Bylaws
Bylaws are current as of March 2014. For a PDF file of these bylaws, please email chair@cydvetcaucus.org
ARTICLE ONE
Section I
1. Name & Logo
1.1 The name of this organization shall be California Young Democrats Veterans Caucus. It may be abbreviated to ‘CYD-VC’ and may be referred to as ‘CYD-Vets’. In this Bylaws it is also often referred to as “the organization” or “the caucus”.
1.2 The logo of this organization shall be the logo loaned out by the Veterans Caucus of the California Democratic Party (VCCDP). To distinguish this Caucus from VCCDP, the logo shall be in the middle of a Dark Blue Shield. The shield will feature the Bear Logo in the middle on a Dark Blue background. Steel lettering shall read ‘VETERANS CAUCUS’ just below the logo in the middle of the shield. The words ‘CALIFORNIA YOUNG DEMOCRATS’ will be in smaller lettering just below this. Use of this logo shall be in compliance with the current Bylaws, Policies and Procedures of the VCCDP.
2. Mission Statement
2.1 It shall be the mission of the CYD-VC to work within the California Young Democrats (CYD), providing a strong voice and representation within the party structure that promotes the welfare of Veterans.
2.2 This mission shall be accomplished by actively engaging the youth (as identified by the Bylaws of the CYD) of the California Democratic Party (CDP) who are Veterans or supporters of Veterans; and providing them the opportunity to become further engaged with the CYD and CDP and the Veterans Caucuses of both.
2.3 This mission shall be further engaged by taking positions of support or opposition to measures, ordinances and other forms of public legislation that will have direct or indirect effects on Veterans living within the constituency affected.
2.4 This mission shall be further engaged by taking an active role in ensuring the VCCDP is well informed of the issues facing Young Veterans. This caucus may take positions of support or opposition to legislation and relay them to the VCCDP Political Committee.
2.5 This mission shall be further engaged by ensuring that the Veterans of the CDP are given every opportunity to become engaged in the political process and eventually enabled to run for public offices.
2.6 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 CYD-VC 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. Affiliation
4.1 The CYD-VC shall be affiliated through charter membership with the CYD. It shall abide by all of the different governing rules and bylaws of the CYD in concern to its conduct as a caucus.
4.2 Additionally, the CYD-VC shall be affiliated with the VCCDP and the California Democratic Party (CDP).
Section II
1. Structure
1.1 The Membership governs the CYD-VC via this provision: The vote of the membership of the CYD-VC 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 CYD-VC, the Bylaws shall supersede all until such a time where they are properly changed.
3. Execution of Mission
3.1 Responsibility of directing this organization towards the fulfillment of this mission shall rest with the Chair.
ARTICLE TWO
Section I
1. Members
1.1 Membership in the organization shall be open to any person who supports the mission of the CYD-VC; 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 two categories:
a. Veteran:
This level of membership is open to veterans as defined by the most current Bylaws of the VCCDP. 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 caucus.
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.
3. Membership Screening
3.1 The Organizational Development Liaison shall screen all applications of membership for all levels. Applications approved by them will be considered valid retroactive to the date the application was received. Applications rejected by them will be considered invalid and will be returned to the person who applied with a request for corrections, or other recommended action, up to denial of membership to the caucus.
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 Membership may occur in the rare cases where the Chair calls for them and this shall be done by the means the Chair declares acceptable when calling for it. Only the means through which the Chair outlines a vote shall be considered acceptable and 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 Chair is permitted to call for an electronic vote of the Executive Committee via the means the Chair 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 Chair will consider the amount of notification time given when considering how long to keep voting open.
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 CYD-Vets in the past 12 months.
6. Dues
6.1 Membership is for a 365 day 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-Recorder no later than their anniversary. An exception to this shall be the dues of persons who have filed with the Organizational Development Liaison 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 caucus for any fraction of the dues, without being questioned on their hardship status. Financial burden shall not prevent someone from joining the caucus 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 said handbook and the Bylaws.
