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BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I - NAME ARTICLE II - PURPOSE ARTICLE Ill - MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 - ELIGIBILITY
SECTION 2 - MEMBERSHIP PROCESS SECTION 3 - APPLICATIONS
SECTION 4- RENEWALS SECTION 5 - DELINQUENCY
SECTION 6 - MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING SECTION 7 - NON-DEMOCRAT MEMBERS SECTION 8 - DUES
SECTION 9 - MEMBERSHIP TERMS SECTION 10 - SPECIAL PRICING SECTION 11 - VOTING
SECTION 12 - ENDORSEMENT VOTING
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS
SECTION 1 - ELECTED OFFICERS SECTION 2 - DUTIES
SECTION 3 - ELECTIONS SECTION 4- VACANCIES SECTION 5 - SPECIAL ELECTIONS
SECTION 6 - APPOINTED OFFICERS
ARTICLE V- MEETINGS
SECTION 1 - GENERAL MEETINGS SECTION 2 - QUORUM
SECTION 3 - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY SECTION 4- NOTICES
ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD SECTION 1 - FUNCTION SECTION 2 - MEMBERSHIP SECTION 3 - MEETINGS
ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES
ARTICLE VIII - AMERICAN MUSLIM DEMOCRATS OF SAN DIEGO SECTION 1 - CHAPTERING AND CHAPTER RENEWALS SECTION 2 - BYLAWS CHANGES DURING CHAPTERING PERIOD SECTION 3 - ORGANIZATION OF NEW AFFINITY CLUBS
ARTICLE IX - CLUB REPRESENTATIVES
SECTION 1 - CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY (CDP)
SECTION 2 - SAN DIEGO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY (SDCDP) ASSOCIATE MEMBER SECTION 3 - SELECTION
SECTION 4- ADHERENCE TO CLUB POSITIONS SECTION 5 - OTHER SDCDP REPRESENTATIVES
ARTICLE X - CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
ARTICLE XI - AFFILIATION ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS ARTICLE XIII - ADOPTION

ARTICLE I - NAME


The name of this organization shall be the American Muslim Democrats of San Diego, hereafter referred to as "AMDSD".


ARTICLE II - PURPOSE


The mission of the American Muslim Democrats of San Diego is to create a more just society by advocating for issues and supporting candidates who advance progressive policies. We envision a society where people work together for human rights, equal economic opportunity, social justice, party reform, and environmental protection. We work to create a government for and by the people, by getting dark money out of politics and expanding grassroots participation in the political process.


ARTICLE Ill - MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 - ELIGIBILITY

Anyone registered as a Democrat or is ineligible to vote (due to age, non- residency or another legal impediment) but pledges to register as a Democrat when eligible, and supports the purpose of the Club as stated in Article II, above shall be eligible for membership in this club. SECTION 2 - MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

A person is considered a member upon the receipt by the treasurer of dues outlined in Article 111, Section 7, and the executive board's receipt of complete electronic or physical applications for each individual. A member has all the rights and responsibilities of a member in good standing as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order except for the right to vote. Individuals shall become eligible to vote at the second meeting attended as a member.

SECTION 3 - APPLICATIONS

Applications shall be provided by the executive board upon request. They may take the form of physical paper copies or a form provided electronically.

SECTION 4 - RENEWALS

Members shall renew by January 1st annually.

They shall update any information they provided on the application, and if renewing a voting membership, shall not experience a lapse in voting eligibility.

SECTION 5 - DELINQUENCY

A member shall be considered delinquent if they have not paid dues and updated contact information by January 31st of a calendar year. The membership chair shall attempt to communicate via phone, e-mail, or mail that delinquent status is impending. Upon delinquent status, members shall lose voting rights and ability to run and/or serve on the executive board and committees but shall retain other rights as members. If a member is delinquent beyond March 31 of the same calendar year, then AMDSD shall infer they have resigned and strike them from the membership rolls.


SECTION 6 - MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING

  1. Americans registered Democrats and residents not yet eligible to vote who pledge to become Democrats, whose annual dues are currently paid for the AMDSD or a chapter thereof, or had waived, shall be considered a member in good standing.

  2. Any member whose actions are judged to be prejudicial or detrimental to the club by the Executive Board may be expelled from membership by a two-thirds vote at any general meeting at which a quorum exists.

SECTION 7 - NON-DEMOCRAT MEMBERS

American Residents who are registered as any party other than Republican or are registered with No Party Preference may be an Associate Member if that person pays dues as described for members in good standing. Associate Members may participate in AMDSD meetings, committees, and activities, but may not vote or represent the AMDSD in any San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee or its area meeting or any other San Diego County Democratic Party charted entity. Associate members may not run for or hold any club constitutional offices.

