Our Bylaws

Madera Young Democrats

Constitution

Preamble

The purpose of the Young Democrats will be to pursue the ideas of liberty, justice, and freedom for all regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or income. We shall pursue these ideas through the support of the candidates and ideas of the Democratic Party. With these thoughts, we establish this constitution.

Article I

Name

The name of this organization is The MADERA YOUNG DEMOCRATS.

Section 1: The Young Democrats will be affiliated with the California Young Democrats and the Young Democrats of America.

Section 2: The Madera Young Democrats will be chartered with the California Young Democrats and work as closely as possible with all levels of the Democratic Party.

Article II

Membership

Section 1: Regular membership in this Club shall be open to persons who are at least fourteen (13) years of age but not more than thirty-five (35) years of age, and who are registered Democrats or who intend to register as Democrats when eligible. Such persons must also live in, be employed, or attend Madera Community College in the City and County of Madera, California.

Section 2: Membership will not be affected by race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or physical disability.

Voting privileges are reserved only for Members in good standing. A Member in good standing must have paid yearly dues at an amount determined by a two-thirds vote of the Full Board and have attended at least three general membership meetings within the twelve (12) months preceding any vote, as well as the meeting at which a vote of the Members will occur. 

Membership dues shall be paid in January and shall expire in the following December of that year. Dues can be excused under specific circumstances (i.e. unable to pay, status, or any difficult situation) by the sole decision of the club’s Treasurer, or by a majority vote of the Executive Board. These membership fees can be covered by a sponsorship by any club board member, or by a simple waiver.

Article III

Officers

The Young Democrats will be composed of the Young Democrats Executive Board and the remaining members. The Executive Board will consist of the officers of the Young Democrats. The organization shall have six (6) officers and a faculty advisor. The advisor shall be non-voting except in the case of impeachment or constitutional amendments.

Section 1: The six (6) voting officers will be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Event Planner, Communications Director, and Treasurer. All officers will be elected by organization members. 

Section 2: An officer may be impeached and removed from his/her position with a ⅔ majority vote of the Executive Board, including the advisor. In case of an impeachment vote, all executive board members must cast a vote for or against impeachment.

Section 2: Should an office become vacant at any time, for any reason, the President or acting President, shall schedule a special election within three (3) school weeks of the vacancy to fill the vacant office.

Article IV

Officer Duties

Section 1: The President will be the chief executive officer of the organization. He or she will preside over all chapter meetings. The President will have all of the following duties and powers. The absence of a specific power of duty from this list is not necessarily a denial of its existence.

A. Establish administrative procedures not otherwise provided for by the Constitution or By-Laws of this chapter.

B. Act for and on behalf of the Young Democrats when they are not in session.

C. Establish the agenda for each meeting of the chapter (general and executive).

D. Investigate and research any local races and target Democratic and/or liberal candidates.

E. Set up and appoint club members to work on selected local campaigns.

F. Served as delegation chair to the State Young Democrats state convention.

G. The position of President may be held by two Co-Presidents as long as the joint 

Presidents receive only one vote. The duties of the two Co-Presidents remain the same.

H. Act as an ambassador for the club in the CYD, CCD, CDP, YDA, and DNC. 

I. Attend all CYD and CCD meetings and stay in contact with CYD and CCD leaders

J. Keep the President up to date on all pertinent meetings and information involving the CYD, CCD, and all other Democratic organizations.

K. Create a monthly report for the club and President that outlines what is going on in the CYD and CCD along with the Senator's findings and correspondences. 

Present any ideas or issues to the CYD and/or CCD that the President and Executive Board direct.

L. Correspond with the CYD and CCD leaders to know which local races need help.

Section 2: The Vice-President will have all of the following duties:

A. Act as President Pro-Tempore in the absence of the President. In a case where the President’s office becomes vacant, the Vice-President will become the h

President automatically and will assume all powers, duties, and responsibilities associated with that position until a special election is held for the office.

