Bylaws of the Atlanta Democratic Socialists of America
Preamble
The Atlanta Democratic Socialists of America (Atlanta DSA) is a chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (“national DSA”) and seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means of production are democratically and socially controlled.
DSA rejects an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability status, age, religion, and national origin, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.
DSA envisions a humane social order based on popular control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, feminism, racial equality and non-oppressive relationships.
DSA is developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision, for building a majority movement that will make democratic socialism a reality in America.
DSA believes that such a strategy must acknowledge the class structure of American society and that this class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population.
Article I. Membership
Section 1. Membership
Members of the Chapter will be members of national DSA who reside or work in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. It will be the responsibility of members to approve policies and guidelines for the operation of the Chapter, to elect Chapter officers, to elect delegates to the national convention, to vote on matters related to national and local policy, and to make recommendations on issues and other matters to the National Political Committee of DSA; provided, that only those Chapter members who have been in good standing for at least thirty (30) days shall be entitled to vote in elections for Chapter officers and for delegates to the national convention. Members’ right to vote on Chapter policies shall not be abridged on the basis of attendance or participation in events. It is the intent of this section to grant members the collective ability to govern the Chapter, such that all rights not assigned by these Bylaws to another authority are reserved by the members. There shall only be one class of members.
Section 2. Conduct
The Chapter will maintain a Conduct Policy that outlines the boundaries of acceptable behavior by members, describes due process procedures for cases of misconduct, and provides options for discipline such as censure, membership probation, suspension, and expulsion. Adoption or amendment of the Conduct Policy shall require a two-thirds vote in a General Meeting. In the event that the Conduct Policy conflicts with national DSA’s Unified Grievance Policy or any applicable successor policy, the national policy shall control to the extent of the conflict.
Section 3. Expulsion
If a member is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of national DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, or if they are a government-certified law enforcement officer or prison guard employed by either the government or a private company, they may be expelled from the Chapter by the Steering Committee after receiving due process as described in these Bylaws and in the Chapter’s Conduct Policy. An expelled member may appeal their expulsion as described in national DSA’s Unified Grievance Policy or any applicable successor policy.
Section 4. Resignation
A member may resign from the Chapter to become an at-large member of DSA by providing written notice to the Recording Secretary and/or to national DSA.
Section 5. Voluntary Donations
As provided by national DSA’s Constitution and Bylaws, the Chapter may establish a Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a Chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or for holding Chapter office.
Article II. General Meetings
Section 1. Convention
The Chapter will hold at least one Convention annually to elect officers, receive officers’ reports, and discuss yearly Chapter finances and political strategies. All members of the Chapter will receive three weeks’ written (or email) notice and an agenda of the Convention. The Convention will be a General Meeting. In the month prior to Convention, the Chapter will organize at least one Convention discussion session open to all members, including at least one specifically for financial planning.
Section 2. General Meetings
The Chapter will hold General Meetings at least once per quarter. The General Meetings will set Chapter policy and work priorities and will include political education sessions. Consensus decision-making is desirable where feasible, but meetings must submit to the parliamentary authority prescribed by these Bylaws upon the request of a member. In general, the General Meeting is the highest political authority of the Chapter.
The Steering Committee will set the time, place, and agenda of General Meetings, and shall publicize a draft agenda at least five days in advance by written (or electronic mail) notice. Resolutions may be submitted by any member in good standing for consideration at a General Meeting. The Chapter Standing Rules will set the rules for submitting and amending Resolutions.
Section 3. Emergency Meetings
The Steering Committee may call an Emergency General Meeting of the Chapter on five days notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.
Section 4. Quorum
A quorum of five percent of the members (but not fewer than ten persons) is required for General Meetings to transact business.
Section 5. Proxy Voting
Members may designate another member to proxy vote for them at a General Meeting. Members may proxy vote for at most one other member per meeting.
Article III. Steering Committee
Section 1. Officers and Terms
The officers of the Chapter will be members elected as the Membership Coordinator, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, YDSA Coordinator, and seven at-large officers. Officers must be members in good standing by 30 days before the date of their election and must remain in good standing throughout the duration of their term. The term of all officers will be one year, and shall run from February 1 to January 31 or until their successors are elected. These eleven officers shall constitute the Steering Committee of the Chapter, and the Steering Committee shall be the board of directors. The Steering Committee will not have more than half of its members who are white heterosexual cisgender men. If election results violate this quota, candidates who are white heterosexual cisgender men will be eliminated in order of lowest-to-highest approval until the quota is met.