SECTION 8 - DUES

  1. Dues shall be reviewed mid-year and recommended by the Executive Board, for approval by the membership at the September meeting, to go into effect for the next membership year. The Executive Board shall provide notice to members by September 30 of the following year's dues. Dues are due and payable upon joining the club, and annually at the beginning of every club calendar year thereafter. Payment of dues shall not be obligatory to anyone for whom it constitutes an economic hardship.

  2. Annual dues levels shall be set at:

$5 for Students in full-time education, active military, and people with limited funds

$10 for Individuals

$50 for Sustaining

$100 for Patrons

Sustaining and Patrons include household membership. All individuals must submit separate application forms and share the same residence.

  1. The only dues accepted for memberships are on the individual or household levels. Mass membership registration payments shall not be accepted.

SECTION 9. MEMBERSHIP TERMS

New memberships and renewals between January 1st and October 31st are valid for the same calendar year. Renewals and new memberships paid after November 1st are valid through December 31st the following calendar year.

SECTION 10. SPECIAL PRICING

With the majority of the Executive Board's approval, AMDSD may offer special pricing for membership at AMDSD club events.

A. Payment of special pricing shall not be obligatory to anyone for whom it constitutes an economic hardship.


SECTION 11 - VOTING

A member in good standing who has attended at least one AMDSD meeting as a member in the prior 12 months shall be eligible to vote on club business. No proxy or absentee voting shall be permitted.

SECTION 12 - ENDORSEMENT VOTING

Other than at the first chartered meeting of the AMDSD, a member in good standing who has attended at least one AMDSD meeting as a member in the prior 12 months shall be eligible to vote on an endorsement. No proxy or absentee voting shall be permitted.


ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS


SECTION 1 - ELECTED OFFICERS

Elected officers of this club shall be the President, two Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Membership Chair, three At-Large, Communications Chair, and Treasurer. All officers must be members in good standing and registered as Democrats at their home address. Each shall be elected at the general meeting in February and hold office for one calendar year. SECTION 2 - DUTIES

  1. President

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the club. They shall preside over all meetings of the club and the executive board; make appointments to other positions as required; compile the agenda for the executive board meeting; provide direction and oversight to the executive board; act as official spokesperson and represent the club in the community. In addition, the President should stimulate active interest in the political process and foster communications between other clubs and within the San Diego County Democratic Party.

  1. Vice-Presidents

  1. The Vice-President - Internal

The Vice-President - Internal shall serve at the direction of the President in matters effecting the AMDSD internal affairs and business. He/she shall preside at meetings if the President is unable to do so or is requested by the President to do so. The Vice-President Internal shall take over the duties of President in the absence of that officer and is responsible for the annual audit in June. This position may also speak on behalf of the club.

  1. The Vice-President - Externa

The Vice President External shall serve at the direction of the President in matters effecting the AMDSD external affairs and business. This includes dealings with outside organizations such as the San Diego County Democratic Party, California Democratic Party, other Democratic clubs, and allied political organizations. This position may also speak on behalf of the club.

  1. Secretary

The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the general meetings, executive committee meetings, conduct correspondence, and is responsible for correspondence to membership.

  1. Treasurer


The Treasurer shall be responsible for receiving and depositing all club funds received; maintaining an accurate record of club receipts and expenditures; signing all checks as authorized by the Executive Board; making the record of club receipts and expenditures available to any member when requested; providing a report of the club financial status at club meetings as requested; providing an annual written report of club financial status; making the books and all other financial records of the club available to the audit committee each year in June. The audit committee shall consist of one At-Large Executive Board member and a minimum of one other member from membership not currently serving on the Executive Board. In addition, the Treasurer shall be responsible for filing the FPPC/FEC financial report on time as required.

  1. Communications Chair

The Communications Chair shall be responsible for maintaining the club website and social media accounts; responding to and distributing communication e-mails regarding club business; curating and distributing the monthly newsletter, and cataloging club event media. This position may also speak on behalf of the club.

  1. Membership Chair

The Membership Chair shall be responsible for maintaining the list of members and collect membership dues. The Membership Chair will also create a list of new members, patrons, and sustaining members, as well as lists of members of chaptered clubs; which will be sent to the communications chair to be added to the club newsletter by the 4th Monday of every month.

  1. Executive Committee Members at Large (3 Elected)

The Executive Committee Members at Large are responsible for assisting and with the duties and responsibilities of the club that are required for operations of the club. Executive Committee Members at Large can also be placed as chair of committees (i.e. Social Media Chair) with approval of the Executive Board.