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 CYD-VC 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 CYD-VC 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 Organizational Development Liaison. The Liaison then has a period of no more than 72 hours to inform the Chair of the CYD-VC of the request.
9.4 The Chair 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 Chair in writing. The Chair 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 Chair, who then carries out the action(s) prescribed.
Section II
1. Voting in Meetings
1.1 The method for voting on items before the 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 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 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 Biennial Election of Officers
2.1 All votes of the membership carried out in regard to the Biennial 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 votes 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 Chair 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 Chair 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 A minimum of five (5) voting members is required to qualify the presence of a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the Chair/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 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.
1.3 Special Meetings shall occur under the following circumstances:
a. When called by the Chair or Acting Chair.
b. When requested by any member in writing for any reason found by the Chair or Acting Chair to be valid.
c. When voted by the Membership to occur for the replacement of a cancelled Regular Stated Meeting.
1.4 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 CYD-VC may consult the Newly Revised Robert’s Rules of Order as a reference for the conducting of the meetings in an organized manner.
ARTICLE THREE
Section I
1. Officers of the CYD-VC
1.1 The CYD-VC will have the following officers:
a. Chair
b. Vice Chair
c. Treasurer-Recorder
d. Parliamentarian
e. Immediate Past Chair
1.2 With the exception of the Immediate Past Chair, these officers are elected during the Biennial Election of Officers for a term of office lasting two (2) years. They are elected by simple majority vote in a ballot voting process.
1.3 The Immediate Past Chair is an officer position automatically bestowed on the person who served as the Chair of the Caucus for the past term.
a. In cases where the person who was Chair for the last term and the Chair for the current term is the same person, this position is not filled by anyone.
b. The Immediate Past Chair is permitted to vote during the meetings of the Executive Committee and as a member of the caucus.
c. The Immediate Past Chair is not permitted any of these privileges if they do not meet the Good Standing Clause.
1.4 Additionally, each Liaison to the VCCDP’s committees will be considered an officer of the caucus. These officers are appointed by the Chair at the first meeting of the caucus in the new term of office.
1.5 The following positions can only be fulfilled by Veterans:
a. Elected Chair
b. Interim Chair
c. Vice Chair
d. Interim Vice Chair
1.6 Interim Officers are officers fulfilling a position normally occupied by an elected member but without having been elected in the Biennial Election of Officers. These are normally members who were appointed by the Chair to fill a vacancy. They are entitled to all powers afforded the elected officer once appointed.
1.7 Presiding Officers are those who are currently acting as the Chair during the meetings, as needed.
1.8 Acting Chair is a member who is serving as the Chair in place of the elected Chair either at the request of the same or in the absence thereof. Acting Chair is a temporary situation where the powers of the Chair transfer to the person acting as Chair until they are taken back by the elected Chair or they are removed permanently from the elected Chair.
1.9 Should the office of Chair be vacated, the Vice Chair becomes the Interim Chair and appoints another member to the position of Interim Vice Chair.
1.10 Should the Chair be considered for removal from office; the Vice Chair becomes Acting Chair during the Special Committee for Review’s Investigation. Once the Membership votes to approve the removal of the Chair, succession takes place as outlined above.
1.11 The Chair serves as a member of the VCCDP’s Executive Board. The Chair will also appoint an alternate to attend the VCCDP Executive Board in their place, should that be necessary. However, this alternate will not be allowed to vote by proxy during votes of the VCCDP Executive Board.
2. The Executive Committee
2.1 This committee consists of all of the elected officers, appointed officers and immediate past Chair. 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 CYD-Vets. This committee does not introduce any specific resolutions or other official decisions for the CYD-VC, while it may become involved in vetting the language of such proposals for final approval by the membership.
3. VCCDP Committee Liaisons
3.1 A member of the CYD-VC is appointed to serve as a member of the VCCDP’s standing committees. They are tasked with serving to bridge information on the matters before these committees and report back on them to the CYD-VC Executive Committee.