Section 2. Election Method
Officer elections will use Approval Voting and Scottish Single Transferable Vote (Scottish STV). Voters will rank candidates they approve of on their ballot and shall be permitted to rank as few or as many candidates as they desire, and omit candidates they disapprove of. Winners will be elected by Scottish STV from the candidates approved by a majority of voters. If not enough candidate(s) are elected, the candidate(s) with the highest approval will win. No candidate may run their own election, defined to include nominations, forums, balloting, tabulation, and announcement of results.
Section 3. Duties
The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the General Meetings. It is the operating political authority of the Chapter between General Meetings, and is politically subordinate to General Meetings. It will coordinate the day-to-day operations and political work of the Chapter. It will report to General Meetings.
Section 4. Meetings
The meetings of the Steering Committee will be held at such intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with a majority of the officers. Steering Committee Meetings require 24-hour’s notice to all officers and a majority of officers present for a quorum to transact business.
Section 5. Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy in any Chapter office, a replacement will be elected by the next General Meeting taking place at least three weeks after such a vacancy exists. The election will proceed as outlined for normal Chapter Conventions. Any individual that was recalled by membership shall not be eligible for election to any Chapter office until the next Steering Committee election.
Section 6. Co-Chairs
Two Co-Chairs will preside over Chapter and Steering Committee meetings or will appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer. The Co-Chairs will be the official public spokespersons for the Chapter. The Co-Chairs will be selected by the Steering Committee from among its members, and may be subject to recall by the Steering Committee for any or no reason.
Section 7. Membership Coordinator
The Membership Coordinator will be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Chapter and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Chapter. They will ensure effective communication with national DSA. The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for the overall health and growth of Chapter membership by coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of the Chapter. The Membership Coordinator shall oversee initiatives concerning membership growth, retention, engagement, participation, and leadership development.
The Membership Coordinator shall organize their activities to be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive to marginalized groups. Special attention shall be devoted to the recruitment of members from marginalized groups..
Section 8. Recording Secretary
The Recording Secretary will be responsible for the taking of minutes of all Chapter and Steering Committee meetings, and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports, member lists, and other official records of the Chapter. They shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor. They shall promptly prepare minutes, including draft minutes, after each Chapter and Steering meeting and timely cause such to be disseminated to Chapter members, and such duty may be more specifically established by Steering Committee policy or by resolution. They shall be responsible for providing copies of Chapter meeting minutes to national DSA and communicating with national DSA regarding membership resignations.
Section 9. Treasurer
The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Chapter. All funds collected by the Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer who shall promptly deposit them in a bank account under the name of the Chapter, and who shall securely store such funds prior to deposit. In cooperation with the Membership Coordinator, the Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are paid up-to-date. The Treasurer shall annually prepare a budget, which may be considered at Convention or amended at a General Meeting, and shall deliver financial reports to General Meetings and as otherwise requested by the Steering Committee, and shall be responsible for ensuring the Chapter’s regulatory compliance.
The Treasurer shall create and document policies and procedures for carrying out their duties and for maintaining healthy Chapter finances. The Treasurer shall securely transfer to their successor the documented policies and procedures, financial records and reports, and access to financial accounts.
Section 10. YDSA Coordinator
The YDSA Coordinator will be responsible for the Chapter’s relationships with YDSA chapters and student organizers within the Chapter’s area. All requests for support from YDSA formations will be turned over to the YDSA Coordinator who shall connect them to appropriate Chapter committees and campaigns. In cooperation with the Membership Coordinator and staff, the YDSA Coordinator will maintain a current roster of campus contacts, track student membership and anticipated graduations, and coordinate onboarding of graduating YDSA members into DSA. The YDSA Coordinator will prepare brief reports on youth and student organizing and deliver them to General Meetings and the Steering Committee.
Section 11. Additional Duties
The Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws.
Section 12. Removal from Office
Any officer may be recalled for any or no reason by a two-thirds vote at a General Meeting.
Article IV. Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGOs)
Section 1. Role
The role of a Harassment and Grievance Officer is to uphold the Atlanta DSA Conduct Policy. For the purposes of this Article, Harassment and Grievance Officers may be referred to as “HGOs”. No HGO shall be a member of the Steering Committee or chair any subsidiary body. HGOs will receive reports of misconduct, conduct independent investigations following the Chapter Conduct policy, and present findings and recommendations to the Steering Committee. HGOs’ authority shall be restricted to cases of unacceptable, undemocratic, and disruptive behavior, and HGOs shall have no role in the investigation or adjudication of a member’s political conduct.
Section 2. Number of Posts
The Chapter will have at least two HGOs. For every 750 members in good standing in the Chapter, an additional HGO post will be added. The number of seats shall be announced with the call for the nominations committee.
