Bylaws of the Progressive Democrats of Genesee Valley
Revised May 7, 2008
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization is the Progressive Democrats of Genesee Valley, hereinafter “Chapter” or “PDAGV.”
ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Progressive Democrats of Genesee Valley pledge themselves to:
1) Forge a strong, active, progressive Democratic Party with grassroots-based campaign strategies and technologies;
2) Work for a more democratic, transparent, and open political process within the Democratic Party;
3) Hold the Democratic Party’s leadership, candidates and elected officials to a greater degree of accountability to the party’s highest ideals in carrying out the party’s policy objectives;
4) Recruit, support and elect Democratic candidates at all levels of public and party offices who support social, economic, and environmental justice;
5) Work for social, economic, and environmental justice together with local, state and national progressive action groups;
6) Inspire, involve, and empower area progressives to participate in the electoral process;
7) Advocate and promote progressive policies for the health, education, welfare and safety of all citizens.
Article III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Individual
a. Membership in the Chapter shall be open to any voter registered in New York as Democrat or Independent who signs a membership form espousing the PDAGV Statement of Purpose and actively supports the policy agenda of the organization. PDAGV shall be composed of the members who have paid the prescribed dues as outlined in these Bylaws.
b. No person shall be excluded from membership by age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or disability.
c. Privileges of membership shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Voting for Chapter Officers;
(2) Participation in formulating Progressive Democratic policy and positions on issues of relevance; receiving action alerts via email, mail or phone regarding legislation, policy or other issues of concern to Progressive Democrats;
(3) Receiving any newsletters or other written or printed material prepared by the chapter; voting to recommend endorsement of eligible Democrats for local, state and national offices.
d. Duties of membership: Maintenance of membership requires active participation in the electoral process, including but not limited to: Petitioning/lobbying representatives in government, writing letters to the editor or other media, participating in Chapter meetings, or when possible running for Democratic Party positions or as a candidate for public office.
Section 2. Termination of Membership
Membership on the local level may be terminated by:
a. A letter of resignation submitted by the member; or
b. If evidence is found that an individual is actively working against the purposes of the PDAGV, or is engaging in conduct detrimental to the organization, the member will be notified that a hearing will be held by the advisory board to investigate or mediate a resolution to the problem. If unresolved at the advisory board level, the membership at large shall determine the status of his/her membership, with two-thirds (2/3) of the members present being required to release the member from membership in the PDAGV.
ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION AND AFFILIATION
Section 1: Advisory Board
a. The PDA is to be governed by an Advisory Board comprised of ten chair positions:
(1) Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Point Person - The PDA Point Person has a direct working relationship with the PDA “State Coordinator” and the PDA “Congressional District Point Person” in their Congressional District (CD). The Point Person will regularly attend PDA “Leadership” monthly conference calls and report national and statewide PDA developments to the local PDA chapter, while likewise reporting chapter progress to the national and statewide organizations. The PDA Point Person will maintain involvement with their local Democratic Party Committee and be actively engaged in building a Progressive Caucus (Club or Initiative) within their State Democratic Party.
(2) Database Manager - The Database Manager is responsible for maintaining the chapter membership databases, notices and e-mail through www.thedatabank.com. The Manager will attend two databank training sessions with the PDA technical liaison to learn the proprietary database and e-mail systems for PDA and adhere to all applicable rules and regulations for use of those systems. The Database Manager will maintain all aspects of the local PDA chapter database, including membership updates, e-mail announcements and posts of meeting agendas and minutes. The Database Manager will also take minutes at chapter meetings, maintain the chapter website (www.pdagv.org) and post chapter news and events on both the chapter’s and PDA’s (www.pdamerica.org) website.
(3) Treasurer - The Treasurer will be responsible for maintaining the bank accounts of the local chapter according to applicable Internal Revenue Service, Federal Elections Committee and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance rules and regulations. The Treasurer will administer the operational finances and track the fundraising and donation activities of the local chapter.
(4) Media Coordinator - The Media Coordinator will coordinate earned media at chapter events: including issuing media alerts and press releases, as well as subsequent media follow-up. The Media Coordinator will maintain contact and foster a strong working relationship between the local chapter and media outlets. To that end, the Media Coordinator will maintain an updated list of local media contacts.
(5) Candidate Chair - Candidate Chairs will be actively involved in the campaigns for chapter-endorsed candidates. Candidate chairs will make recommendations for candidate endorsements, coordinate efforts to receive both chapter-level and national endorsements of candidates, and work actively to support the campaigns of endorsed candidates. Candidate chairs will maintain active ties with candidates in between election cycles. Candidate chairs will also maintain involvement with their local Democratic Committee(s). They regularly will attend PDA “Inside the Party” monthly conference calls. They will also liaison with PDA in special conference calls occurring during the election cycle.