3.2 The following committee Liaisons will serve additional duties on behalf of the CYD-VC and will be permitted a vote on the Executive Committee.
a. Organizational Development Liaison
This liaison is tasked with the handling of all of the new membership applications, member specific issues, the planning and execution of all activities of the CYD-VC, maintaining morale through social activities, processing Bylaws amendments to present as recommended to the Executive Committee, the raising of funds to support the caucus and its activities, and other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.
b. Political Liaison
This liaison will handle advocacy efforts by the caucus; the processing of all Resolutions presented for consideration to the caucus; tracking of elected officials and their performances on Veterans issues; tracking Veterans Legislation, to include presenting ideas for future legislation. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.
c. Communications Liaison
This liaison is tasked with the communications and messaging of the caucus 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 Committee.
4. Ad Hoc Committees
4.1 The Chair 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 Chair would then appoint a Committee 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 Vice Chair and will have a two Committee Vice Chairs. These Committee 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, three (3) members shall be appointed to this committee to serve as a jury for deliberation of evidence presented by both sides of the investigation. One (1) of these three shall be appointed by one Committee Vice Chair, and the other Committee Vice Chair shall also appoint one. The Vice Chair appoints the remaining member.
5.4 Findings are to be voted on by the three 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 Committee Chair appointed by the Chair or Acting Chair. This Committee Chair is tasked with the appointment of the committee officers, which are, a Committee Vice Chair and a Committee Recorder.
Section II
1. Biennial Election of Officers
1.1 The Biennial 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 by the person designated by the Chair to run the election. During this time, the different members of the caucus 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 nominations have 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 Biennial Election of Officers is held at the meeting occurring in conjunction with the Convention of the CYD in odd numbered years.
d. All members of the caucus who wish to vote in this election must be present for the meeting to do so. During this meeting, a member of the caucus who is not running for any office within it presides over the election process, as appointed to do so by the Chair.
e. Once all ballots have been cast, the Chair 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 same meeting of the Election when possible. When not possible, it shall be the first item of business before the Caucus at their next meeting.
g. A transitional meeting between the outgoing and incoming officer for each position takes place no later than 30 days after the Election. This can be accomplished by any means agreed upon.
h. All officers begin their terms effective at the end of the meeting at which they are elected and are entitled to the full powers and privileges from that point to the end of their terms.
i. The Chair announces the appointments to fill all of the appointed officer positions and any elected officer positions left vacant by lack of a candidate at the next meeting of the caucus.
2. Appointment of Replacement Officers
2.1 If an elected or appointed position, other than that of Chair, becomes vacant at any time; the Chair is permitted to immediately appoint someone to fulfill that office as an Interim Officer for the remainder of the term.
3. Removal of Elected Officers
3.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of an Elected Officer, other than the Chair, is required, the Chair dismisses the elected officer in question.
3.2 Members will be permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in Elected Officers. Should that vote pass; the Chair offers the Elected Officer the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the Elected Officer decline to resign, the Chair creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The Chair 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.
3.3 Members are permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the Chair. If seconded, the Chair shall step aside and allow the Vice Chair to serve as presiding officer. If the Vice Chair is not present, another elected officer becomes the presiding officer and the vote is presented to the floor. Should that vote pass; the Vice Chair or presiding officer offers the Chair the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the Chair decline to resign, the Vice Chair or presiding officer creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The Vice Chair or presiding officer gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the Chair 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 CYD-VC are handled in a manner that works to accurately reflect their different positions on political and Veterans 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 Political Liaison, using proper resolution format as defined by the Chair.
c. Resolution Final- A resolution that has been finalized by the Executive Committee and is going before the membership for approval by majority vote.
d. Resolution- A final, approved by the membership as written, Resolution of the CYD-VC. This is the only version of the Resolution for publication outside of the CYD-VC.
Section II
1. Amendment of The Bylaws
1.1 Any member may propose an amendment to these 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 Organizational Development 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.
1.2 Care shall be taken to not approve amendments that unnecessarily redirect the CYD-VC away from its original mission. Amendments of similar nature may not be proposed more than once in a twelve-month period of time. More than one amendment may be considered at a time.
