Bylaws
ARTICLE I – NAME, TERRITORY, OFFICE.
Section 1 Name.
The Name of this organization is the Metro-Detroit Democratic Socialists of America, Inc., a Michigan not-for-profit corporation, hereinafter referred to as “MDDSA” or “The Organization.”
Section 2 Territory.
The Organization shall conduct activities in the greater Detroit area within the territory defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America to the MDDSA.
Section 3 Office.
The principal office of The Organization, in the event one is established, shall direct MDDSA activities and be the repository for all MDDSA records.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE.
The purpose of The Organization shall be to organize the activities of the members of the Metro-Detroit Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Its activities shall include education and advocacy.
We share a vision of a humane social order based on popular control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, feminism, racial equality and non-oppressive relationships. We are Socialists because we reject an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, sex or any other factor, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo. We are Democratic Socialists because we believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for the few.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP.
Section 1 Definition.
All members in good standing of the national Democratic Socialists of America, as defined by the national Democratic Socialists of America, who reside in the greater Detroit area within the territory defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America, shall be members of MDDSA.
Section 2 Rights and Privileges.
All members in good standing of the Democratic Socialists of America in the greater Detroit territory defined above shall have a vote on the election of MDDSA delegates to national DSA bodies, MDDSA officers and Steering Committee members, resolutions, and questions. Any member in good standing for at least three (3) months prior to nomination deadlines may stand for MDDSA Chapter office.
Section 3 Local Dues.
MDDSA may establish local dues by a majority vote of the membership of MDDSA called together for the purpose of establishing such dues. Such dues shall be for financial support only and shall not confer additional rights or privileges.
Section 4 Removal of Members.
If a member is found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic or disruptive behavior, the Local may vote to expel them from MDDSA. In order for such a finding to be made, no fewer than five DSA members must formally proffer written charges against the member in question to the Steering Committee (“Committee”), which shall discuss the matter in closed session at the next Committee meeting after receipt of the charge. If the Committee votes by a majority to take these charges to the membership, the charges will be discussed at the next membership meeting. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting no less than two weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds vote of the membership meeting. An expelled member may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA.
ARTICLE IV – LOCAL MEETINGS.
Section 1 Membership Convention.
The MDDSA Membership Convention is the highest decision-making body of MDDSA and shall be held annually, at a date set by the Steering Committee during the months of March, April, May, or June to consider, debate, and decide on resolutions related to major organizational questions or campaigns. The primary purpose of the convention is to democratically decide upon the organization’s path for the year(s) ahead. Written notice of the membership convention shall be electronically or physically mailed to all members no less than twenty-one days in advance of the convention. The Steering Committee shall set the agenda for the Membership Convention. The Secretary shall cause to be published to the membership, electronically or physically, as well as posted to the MDDSA website, the agenda of the Membership Convention no less than ten days prior to the Convention.
Section 2 Membership Meetings.
Membership meetings are the highest policy-making decision-making body of the MDDSA outside of Convention. MDDSA shall hold membership meetings at least three times annually, not inclusive of the Convention, the time and place of which shall be set in a schedule published and distributed by the Committee no less than fifteen days prior to the meeting. Membership meetings will set MDDSA policy and work priorities within the guidelines set by the membership convention and shall include political education sessions. The Co-Chairs and Secretary, or a subcommittee created by the Co-Chairs and Secretary for this purpose, shall set the agenda for membership meetings, and cause the agenda to be published no less than three (3) days prior to the meeting. Members may submit items for inclusion on the agenda no less than ten days prior to the meeting.
Section 2.1 Special Meetings.
A simple majority of the Steering Committee, or a simple majority of members at a Membership Meeting or Convention, may call for a Special Membership Meeting. The motion for such meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting, and any business conducted at the Special Meeting must be germane to this purpose.
Section 3 Quorum.
Seven percent (7%) of MDDSA members in good standing constitutes a quorum, and is required for the transaction of business at a MDDSA Membership Meeting and the Membership Convention.
