BY-LAWS OF THE PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1. NAME
The name of the group shall be the Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party.
Section 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Progressive Caucus shall be to promote legislation consistent with the historic progressive purposes of the Democratic Party and to support Democratic officials proposing and carrying out progressive initiatives; and to work with other caucuses, clubs, and progressive Democrats. The caucus will support elected and appointed officials proposing and carrying out progressive initiatives; and to work with other caucuses, clubs, and progressive democratic organizations to facilitate the work of such bodies. This caucus will also participate in outreach programs of the Party by identifying progressive voters and registering them as Democrats.
Progressive concerns include but are not limited to universal health care, fair trade, abolition of the death penalty, human and civil rights for all, protection of our environment and promoting fairness, justice and sustainability within our state, our country, and the world.
ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION
Section 1. RELATIONSHIP TO DEMOCRATIC STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
The Progressive Caucus is a "Special Group Caucus" within the Democratic State Central Committee. The Progressive Caucus shall operate within the by-laws of the Democratic State Central Committee. In case of conflict, the by-laws of the Democratic State Central Committee shall prevail.
Section 2. RULES
These by-laws shall govern the organization, operation and functions of the Progressive Caucus.
Section 3. MEMBERSHIP
Any individual qualifies for membership in the Progressive Caucus if:
· The individual is a registered California Democrat; and
· Supports the purposes of the Caucus as stated in Article I above; and
· Pays the dues in effect at the time the individual joins the Caucus.
Dues shall be ten dollars ($10.00) per year or more or less as later set by the Executive Committee of the Progressive Caucus, at its discretion.
Any individual claiming financial hardship may be excused from any dues requirement for membership at the discretion of the chair(s).
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS
Section 1. OFFICERS
The Officers of the Progressive Caucus shall be two Co-Chairs (one from the Northern region of California and one from the Southern region, preferably one of each gender), a Vice-Chair, a Secretary, a Parliamentarian and a Treasurer. For the 2-year term following the national presidential election, the Southern California Co-chair shall be the E-Board representative, and for the 2-year term following the state gubernatorial election, the Northern California Co-chair shall be the E-Board representative.
Section 2. DUTIES
The duties of the Officers are as follows:
a) Chairs: The Co-Chairs shall serve as the chief executive officers and official voice of the Progressive Caucus and shall carry out the purpose of the Progressive Caucus. For the 2-year term following the national presidential election, the Southern California Co-chair shall be the E-Board representative, and for the 2-year term following the state gubernatorial election, the Northern California Co-chair shall be the E-Board representative.
b) Vice-Chair: The Vice-Chair shall assist the Co-Chairs in carrying out their duties and shall serve as chair in the co-chairs’ absence.
c) Secretary: The Secretary shall maintain the minutes of the meetings of the Caucus and shall maintain current lists of Caucus members. The secretary shall also serve as the caucus historian being responsible for archiving actions of the caucus.
d) Treasurer: The treasurer shall take custody of and account for all funds raised by the Progressive Caucus consistent with the procedures of the State Democratic Central Committee and shall submit budgets and financial reports as required by the by-laws of the State Democratic Committee.
e) Parliamentarian: The Parliamentarian is the authority for issues of procedure, especially with respect to Roberts Rules of Order and disputes over motions, priority, etc.
Section 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
a) All officers shall be elected at the meeting of the Progressive Caucus held at the State Convention in odd numbered years. The Co-Chairs, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian shall be elected by the entire membership present at the meeting.
b) Those who wish to run for office in elections for officers must be members in the caucus for a minimum of thirty days prior to the election. Those who wish to vote in the officer elections must be members in good standing, defined as meeting the criteria outlined in Article II, section 3.
Section 4. TERM OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES
a) The term of office shall be for two years or until a successor is elected.
b) A vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Caucus Co-Chairs and ratified by the remaining officers.
Section 5. EXECUTIVE BOARD
The officers of the Caucus, as well as three at large members elected by the body, shall comprise the Executive Board
The Executive Board shall be authorized to conduct the business of the Caucus between meetings of the Caucus.
The Executive Board shall be authorized to establish standing and ad hoc committees and to appoint chairs to all other committees of the Caucus.
ARTICLE IV. PROCEDURES
Section 1. MEETINGS
a) All meetings of the Progressive Caucus shall be governed by the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless other procedures are specified in these by-laws.
b) Caucus meetings shall be held every year at the State Convention of the Democratic Party and during the weekend of the regularly scheduled meetings of the State Party Executive Board.
c) Other Caucus meetings may be scheduled by the Executive Board upon 30 days notice to the members of the Caucus. The Executive Committee will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the activities and business of the Caucus.
Section 2. QUORUM TO DO BUSINESS
Ten percent of the voting members or 30 members, whichever is less, at all scheduled meeting under Article IV, Section 1(b) and Section 1c) shall be considered a quorum to do business.
Section 3. AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
a) These by-laws may be amended, with 10-day prior notice, by:
1) A 2/3 vote of those present at any scheduled meeting of the Caucus at which at least 10% of the membership, or a minimum of 30 members is present.
2) By a 2/3 vote of those participating in electronic or snail mail ballots sent to all members of the Progressive Caucus. All ballots returned within 10 days of the mailing shall be counted.
3) At the discretion of the Officers, by a combination of the methods prescribed in 1) and 2) above.
4) Notice for all purposes in these by laws shall be considered adequate if by electronic or snail mail.