(6) Priority Chair - Priority Chairs will actively engage with ally organizations and involve the local PDA chapter in events and activities that advance the priorities of PDA. Each Priority Chair will regularly attend the monthly PDA “Issue Organizing Team” conference call related to their respective priorities (specifically: End the War, Redirect All Funding; Health Care For All; Economic Justice; Clean, Fair, Transparent Elections; and Stop Global Warming).
b. Members shall serve one-year terms that are inaugurated one month after chapter elections are held in April.
c. Duties include:
(1) Setting meeting agendas and times and dues schedule;
(2) Maintaining a working relationship with the PDA national organization;
(3) Performing all of the administrative and accounting duties of PDAGV;
(4) Maintaining working relationships with ally organizations;
(5) Promoting the unity, growth and longevity of PDAGV;
(6) Ensuring that PDAGV remains true to the ideals upon which it was founded.
Section 2: Ally Organizations and Affiliation
a. Any organization (i.e. labor union, environmental group, religious organization) that is not legally prohibited from engaging in political activity and whose authorized representative signs a membership form indicating the organization agrees with the positions and mission/vision statement of the Chapter and Progressive Democrats of America (PDA).
b. Duties: Lend name in public support of Chapter and Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) and/or provide mailing lists or other outreach materials as allowed by organizational bylaws and applicable state and federal laws.
ARTICLE V. DUES
Section 1. Payment of Dues
a. Dues of $35 will be assessed annually to members by the Chapter.
b. In cases of self-purported financial hardship, volunteer service for the chapter may be substituted for individual payment of dues.
Section 2. Payment Calendar
a. For purposes of both membership and financial accounting, the Fiscal Year for Chapter shall be from January 1 to December 31.
b. Unless altered or amended by the Advisory Board, dues are payable on January 1st of each year and are delinquent on March 1st of each year.
Section 3. Membership “In-Kind” Qualifications
a. No person should be denied the chance to participate in our political process due to financial reasons. So as to promote grassroots action, a local Chapter may base membership in part on group activity and participation.
b. Fee waivers may be available for individuals who are active participants in the Chapters and are unable to pay as a result of economic constraints. For purposes of illustration, “active participation” in the Chapter could be fulfilled by attending at least three meetings in a preceding six (6) month period, or by volunteering at least ten (10) hours in support of one or more Chapter projects, activities or functions.
c. Such members shall submit a yearly statement to the local treasurer requesting a waiver. The member will not be required to justify this request, and the treasurer is required to keep all information confidential.
ARTICLE VI. NON-PROFIT ACTIVITIES
Section 1. Organized Not-for-Profit
a. In seeking to carry out its declared purposes, the Progressive Democrats of Genesee Valley, as an organization, is irrevocably dedicated to, and operated exclusively for non-profit purposes; and no part of the income or assets of the PDAGV shall be distributed to, or inured to the benefits of any individual.
b. No bylaw, action of officers, or other transaction shall have the effect of allowing PDAGV to participate in transactions or activities which are not permitted to be carried on by an association described in Section 501(c)(4) of the internal Revenue Code I.E. of 1986, which is exempt from federal income taxes, or which would permit any personal or private interest in this organization, except for reasonable allowances for salaries or services actually rendered and for reimbursement in reasonable amounts for expenses actually incurred in attending to the affairs of this organization, or which would permit it to participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign in behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office unless carried out through an affiliated political committee and only to the extent permissible under Federal and state law.
c. No part of the income or assets of the Progressive Democrats of Genesee Valley shall be paid or contributed to any of its members except for the reimbursement of actual expenses, reasonable compensation for services, or a contribution for electing a member to office through an affiliated political action committee, any of which must be approved by the officers or Board of the organization.
Section 2. Distribution of Assets upon Dissolution
Upon dissolution of the PDAGV, the Advisory Board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the organization in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operating exclusively for such purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c) (4) of the I.R.C. of 1986, as the Advisory Board of shall determine. Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Superior Court of the county in which the principal office of the PDAGV is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Section 3. Restrictions on Activities
With further respect to the aforementioned purposes, the PDAGV as a tax exempt organization shall:
a. distribute its income for each taxable year at such time and in such manner as not to become subject to the tax on undistributed income imposed by Section 4942 of the I.R.C. of 1986.
b. not engage in any act of self-dealing as defined in Section 4941(d) of the I.R.C. of 1986;
c. not retain any excess business holding as defined in Section 4943(c) of the I.R.C. of 1986;
d. not make any investments in such manner as to subject it to tax under Section 4944 of the I.R.C. of 1986;
e. not make any taxable expenditure as defined in Section 4945(d) of the I.R.C. of 1986.
Section 4. Deductibility of Contributions
Payment of dues and/or the value of contributions to PDAGV, as with any political entity, are not eligible for charitable tax deduction.
ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting
An annual membership meeting or convention shall be held at a time and place decided upon by the Advisory Board. All officer elections shall occur at the annual meeting.
Section 2. Notice
The day, time and place of all meetings on all levels shall be publicized fully and in such a manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Notice of the time and place must be provided at least fifteen (15) days before the date of any general membership meeting. Posting on the chapter’s web site, with individual e-mail notice to each member who has provided the organization with a current email address will constitute adequate notice of any membership meeting.
Section 3. Quorum
There shall be a quorum required to conduct the business of this chapter at all Membership meetings and Advisory Board Meetings where the notice requirements set forth above have been complied with.
Section 4. Conduct of Meetings
General membership meetings shall be open to all members. Meetings shall be held in places accessible to all and large enough to accommodate a reasonable estimate of the number of interested persons likely to attend.
ARTICLE VIII. OFFICERS
Section 1. In General
The officers of this organization shall be the PDA Point Person; the Database Manager; the Treasurer; the Media Coordinator; the Candidate Chair; and the Priority Chairs.
Section 2. Terms
Beginning with the election of officers at the annual meeting in 2008, the elected officers shall serve one-year terms, commencing after a one-month seasoning period at the conclusion of the meeting at which they are elected. During this time, officers elect shall serve under the tutelage of departing officers serving in the same role.
Section 3. Nominations
After a due effort to recruit, Candidates may be nominated from the general membership. All officers will be chosen by ballot.
Section 4. Duties of Officers
Section 5. General Duties
Officers shall attend and provide activity reports to any meetings of committees, membership meetings, and standing committees, or shall designate some member of an applicable committee to attend and carry out required duties and responsibilities. All officers shall diligently see that all records in their possession are timely transmitted to their successors.
Section 6. Removal from Office
The Advisory Board shall have the authority to remove any PDAGV officer from office upon a two-thirds vote of its membership. A petition seeking such removal must be filed by five members of the Board, setting forth grounds for removal amounting to nonfeasance or malfeasance of their official duties, or other behavior to the detriment of the organization. Notice of consideration of said petition shall be a stated agenda at a properly called meeting, at which the petitioners and the affected officer shall both be given a full and fair opportunity for presenting evidence and arguments to the Advisory Board.
Section 7. Vacancies
The Advisory Board shall be authorized to fill any vacancy occurring in any office for the remainder of that officer’s regular term.
ARTICLE IX. Advisory Board
Section 1. Charter
The Advisory Board shall perform all administrative duties assigned to it in these Bylaws. It shall annually adopt a budget upon the recommendation of the Treasurer and shall be responsible for authorizing all special appropriations of funds. The Advisory Board shall authorize any temporary or special committees or task forces it deems appropriate. It shall specify the number of members to be appointed by the and the term of such members. It shall determine the work-product required of each committee and shall set dates for the submission of progress reports and a final report.
Section 2. Governance and Meetings
a. The PDA Point Person, Database Manager and Treasurer shall chair the Advisory Board, or in their absence the Advisory Board shall elect a chairman from among its membership.
b. The PDA Point Person, or any two other officers, or any five Chapter Representatives, may call meetings of the Advisory Board provided a minimum of seven (7) days’ notice is provided.
c. The Advisory Board shall meet at least quarterly; telephone conference calls and email roll-call voting are acceptable substitute to avoid additional meetings. Votes taken by such means shall have the same effect as if taken at a Board meeting.
d. A quorum shall consist of six elected officers.
e. A majority vote at any Advisory Board meeting shall determine any question.
Section 3. Conflicts of Interest
Officers and Board Members shall declare the existence of any direct or indirect conflict of interest, financial or otherwise, disclose its nature on the record, and abstain from voting on that matter. A conflict of interest transaction must be approved by a majority of all the members of the Board or any Committee who do not have any conflict of interest in the matter being considered. With regard to candidate endorsements, officers and political action committee members are required to declare and rescue themselves from any decision where they have a conflict of interest which shall include, but is not limited to: a leadership position in the campaign, significant public participation in the campaign, or direct financial interest (which does not include individual contributions to the candidate), that would give rise to an appearance of conflict.
ARTICLE X. ENDORSEMENT COMMITTEE
Section 1. Progressive Democrat Political Action Committee
The standing committee on Endorsements shall be chaired by the Candidate Chair and shall consist of four additional members appointed by the Advisory Board. At least half of the members of the PAC shall be PDAGV officers. The Candidate Endorsement Committee shall adopt operating procedures as needed for its internal organization and operation.
Section 2. Duties
The Endorsement Committee shall seek out, endorse, support and allocate funding to progressive candidates, and allocate funds to all efforts compatible and legal in support of the work of the PDAGV. The Endorsement Committee will research candidates on the basis of their character, qualifications for office, past and present commitment to progressive issues, their pledge to actively campaign on progressive issues, their willingness to raise money for their campaign, and if elected, to promote progressive issues through their speech and sponsorship of legislation and to champion progressive issues while in office.