Section 4 Accessibility and Class Consciousness.
The Committee shall strive to ensure that the membership convention and membership meetings are held in facilities that are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and shall strive to make all of its meetings, forums, and actions accessible and safe spaces for all. This consideration will extend to such matters as privacy for members, the accessibility and safety of the venue, type of food offered (if any), accommodations for differences in sight, hearing, mobility and stamina, child care offerings, and religious and other identity considerations. The Steering Committee shall be considerate of the time constraints and capacities of MDDSA members. Socialism is historically built on class consciousness, specifically on working class participation. MDDSA will take care not to exclude or censor viewpoints of any traditionally disempowered group.
ARTICLE V – STEERING COMMITTEE.
Section 1 Composition.
The Steering Committee shall consist of the six elected officers of MDDSA as defined in Article VI below, three at-large Steering Committee representatives directly elected by the membership at the same time as the officers, and representatives of each Branch of MDDSA. Each Branch shall be entitled to one representative to the Steering Committee, except for Branches defined by territory. Branches defined by territory (“Territorial Branches”) are entitled to one representative for every fifty members, rounded up from the next twenty-five members. For purposes of apportionment, the Secretary shall conduct the census of the membership of each Territorial Branch. The census shall be derived from membership rolls as of May 30 of each year. No individual member may represent more than one Branch or Commission. The Steering Committee shall strive for a balance of identities reflective of the working class of the greater Detroit area.
Section 1.1 Elections.
The process for the future election of members of the Steering Committee shall be proposed by the Internal Elections Committee and adopted by the Steering Committee within ninety days after the election of the officers and at-large members. Elections shall take place in the month of June for Steering Committee Officers and branch representatives. Steering Committee officers shall serve a term of 1 year from July 1 through June 30. Elections shall take place via electronic ballot with all members in good standing receiving a ballot.
Section 2 Function, Powers and Duties.
The Steering Committee is the executive body of MDDSA. All actions taken by the Steering Committee are subject to ratification or amendment by the membership at the next membership meeting at which quorum is reached, or at the membership convention if it constitutes the next membership meeting. The Steering Committee administers the affairs of MDDSA and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the membership convention and membership meetings. In between Steering Committee meetings, the Committee may vote via electronic means on items brought to it by Committee members. Electronic votes shall be managed by the Secretary and held open for no longer than 72 hours. The Steering Committee proposes and adopts policies, campaigns, and activities; receives reports from committees and Branches; advises committees and Branches on policy issues; assigns temporary duties to Steering Committee members or Project or Standing Committees; calls emergency meetings of the membership; has sole authority to create, certify, and regulate Branches and Working Groups; and acts on any matter requiring immediate attention by MDDSA.
Section 3 Steering Committee Meetings.
The Steering Committee shall meet at least once each month, or more frequently if determined by a prior Steering Committee meeting or the call of the Chairs upon consultation with any five other members of the Steering Committee. All members of the Steering Committee must be given four days written notice of regular Steering Committee meetings. Meetings of the Steering Committee shall be open to dues-paying MDDSA members, and the Steering Committee shall hold the meetings in locations which can accommodate observers.
Section 3.1 Extraordinary Meetings.
Under extraordinary circumstances, either Co-Chair may, with twenty-four-hour notice, convene an Extraordinary Meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the written instrument convening such Extraordinary Meeting. Only the matters described in the convening instrument may be acted upon in such Extraordinary Meeting. Examples of an extraordinary circumstance include but are not limited to: a legal summons or legal threat to the Organization; a pressing financial decision or obligation; an emergency situation involving a threat to a member or membership.
Section 4 Quorum.
Fifty percent of the members of the Steering Committee constitutes a quorum and is required for the transaction of business by the Steering Committee.
Section 5 Agendas and Meeting Minutes.