B. Assist the President in the performance of his/her duties.

C. Act as an ambassador for the club in the CYD, CCD, CDP, YDA, and DNC. 

D. Attend all CYD and CCD meetings and stay in contact with CYD and CCD leaders

E. Keep the President up to date on all pertinent meetings and information involving the CYD, CCD, and all other Democratic organizations.

F. Create a monthly report for the club and President that outlines what is going on in the CYD and CCD along with the Senator's findings and correspondences. 

Present any ideas or issues to the CYD and/or CCD that the President and Executive Board direct.

G. Correspond with the CYD and CCD leaders to know which local races need help.

Section 3: The Secretary will have all the following duties and powers:

A. Appoint both editor of the club newspaper, and a club website administrator, pending the approval of the Executive Board.

B. Keep accurate minutes of all chapter meetings (general and Executive Board).

C. Keep an accurate mailing list and phone directory of all members.

D. See to all correspondence of the chapter as directed by the President.

E. Ensure the validity and timely delivery of the club charter to the California 

Young Democrats.

Section 4: The Event Planner will have all the following duties and powers:

A. Develop and maintain an events calendar, outlining the schedule of activities and key milestones.

B. Collaborate with other offices and members to identify event objectives. themes and target audiences.

C. Research and secure suitable event venues, negotiate contracts, and ensure proper permits and insurance coverage are obtained.

D. Coordinate with vendors, sponsors, and partners to arrange necessary services, equipment, and materials.

E. Manage event budgets, including tracking expenses, seeking sponsorships, and ensuring financial accountability.

F. Create and distribute event invitations, registrations, and promotional materials using various channels.

G. Oversee event logistics, including setup, registration, signage, audiovisual requirements, and attendee management.

H. Coordinate with speakers, panelists, and performers to ensure their needs are met and their participation runs smoothly.

I. Implement event marketing and communication strategies, utilizing social media, email campaigns, and other channels.

J. Evaluate event success and gather participant feedback, making recommendations for future improvements.

K. Maintain accurate records and documentation related to event planning, expenses, and attendee information.

L. Collaborate with the President and other officers to align event planning efforts with the organization's goals and objectives.

Section 5:  The Communications Director will have all of the following duties and powers:

A. Assure publicity for all upcoming events and meetings through the use of posters.

B. Assist the Secretary when requested by the Secretary.

C. Act as Secretary if he/she is not present at the meeting, or temporarily if

D. Secretary’s office becomes vacant until a special election can be held

E. Manage and oversee the organization's social media platforms, such as Instagram, ensuring

regular updates and engaging content.

F. Maintain and update the organization's website, ensuring it is informative and visually

appealing.

G. Take and manage photographs of events and activities for promotional purposes.

Section 6: The chapter Treasurer will be the chief financial officer of the organization and shall have all the following duties:

A. Be responsible for developing fund-raising ideas and soliciting donations.

B. Maintain accurate financial records for the organization.

C. Advise the President and the Executive Board of the financial condition of the chapter.

D. If deemed necessary by the Executive Board, the Treasurer will file any reports for the State

Democratic Party or the State Ethics Commission in a timely manner.

Article V

General Body

The Young Democrats general body will meet every 2nd Tuesday during the course of the year.

Article VI

Elections

Section 1: The election of the President, Secretary, Event Planner, Communication Director, and Treasurer will be held at the 2nd Tuesday of August meeting of each year in that defined order. The results of the August elections shall pertain to the following school year. All terms are for one school year. 

Section 2: Elected officer’s terms and duties start immediately following the end of the election meeting. All terms are for one year. 

Article VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Organizational Records: The President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall, whenever possible, forward relevant organizational records periodically and at the close of each year to an established Madera Young Democrats archive. This information may include, but is not limited to, photos, memorabilia, meeting minutes, leadership rosters, conference notes, agendas, credentials reports, and other statements. Such records serve to preserve the history of this Organization for future generations.

Article VIII

 ENDORSEMENT PROCEDURES

A. Endorsement Rules & Process:

For endorsements of candidates or measures that will appear on ballots for any regularly scheduled local, state, or national primaries or general elections, the club’s advisor with the president will provide minimal research to the membership on the candidates and ballot measures under consideration.

