Bylaws Committee Report to the General Membership

Bylaws Committee Report to the General Membership MARCH 3, 2018

1 P a g e Contents Introduction and Background Information... 2 Amendment 1: Clarify 2/3 Vote Required to Amend Bylaws... 3 Amendment 2: Change Club to Chapter... 4 Amendment 3: Diversity of Caucus Officers... 6 Amendment 4: Unaffiliated Voters and Those Not Registered to Vote... 7 Amendment 5: Line of Succession of Caucus Officers... 8 Amendment 6: Add 3 rd Vice President... 9 Amendment 7: Change State Finance Chair to Fundraising Chair... 11 Amendment 8: Simultaneous Office Holding... 12 Amendment 9: Eliminate Chartering Fees... 13 Amendment 10: Multi County Chapters... 14 Amendment 11: Quorum Requirements... 15 Amendment 12: Caucus Representation Within the NCDP... 17 Amendment 13: Chapter Formation... 20

2 P a g e Introduction and Background Information When the PC/NCDP Bylaws Committee first convened Nov. 06, 2017, we had all thoroughly combed through the existing Caucus Bylaws. And with the concerns from the prior state Caucus meeting in mind, as well as our own observations and ideas, the committee identified items which needed correcting, changing, removing, or clarifying. At that first meeting we systematically reviewed all items that had been brought forward to the committee, and we voted on ranking each of these amendment items, based on how critical each was deemed by the committee to be for the healthy functioning of the Caucus. This resulted in a prioritized list of 41 potential amendments, 13 of which the committee identified as being most urgently needed. The result of that analysis is represented here, as the first set of 13 Priority 1 draft amendments contained in this report. We divided the priority 1 amendments amongst ourselves for drafting to present at this, the March 3, 2018 General Membership meeting. Over the course of 4 more meetings from Dec. 2, 2017 through Jan. 22, 2018, we perfected the wording of these amendments to prevent any unintended consequences and to ensure they fully accomplish their objectives. There remains a significant amount of work yet to be done on the Caucus Bylaws, but we feel these first 13 top priority amendments make critical improvements to the existing Bylaws and hence, as the Bylaws Committee, we bring these forth for consideration by the General Membership of the PC/NCDP. Thank you The Bylaws Committee

3 P a g e Amendment 1: Clarify 2/3 Vote Required to Amend Bylaws Purpose: Clarify what type of two-thirds vote is needed to amend the bylaws to make it clear two thirds of what caucus body is required to amend the bylaws, and under what circumstances 1 2 3 4 Article VIII Amendments Bylaws may be adopted or amended by a two-thirds vote of the Caucus general membership, present and voting at a meeting where quorum is met, provided that thirty (30) days written notice of any proposed bylaws or amendment has been given to all members of the Caucus. 5 6

4 P a g e Amendment 2: Change Club to Chapter Purpose: Chapters are recognized as official voting organizations and clubs are not. Why Needed: We need to be clear that our Chapters are officially recognized by the state. We need to be consistent in our terminology. Wherever in the Bylaws an affiliate of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP is mentioned, it should be called a Chapter. Note: If any instances of Club in the Bylaws were missed, they will be changed by this amendment, 7 8 9 10 11 12 ARTICLE II OFFICERS Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers B. State First Vice President: Duties and responsibilities of the State Vice President shall include but not be limited to assisting the State President, ensuring statewide cooperation between other caucuses and clubs Chapters in different regions of the State, and the identification and nurturing of State political talent. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 ARTICLE IV MEETINGS Section 1. Caucus Meetings I. Except as noted elsewhere in these bylaws, reasonable notice of meetings of the Progressive Caucus Executive Committee, Judicial Board, all other Caucus Committees, and clubs Chapters shall be given to the Caucus or club Chapter membership by electronic or any other means at least 14 days prior to meetings 20 21 22 23 24 25 ARTICLE VI CHARTER ORGANIZATIONS Section 1. Clubs Chapters and their scope. Local units of this organization shall be known as Chapters clubs. Clubs Chapters may be organized in any county and/or congressional district, with one not superseding the other. All Chapters Clubs will operate under the umbrella of the Caucus, and the NCDP. As such, must

