tasked with the appointment of the committee officers. At a minimum, the Chair shall select a Vice Chair and a Recorder.
Section II
1. Annual Election of Officers
1.1 The Annual Election of Officers shall be the process through which the elected officers are chosen for the next term. The process is conducted as follows:
a. Nominations are opened from the September meeting to the November meeting. During this time, the different members of the club who are eligible for the specific offices may be nominated for them. Members may self-nominate. Nominations are made from the floor. For nomination to be official, the nomination must be accepted and then seconded.
b. Once the period for nomination has closed, the option for the membership to hear from candidates in opposed elections in a question and answer style forum should be provided.
c. Notice of the upcoming election meeting must be made seven days prior to the meeting occurring. The Annual Election of Officers is held during the November Regular Stated Meeting.
d. All members of the club who wish to vote in this election must be present for the meeting to do so. During this meeting, the Legal Officer presides over the election process of the President, then allows the current President to resume presiding.
e. Once all ballots have been cast, the President then certifies the vote and the new officers are elected.
f. Each specific office and the tally of votes for the candidates running for them are considered independently for certification. The winner of the election for each specific office is the candidate that received at least one (1) more vote than any of the other candidates in the same race. In cases where a tie is present, the race is certified as requiring special election. Only the candidates that tied for the victory in said race are eligible for the Special election. This special election takes place during the December Regular Stated Meeting.
g. Special elections are held on the floor of the same membership meeting that the certified election results are presented. Only those candidates who are deemed by the certified results to have tied for victory for office are voted on. Each race for a specific office certified as requiring special election is considered separately. Candidates will each have one (1) minute to present their request for votes. Immediately after this concludes, the membership proceeds to elect one of the candidates for office. The President or presiding officer upon its completion certifies the vote and this serves as the final outcome of the race being considered.
h. A transitional meeting between the outgoing and incoming officer for each position takes place no later than December 31st. This can be accomplished by any means agreed upon.
i. All officers begin their terms effective midnight January 1st and are entitled to the full powers and privileges from that point to the end of their terms.
j. A Ceremonial Installment of the Officers may take place during the next Regular Stated Meeting of the membership. All officers may take the following oath:
“I promise to fulfill the duties of my office in the Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County in a manner that strives to bring honor upon all that I serve herein.”
k. The President then announces the appointments to fill all of the appointed officer positions and any elected officer positions left vacant by lack of a candidate.
l. All appointed Chairs appoint their committee officers no later then January 31st. These appointments are presented in the next report of their committee.
2. Appointment of Replacement Officers
2.1 If an elected or appointed position, other than that of President, becomes vacant at any time; the President is permitted to immediately appoint someone to fulfill that office as an Interim Officer for the remainder of the term.
2.2 If the position of President becomes vacant at any time, the 1st Vice President succeeds to the position of Interim President.
3. Removal of Committee Officers and Members
3.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of an officer or member of a committee is required, the Chair of that committee dismisses the committee officer or member in question.
3.2 Committee Chairs also have the ability to request from the membership during a meeting, a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in a committee officer or member. 3.3 Should that vote pass, the Chair may dismiss them from the committee, without any further action against them.
3.4 In cases where it is the opinion of the President or Presiding Officer that more disciplinary action is necessary or the decision to remove the member in question may not be just, a Special Committee for Review is created. The President gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the member continues to serve in their position until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the membership.
4. Removal of Committee Chairs
4.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of a Chair of a committee is required, the President dismisses the Chair in question.
4.2 Members will be permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in committee Chairs. Should that vote pass, the President may dismiss the Chair from the committee, without any further action against them.
4.3 In cases where it is the opinion of the President or Presiding Officer that more disciplinary action is necessary or the decision to remove the member in question may not be just, a Special Committee for Review is created. The President gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the member continues to serve in their position until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the membership.
5. Removal of Elected Officers
5.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of an Elected Officer, other than the President, is required, the President dismisses the elected officer in question.
5.2 Members will be permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in Elected Officers. Should that vote pass; the President offers the Elected Officer the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the Elected Officer decline to resign, the President creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The President gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the Elected Officer continues to serve in their position until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the membership.
5.3 Members are permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the President. If seconded, the President shall step aside and allow the 1st Vice President to serve as presiding officer. If the 1st Vice President is not present, the 2nd Vice President becomes the presiding officer. If none of these are present, another elected officer becomes the presiding officer and the vote is presented to the floor. Should that vote pass; the 1st Vice President or presiding officer offers the President the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the President decline to resign, the 1st Vice President or presiding officer creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The 1st Vice President or presiding officer gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the President continues to serve until the findings of the Special Committee for Review are presented for approval to the Membership.
ARTICLE FOUR
Section I
1. Resolutions
1.1 Resolutions of the VDCSC are handled in a manner that works to accurately reflect their different positions on political and veteran issues.