ARTICLE ONE
Section I
1. Name & Logo
1.1 The name of this organization shall be California Young Democrats Veterans Caucus. It may be abbreviated to ‘CYD-VC’ and may be referred to as ‘CYD-Vets’. In this Bylaws it is also often referred to as “the organization” or “the caucus”.
1.2 The logo of this organization shall be the logo loaned out by the Veterans Caucus of the California Democratic Party (VCCDP). To distinguish this Caucus from VCCDP, the logo shall be in the middle of a Dark Blue Shield. The shield will feature the Bear Logo in the middle on a Dark Blue background. Steel lettering shall read ‘VETERANS CAUCUS’ just below the logo in the middle of the shield. The words ‘CALIFORNIA YOUNG DEMOCRATS’ will be in smaller lettering just below this. Use of this logo shall be in compliance with the current Bylaws, Policies and Procedures of the VCCDP.
2. Mission Statement
2.1 It shall be the mission of the CYD-VC to work within the California Young Democrats (CYD), providing a strong voice and representation within the party structure that promotes the welfare of Veterans.
2.2 This mission shall be accomplished by actively engaging the youth (as identified by the Bylaws of the CYD) of the California Democratic Party (CDP) who are Veterans or supporters of Veterans; and providing them the opportunity to become further engaged with the CYD and CDP and the Veterans Caucuses of both.
2.3 This mission shall be further engaged by taking positions of support or opposition to measures, ordinances and other forms of public legislation that will have direct or indirect effects on Veterans living within the constituency affected.
2.4 This mission shall be further engaged by taking an active role in ensuring the VCCDP is well informed of the issues facing Young Veterans. This caucus may take positions of support or opposition to legislation and relay them to the VCCDP Political Committee.
2.5 This mission shall be further engaged by ensuring that the Veterans of the CDP are given every opportunity to become engaged in the political process and eventually enabled to run for public offices.
2.6 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 CYD-VC 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. Affiliation
4.1 The CYD-VC shall be affiliated through charter membership with the CYD. It shall abide by all of the different governing rules and bylaws of the CYD in concern to its conduct as a caucus.
4.2 Additionally, the CYD-VC shall be affiliated with the VCCDP and the California Democratic Party (CDP).
Section II
1. Structure
1.1 The Membership governs the CYD-VC via this provision: The vote of the membership of the CYD-VC 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 CYD-VC, the Bylaws shall supersede all until such a time where they are properly changed.
3. Execution of Mission
3.1 Responsibility of directing this organization towards the fulfillment of this mission shall rest with the Chair.
ARTICLE TWO
Section I
1. Members
1.1 Membership in the organization shall be open to any person who supports the mission of the CYD-VC; 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 two categories:
a. Veteran:
This level of membership is open to veterans as defined by the most current Bylaws of the VCCDP. 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 caucus.
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.
3. Membership Screening
3.1 The Organizational Development Liaison shall screen all applications of membership for all levels. Applications approved by them will be considered valid retroactive to the date the application was received. Applications rejected by them will be considered invalid and will be returned to the person who applied with a request for corrections, or other recommended action, up to denial of membership to the caucus.
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 Membership may occur in the rare cases where the Chair calls for them and this shall be done by the means the Chair declares acceptable when calling for it. Only the means through which the Chair outlines a vote shall be considered acceptable and 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 Chair is permitted to call for an electronic vote of the Executive Committee via the means the Chair 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 Chair will consider the amount of notification time given when considering how long to keep voting open.
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 CYD-Vets in the past 12 months.
6. Dues
6.1 Membership is for a 365 day 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-Recorder no later than their anniversary. An exception to this shall be the dues of persons who have filed with the Organizational Development Liaison 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 caucus for any fraction of the dues, without being questioned on their hardship status. Financial burden shall not prevent someone from joining the caucus 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 said handbook and the Bylaws.
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 CYD-VC 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 CYD-VC 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 Organizational Development Liaison. The Liaison then has a period of no more than 72 hours to inform the Chair of the CYD-VC of the request.
9.4 The Chair 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 Chair in writing. The Chair 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 Chair, who then carries out the action(s) prescribed.
