JACKSON PROGRESSIVES BYLAWS 2017 ARTICLE I. NAME This organization shall be known as JACKSON PROGRESSIVES (JP). It shall consist of the Members of JACKSON PROGRESSIVES (JP), and its respective Officers. ARTICLE II. MISSION JACKSON PROGRESSIVES is a non-partisan, grassroots organization working to transform local, state, and federal government into one that works for all people. We work to increase participation and engagement in communities through activism. We promote inclusivity in participation, transparency in government, and influencing policy changes. We partner with like-minded organizations to promote education, participation in direct action events, political engagement, and supporting candidates who are aligned with our mission and purpose. ARTICLE III. PURPOSE Utilizing the energy of engaged citizens, JACKSON PROGRESSIVES offers the opportunity to work for progressive change. We believe in a society where our government represents all of its people and promotes social, political, and economic equality. To achieve these goals JP is working to these goals and others to increase access to healthcare, support fair redistricting policies, increase the availability and quality of education, protect our environment, create stronger social welfare programs, combat corporate welfare, lift citizens out of poverty, reform tax policies, strengthen the separation of church and state, reform campaign and political financing, and encourage fair and humane immigration and civil rights policies. ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Requirements to become a voting Member of JP shall consist of submitting a membership application and having attended at least two (2) meetings of JP within the preceding three (3) months. No monetary fee shall be required for membership. Section 2. JP shall support the broadest possible participation without discrimination on grounds of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, physical appearance or disability. 1
Section 3. A member is entitled to full participation in group activities, including, but not limited to, the right to join a committee, run for office, vote, and participate in debates. Section 4. A membership database shall be maintained. Such will be available to the officers at all times. Roll call will be taken at meetings in the form of sign-in sheets and recorded in such database. Section 5. No member shall be deprived of membership rights except through disciplinary proceedings. Grounds for termination of membership include threats of or physical aggression, verbal harassment of another member, or misuse of JP resources or branding for any reason such as for personal gain, harming or impeding the goals of JP or aiding others to such effect. Termination shall require a ⅔ majority vote of a quorum of members at a regular meeting or special meeting called for this purpose Section 6. The operating procedures of JP including bylaws and current leadership will be made available on JP website and shall be made available upon request to any member. Section 7. No rule shall be adopted by JP that would require a person to cast a vote or be recorded as voting contrary to that person s judgment. Section 8. On all questions of procedure not resolved by these Bylaws, Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised (latest edition) shall be used. ARTICLE V. MEETINGS Section 1. All membership meetings of JP shall be open to the public in accordance with Article 4, section 2. Section 2. The time and place for all membership meetings of the JP shall be publicized 14 days in advance. Section 3. Time and location of meetings of the JP shall be determined by the JP s Board of Directors. Posting this information online including its website (www.jacksonprogressives.org) and making it available upon request shall be sufficient under this section. Regular meetings shall be presided over by the Chair or Vice-Chair in the Chair s absence; or other person elected for the purpose of chairing a particular meeting. Section 4. Agenda and Minutes A. Meeting Agendas shall be made available at meetings. B. Minutes will be recorded and made available upon request at the following meeting. 2
Section 5. Order of Business A. The business of the organization shall proceed in the following order: i. Roll call of officers ii. Approval of the agenda iii. Comments / announcements (three (3) minute time limit) iv. Presentations v. Reports of committees vi. Unfinished business vii. New business viii. Comments of the officers ix. Adjournment Section 6. Committee requests for action from the Board of Directors shall be delivered in writing. Section 7. Written committee report summaries shall be made available upon request. The Chair of the committee shall be responsible for this. Section 8. Unless otherwise addressed in the rules of JP and/or these Bylaws, all meetings shall be conducted according to Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised (latest edition). Section 9. JP shall meet once per month unless a special meeting is called by the Board of Directors. Section10. Committees shall hold at least two (2) meetings in each 30-day period. Section 11. Additional meetings may be called with consent of majority of the officers with at least twenty four (24) hours notice. Section 12. The Chair will first ascertain whether a quorum has been reached, then formally announce the opening of the meeting. A quorum constitutes one quarter (¼) of all voting members and at least one half (1/2) of elected officers. Article VI. ELECTIONS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS Section 1. Elections A. JP shall be governed by a five (5) person Board of Directors of Directors, which shall be elected by the membership. B. The voting membership shall elect, from its numbers, officers including Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Financial Officer, and Trustee. C. Terms of office shall be for one (1) year. D. Elections shall occur annually during the month of May. 3