The Secretary shall cause to be published to the general membership agendas of all Steering Committee meetings, either by electronic mail, posting on the Chapter website, or both, no less than forty-eight hours prior to each Steering Committee meeting, except Extraordinary Meetings. Minutes of all Steering Committee meetings shall be approved by the Steering Committee at the subsequent Steering Committee meeting, and shall be delivered by mail or electronic mail, or both, to all Steering Committee members, and published on the Internet within ten days of approval, with notice of such publication to all Members.
Minutes of all Membership Meetings or the Membership Convention shall be approved by the membership at the subsequent Membership Meeting, and published to the membership via mail, or electronic mail, and by posting on the Internet, no more than thirty days from the date of such meeting. Copies of unapproved meeting minutes shall be made available for inspection no less than fourteen days prior to the subsequent meeting at which they will be approved.
Section 6 Removal and Vacancies.
Any member of the Steering Committee may be removed by the Steering Committee for violation of the articles or bylaws of the Organization, or for conduct prejudicial to the best interests of DSA or MDDSA, including malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, chronic absence, or undemocratic behavior. The Steering Committee must notify said member of its intention to vacate their position no less than five business days prior to the meeting at which such action will be voted on. The removal of the officer shall be made by motion and require a two-thirds majority of the Steering Committee. The motion shall state with particularity the reason for removal, with reference to specific acts. In the event of a vacancy of a Branch Representative, the vacancy shall be filled by the relevant Branch no later than forty-five days from the vacancy. If the vacancy is a Steering Committee officer or at-large Steering Committee member of MDDSA, an acting successor may be appointed by the Co-Chairs until a new officer is elected at the next regularly scheduled membership meeting. The Membership at the next Membership Meeting or a Special Meeting called for that purpose may rescind the removal by majority vote of the quorum present at that meeting.
Should any member of the Steering Committee miss three or more consecutive Steering Committee meetings, exclusive of Extraordinary Meetings, the Steering Committee shall declare that position vacant, or excuse one or more absence by majority vote.
Section 7 Recall of Officers.
Elected and appointed officers of the Steering Committee may be recalled by the membership at a membership meeting or membership convention. Recall shall be by motion and second, and a two-thirds vote of the membership at a meeting at which quorum has been established. The motion shall state with particularity the acts of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, or undemocratic behavior comprising the grounds for removal.
ARTICLE VI – LOCAL OFFICERS, AT-LARGE MEMBERS, AND STEWARDS.
Section 1 Definition.
The six officers of MDDSA shall be the two Co-Chairs (at least one of whom shall not identify as a cis-male), the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Campaigns Coordinator, and the Membership Engagement Coordinator. Only one person may serve as an officer at any given time.
The other positions on the Steering Committee will be made up of three at-large members and Branch Representatives. These officers and at-large members will be responsible for organizing the Standing Committees of the chapter and for executing chapter business as directed by the membership. Duties and responsibilities of these officers are as follows:
Section 1.1 Collective Responsibilities.
The Steering Committee is the highest elected body of MDDSA and is the political leadership of the chapter when the membership is not assembled, subordinate to the bylaws as well as resolutions passed by members at general body meetings and local conventions which may overturn its decisions.
The Steering Committee is not permitted to overturn decisions of the general body meeting or local convention. Steering decisions are subject to ratification by the general body.
In order to ensure the chapter speaks in one voice, statements or endorsements by chapter members or formations that could reasonably be interpreted as creating a new obligation or position for MDDSA as a whole must be approved by the Steering Committee, a general body meeting, or the local convention.
Public commentary by members and chapter formations in relation to established MDDSA policies, campaigns, and objectives does not require Steering Committee approval.
The Steering Committee is empowered to interpret and enforce the code of conduct and such powers as are delegated to it by the bylaws.
Section 2 Co-Chairs.
