Bylaws of the Greater Lansing, MI Democratic Socialists of America
ARTICLE I. Name.
The name of the Local Chapter shall be the Greater Lansing, Michigan Local Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). DSA is a not-for-profit corporation.
ARTICLE II. Purpose.
The Greater Lansing, Michigan Local Chapter of DSA seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means of production are democratically and socially controlled.
DSA rejects capitalism, an economic order based solely on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race and sex, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.
DSA envisions a humane social order based on popular control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, gender and racial equality, and non-oppressive relationships.
Our conception of socialism is a profoundly democratic one. It is rooted in the belief that human beings should be free to develop to their fullest potential, that public policies should be determined not by wealth but by popular participation, and that individual liberties should be carefully safeguarded.
It is committed to a freedom of speech that does not recoil from dissent, to a freedom to organize independent trade unions, women’s groups, political parties, tenant unions, and other formations --- recognizing these as essential bulwarks against the dangers of an intrusive state. It is committed to a freedom of religion that acknowledges the rights of those for whom spiritual concerns are central.
We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision. In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the broad democratic left. In the long run, we hope to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States. Our strategy acknowledges the class structure of the U.S. society. This class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous social, economic, and political power and the vast majority of the population.
ARTICLE III. Membership.
Section 1. Membership.
Members of the Greater Lansing, Michigan Democratic Socialists of America will be those individuals whose dues to the national DSA are paid in full, who reside and/or work in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties, Michigan.
Section 2. Rights and Responsibilities.
All members in good standing shall have a vote on the election of delegates to the national convention, delegates to national bodies, and matters related to national policy. All members in good standing shall have a vote on the election of Local chapter officers, on resolutions, and on questions.
It will be the responsibility of members to approve policies and guidelines for the operation of the Local Chapter, and to make recommendations on issues and other matters to the National Political Committee of the DSA. All members may propose and participate in chapter actions and activity.
Section 3. Removal of Members.
If a member in good standing is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of national DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, the Local Chapter may vote to expel them from the Local Chapter of DSA.
In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member must formally present written charges against the member in question to the Local Steering Committee, which shall set the date of a Local Chapter meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member or affiliate member requires a two-thirds vote of the Local Chapter meeting. An expelled member in good standing may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA.
Section 4. Voluntary Donations.
As mandated by the national Constitution and Bylaws, the Local Chapter may establish a Local Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a Local Chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or holding a Local Chapter office.
Section 5. Privacy Concerns.
Care will be taken to protect the privacy of each member’s contact information.
ARTICLE IV. Local Chapter Meetings.
Section 1. General Meeting.
The Local Chapter will hold a minimum of one General Meeting annually, and all members of the Local Chapter will receive at least three weeks’ notice and an agenda of the General Meeting. Notice may be sent by electronic means, but individuals who have not provided an email address must be sent a paper copy or be contacted by phone or text. The General Meeting will elect Local Chapter officers and may adopt an annual budget. In general, it is the highest legislative body of the Local Chapter and will offer participation online or in-person with a hybrid option for as long as the internet continues to be accessible in publicly owned and controlled venues. The General Meeting may coincide with a Regular Meeting.
Section 2. Regular Meetings.
The Local Chapter will hold Regular Meetings at least four (4) times annually, the time and place of which shall be set in a schedule published and distributed by the Local Steering Committee. The Regular Meetings will set Local Chapter policy and work priorities, and will include political education sessions.
The Local Steering Committee will set the agenda for Regular Meetings. In general, the Regular Meeting is the operating legislative body of the Local Chapter and will offer participation online or in-person with a hybrid option for as long as the internet continues to be accessible in publicly owned and controlled venues.
Section 3. Emergency Meetings.
The Local Chapter Steering Committee may call an Emergency Meeting of the Local Chapter on five days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation. Emergency Meetings will offer participation online or in-person with a hybrid option for as long as the internet continues to be accessible in publicly owned and controlled venues.
Section 4. Quorum.
A quorum of 10 percent of the members (but not fewer than six persons) is required for General, Regular, Emergency Meetings, or Special Elections to transact business.
Section 5. Accessibility and Class Consciousness.
The Chair, Steering Committee and Committees shall strive to ensure that Membership and Committee Meetings are held in facilities that are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and shall strive to make all of its meetings, forums, and actions accessible and safe spaces for all. This consideration will extend to such matters as privacy for members, the accessibility and safety of the venue, type of food offered (if any), accommodations for differences in sight, hearing, mobility and stamina, childcare offerings, and religious and other identity considerations. The Steering Committee will strive to hold events and meetings at publicly owned and controlled venues whenever possible. The Steering Committee shall be considerate of the time constraints and capacities of members. Socialism is historically built on class consciousness, specifically on working class participation. The Local Chapter will take care not to exclude or censor viewpoints of any traditionally disempowered group.