Section 2. Board of Directors, Officers Purpose. The main purpose of JP Board of Directors is to plan and oversee the execution of the day-to-day business of JP and execute their individual responsibilities as outlined in these bylaws. Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly. Additional meetings may be called by any member with a majority vote of its members. A. Chair i. The Chair shall ensure that business is conducted in a way that follows the rules or bylaws of the group, and respects and upholds the rights of all members of the group. ii. The Chair oversees all meetings, and is responsible for ensuring there is a quorum and conducting vote counts. The Chair shall not make a motion nor participate in discussion. iii. iv. The Chair shall only cast a vote in the event of a tie. The Chair shall be responsible for external communications in coordination with the Communications Committee Chair. As such, the Chair shall publicly display contact information so they can be reached by individuals outside the group, and shall respond to correspondence and requests for information in a timely and courteous manner. B. Vice-Chair i. The Vice Chair shall be responsible for internal communications in coordination with the Communications Committee Vice-Chair which include updates, newsletters and direct correspondence with members, committee members and other officers. ii. In the event that the Chair is absent or otherwise unable to fulfill his/her duties, the Vice Chair shall assume the role of the chair. iii. The Vice Chair shall assume responsibility of any unfilled or vacated officer roles and duties therein until the role is filled. C. Secretary i. The Secretary shall be responsible for drafting clear and accurate summaries of all group meetings (or minutes ). ii. The Secretary shall make minutes available upon request. iii. iv. The Secretary maintains and updates the membership database. The Secretary shall maintain an archived copy (either physical or digital) of minutes, membership databases, bylaws, and other documents relevant to JP, which shall be made available upon request. 4
v. The Secretary shall create a meeting agenda and distribute electronically to members prior to monthly meetings. vi. The Secretary shall take roll call in the form of a signup sheet at each formal meeting. vii. The Secretary shall immediately turn over all data and materials when a new secretary is elected to the new secretary. D. Treasurer i. The Treasurer shall be custodian of all Jackson Progressives funds. ii. The Treasurer shall keep a written record of all income and expenditures of JP as well as all receipts, and shall produce them upon request. iii. The Treasurer shall provide monthly written reports on the financial position of the group, forecasting any budgetary issues requiring the attention of the group and recommending actions to address any financial/budgetary issues identified. iv. The Treasurer shall immediately turn over all data, materials, and funds to the new Treasurer as elected. v. Two officers shall verify all income and expenditures of JP. E. Trustee i. The Trustee shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. Section 3. Filling Vacancies A. JP voting members shall fill vacancies in the Board of Directors/Officers at a special meeting called for this purpose. Such meeting shall be called within 30 days of the vacancy. The Chair shall take nominations from the floor and then conduct the voting on the candidates for the vacant position in accordance with the JP rules for filling of that position. Section 4. Removal of Board of Directors Member, Officer. A. Before any motion for removal of a Board of Directors member or Officer can be made at a meeting, a good faith effort to resolve the conflict shall be made by the parties involved. This shall include a meeting of the parties involved and least one (1) other Board of Directors member. B. Any JP member(s) may propose with cause the removal of any Board of Directors member or Officer. C. The proposal for removal shall be made at a regular meeting of JP. 5
D. The Secretary will accept and submit the proposal to the Board of Directors. E. The Board of Directors, or a committee established for such purpose, shall review the complaint for appropriateness. F. The Board of Directors member or Officer may be removed from office by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the JP voting members present at a regular meeting or special meeting convened for that purpose. G. At any meeting for the purpose of removing a Board of Directors member/officer, when a motion is made for removal of any Officer who is then presiding, said presiding Officer shall immediately relinquish the chair. If there is no other regularly elected Officer present to preside, the members present may elect a temporary chairperson to preside. The temporary chairperson shall preside until consideration and disposition of the motion for removal is concluded. If the motion for removal carries by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present, the temporary chairperson shall continue to preside until the conclusion of the meeting. If the motion for removal does not carry, the temporary chairperson shall immediately relinquish the chair to the regular presiding Officer. H. The Board of Directors member/officer involved shall be given an opportunity to answer any complaints at the time of the vote. Should the Board of Directors member/officer be absent voting will proceed. If removal is approved it shall be effective immediately. ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES Committees shall coordinate with each other to maximize their effect to the benefit of JP s mission. Section 1. Serving on committees A. Committees are open to anyone who wishes to serve on them. B. All members are encouraged to serve on at least one committee but may serve on more than one. C. Each committee shall elect a chair and vice chair. D. Committees will meet at least once monthly either in person or via online meetings or phone conference. E. Committees will insure one delegate at a minimum will attend monthly meetings for reporting. F. Committees may be created or dissolved as needed through a two thirds (⅔) majority vote of the membership present at a regular meeting. 6