SECTION 3 - ELECTIONS

Elections shall be held annually. At the election meeting, the floor will be open for nominations. The election may be held by show of hands or voice vote for uncontested offices. A secret ballot will be used for any contested offices. Those nominees who receive a majority vote of those present and voting shall be declared elected. If no person receives a majority of votes cast, a run-off shall be held between those two persons receiving the greatest number of votes. The person receiving the majority of the votes shall be declared elected.

SECTION 4 - VACANCIES

Should any officer resign or fail to attend three general meetings or Executive Board meetings in a row without cause approved by the Executive Board, the Executive Board shall declare that office vacant after issuing ten days' notice to the officer.

SECTION 5 - SPECIAL ELECTIONS

In the event of a vacancy or creation of an office, an election will be held at a general meeting with notice provided as required by Article V, Section 4 of the AMDSD Bylaws. The election will be held as provided by Article IV, Section 3 of the AMDSD Bylaws.


SECTION 6 - APPOINTED OFFICERS

  1. The President shall appoint a parliamentarian and any other officers not otherwise specified by these bylaws as required for the general well-being of the club.

  2. Parliamentarian

The parliamentarian shall be responsible for retaining a copy of the AMDSD Bylaws and a copy of Bylaws for each chaptered club, advising the presiding officer on parliamentary procedure at general meetings, and will serve as a voting member of the executive board. SECTION 7 - CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

The president of each chapter, or one appointee thereof, shall serve as a voting member of the executive board.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS SECTION 1 - GENERAL MEETING

There shall be a minimum of six general meetings each year, at least one of which shall be in February. Other general meetings shall be held at such times and places as specified by a majority of the Executive Board.

SECTION 2 - QUORUM

A quorum at any general meeting shall be two times (200%) the number of officers, or a majority of the membership, whichever is less. A quorum at an endorsing/electing meeting shall be two and one-half times (250%) the number of officers, or a majority of the membership, whichever is less. A quorum of the Executive Board shall be a majority of its elected members.

SECTION 3 - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The parliamentary authority is the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

SECTION 4 - NOTICES

At least two (2) weeks prior to a general meeting at which the following items will be discussed and voted upon, meeting notices shall be emailed to each member of the club in good standing:

  1. Club elections and filling of vacancies

  2. Proposed amendments to bylaws

  3. Proposed resolutions

  4. Endorsements of candidates and/or ballot measures

Such notice shall specify the time, place, and date of the general meeting and describe the event.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD SECTION 1 - FUNCTION

The Executive Board shall approve all expenditures and carry out the club business between general meetings in a manner consistent with actions taken at the general meetings, and perform any other duties provided for in these bylaws. The President or a Vice-President shall pre-approve any written correspondence on behalf of the club. The President and the two Vice-Presidents shall be the only spokespersons of the club.

SECTION 2 - MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Executive Board shall include all of the currently elected club officers, the president of each of the AMDSD chapters or the appointee thereof, and the parliamentarian. SECTION 3 - MEETINGS

The President shall call a meeting, with advance notice, of the Executive Board as needed. Special meetings may be called by a majority of the current members of the Executive Board at any time. A majority of the then-current members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.


ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES


The standing committees for the club are the Audit Committee and the chaptered Club or Community Coalitions. Other committees may be created on an Ad-Hoc or Standing basis and include Political Action, Fund Raising, Program, Special Events, Hospitality, and others as identified by the President and ratified by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VIII - AMERICAN MUSLIM DEMOCRATS OF SAN DIEGO SECTION 1 - CHAPTERING AND CHAPTER RENEWALS

A Club or Community Coalition seeking to chapter or renew their chapter with the American Muslim Democrats of San Diego shall comply with the following procedure:

  1. All chaptering is done under the supervision of the President or Vice-President of the AMDSD. The club or coalition shall provide a copy of its standing rules, its membership list, and the completed chapter application form, including a completed procedural guidelines checklist.

  2. The use of the word "American Muslim Democrats of San Diego" shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Board when a chaptered club or coalition solicits funds or produces media.

  3. The Executive Board may waive the list requirement in the chaptering process and fashion alternative means to verify the number and registration of club or coalition members.

  4. The Executive Board may only chapter or renew a club's chapter when all requirements

have been met and the next AMDSD general meeting is greater than thirty-five (35) days from the previous meeting.