ARTICLE V. Local Chapter Officers: Powers and Duties.
Section 1. Officers and Terms.
The officers of the Local Chapter will be the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, and at least one (1) but not more than five (5) Officers At-Large, and at least two (2) but not more than three (3) Harassment and Grievance Officers. The term of office will be two years for the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Elections shall be held in the summer of odd numbered years for the Treasurer and one Co-Chair, and in the summer of even numbered years for the Secretary and the second Co-Chair. The term of office will be one year for Officers At-Large and Harassment and Grievance Officers. Elections shall be held for Officers At-Large and Harassment and Grievance Officers each summer at the same time and in the same manner as elections for Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers may not all identify as the same gender. In the event an election results in Officers all identifying as the same gender, a Special Election then will be held in accordance with Article XI., Section 5, for the purpose of electing an additional Officer At-Large who does not identify as the same gender as the other elected Officers.
Section 2. Vacancies.
In the event of a vacancy in the Local Chapter office, the Local Chapter Steering Committee will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term. In regard to Officers At-Large, a vacancy shall be defined as there being less than one (1) Officer At-Large.
Section 3. Co-Chairs.
a) The Co-Chairs will be the chief executive officers of the Local Chapter. They will preside over Local Chapter and Steering Committee meetings or will appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. The Co-Chairs will be the official public spokespeople for the Local Chapter and will initiate such actions and policies as the Local Chapter’s general welfare may demand. In the event that either Co-Chair is unable to perform their duties for a single event or a longer period of time, the Local Chapter Steering Committee shall select a substitute for the duration of the Co-Chair’s absence.
b) The Co-Chairs will be responsible also for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Local Chapter’s branches and committees.
c) The Co-Chairs will report to Local Chapter Regular Meetings on the business of the Steering Committee Meetings, at which time a copy of the minutes of those meetings will be available for inspection.
Section 4. Secretary.
a) The Secretary will be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Local Chapter, and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Local Chapter. They will ensure effective communication with the national DSA.
b) The Secretary will be responsible also for the taking of minutes of all Local Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings, and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports and other official records of the Local Chapter. They shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Official records shall include meeting minutes and member lists.
Section 5. Treasurer.
The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Local. All funds collected by the Local Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer, who shall deposit them in a bank account under the name of the Local Chapter. The Treasurer may open bank accounts in the name of the Local Chapter. The Treasurer and one other officer of the Steering Committee will be signatories on all bank accounts. In cooperation with the Secretary, the Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are paid up-to-date. The Treasurer will prepare the annual Local Chapter budget and deliver the Local Chapter financial report to the General Meeting of the Local Chapter, as well as periodic progress reports as requested by the Steering Committee of the Local Chapter.
Section 6. Officers At-Large.
Officers At-Large will be responsible for working with the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer to perform the general duties of the Steering Committee enumerated in Article VI., Section 2.
Section 7. Harassment and Grievance Officers.
Harassment and Grievance Officers will be responsible for the execution of the Harassment and Grievance Policy. Harassment and Grievance Officers will administer communications, conduct investigations, draft reports and make recommendations to the Steering Committee. At least one Harassment and Grievance Officer must identify as a gender other than cis man. Harassment and Grievance Officers may not have a position on the Steering Committee at the same time that they are a Harassment and Grievance Officer.
Section 8. Additional Duties.
The Local Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Local Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI. Steering Committee.
Section 1. Composition.
The Local Steering Committee will be composed of the Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, chairs of branches, and at least one (1) but no more than five (5) Officers At-Large elected at the same time as the officers of the Local Chapter.
Section 2. Duties.
a) The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Local Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the General and Regular Meetings; it may also propose policy to the General and Regular Meetings. It shall have the power to receive reports of any Committee or Branch, and advise thereon, to call Emergency Meetings of the Local Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of the Local Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative bodies, the General and Regular Meetings.
b) The Local Steering Committee will be responsible for establishing program activities for the Local Chapter, for proposing guidelines and policies that will subsequently be voted on by members in good standing of DSA, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Local Chapter meetings.
Section 3. Meetings.
The meetings of the Steering Committee will be held at the call of the Chair at such intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with any three members of the Steering Committee. All members of the Steering Committee must (ordinarily) be given four days oral or written notice of regular Steering Committee Meetings; a 24-hour notice may be given under special emergency circumstances.
Section 4. Quorum.
A quorum of a simple majority, including at least two of the three officers (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer), is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business.
ARTICLE VII. Branches.
Section 1. Definition.