5 P a g e 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 follow the rules and responsibilities of the Caucus and the NCDP or face review by the Caucus Judicial Committee Board. Potential penalties may include censure and removal from the Caucus or Chapter, Club Section 2. Membership All club Chapter members and officers primary residence and voter registration must be within the county and/or congressional district which the club Chapter represents. All club Chapter voting members must be registered as Democrats. Section 3. Minimum membership A club Chapter must have at least five (5) Active members to charter. Members will pay local and state dues on an annual basis. State fees will be determined by the Caucus Executive Committee and local club Chapter fees will be determined by the club Chapter executive committee. Section 4. Official name of each club Chapter The official name of each club Chapter shall be the Progressive Democrats of the county or congressional district in which the club Chapter exists such as the Progressive Democrats of Wake County or the Progressive Democrats of North Carolina s Eighth Congressional District unless otherwise approved by the Caucus Executive Committee. Section 6. Chartering Fees Chartering fees will be determined by the Caucus Executive Committee. Clubs Chapters will pay a chartering fee at the time of initial chartering. Section 7. Disbanding of Clubs Chapters After notice and opportunity for a hearing with the Judicial Board and upon grounds found by the Judicial Board to constitute good and sufficient cause, the Caucus Executive Committee shall have the authority to censure or disband any Caucus club Chapter for violating any Caucus or NCDP rules. Findings of the Judicial Board may be subject to appeal to the Caucus Executive Committee. Section 8. Settling of Club Chapter Disputes Any Club Chapter officer or member may request a review by the Caucus Judicial Board by requesting such through the Caucus Executive Committee. The Judicial Board shall follow the same proceedings as defined in Article V. 64

6 P a g e Amendment 3: Diversity of Caucus Officers Purpose: This change is being made to increase diversity of the Caucus officers and to ensure it is more well representative of the Caucus. 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 Article II, Section 1, Part A The officers of the Caucus, who shall be identified as Progressive Democrats and are registered to vote as Democrats, shall consist of one (1) State President, one (1) State Vice President, one (1) Second Vice President, one (1) State Finance Officer, one (1) Secretary, one (1) Treasurer, one (1) Assistant Treasurer, County and District Presidents and Committee Chairs. These officials will form the Caucus Executive Committee. The Caucus shall strive for gender balance among the officers. 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 The Caucus shall strive for self-identified gender balance among its officers. The State Vice President must be of a different gender identity than that of the State President. Among the State President and the Vice Presidents, one of these offices must be filled by a person of a racial or ethnic minority which constitutes at least 20 twenty percent (20%) of the registered Democrats in North Carolina, and one of these offices must be filled by a person thirty-five (35) years of age or younger who is a registered Democrat. 79 80 81

7 P a g e Amendment 4: Unaffiliated Voters and Those Not Registered to Vote Purpose: Clarify the role, in the Progressive Caucus, of Progressives who are unaffiliated or who are not registered to vote. We want to serve the purpose of inclusiveness and the mission of expanding the membership of both the Progressive Caucus and the NCDP 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION Section 3. Membership B. The Caucus will strive to expand the NCDP membership by looking to address the concerns of unaffiliated and unregistered Progressive citizens unaffiliated progressive voters and progressive citizens who are not registered to vote, throughout the state, encouraging them to volunteer with the Caucus, creating a more inclusive political environment, where they will feel their voices will be heard. 89 90

8 P a g e Amendment 5: Line of Succession of Caucus Officers Purpose: Clarify the line of succession if an Officer is unavailable. 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 ARTICLE II OFFICERS Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers B. State First Vice President: Duties and responsibilities of the State Vice President shall include but not be limited to assisting the State President, ensuring statewide cooperation between other caucuses and clubs in different regions of the State, and the identification and nurturing of State political talent. The State Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Executive Committee may from time to time prescribe by resolution, or as the State President may provide, subject to the powers and the supervision of the Executive Committee. In the event the State Vice President must succeed the State President due to absence, vacancy or incapacitation, the State Vice President will serve in that capacity until the President returns or a new State President is elected by the Executive Committee for the remainder of the President's term. 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 C. State Second Vice President: Duties and responsibilities of the Second Vice President shall include expanding the membership of the Caucus and NCDP, coordinating development of Caucus bylaws and Caucus platform. The Second Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Executive Committee may from time to time prescribe. Should the President and First Vice President be absent, become incapacitated, or a vacancy occurs, the Second Vice President will have authority to act as State President until the State President returns or a new State President is elected. 111 112 113