The political platform of Madera Young Democrats shall consist of any and all endorsements made by the Club.

The Madera Young Democrats may endorse:

• Any Democratic primary candidates for major political office;

• Any Democratic candidate for partisan political office;

• Any Democratic candidate for non-partisan political office;

• Any initiative, measure, advisory position, or action; and

• Any Member in good standing or Alumni Member for any office within the Democratic Party structure.

The Madera Young Democrats may not endorse:

• Any non-Democrat for any position;

• Any candidate that does not comply with either MYD’s or the California Democratic Party’s Code of Conduct;

• Anyone who is a member or affiliated with any racist organization; or

• Anyone who supports the violent overthrow of any level of government

B. Endorsed Candidates

Candidates endorsed by MYD are expected to:

• Use the name of the Madera Young Democrats and include it with all candidate literature that lists club or organizational endorsements;

• Refrain from giving financial support to slate cards or other campaign materials that endorse propositions seeking to deny rights to any person based on age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion; or that oppose propositions seeking to secure basic rights for such groups. 

• Candidates endorsed by the club shall be reminded that the club is a Democratic Club and that candidates are expected to refrain from giving financial support to any slate cards or other campaign materials that are produced or distributed by the Republican Party or Republican organizations;

• Refrain from taking public positions in favor of legislation or policies that deny rights to any person based on age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion; or that oppose propositions seeking to secure basic rights for such groups. A list of such legislation and policies shall be compiled the approved by the club for distribution to candidates;

• Refrain from hiring campaign consultants known to have worked on campaigns that have used tactics appealing to prejudice against any person based on age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion. A list of such consultants shall be compiled by the Political Action Committee and approved by the club for distribution to candidates;

• Refrain from engaging in tactics appealing to prejudice against any person based on age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion;

• Refrain from sexually harassing any person. Sexual harassment will be defined by the CADEM Code of Conduct and within these Bylaws;

• Refrain from making disparaging remarks about any other person based on a person’s status, identity, age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, immigration status, language, or religion;

• Refrain from mistreating their staff. Mistreatment can be defined as failing to properly follow labor law, making disparaging, threatening, insulting, or derogatory remarks towards staff, withholding wages or benefits, failing to pay a liveable wage, or any other action that can lead to a toxic work environment as decided upon by the club.

The general membership has the power to revoke an endorsement for any reason with a simple majority vote (50%+1).

Article IX

CODE OF CONDUCT & SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

A. Code of Conduct

As a chartered organization, the Madera Young Democrats adhere to the Code of Conduct as set forth by the California Democratic Party. As a chartered organization, All members and board members of this Club must abide by this Code of Conduct to retain their membership.

Members are strongly encouraged to report any violations of this Bylaw’s Code of Conduct to the Co-Presidents and Vice President of the Club unless the violation involves one of these officers. Reporting of and procedurally addressing any violation of the Code of Conduct is up to the discretion of the accuser. However, Club members may report violations of the Code of Conduct to the Co-Presidents and Vice President of the Club, and they will follow up with affected members to address the situation.

Any conversation relating to a Club member’s accusation of sexual harassment, sexual assault, act of violence, or unsafe behavior or aggression, will be kept private between the full Board and that Club member. Any Board member who shares private information with any non-board member will be removed from the process and could be removed from the Board.

B. Process of Removal for Members in Violation of the Code of Conduct

In the situation that a member is reported for being in violation of the Code of Conduct, the Full Board will investigate to confirm that a violation has occurred and come to a conclusion on what the outcome shall be. The Full Board may request additional information from affected Club members to help understand all perspectives but acknowledges that all members have the right to privacy on personal matters.

Members who have violated the Code of Conduct in these Bylaws, and/or the Code of Conduct of the California Democratic Party (CADEM), can have their membership revoked by a two-thirds supermajority vote by the Full Board. This process should only be used in the most extreme and sensitive situations, when the safety of members and the general membership as a whole, are at stake or in harm’s way.