A branch is a subgroup of the Local Chapter consisting of at least five members in good standing with national DSA. Branches may be defined by geography, work site, constituency (e.g., labor, minority, feminist), or area of political work (e.g., peace action, environmental movement). The chairs of branches will be elected by branch members and will hold membership on the Local Steering Committee.
Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapters within the Local Chapter geographic area may affiliate as a branch, in which case they may send a representative to the Steering Committee.
ARTICLE VIII. Committees.
Section 1. Duration.
The Local Chapter may have committees or working groups, established by a vote of members in good standing at a Regular Meeting of the Local Chapter.
Section 2. Duties.
Chairs of committees or working groups will keep the Steering Committee and the Regular Meetings of the Local Chapter informed on the activities of the committee or working group.
ARTICLE IX. Delegates to National, Regional, and State Bodies.
Section 1. Eligibility to Vote.
Local Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention, as well as to any regional or state organizations, will be elected by members in good standing of the Local Chapter of DSA.
Section 2. Schedule of Elections to National, Regional, or State Organizations.
Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by the national organization. Elections to regional or state organizations will be held on the schedule announced by those organizations.
Section 3. Method of Voting.
Following Article V, Section 5 of national DSA’s Constitution, delegates to the National Convention must be elected by secret ballot. Following Article VI, Section 3, of national DSA’s Bylaws, Local Chapters “may determine their own method of election of delegates to the Convention except that a petition from 10% of a Local’s membership or a motion supported by 15% of those present and voting at the Local meeting which determines the method of election will require the use of the Hare system in that Local’s election of delegates to the National Convention.”
ARTICLE X. Prohibited Activity.
The Greater Lansing, Michigan Democratic Socialists of America shall not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Michigan. Nor shall the Local Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.
ARTICLE XI. Nominations, Election, and Recall.
Section 1. Nominations Committee.
A Nominations Committee consisting of at least two people shall be established at least one month prior to every election by vote of a Regular Meeting. It shall solicit and receive nominations for the positions to be elected.
Section 2. Nominations Process.
Nominations for Local Chapter officers and delegates to the National Convention shall be opened at least 10 days before and closed at the election meeting. The call for nominations shall be announced to all members in good standing of Greater Lansing, Michigan DSA as soon as nominations are open.
Section 3. Uncontested Positions.
If a position is uncontested, the nominee may be declared elected by acclamation.
Section 4. Recall
Any officer of the Local Chapter of DSA may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer. In order to recall or remove an officer, a member in good standing must formally refer a request to remove said officer to the Local Chapter Steering Committee, which will set a date of a Local Chapter meeting for deliberations on the accused officer’s removal. The officer in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two weeks before the meeting takes place. The accused officer will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting. Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds vote of the Local Chapter meeting.
Section 5. Special Election
In accordance with the requirements of Article V, Section 1, if an election results in Officers all identifying as the same gender, a Special Election will be held to elect an additional Officer At-Large who does not identify as the same gender as the other elected Officers. This additional Officer At-Large will serve a one-year term.
The Special Election will occur at least fourteen (14) days and not more than thirty (30) days after the election meeting, on a date to be determined by the Nominations Committee.
ARTICLE XII. Amendments.
Proposed amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five members of the Local Chapter of DSA, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least a month in advance of a General or Regular Meeting. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Local Chapter membership with two weeks’ written notice of the proposed amendments. The amendment must be approved by a supermajority (66%) of voting members, with total voting members reaching quorum as defined in Article IV, Section 4.
ARTICLE XIII. Rules of the Local Chapter.
Section 1. Rules.
The Rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern this Local Chapter in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws. Consensus decision-making is desirable where feasible, but meetings must submit to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised upon the request of a member.
Section 2. Action Out of Order.
Any action taken by an officer or member of the Local Chapter in contravention of these Bylaws is null and void.
ARTICLE XIV. Distribution of assets.
Upon dissolution of the organization, any residual assets shall become property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.
ARTICLE XV. Conflict resolution and harassment policy.
Section 1. Form.
GLDSA adopts the Grievance and Harassment Policy adopted by the national DSA at the 2017 National Membership Convention, Resolution #33, a copy of which is attached hereto as Addendum 1.
Section 2. Conduct of Members.
All members of GLDSA have a right to participation and enjoyment of the rights and privileges of membership without interference, harassment, bullying, or uncomradely behavior. Any code of conduct adopted by the national organization is in effect within Greater Lansing DSA.
Section 3. Mediation and Conflict Resolution.
Members may request, and where possible the Steering Committee may facilitate, mediation for conflict resolution between members or groups of members. Where feasible professional mediation may be sought.
Addendum 1