1.2 Resolutions shall have the following stages:
a. Resolution Proposal- A resolution in the original format of its proposal from a member to the floor of the membership. This may be as simple as a letter to the membership requesting a resolution be drafted to cover a certain subject or subjects.
b. Resolution Draft- a resolution whose language is being drafted by the Executive Board, using proper resolution format as defined by the President.
c. Resolution Final- A resolution that has been finalized by the Executive Board and is going before the membership for approval by majority vote.
d. Resolution- A final, approved by the membership as written, Resolution of the VDCSC. This is the only version of the Resolution for publication outside of the VDCSC.
2. Executive Directives
2.1 The President or Acting President is permitted to (in circumstances where time is of the essence and the consulting of the VDCSC and its bodies is not available prior to making a decision or taking an action) make a decision or take action under an Executive Directive.
2.2 An Executive Directive is defined as a letter to the membership from the President or Acting President who made the decision or took the action, presenting their action(s) or decision(s) and explaining them.
2.3 Executive Directives are due to the membership by their next meeting and care should be taken to ensure they are voted on at the same meeting. Executive Directives require the approval of the membership as having been justified and in good faith. Exception: Executive Directives can be found to have been unjustified, but in good faith. Executive Directives found to be unjustified and not in good faith shall result in a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the President or Acting President. Appropriate action as outlined in previous sections shall occur in response to the outcome of that vote.
2.4 A President or Acting President shall take great care as to not over-exercise the use of Executive Directives and to regard them as a tool for making decisions in the unavoidable absence of the membership. Delaying of decision(s) or action(s) until the next meeting of the membership shall be done as often as possible. Whenever a delay until the next regular stated meeting of the membership is deemed impossible, but the option of calling a Special Meeting is present, this option shall be exercised prior to the use of Executive Directives.
3. Endorsement
3.1 The VDCSC participates in the politics of the area by offering an endorsement process for the different candidates and ballot measures being considered during special and regularly scheduled elections.
3.2 The Chair of the Campaign Services Committee outlines the specific process for obtaining approval for consideration by the membership for endorsement. This process will include the questionnaire formation, a vetting process for candidates, the research of either side of ballot measures, and the impact of the endorsement/lack of endorsement to the VDCSC.
3.3 The vetting process is done in an efficient manner, and eliminates any candidates determined by the process to be in contradiction to themselves, to be without sound mind, to be without proper credentials (i.e. past history that would directly demean the office they are running for), and/or to be otherwise in opposition to the causes of the VDCSC and/or the Democratic Party. This process also ensures that the candidate for endorsement is registered as a Democrat. Candidates that are recommended for approval to move forward or for elimination from the process are voted on by simple majority vote of the committee.
3.4 The committee is tasked with the presentation of the endorsement portion of the meeting of the membership where the endorsement(s) is/are considered. This includes the process through which candidates are allowed to speak; presenters are allowed to speak on ballot measures; members are allowed to ask questions of the candidates/presenters; and the final preparation of the ballot for the endorsement(s) being considered during that meeting.
3.5 All questions by those properly participating in the endorsement portion of the meeting are presented to the candidates/presenters regardless of the nature of the question. Only questions that duplicate previous questions may be eliminated. Questions will be asked in the order in which they are turned in. Should time allow, the Chair of the Campaign Services Committee (who serves as the Moderator for these portions of the meetings) should strive to make it through all of the different questions submitted.
3.7 The membership votes by ballot and the Chair of the Campaign Services Committee tallies these votes. The final results of the vote are presented to the President for certification and the Recorder for announcement to the membership as certified results.
3.8 No endorsement shall be given to any member of any other party. In cases where multiple Democrats are running against each other for the same position, only one shall be granted endorsement by the VDCSC.
3.9 No person who is found to have made a personal endorsement of any kind in a race is permitted to participate in the endorsement process for that race prior to the presentation of the race to the membership for endorsement consideration. Members having personally endorsed in a race(s) will not be permitted to participate on the Campaign Services Committee during their vetting process for the respective race(s) where such personal endorsement is present.
Section II
1. Amendment of The Bylaws
1.1 Any member may propose an amendment to this Bylaws. Such amendment proposals go through the following process:
a. The amendment is proposed on the floor of a membership meeting. A vote is taken on the amendment proposal to be approved for proceeding through this process.
b. The amendment proposal is given to the Resolutions Committee, who drafts the final language of the amendment proposal and approves the same through a process outlined by the Chair of that Committee. This process carefully ensures that the final language of the amendment does not place the amendment in contradiction to the rest of this document.
c. The approved amendment draft becomes an amendment upon the approval of no less than two-thirds of the members present for the vote and meeting the Good Standing Clause PLUS the total of At Large Members meeting the Good Standing Clause who voted in the current amendment vote by mail.
1.2 Care shall be taken to not approve amendments that unnecessarily redirect the VDCSC away from its original mission. Amendments of similar nature may not be proposed more than once in a six-month period of time. More than one amendment may be considered at a time.