G. The Secretary shall record the name and description of any new committee(s), and submit such to the Bylaws Committee for appropriate action. Section 2. Communications Committee A. In coordination with the Chair, the Communications Committee shall be responsible for writing press releases, communicating with the general public regarding public events, recruiting new members. B. The Communications Committee shall work with the Direct Action Committee in order to publicize and promote events. C. The Communications Committee shall maintain the JP website, all Facebook accounts, YouTube account, email distributions, and Slack channel. D. An administrative account shall be created and provided to the Board of Directors for security purposes for all internet based accounts. E. Communications Committee will work with the research committee to disseminate information on projects. F. The Communications Committee will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the JP domain and providing email addresses to officers from this domain. G. All official communications from the JP will be sent from emails associated with the JP domain and not from general gmail or personal email accounts. Section 3. Direct Action Committee A. The Direct Action Committee shall be responsible for all public events. B. The Direct Action committee will identify and plan all rallies, education events, letter writing campaigns, phone banking, calling elected officials, visiting officials offices, door knocking, and lobby days. C. The Direct Action committee will coordinate with the Research Committee and communications committee on events. D. The Direct Action Committee will coordinate with other groups to facilitate events and actions. Section 4. Bylaws Committee A. The Bylaws Committee shall work with officers to draft bylaws and mission statements for the organization. B. The Bylaws Committee shall review these bylaws and mission statement one (1) time each year during the month of April to determine the need, if any, for updates. Section 5. Research Committee 7
A. The Research Committee shall be responsible for providing the group at large with information regarding upcoming legislation and elections at all levels of government. B. The Research Committee will identify issue areas to research and assign tasks as needed in this area. C. Research Committee will provide background on issues and potential candidates to the group. D. The Research Committee will work with the Communications Committee to identify ways to disseminate information to the group and other groups. E. The Research Committee will identify ways to disseminate information to the group and other groups including but not limited to websites, email distribution, or Slack channels. F. The Research Committee will coordinate with other committees as necessary to facilitate responsibilities. Section 6. Elections Committee A. The Elections Committee will be responsible for working on election related issues. B. The Elections Committee will work to provide the groups with data on candidates running for office and potential open seats that need candidates to run in coordination with the research committee. C. The Elections Committee will facilitate discussion on candidates to endorse by researching positions on issues and previous voting records. D. The Elections Committee will facilitate training opportunities for those who wish to run for public office or take an elected position in a party committee. E. The Elections Committee will actively participate in helping to register voters for upcoming elections. F. The Elections Committee will work in coordination with other like minded groups in order to fulfill their mission. Section 7. Training Committee A. The Training Committee is responsible for providing training opportunities to the group. B. The Training Committee will assess need for training in areas of organizing, technology, political issues, or candidate interest. C. The Training Committee will create or obtain training materials and/or classes for groups in areas of need. D. The Training Committee will work with other groups to provide the trainings. 8
ARTICLE VIII. FUNDRAISING Section 1. JP will internally raise funds only as needed for specified events and materials. A. The decision on how funds are spent will be decided by a vote and requires two thirds (⅔) majority vote of a quorum of voting members. Section 2. The decision to raise funds will be voted on by members of the group and requires a two thirds (⅔) majority vote of a quorum of members. Section 3. Each event will have a specific goal determined by members of JP of the amount of funds needed. A. If JP raises more funds than needed for any specific event or need, the money will be held in a secure location and applied toward the next identified event or need prior to additional funds being accepted. Section 4. As funds are collected at least two (2) officers shall verify receipt of such and the amount collected at the time funds are collected. Section 5. The Treasurer shall keep a spreadsheet or database of all funds collected, expenditures and receipts for all purchases. Receipts for all expenditures shall be required. A. The Treasurer shall be responsible and available to provide to members at all times proof of funds on hand and documentation as listed above. Section 6. The Treasurer will hold any funds collected by JP in a secure location. A. Funds shall not be held in any personal bank accounts and must be kept separate from any person s personal funds. ARTICLE IX. AMENDING BYLAWS Section 1. Proposals to amend the bylaws shall be submitted to the Secretary in written form. Section 2. The Secretary shall submit the proposal to the Bylaws Committee for review. The Bylaws Committee shall make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. With the Board of Directors approval the proposal shall be put to a vote of the membership at the next membership meeting or a special meeting called for this purpose. At least five (5) days prior to the vote the membership shall be provided electronically with the full text of the proposed amendment. 9
Section 3. These bylaws may be amended by a quorum with a two thirds 2/3 majority vote of the membership. Section 4. If turnout at a meeting is insufficient to reach a quorum, an amendment vote may be tabled for the following meeting. Section 5. Amendments must be adopted using the exact language used during the vote. No alterations shall be made to an amendment after a vote. Section 6. Once an amendment has been approved, the Secretary shall alter all Bylaws documents accordingly, and update the date at the top to reflect when the changes were made. Section 7. These Bylaws shall be in full force and effect upon their adoption and shall supersede all previous versions, motions, and policies of a contrary nature. 10