9 P a g e Amendment 6: Add 3 rd Vice President Purpose: To provide an additional executive committee member to help grow the Caucus membership and spread a positive message. The language of the amendment mirrors the description of the other officers. 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 Article II Officers Section 1. Selection and Tenure A. The officers of the Caucus, who shall be identified as Progressive Democrats and are registered to vote as Democrats, shall consist of one (1) State President, one (1) State Vice President, one (1) Second Vice President, one (1) Third Vice President, one (1) State Finance Officer, one (1) Secretary, one (1) Treasurer, one (1) Assistant Treasurer, County and District Presidents and Committee Chairs. These officials will form the Caucus Executive Committee. The Caucus shall strive for gender balance among the officers. Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers Insert after C. State Second Vice President and before D. State Finance Chair (which will shift down to become E, and so forth): 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 D. State Third Vice President: Duties and responsibilities of the State Third Vice President shall include coordinating publicity for the caucus to expand the membership of the Caucus and NCDP and promote the Caucus message of inclusiveness and progressive values. The Third Vice President will work with committees such as Outreach, Platforms Resolutions and Legislative Affairs, Technology, and Fundraising to achieve these objectives, and conduct such other duties and powers as the Executive Committee may from time to time prescribe. Should the President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President be absent, become incapacitated or should a vacancy occur, the Third Vice President will have authority to act as State President until a new State President is elected. D. E. State Finance Chair: E. F. State Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer: F. G. Secretary:

10 P a g e 139 140 141 G. H. County and District Chapter Presidents: H. I. Committee Chairs: 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 Article III Progressive Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee Section 2. Membership The Executive Committee of the Caucus shall be composed of the State President, the State Vice President, the State Second Vice President, the State Third Vice President, the State Finance Chair, the Secretary, the Treasurer, assistant Treasurer, Chapter Presidents, and Committee Chairs. Appointment of other voting members to the Executive Committee may be made by a majority vote of the current Executive Committee. 150 151

11 P a g e Amendment 7: Change State Finance Chair to Fundraising Chair Purpose: Make it clear that this is primarily a fund-raising position and distinguish this office from the treasury officers. 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 ARTICLE II OFFICERS Section I. Selection and Tenure A. The officers of the Caucus, who shall be identified as Progressive Democrats and are registered to vote as Democrats, shall consist of one (1) State President, one (1) State Vice President, one (1) Second Vice President, one (1) State Finance Officer Fundraising Chair, one (1) Secretary, one (1) Treasurer, one (1) Assistant Treasurer, County and District Presidents and Committee Chairs. These officials will form the Caucus Executive Committee. The Caucus shall strive for gender balance among the officers. Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers D. State Finance Fundraising Chair: Duties and responsibilities of the State Finance Fundraising Chair should shall include fundraising and event planning for the Caucus. The State Finance Fundraising Chair will work closely with the Treasurer, and will be required to fulfill the State Board of Elections Campaign Finance Training prior to, or within one month, of taking office. The Fundraising Chair shall be an ex-officio, voting member of any fundraising or event committees. ARTICLE III PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Section 2. Membership The Executive Committee of the Caucus shall be composed of the State President, the State Vice President, the Second Vice President, the State Finance Fundraising Chair, the Secretary, the Treasurer, assistant Treasurer, Chapter Presidents, and Committee Chairs. Appointment of other voting members to the Executive Committee may be made by a majority vote of the current Executive Committee. 179 180