The Co-Chairs of MDDSA are the executive officers of the chapter. Their responsibility is ensuring that all resolutions and orders of the Membership and Steering Committee are carried out. They shall oversee cooperation and interaction of all officers, Standing Committees, and Working Groups. They shall prepare agendas for and preside over membership and Steering Committee meetings, and shall assume the powers and duties of the presiding officers as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order. The Co-Chairs shall be the official public spokespersons for MDDSA and shall initiate such actions and policies as the membership may demand. The Co-Chairs will share responsibility to sign or countersign all certificates, contracts, or other instruments of MDDSA except where otherwise designated in these bylaws. The Co-Chairs shall be directly elected according to the procedures defined in these bylaws. Co-Chairs shall serve one-year terms. The Co-Chairs shall be knowledgeable of all MDDSA bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order and will ensure that the chapter is in compliance with both when conducting chapter business. They will assist committees with setting and meeting goals and that all proposals voted on by the membership at the annual membership convention are enacted.
Section 2.1 Parliamentarian.
The Parliamentarian shall be an appointed position that reports directly to the Co-Chairs. The Parliamentarian will support Steering Committee meetings and general body meetings to ensure that all motions, voting, and procedures are in compliance with the chapter bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order. Upon seating of the Steering Committee, members will be able to submit nomination applications to the Steering Committee for the Parliamentarian position. The Parliamentarian will be appointed by a simple majority of the Steering Committee. The Parliamentarian will serve for a period of 6 months. After that period, the Steering Committee will vote on whether to extend the term of the current Parliamentarian, or to begin searching for a new one. The Parliamentarian can be removed by a majority vote of the Steering Committee for any reason.
Section 3 Secretary.
The Secretary is responsible for publishing meeting agendas and keeping meeting minutes during Steering Committee and member meetings. They will ensure distribution of minutes and agendas and proper notice given in accordance with these bylaws or as required by law. The Secretary shall be the custodian of all MDDSA records. The Secretary shall keep a register of the address, phone number, and email address of each member of the Steering Committee, which shall be furnished to the Secretary by each Steering Committee member. The Secretary shall be directly elected according to the procedures defined in these bylaws to a one-year term. The Secretary will also oversee the organization and operation of the outward facing communications and media of the chapter. This will require organizing the Communications Committee and other administrative functions such as the chapter newspaper (The Detroit Socialist), graphic design, and information technology.
Section 3.1 Minutes and Records.
The Secretary shall be responsible for the recording of minutes of the Membership Conventions, Membership Meetings, and the Steering Committee Meetings, and shall maintain supervision over these minutes, resolutions, reports, other official records and seal. The Secretary is responsible for ensuring that adequate notice is given to the membership prior to Steering Committee meetings, membership meetings and the membership convention. The Secretary shall assist the Co-Chairs set the agenda for Membership Meetings, and cause the agenda to be published no less than five (5) days prior to the meeting.
Section 3.2 Communications Committee.
The Secretary shall be responsible for organization of the Communications Committee which will handle all outwards facing media and communications of the chapter. This includes posts to chapter social media. The Communications Committee will oversee the content and publication of the chapter newspaper (The Detroit Socialist). Any outward facing graphic design for chapter events and campaigns will be coordinated and supported by the Communications Committee as needed, this includes but is not limited to chapter fundraisers, and chapter meetings and events.
Section 3.2.1 Internal Communications.
The Communications Committee shall be responsible for publishing information to chapter communications channels. This can include but is not limited to updates about general meetings, chapter votes, Steering Committee meetings, Standing Committee and Working Group meetings, active campaigns and events, articles, bylaws amendments, and other internal communications addressed to the membership body. The Communications Committee will establish and publish posting guidelines and the communications request process.
Section 3.2.2 Communications Steward.