  1. The annual Club chapter application and documentation are due by December 15 for the following calendar year. Late and new chapters may be subject to a fourteen (14) day administrative review period. When all required documentation is submitted, the Executive Board may move to chapter the club at the next AMDSD general meeting.

  2. When seeking the renewal of its chapter, a club or coalition shall furnish the E-board with the items specified in Paragraph A of this section. The failure to provide these items shall constitute good cause for denying renewal of a chapter.


SECTION 2 - BYLAWS CHANGES DURING CHAPTERING PERIOD

If a club changed their bylaws during the chapter period, a new copy of the bylaws with an outline of the changes must be submitted to the Executive Board within thirty (30) days and their chapter is subject to review by the Executive Board. A club has the option to submit proposed bylaw changes and have those changes reviewed by the Executive Board prior to taking a club vote on the new bylaws.

SECTION 3 - ORGANIZATION OF NEW AFFINITY CLUBS

At least one representative of a proposed new Affinity club shall appear in person at an AMDSD general meeting to provide an overview of the purpose and goals of the club and to announce the notice of their next organizational meeting. The club's organizational meeting shall be added to the AMDSD calendar, noticed to all AMDSD members via email, and must be open to all interested Progressive Democrats.


ARTICLE IX - CLUB REPRESENTATIVES


SECTION 1 - CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY (CDP)

In order to be eligible to participate in CDP pre-endorsing conferences, the Club's President, Secretary, or Treasurer will ratify the roster of Democratic members in good standing by July 1 of each odd-numbered year identifying the legislative districts and representatives for each district and submit it to the CDP and SDCDP. Representatives should be equally apportioned between men and women to the extent possible.

SECTION 2 - SAN DIEGO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY (SDCDP} ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Under the club's charter with the SDCDP, its President is a representative to the SDCDP Central Committee as an Associate Member. If the President is already a Central Committee member or chooses not to serve, a different representative may be selected to serve his or her term according to the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of this Article. An Associate Member application, for the President or any other representative, must be submitted to the SDCDP within 30 days of his or her selection by the club.

SECTION 3 - SELECTION

Club representatives to the CDP and SDCDP - and any other official representatives, delegates, and alternates from the club to conferences, caucuses, councils, conventions, and other meetings - shall be selected by a vote of members in good standing at a duly noticed club meeting or, if that cannot occur at a regular or special meeting, by the designation of the President

SECTION 4 - ADHERENCE TO CLUB POSITIONS

Club representatives described in this Article, when participating in voting and discussion in that capacity, shall adhere to and represent the club's official positions on endorsements and other matters wherever applicable, and shall agree to do so prior to their selection.

SECTION 5 - OTHER SDCDP REPRESENTATIVES


  1. The Executive Board may designate a GO Team Liaison.

  2. The Executive Board may designate an SDCDP Voter Registration Liaison.


ARTICLE X - CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS


  1. Only candidates who are registered Democrats are eligible for Club endorsement.

  2. Only candidates who have completed an AMDSD Candidate Questionnaire are eligible for endorsement.

  3. Non-Democrats cannot be endorsed. They can only be rated acceptable or unacceptable.

  4. A motion to endorse a candidate or take a position on a Proposition or public issue may be carried only in a meeting where a quorum is present and must receive the vote of a sixty percent (60%) or higher of the Club members in good standing who are present and voting. A secret ballot will be used that includes all candidates and, in the case of a single candidate, an option for "no endorsement." If no person or issue receives the required percentage of votes, no endorsement shall be made. In the case of no endorsement of a candidate the floor will be open for a motion for a vote to declare any or all the candidates "Qualified." This vote may be done by a show of hands of the Club members in good standing who are present and voting and will require a sixty percent (60%) or higher vote.

  5. Reasonable attempts will be made to notify and invite all candidates to an endorsement meeting where their race is being considered, and to furnish those candidates with an AMDSD Candidate Questionnaire, at least five (5) business days prior to that meeting.

  6. Endorsements by the AMDSD shall not be construed as the CDP or SDCDP endorsement. Words to that effect must be clearly visible whenever the AMDSD's endorsements are referred to.

  7. Any publication of endorsements by the AMDSD shall clearly delineate between endorsed

candidates and those rated acceptable.



ARTICLE XI - AFFILIATION


The club shall affiliate as an associate member of the County Democratic Central Committee and pay the current annual chartering fee.


ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS


These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote at a general meeting after such amendment has been presented at the preceding general meeting and notice has been provided as specified in Article V, Section 4 of these bylaws.


ARTICLE XIII - ADOPTION


These bylaws shall become effective immediately upon their adoption and shall be the governing rules of the club.

By Laws: Text
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