12 P a g e Amendment 8: Simultaneous Office Holding Purpose: Prevent members of the Executive Committee from having more than 1 vote. Prevent any person from accumulating too much power by holding more than one office. 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 ARTICLE II OFFICERS Section I. Selection and Tenure F. Simultaneous Office Holding No member of the Executive Committee may hold more than one office that is on the Executive Committee at the same time. Should any officer of the state Caucus, or a Caucus Chapter be elected as another officer of the state Caucus or another officer of a Caucus Chapter, he or she shall be deemed to have vacated their previous office. The vacated office shall be filled in accordance with the state Caucus or Caucus Chapter bylaws. 190 191

13 P a g e Amendment 9: Eliminate Chartering Fees Purpose: Eliminate fees charged to charter a Chapter. They have not been charged at this point, are not needed, and would impede expanding the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP. 192 Strike article VI, Section 6 from the Bylaws and renumber the remaining sections as needed. 193 194 195 196 Article VI Section 6: Chartering Fees Chartering fees will be determined by the Caucus Executive Committee. Clubs will pay a chartering fee at the time of initial chartering. 197 198

14 P a g e Amendment 10: Multi County Chapters Purpose: Make Chapter organization possible for rural and red counties which have difficulty getting and maintaining five active members to charter 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 ARTICLE VI CHARTER ORGANIZATIONS Section 1. Clubs Chapters and their scope. Local units of this organization shall be known as clubs Chapters. Clubs Chapters may be organized in any county and/or congressional district, with one not superseding the other. A Multi County Chapter may be formed within adjacent counties except that no multi county Chapter shall include a county that already has a Chapter. All Clubs Chapters will operate under the umbrella of the Caucus, and the NCDP. As such, must follow the rules and responsibilities of the Caucus and the NCDP or face review by the Caucus Judicial Committee. Potential penalties may include censure and removal from the Caucus, Club or Chapter. Section 2. Membership All Chapter members and officers primary residence and voter registration must be within the county, counties, and/or congressional district which the club Chapter represents. All club Chapter members must be registered as Democrats. Section 4. Official name of each club Chapter The official name of each club Chapter shall be the Progressive Democrats of the county, counties, or congressional district in which the Chapter exists such as the Progressive Democrats of Wake County or the Progressive Democrats of North Carolina s Eighth Congressional District unless otherwise approved by the Caucus Executive Committee. 219 220

15 P a g e Amendment 11: Quorum Requirements Purpose: Set appropriate quorums for meetings of the Caucus, the Executive Committees, the Judicial Board, state-wide committees appointed by the caucus president, and caucus Chapters. Quorum is not currently defined in the Bylaws except for general meetings. This is a new article. 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 ARTICLE IX - QUORUMS Section 1: General Quorum Requirement All quorums shall be based on members of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP who are registered to vote in North Carolina as Democrats. Members of a Progressive Caucus of the NCDP Chapter must be registered to vote as Democrats within the area served by that Chapter. Section 2. Caucus (general) meetings: A majority of the membership (see Article 1, Section 3) of the Caucus present, in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum, provided that not less than fifteen percent (15%) of the full membership be present and not less than forty percent (40%) of the Caucus Executive Committee, for the purpose of establishing a quorum. Section 3. The Executive Committee A quorum of the Executive Committee shall consist of forty percent (40%) of its members. Section 4. The Judicial Board A quorum of the Judicial Board shall consist of at least 3 out of its 5 members. Section 5. Committees appointed by the State Caucus President Meetings of committees appointed by the President of the NCDP Progressive Caucus shall have the following quorum requirements: A. A quorum for a committee of 6 members or less shall consist of 3 of its members. B. All other committees shall have a quorum of forty percent (40%) of their members. Section 6. Chapters A quorum for an organizing meeting or any other election meeting of a Caucus Chapter shall

16 P a g e 246 247 248 consist of the greater of 5 or forty percent (40%) of its members. No Chapter business that effects a Chapter s treasury, or amends its bylaws shall be conducted unless there is a quorum of the greater of 5 or forty percent (40%) of its members. 249 250 Amendments Required for consistency with these quorum requirements: 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 ARTICLE III PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Section 5. Quorum and Voting The provisions of Article IV IX Section 2 3 of these bylaws shall apply to proceedings of the Caucus Executive Committee. ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS Section 2. Quorum and Voting A. Quorum: A majority of the active membership (see Article 1, Section 3) of the Caucus present, in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum, provided that not less than 10 percent (10%) of the full membership be present and not less than 50% of the Caucus Executive Committee, for the purpose of establishing a quorum. The provisions of Article IX Section 2 of these bylaws shall apply to proceedings of the Caucus. 266 267