Section 3. Selection
The same nominations committee assembled to solicit nominations for the Steering Committee election shall also solicit nominations for HGOs. Nominees must be endorsed by four Chapter members in good standing, and cannot nominate themselves. The nominations committee will put forward all nominees for approval by majority vote at Convention. If enough submissions are not received to fill all open posts, the Steering Committee will put forward additional nominees. Nominees with majority approval will then be randomly selected to fill the open posts. At least one HGO must not be a white heterosexual cisgender man.
Section 4. Impartiality
HGOs are expected to make every effort to remain impartial, and shall strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Prior to the confirmation, nominees will disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest is any situation where an individual’s material, personal, interpersonal, political, or other interests incentivize them to handle or decide a case in a particular manner. Once confirmed, HGOs are expected to disclose if new conflicts of interest arise.
Section 5. Term and Removal
The term of office will be one year, and shall run from February 1 to January 31 or until their successors are elected. There is no limit to the number of terms an HGO can serve. HGOs may be recalled for any or no reason by a two-thirds vote at a General Meeting. Any individual that was recalled by membership shall not be eligible for election to any Chapter office until the next Convention.
Section 6. Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy for an HGO post, a new HGO will be selected to fill the vacancy at the next General Meeting taking place at least three weeks after such a vacancy exists. The Steering Committee shall arrange for the selection of the new HGO in the same manner as HGOs are otherwise selected.
Article V. Subsidiary Bodies
Section 1. Definition; Authority; Organization
The Steering Committee or General Meetings may establish subsidiary bodies. Subsidiary bodies established by the Steering Committee must be sustained by membership vote at the next General Meeting. Subsidiary bodies must be renewed by General Meetings at least once every twelve months to continue operation. Subsidiary bodies are politically subordinate to the Steering Committee and General Meetings. Subsidiary bodies shall deliver written reports on their activity upon request by the Steering Committee, and may be ordered to report by duly adopted resolution. Subsidiary bodies will be organized according to published criteria set by the Steering Committee.
Section 2. Branches
Paragraph 2-a) Branches Generally
Branches will be subsidiary bodies of the Chapter consisting of at least five members of the Chapter. Branches shall be defined by a geographic constituency. Branches shall organize and mobilize members within their constituency. All Branches shall be required to have at least two officers named Coordinators, elected by members of that Branch using approval voting and STV, who shall be responsible for ensuring that Branch meetings occur, facilitating community-building among Branch members, initiating geographically focused recruitment, and facilitating Branch meetings. Branch officers will also work in consultation with the Steering Committee to appoint additional positions as needed. To maintain active Branch designation, Branches must hold Branch meetings regularly.
Paragraph 2-b) Branch Formation
No fewer than ten Atlanta DSA members in good standing may petition the Steering Committee to form a Branch. The ten petitioners may not include elected leaders of existing Branches, and they must all reside within the geographic boundaries of the proposed Branch, such boundaries to be specified in the petition. One member may not be a signatory to more than one proposed Branch petition simultaneously. The Steering Committee will then consider the petition to form a new Branch. If the Steering Committee approves the proposal, it will go to a vote of the membership at the following general meeting with the Steering Committee’s support. If the Steering Committee rejects the proposal, the ten petitioners within the proposed boundaries may, upon being joined by ten members in good standing outside of the proposed boundaries, petition for a vote of the whole Atlanta DSA membership on the question.
Paragraph 2-c) Branch Dissolution
In cases of nonfeasance, the Steering Committee may, with a two-thirds majority, vote to dissolve a Branch. Nonfeasance shall be defined as repeated failure of a Branch to convene Branch meetings for at least six months, failure to conduct internal affairs according to Atlanta DSA’s Bylaws, or promoting policies contrary to those of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Section 3. Sections
Paragraph 3-a) Sections Generally
Sections will be subsidiary bodies of the Chapter, composed of at least five members and defined by a “common identity” which may include, but are not limited to, identities protected under federal law such as gender, race, ethnicity, or national origin. Unlike Committees, Sections are not focused on specific campaigns or policy issues but instead serve as shared spaces for members of a common identity to build solidarity and community. Sections may establish eligibility criteria for becoming an officer, which must be outlined in their bylaws and must only be of a common identity. Each Section will have at least two officers appointed by the Steering Committee. These officers will ensure regular Section meetings, foster community building among members, recruit and retain members with the shared identity, serve as a network to elevate members of a common identity into leadership roles within Atlanta DSA, and act as liaisons to the Steering Committee. To maintain active designation, Sections must hold meetings regularly.