Section II
1. Voting in Meetings
1.1 The method for voting on items before the 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 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 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 Biennial Election of Officers
2.1 All votes of the membership carried out in regard to the Biennial 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 votes 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 Chair 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 Chair 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 A minimum of five (5) voting members is required to qualify the presence of a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the Chair/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 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.
1.3 Special Meetings shall occur under the following circumstances:
a. When called by the Chair or Acting Chair.
b. When requested by any member in writing for any reason found by the Chair or Acting Chair to be valid.
c. When voted by the Membership to occur for the replacement of a cancelled Regular Stated Meeting.
1.4 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 CYD-VC may consult the Newly Revised Robert’s Rules of Order as a reference for the conducting of the meetings in an organized manner.
ARTICLE THREE
Section I
1. Officers of the CYD-VC
1.1 The CYD-VC will have the following officers:
a. Chair
b. Vice Chair
c. Treasurer-Recorder
d. Parliamentarian
e. Immediate Past Chair
1.2 With the exception of the Immediate Past Chair, these officers are elected during the Biennial Election of Officers for a term of office lasting two (2) years. They are elected by simple majority vote in a ballot voting process.
1.3 The Immediate Past Chair is an officer position automatically bestowed on the person who served as the Chair of the Caucus for the past term.
a. In cases where the person who was Chair for the last term and the Chair for the current term is the same person, this position is not filled by anyone.
b. The Immediate Past Chair is permitted to vote during the meetings of the Executive Committee and as a member of the caucus.
c. The Immediate Past Chair is not permitted any of these privileges if they do not meet the Good Standing Clause.
1.4 Additionally, each Liaison to the VCCDP’s committees will be considered an officer of the caucus. These officers are appointed by the Chair at the first meeting of the caucus in the new term of office.
1.5 The following positions can only be fulfilled by Veterans:
a. Elected Chair
b. Interim Chair
c. Vice Chair
d. Interim Vice Chair
1.6 Interim Officers are officers fulfilling a position normally occupied by an elected member but without having been elected in the Biennial Election of Officers. These are normally members who were appointed by the Chair to fill a vacancy. They are entitled to all powers afforded the elected officer once appointed.
1.7 Presiding Officers are those who are currently acting as the Chair during the meetings, as needed.
1.8 Acting Chair is a member who is serving as the Chair in place of the elected Chair either at the request of the same or in the absence thereof. Acting Chair is a temporary situation where the powers of the Chair transfer to the person acting as Chair until they are taken back by the elected Chair or they are removed permanently from the elected Chair.
1.9 Should the office of Chair be vacated, the Vice Chair becomes the Interim Chair and appoints another member to the position of Interim Vice Chair.
1.10 Should the Chair be considered for removal from office; the Vice Chair becomes Acting Chair during the Special Committee for Review’s Investigation. Once the Membership votes to approve the removal of the Chair, succession takes place as outlined above.
1.11 The Chair serves as a member of the VCCDP’s Executive Board. The Chair will also appoint an alternate to attend the VCCDP Executive Board in their place, should that be necessary. However, this alternate will not be allowed to vote by proxy during votes of the VCCDP Executive Board.
2. The Executive Committee
2.1 This committee consists of all of the elected officers, appointed officers and immediate past Chair. 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 CYD-Vets. This committee does not introduce any specific resolutions or other official decisions for the CYD-VC, while it may become involved in vetting the language of such proposals for final approval by the membership.
3. VCCDP Committee Liaisons
3.1 A member of the CYD-VC is appointed to serve as a member of the VCCDP’s standing committees. They are tasked with serving to bridge information on the matters before these committees and report back on them to the CYD-VC Executive Committee.