If a board member of the Club is directly impacted by a violation of the Code of Conduct with this banned member, they will be excluded from the removal process and their vote shall not count towards any action or for quorum, in relation to the relevant situation.

If a member refuses to accept the decision of the Full Board, and/or continues to violate the Code of Conduct, the Full Board of MYD may take further action in coordination with the Madera Democratic Party (MDCCC), the California Young Democrats (CYD), and the Young Democrats of America (YDA).

To summarize, here is an example of the process:

• Member A makes an unwanted & inappropriate physical advance on Member B;

• Member B reports the inappropriate advance as a violation of MYD’s Code of Conduct to the Presidents and Vice President of the Club;

• The Presidents and Vice President shall gather further details from affected Club members to present to the Full Board;

• The President and Vice President shall schedule a special meeting to discuss the violation in closed session, and based on the information presented to the Full Board from the affected Club members, the Board can:

• Vote to remove Member A from the Club based on the violation of the Code of Conduct with a two-thirds supermajority, if deemed significant enough that it endangers the safety of the Club and our Members;

• Take no official action, but provide support to the affected Club members.

• If Member A is voted to be removed from MYD, then the President and Vice President will inform all parties involved of the outcome of the Board’s decision, as well as explain the appeal process to Member A.

C. Appeal Process for Removed Members

Members who have violated the Code of Conduct, and were banned as a result of a vote by the Full Board, have the right to appeal their case to regain their membership in a special meeting with the full Board. If the full Board unanimously decides to accept the appeal and reverse the previous decision of the board, then the member will have their membership reinstated for the remainder of the year the member has paid dues.

If a board member of the Club is directly impacted by a violation of the Code of Conduct with this banned member, they will be excluded from the appeal process and their vote shall not count towards any action or for quorum, in relation to the relevant situation.

Unless the appeal process has been decided and the member has been redeclared as a member of this Club, the banned member shall not be permitted or allowed to attend any Club-sponsored meetings, events, social media space, or any other scenario that is deemed to be a “Club space”. Board members of this Club will ask the member to leave, in order to protect the conduct and safety of the membership.

As restorative justice is a critical part of addressing the harm caused by these violations of the Code of Conduct, MYD shall provide resources and information for all affected members. MYD shall also connect all affected members with additional support from other bodies with the capacity to assist (MDCCC).

Article X

SUSPENSION OF THE BYLAWS 

A. Suspension of the Bylaws

Any section of these Bylaws may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the Membership at any regularly scheduled Membership meeting. A motion to suspend must identify the Article and Sections being suspended and may not suspend more than one article. This Article may not be suspended.

Article XI

Constitutional Amendments

Amendments to this constitution must be submitted in writing to the President and Secretary at least two weeks (14 days) prior to the meeting at which the amendment will be considered. The President is Obligated to place the amendment on the agenda for that meeting. The amendment will be considered approved if three-fourths (3/4) of the Executive Board, including the vote of the advisor, and two-thirds (2/3) of the general body vote in favor of the amendment. In order for a vote to be considered on a constitutional amendment there must be a minimum of 50% of the total membership.

Article XII

Number of Offices

No one person may hold more than one office in the Young Democrats organization.

Article XIV

Advisor

A faculty member will have already been selected by the President to act as an advisor. The advisor will aid in the running of the chapter and serve as a liaison between the chapter and the school administration. In the event that the advisor is prevented from upholding these duties, another faculty member will be Selected by the general body.

Article XV

DISSOLUTION

A. Dissolution

Dissolution of this Organization requires the unanimous approval of the Full Board and approval of three-fourths of the Members in good standing at two consecutive General Meetings of Madera Young Democrats. Upon dissolution, all unspent funds (after expenses and liabilities are accounted for) will be donated to the California Young Democrats. Any privately obtained funds that remain may be donated to another nonprofit organization with prior approval of the Full Board. It is hoped that the organization that receives these funds will return them to any new Young Democratic organization that comes into existence in the City and County of Madera California.

END

Update December 2023