17 P a g e Amendment 12: Caucus Representation Within the NCDP Purpose: Provide for representation on NCDP Executive and Policy Committees. This is a new article. 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 Article X Representation on NCDP Executive and Policy Committees Representatives shall be selected to the NCDP Executive Committees, the NCDP Executive Council, and NCDP Policy Committees as mandated by the North Carolina Democratic Party Plan of Organization (the NCDP PoO). The method of selection of representatives shall be as mandated in the NCDP PoO, except that where the NCDP PoO leaves the method of selection to the bylaws of its affiliated organizations, those representatives shall be elected. The selected representatives shall be certified by the President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP, who shall submit their names and contact information to the Chair of the NCDP State Executive Committee. Section 1: NCDP Executive Committees A. County Executive Committees The President of each duly chartered county Chapter shall serve as the caucus s representative to that county s County Executive Committee, and by invitation, at meetings of that Executive Committee s officers. Vacancies shall be filled as provided in Chapter bylaws. B. Congressional District Executive Committee A member of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP who is registered to vote as a Democrat within each North Carolina Congressional District shall, where possible, be selected to serve on that Congressional District s Executive Committee, and by invitation at meetings of that committee s officers. These representatives shall be selected as follows:

18 P a g e 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 1. If a duly chartered congressional district Chapter exists, its voting members shall elect a representative to the Congressional District Executive Committee at a general meeting of the Chapter for a term of 2 years, except that the representative s term of office shall expire at the Chapter s regular biennial election of officers. The Chapter s president shall certify the elected representative to the President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP. Vacancies shall be filled at the next general meeting of the Chapter. 2. If a congressional district Chapter has not been formed, a representative for that district shall be elected at a Progressive Caucus of the NCDP general membership meeting by a quorum of a least five caucus members who are registered as Democrats to vote in the congressional district. The President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP or the President s designee shall chair this election and certify the elected representative. In the event that there is no quorum, the President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP shall appoint the representative. The representative s term of office shall expire upon formation of a congressional district Chapter or at the next regular biennial election of Progressive Caucus of the NCDP officers whichever occurs first. C. NCDP State Executive Committee The President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP shall serve as a member of the NCDP State Executive Committee. D. NCDP State Executive Council The President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP shall serve as a member of the NCDP State Executive Council. Section 2: NCDP Policy Committees 329

19 P a g e 330 331 332 333 A. Resolutions and Platform Committee The President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP shall serve as a member of the NCDP Resolutions and Platform Committee. 334 335

20 P a g e Amendment 13: Chapter Formation Purpose: Clarify the process of Chapter organization and affiliation (chartering) with the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP and make it part of the bylaws. There are a few versions of guidelines for chartering on the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP website. They vary from each other and include guidance that contradicts the bylaws, and could threaten the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP s biennial re-approval as an auxiliary of the NCDP. 336 ARTICLE VI CHARTER ORGANIZATIONS 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 Section 7: Formation and Chartering of Chapters A. Only One Chapter for a County or Congressional District The Progressive Caucus of the NCDP shall charter no more than one county Chapter in a county, and no more than one congressional district Chapter in a congressional district. In the event that there are progressive organizations competing for the same charter in a county or congressional district, the chartering of a Chapter shall be treated as a contested charter. B. Assistance in Forming Chapters 1. Chapter Support Committee There shall be a standing committee of experienced Chapter organizers appointed by the President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP. Members of the committee may assist in the organization of Chapters, or may themselves organize Chapters at the discretion of the committee. 2. Volunteer Organizers One or more volunteers who are voting members of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP who are registered to vote as Democrats in a North Carolina county or congressional district may be appointed by the President of the Progressive Caucus of