Paragraph 3-b) Section Formation
Sections may seek recognition by submitting a petition to the Steering Committee. The petition must include at least five Atlanta DSA members in good standing, a mission statement, and bylaws. The petitioners must share a specified common identity, which should be clearly outlined in the bylaws. Upon submission, the Steering Committee will review the petition and decide whether to approve the formation of the new Section.
Paragraph 3-c) Section Dissolution
In cases of nonfeasance, the Steering Committee may dissolve a Section with a two-thirds majority vote. Nonfeasance is defined as the repeated failure to hold Section meetings for at least six months, failure to conduct internal affairs in accordance with Atlanta DSA bylaws, promotion of policies contrary to the principles of the Democratic Socialists of America, or actions in violation of formally adopted resolutions or policies of Atlanta DSA.
Article VI. Delegates to National, Regional, and State Bodies
Section 1. National Convention
Chapter delegates and alternates to the national DSA Convention will be members elected by members of the Chapter. Elections for the National Convention delegation shall be conducted using Scottish STV and shall be held on the schedule announced by the national organization. No candidate shall run their own election, defined to include nominations, forums, balloting, tabulation, and announcement of results.
Section 2. Regional and State Organizations
Elections to Regional Organizations and State Organizations shall be held in the manner prescribed by the constitutions of such organizations and shall occur on the schedule announced by the organizations.
Article VII. Electoral Endorsements and Communications
Section 1. Definitions
An endorsement from the Chapter is a commitment to actively support a political candidate or electoral campaign. An endorsement is required before significant expenses may be made for express advocacy in support of a particular political candidate or electoral campaign.
Section 2. Endorsement Applications
The Chapter will have an endorsement process by which political candidates and electoral campaigns may apply for endorsement. Applicants may advance to a membership vote following a majority vote by the Steering Committee or their designee(s).
Section 3. Information Session
Before a membership vote on an endorsement may be held, the Chapter shall hold an information session about the applicant open to all Chapter members with at least one week’s notice. At least one information session for an endorsement must be held at least three weeks prior to any membership vote on that endorsement, and such session shall be subsequent to approval by the Steering Committee or their designee(s) of the candidate or campaign.
Section 4. Membership Vote
Endorsements may be made by the Chapter following a vote of Chapter members in which at least two-thirds of votes are cast in support of endorsement, not including abstentions. Endorsements may be revoked by the Chapter following a vote of Chapter members in which at least two-thirds of votes are cast in support of revoking endorsement, not including abstentions.
Section 5. Election Guides and Statements
The Steering Committee may approve and publish election guides and statements expressing views on political candidates and electoral campaigns. All such guides and statements shall clarify that they do not constitute an endorsement from the Chapter, and the Chapter may not make significant expenses in support of a particular candidate or electoral campaign through such guides and statements.
Section 6. Additional Standards
The Chapter is authorized to adopt additional standards regarding endorsements as long as such standards do not violate these Bylaws.
Article VIII. Governance
Section 1. Prohibited Activity
Atlanta DSA is a not-for-profit corporation. The Chapter shall not engage in activity prohibited by federal law and IRS rules governing for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Georgia. Nor shall the Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee No person elected to or running for government office may hold any leadership position of any kind in Atlanta DSA.
Section 2. Rules
The Rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern this Chapter in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws, federal, state, or local law, or any properly adopted special rules of order.
Article IX. Nominations
Section 1. Nominations Committee
A three-person Nominations Committee shall be established at least one month prior to every election by vote of a General Meeting. It shall solicit and receive nominations for the positions to be elected. No members of the Nominations Committee may run for the positions to be elected.
Section 2. Nominations Process
Nominations for Steering Committee shall be opened 10 days before the Convention and shall close on the floor of the Convention. The call for nominations shall be announced to members of the Chapter in advance of the Convention.
Article X. Amendments
Except as specified in this Article, proposed amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five members of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee three weeks in advance of a General Meeting. Amendments to resolutions amending these Bylaws shall be submitted to the Steering Committee seven days in advance of a General Meeting. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with two weeks’ written (or email) notice of the proposed amendments and five days’ written (or email) notice of amendments to resolutions amending these Bylaws. Any resolution to amend these Bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds vote of a General Meeting. After any amendment to these Bylaws is adopted, the Recording Secretary shall provide a copy of the updated bylaws to national DSA within two weeks of the date of adoption. No amendment to these Bylaws may be adopted which conflicts with the principles or policies of national DSA, including but not limited to its Constitution and Bylaws.
Article XI. Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the Chapter, all remaining funds and assets shall be released to national DSA. If both the Chapter and national DSA are being dissolved, then all remaining funds and assets are to be released to such other organizations that are organized exclusively for the promotion of social welfare and that will operate to further the common good and general welfare of the community included in the Chapter’s stated boundaries.