Section 3. Candidate Endorsements
Based upon its research the Endorsement Committee shall evaluate each contested race and recommend to the PDAGV Advisory Board those candidates that, in its opinion, best represent the Progressive purpose and values of the PDAGV. The Advisory Board may thereafter at a public meeting affirm, reject or reconsider said endorsements before making any official endorsement or distributing campaign funds. All recommendations of the Endorsement Committee for candidate endorsement shall be posted on the official web site together with a notice of the time and manner of Advisory Board meeting or meeting at which they are to be considered.
Section 4. Restrictions on Endorsements
a. In partisan elections, the Endorsement Committee shall endorse only Democrats considered to be progressive. If no Democrat has filed in that contest, the PAC may endorse a progressive unaffiliated candidate.
b. The Endorsement Committee may endorse progressive Democrats in primaries but shall not endorse any candidate in another party's primary.
c. In non-partisan elections, the PAC may endorse progressive registered Democrats or progressive unaffiliated candidates.
Section 5. Contributions
The extent of individual campaign contributions shall be determined by the Advisory Board and shall not exceed the limits imposed by New York and Federal elections law.
Article XI. PLATFORM and RESOLUTIONS
Section 1. Platform
The Chapter shall have a permanent platform that is subject to amendment at any annual meeting of the organization, provided that a copy of all platform proposals are made available to the membership along with the agenda provided thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which any proposal is to be considered. Proponents of platform proposals shall be encouraged to support their recommendations with position papers.
Section 2. Resolutions
Any Chapter member may submit resolutions to be considered at any meeting of the PDAGV, provided that complete copies of the same are included as attachments to the notice and agenda provided prior to the meeting. All resolutions shall include language addressing to what specific governmental agency or other institution the resolution speaks and directing which officer of the PDAGV may have responsibility for communicating and/or affecting the resolution and following-up in a report to the membership upon the response given. Proponents of resolutions shall be encouraged to support their proposals with position papers.
Article XII. COMMITTEES
Section 1. In General
There shall be two types of committees: Standing and Special. The PDA Point Person, in consultation with the Advisory Board, shall name committees and committee chairs, and the Board may delegate responsibilities and duties to these Committees.
Section 2. Standing Committees
a. Fundraising
b. Recruitment
c. Endorsement
d. End the War, Redirect All Funding;
e. Health Care For All
f. Economic Justice;
g. Clean, Fair, Transparent Elections; and
h. Stop Global Warming
Section 3. Committee or Task Force Procedure
a. Standing Committee and Task Force missions, goals and objectives shall be proposed in writing and approved by the Board.
b. While maintaining communication with the Board, Standing Committees and Task Forces shall be allowed the authority and discretion to implement approved missions and projects.
c. Any Officer may recommend to the Board that a Standing Committee or Task Force be disbanded if it has ceased to function.
d. General Committees and Task Forces, permanent or ad hoc, will present reports of their activities and address questions at least annually at the membership meetings.
e. Standing Committees and Task Forces shall have a liaison on the Board. If a Standing Committee or Task Force does not contain a member of the Board, then the Board may appoint one of its members to be a liaison to the General Committee or Task Force.
f. Standing Committees and Task Forces will make decisions by a simple majority vote except when the elections committee is voting on endorsements of candidates or referenda where a 2/3 vote will be required.
g. Standing Committees and Task Forces will elect a chairperson or co-chairs from among their members annually and notify the Board of their selection.
ARTICLE XIII. PROCEDURE
Section 1. Rules Governing Business
The order of precedence for rules and procedures governing all business conducted at membership and executive committee meetings shall be:
These Bylaws;
Rules of the Day or Special rules adopted by the Advisory Board or a Committee or Chapter for its own governance;
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Section 2. Decision-making process
In meetings at all levels, whether board or membership, PDAGV shall attempt to reach consensus before moving to other modes of decision-making. Consensus for purposes of this organization is defined as approval by "aye" vote of not less than 80% of eligible persons, with a maximum of 20% abstentions and no "nay" votes. After a minimum of ten minutes of effort to reach consensus, and upon a motion and two seconds to the motion, the body may move to parliamentary decision-making as provided above.
Section 3. Special or Supplemental Rules
Copies of any proposed special or supplemental rules shall be provided to each member as attachments to the notice and agenda provided at least one week prior to the meeting where they are to be presented for consideration and adoption.
ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these By-laws may be officially submitted for consideration only if signed by at least three (3) Advisory Board members, or if such amendments are duly adopted by the Chapter and signed by the Chapter Representative. Amendments may be adopted by majority vote of the members.