3.2 The following committee Liaisons will serve additional duties on behalf of the CYD-VC and will be permitted a vote on the Executive Committee.
a. Organizational Development Liaison
This liaison is tasked with the handling of all of the new membership applications, member specific issues, the planning and execution of all activities of the CYD-VC, maintaining morale through social activities, processing Bylaws amendments to present as recommended to the Executive Committee, the raising of funds to support the caucus and its activities, and other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.
b. Political Liaison
This liaison will handle advocacy efforts by the caucus; the processing of all Resolutions presented for consideration to the caucus; tracking of elected officials and their performances on Veterans issues; tracking Veterans Legislation, to include presenting ideas for future legislation. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in this Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.
c. Communications Liaison
This liaison is tasked with the communications and messaging of the caucus 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 Committee.
4. Ad Hoc Committees
4.1 The Chair 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 Chair would then appoint a Committee 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 Vice Chair and will have a two Committee Vice Chairs. These Committee 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, three (3) members shall be appointed to this committee to serve as a jury for deliberation of evidence presented by both sides of the investigation. One (1) of these three shall be appointed by one Committee Vice Chair, and the other Committee Vice Chair shall also appoint one. The Vice Chair appoints the remaining member.
5.4 Findings are to be voted on by the three 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 Committee Chair appointed by the Chair or Acting Chair. This Committee Chair is tasked with the appointment of the committee officers, which are, a Committee Vice Chair and a Committee Recorder.
Section II
1. Biennial Election of Officers
1.1 The Biennial 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 by the person designated by the Chair to run the election. During this time, the different members of the caucus 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 nominations have 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 Biennial Election of Officers is held at the meeting occurring in conjunction with the Convention of the CYD in odd numbered years.
d. All members of the caucus who wish to vote in this election must be present for the meeting to do so. During this meeting, a member of the caucus who is not running for any office within it presides over the election process, as appointed to do so by the Chair.
e. Once all ballots have been cast, the Chair 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 same meeting of the Election when possible. When not possible, it shall be the first item of business before the Caucus at their next meeting.
g. A transitional meeting between the outgoing and incoming officer for each position takes place no later than 30 days after the Election. This can be accomplished by any means agreed upon.
h. All officers begin their terms effective at the end of the meeting at which they are elected and are entitled to the full powers and privileges from that point to the end of their terms.
i. The Chair announces the appointments to fill all of the appointed officer positions and any elected officer positions left vacant by lack of a candidate at the next meeting of the caucus.
2. Appointment of Replacement Officers
2.1 If an elected or appointed position, other than that of Chair, becomes vacant at any time; the Chair is permitted to immediately appoint someone to fulfill that office as an Interim Officer for the remainder of the term.
3. Removal of Elected Officers
3.1 If, for purposes deemed just and right by a Special Committee for Review, the removal of an Elected Officer, other than the Chair, is required, the Chair dismisses the elected officer in question.
3.2 Members will be permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in Elected Officers. Should that vote pass; the Chair offers the Elected Officer the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the Elected Officer decline to resign, the Chair creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The Chair 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.
3.3 Members are permitted the right to request a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the Chair. If seconded, the Chair shall step aside and allow the Vice Chair to serve as presiding officer. If the Vice Chair is not present, another elected officer becomes the presiding officer and the vote is presented to the floor. Should that vote pass; the Vice Chair or presiding officer offers the Chair the chance to resign without further action against them. Should the Chair decline to resign, the Vice Chair or presiding officer creates a Special Committee for Review to investigate the matter behind the vote of no confidence. The Vice Chair or presiding officer gives a deadline for the matter to be settled and the Chair 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 CYD-VC are handled in a manner that works to accurately reflect their different positions on political and Veterans 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 Political Liaison, using proper resolution format as defined by the Chair.
c. Resolution Final- A resolution that has been finalized by the Executive Committee and is going before the membership for approval by majority vote.
d. Resolution- A final, approved by the membership as written, Resolution of the CYD-VC. This is the only version of the Resolution for publication outside of the CYD-VC.
Section II
1. Amendment of The Bylaws
1.1 Any member may propose an amendment to these 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 Organizational Development 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.
1.2 Care shall be taken to not approve amendments that unnecessarily redirect the CYD-VC away from its original mission. Amendments of similar nature may not be proposed more than once in a twelve-month period of time. More than one amendment may be considered at a time.