21 P a g e 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 the NCDP to organize a chartered Chapter in their county or congressional district. Their terms as organizers expire in 60 days or upon the chartering of the Chapter whichever happens first. Volunteer organizers serve at the pleasure of the President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP. If a Chapter is not organized within 60 days, the volunteer organizer(s) may be reappointed at the discretion of the President. Organizers are encouraged to collaborate with each other and with the Chapter Support Committee. In the event that there is more than one volunteer organizer appointed in an unorganized county or congressional district and the organizers decline to work together, the chartering of a Chapter shall be treated as a contested charter. C. Notice for Organizing Meetings Notice of a meeting to either organize a new Chapter or affiliate an existing Progressive Club must be sent to all members of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP who are registered to vote as Democrats in the area that will be served by the affiliated Chapter within 30 days of the meeting. Notice must be sent by US mail and / or by email. D. Contested Charters In the event of a contested charter, the President of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP or the President s designee shall call and chair a meeting of all members of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP who are registered to vote as Democrats in the county, counties, or congressional district that will be served by the prospective Chapter. The meeting shall be conducted according to Robert s Rules of Order. A quorum of the greater of 5 or forty percent (40%) of these members is required to conduct the business of the meeting. The business of the meeting shall be to: 1. Conduct a vote to affiliate the Chapter with the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP. 2. Approve bylaws that comply with the requirements of the bylaws of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP and the NCDP Plan of Organization. 3. Elect officers according to the bylaws of the prospective Chapter. 4. The meeting chair shall certify the results of the meeting, and must submit the certification of the meeting, its adopted bylaws, and a list of officers to the Secretary of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP with a request for a charter.

22 P a g e 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 E. Existing Clubs Any county progressive club may apply to be a duly chartered Chapter of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP. The following conditions must be met as part of that application: 1. The club must hold a general meeting with a quorum of the greater of 5 or forty percent (40%) of the members of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP who are registered to vote within the county as Democrats. The meeting must be conducted according to Robert s Rules of Order. A majority of those members must vote to affiliate their club as a Chapter of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP, and adopt bylaws that comply with requirements set forth in the Bylaws of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP, and the North Carolina Democratic Party Pan of Organization. 2. The meeting chair must certify the results of the meeting. 3. The club secretary must submit the certification of the meeting, its adopted bylaws, and a list of officers to the Secretary of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP with a request for a charter. 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 F. New Chapter Organization The organizer(s) of a new Chapter must call an organizing meeting of members of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP who are registered to vote as Democrats within the county, counties, or congressional district that will be served by the Chapter. A quorum of the greater of 5 or forty percent (40%) of these members is required to conduct the business of the meeting. The organizer(s) must agree upon a chair for the meeting. The business of the meeting shall be to: 1. Conduct a vote to affiliate the new Chapter with the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP. 2. Approve bylaws that comply with the requirements of the bylaws of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP and the NCDP Plan of Organization. 3. Elect officers according to the bylaws of the prospective Chapter. 4. The meeting chair must certify the results of the meeting. 5. The elected secretary must submit a certification of the meeting, its adopted bylaws, and a list of officers to the Secretary of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP with a request for a charter.

23 P a g e 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 G. Approval of Charters The Executive Committee shall consider a charter for a prospective Chapter upon receipt of a request for charter with a meeting certification, bylaws, and list of officers of the prospective Chapter. The Executive Committee must review the prospective Chapter s bylaws for conformance to the bylaws of the Progressive Caucus of the NCDP and the North Carolina Democratic Party Plan of Organization. The prospective Chapter shall be granted a charter upon a majority vote of the Executive Committee. If the Executive Committee votes to disapprove charter, it shall provide the requester(s) with reasons for that disapproval as well as suggestions for remedies that can lead to approval. H. No Provisions Are Retroactive No provision of Section 7 (Formation of Chapters) that is not already addressed in other provisions in these bylaws shall apply retroactively to any Chapter that is in dispute at the date of adoption of this Section 7, nor do does it invalidate any previously chartered Caucus Chapter. 455 456 457 Section 7 8. Disbanding of Clubs Chapters Section 8. 9. Settling of Club Chapter Disputes 458 459 460