The Communications Steward is a non-voting, appointed position that reports directly to the Secretary. The Secretary and the Communications Steward will meet on a frequent basis to distribute the responsibilities for chapter communications as outlined in Section 3.1, Section 3.2, and Section 3.2.1 of the bylaws. When the Steering Committee is seated, members can submit nomination applications to the Steering Committee for the Communications Steward position. The Communications Steward will be appointed by a simple majority of the Steering Committee. The Communications Steward will serve for a period of 6 months. After that period, the Steering Committee will vote on whether to extend the term of the current Communications Steward, or to begin searching for a new one. The Communications Steward can be removed by a majority vote of the Steering Committee for any reason. The Communications Steward will share in some of or all of the responsibilities of the Secretary’s communications responsibilities as dictated by the Secretary.
Section 3.3 Information Technology.
The Secretary shall be responsible for organization of the Technology Working Group which will handle chapter accounts and technology, information security, chapter multimedia and archive. The Technology Working Group will be responsible for handling member access to the Member Portal, chapter data, meeting minutes and recordings as well as chapter votes (accessible through the chapter google drive). The Technology Working Group will ensure transition of Steering Committee members and access to official chapter accounts in addition to password updates and access. The Technology Working group will provide support for setup and scheduling of video conferencing and zoom calls for general meetings and chapter events.
Section 3.3.1 Technology Steward.
The Technology Steward is a non-voting, appointed position that reports directly to the Secretary. The Secretary and the Technology Steward will meet on a frequent basis to distribute the responsibilities for chapter technology as outlined in Section 3.3 of the bylaws. When the Steering Committee is seated, members can submit nomination applications to the Steering Committee for the Technology Steward position. The Technology Steward will be appointed by a simple majority of the Steering Committee. The Technology Steward will serve for a period of 6 months. After that period, the Steering Committee will vote on whether to extend the term of the current Technology Steward, or to begin searching for a new one. The Technology Steward can be removed by a majority vote of the Steering Committee for any reason. The Technology Steward will share in some of or all of the responsibilities of the Secretary’s technology responsibilities as dictated by the Secretary.
Section 4 Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall, as directed by the Steering Committee, have care and custody of the general funds, securities, properties, and assets of MDDSA. The Treasurer shall ensure that the funds and securities are deposited in the bank(s), trust companies, or depositories that the Steering Committee shall designate.
At the direction of the Steering Committee, the Treasurer will ensure disbursement and disposal of the same, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.
They shall ensure that accurate books of account are kept in accordance with commonly accepted accounting principles, recording the amount of all monies, funds, securities, properties, and assets in their custody, wherever located, and showing the amount of disbursement made and the disposition of properties. They shall exhibit said books and records when required by the Steering Committee, Chair or Co-Chairs, or government agency of appropriate regulator jurisdiction pursuant to law.
The Treasurer prepares an annual fiscal-year budget for approval by the membership convention and delivers the annual financial report to the Membership Convention. The Treasurer prepares and submits financial statements to the Steering Committee for their review at least quarterly. The Treasurer shall also be an ex officio Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee. The Treasurer shall be directly elected according to the procedures defined in these bylaws to a one-year term.
The Treasurer will be assisted in these duties where appropriate by the Finance Committee, which they will chair. The Finance Committee will be responsible for establishing and presenting a chapter budget to membership as well as soliciting feedback from committees about expenses and fundraising needs. This budget will be approved by the Steering Committee and membership and set fundraising goals for the chapter over the year. The Finance Committee will establish a planning group for preparation and execution of the annual Douglas-Debs Dinner.
Section 5 Membership Engagement Chair.
Membership Engagement Chair will be a new officer position responsible for all member development, recruitment, and internal member affairs. This will necessitate the organization of a Membership Engagement Committee (a Standing Committee). The other Co-Chair of this Standing Committee will be the Membership Coordinator, who is responsible for new member orientation, recruitment drives, and retention projects. Other responsibilities of the Membership Engagement Chair will be oversight of the political education committee and political education programs for the chapter (this can include but is not limited to new member onboarding, socialist night school, political education at general membership meetings, and town halls).
Section 5.1 Membership Coordinator.
The Membership Engagement Committee will be co-chaired by the Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator will be a position elected from the membership of the ME Committee. Their responsibilities will be for internal chapter membership development. This includes internal outreach programs such as New Member Orientation, chapter social events (happy hours, meet MDDSA, etc.), recruitment and retention drives.
Section 5.2 Political Education Coordinator.
The Political Education Committee will be co-chaired by the Political Education Coordinator. The Political Education Coordinator will be a position elected from the membership of the Political Education Committee. The Political Education Committee shall be responsible for coordination of political education events for the chapter. This includes Socialist Night School, discussion and reading groups, educational presentations to general body meetings, chapter town halls, and member training.
Section 6 Campaigns Coordinator.
The Campaigns Coordinator will monitor progress on all outward facing campaigns. They are responsible for ensuring the chapter executes its priorities as determined at the chapter membership convention. The Campaigns Coordinator will ensure that any campaigns adopted by the membership are run in accordance with the MDDSA Campaigns Proposal and provide regular reports to the Steering Committee and general body about the status of ongoing chapter priority campaigns.
Section 6.1 Electoral.
The Campaigns Coordinator will work with the Co-Chairs of the electoral committee in developing the chapters strategic approach to electoral organizing,and securing resources for our MDDSA endorsed electoral campaigns. If necessary the Campaigns Coordinator will act as a liaison between electoral and other MDDSA organizing committees to ensure the chapter builds lasting, strategic organizing infrastructure.
The Campaigns Coordinator will be responsible for working with the Co-Chairs of the electoral committee and the DSA National Electoral Committee. This includes preparing and submitting candidates for the national endorsement process, the NEC grant program, and long term electoral strategy discussion.
Section 6.1.1 Electoral Steward.
The Electoral Steward is a non voting appointed position that reports directly to the Campaigns Coordinator. The Electoral Steward and the Campaigns Coordinator will meet on a frequent basis to divide up the chapters electoral responsibilities as listed in Section 6.1 of the bylaws. Once the Steering Committee is seated, membership can submit nomination applications to the Steering Committee for the Electoral Steward position. The Electoral Steward will be appointed by a simple majority of the Steering Committee. The Electoral Steward will serve for a period of 6 months. After which, the Steering Committee will vote on whether to keep the current Electoral Steward, or to begin searching for a new one. The Electoral Steward can be removed by a majority vote of the Steering Committee for any reason. The Electoral Steward will share in some of or all of the responsibilities of the Campaigns Coordinator’s electoral work, as delegated by the Campaign’s Coordinator
Section 6.2 Non Electoral Priority Campaigns.
The Campaigns Coordinator will support all ongoing non-electoral chapter priority campaigns as needed. These campaigns will be determined by the priorities established at the chapter membership convention. The Campaigns Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring that Working Groups and committees are operating in accordance with the MDDSA Campaigns Proposal. If necessary, the Campaigns Coordinator has the power to temporarily chair vacant priority campaign Working Groups and committees.
Section 6.3 Direct Action.
The Campaigns Coordinator will work with committees to ensure campaigns have a ladder of escalating actions. If chapter membership should mobilize for direct actions outside the initial scope of a priority campaign, it is the duty of the Campaigns Coordinator to connect such organizing to the strategy of an ongoing priority campaign.
Section 7 At-Large.
In addition to the officer positions outlined above, there will be three at-large members of the Steering Committee. These at-large members are free to chair sub-committees and Working Groups or to co-chair other officer committees. They may not chair or organize more than one committee at a time.
Section 8 Multiple Offices.
No person shall hold multiple officer positions on the Steering Committee, or serve as both a Branch Representative and an officer of the Steering Committee, or hold any officer position on the Steering Committee or as a Branch Representative if they are also serving on the National Political Committee (“NPC”) of the national DSA.
Section 9 Term of Office.
Elected officers’ terms are defined in Sections 2 through 13 above. The terms of office begin July 1 and end June 30.