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TCDSA Constitution and Bylaws

Constitution and Bylaws of the Twin Cities Local of Democratic Socialists of America

Constitution

Article I. Name, Legal Status, Territory

Section 1. Name

The name of this organization is the Twin Cities Local of Democratic Socialists of America, hereinafter referred to as TCDSA or the Local.

Section 2. Legal Status

This organization is recognized as a legal subsidiary of Democratic Socialists of America, a non-profit corporation registered in the state of New York, hereinafter referred to as DSA or the National. TCDSA shall be and remain registered as required by the State of Minnesota and these documents are to be filed with the Secretary of State, if so required.

Section 3. Territory

The territory covered by the Local is the sixteen county metropolitan area defined by the US Office of Management and Budget. This metropolitan area includes 14 Minnesota counties and 2 Wisconsin counties. See Addendum 1.

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of this organization is to organize, direct, and facilitate political education and advocacy of issues for members of DSA who reside within the territory defined in Art. I, Sec. 3, and DSA members-at-large throughout Minnesota who choose to join the Local. It is further the purpose of this local to approve policies and guidelines for the operation of the local chapter, to elect delegates to the national convention, to vote on matters related to national policy, and to make recommendations on issues and other matters to the National Political Committee of DSA.

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 a few.

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Definitions

A Member of TCDSA shall be defined as a) any member of DSA (determined by paying dues) who resides within the 16 county Twin Cities metropolitan area and b) any at-large member of DSA who resides anywhere else in Minnesota and asks to be a member of TCDSA.

Section 2. Rights and Privileges

Any Member of TCDSA, who is in good standing with DSA, has the right to vote in a legally held membership meeting on all motions and in all elections. These include election of delegates to DSA conventions, election of officers, motions to amend this constitution, or any other duly moved issue that affects the actions or structure of TCDSA.

Section 3. Determination of Status

At TCDSA Membership meetings, the check-in volunteer shall sign in participants as voting Members by checking their name on the list of members provided by the Member Data Coordinator.

Section 4. Upgrade to Member at Membership Meeting

It shall be the policy of TCDSA to permit a non-member to apply for membership and pay dues to the DSA at the check-in table at any Membership meeting, and be immediately granted the status, with rights and privileges, of a Member at that meeting.

Section 5. Termination of Status

a. If a Member ceases to pay dues to DSA and in time is no longer in good standing with DSA, the Member Data Coordinator shall, after reminding and encouraging them to pay dues and regain membership, move their details to the contact list of non-members.

b. If a Member is removed from membership in DSA due to actions under Article I, Section 3 of the National DSA bylaws, the Member Data Coordinator shall strike their name from the record and they will not be allowed to attend meetings of TCDSA.

Article IV. Amendment or Dissolution

Section 1. Amendment

The Constitution of DSA may be amended in the same manner as Bylaws are amended. This is set out in Item VII of the Bylaws.

Section 2. Dissolution

TCDSA may be dissolved as an entity either by the National or by a two-thirds vote of the Members of TCDSA at a legally called membership meeting. If there is not enough participation to gain a quorum at three successive membership meetings, the Steering Committee may, at their discretion, dissolve the organization by a majority vote at a legally called Steering Committee meeting. At dissolution, any assets of the organization will revert to the DSA, and the Secretary of State’s office of the State of Minnesota will be duly notified of the dissolution.

Bylaws

Item I. Meetings of TCDSA

Section 1. Annual Member Convention

a. TCDSA shall hold an Annual Convention for all Members annually in the month of September.

b. This meeting shall elect officers, adopt an annual budget, and set program priorities through motions and resolutions for the coming Fiscal Year.

c. Amendments to these Bylaws may be considered at the Annual Convention.

Section 2. Notice requirement for Annual Member Convention

a. Notice of the Annual Convention and a draft agenda shall be delivered, either by mail or electronically or both, to all members no more than seventeen and no fewer than ten days before the meeting.

b. All members will receive such notice by electronic mail by default, unless the Member Data Coordinator receives either a request in writing for such notices by United States Postal Service mail or they do not have any electronic mail address on file for the member.

c. The Member Data Coordinator shall ensure that the meeting notice is sent to all members.

Section 3. Regular Membership Meetings

a. TCDSA shall hold at least three additional membership meetings each year. The Steering Committee shall set the agenda for each membership meeting, based on input from the members, if any.

b. Amendments to these bylaws may be considered at a Membership Meeting.

Section 4. Notice requirement for Regular Membership Meetings

a. Notice of each meeting and a draft agenda shall be delivered, either by mail or electronically or both, to all members no more than seventeen and no fewer than ten days before the meeting.

b. All members will receive such notice by electronic mail by default, unless the Member Data Coordinator receives a request in writing for such notices by United States Postal Service mail or they do not have any electronic mail address on file for the member.

c. The Member Data Coordinator shall ensure that the meeting notice is sent to all members.

Section 5. Emergency Meetings

The Steering Committee may call emergency meetings of the membership with five days’ notice in cases of extreme urgency. Except for the shorter notice, these meetings will be called and conducted in the same way as regular meetings.

Section 6. Quorum

a. For any membership meeting, including the annual convention, quorum is 5% of DSA members, determined by paying dues, on the membership list maintained by the Member Data Coordinator, or 50% of the average membership attendance of the last three meetings, whichever is greater. Those whose membership has been lapsed for 12 calendar months or more shall not count towards quorum.

b. The Member Data Coordinator shall compute and declare the quorum before the first vote of the meeting, including any members who are attending through electronic means. The calculation of quorum will be rounded up to the next whole number.

c. Proposals may be voted on during a meeting where quorum is present, or voting may be conducted through electronic means following the meeting where a proposal is considered. Electronic ballots shall be distributed to membership within three days of the meeting and returned ballots must meet quorum for the results to be valid.

Item II. Officers of TCDSA

Section 1. Definition

a. The officers of the TCDSA shall consist of those officers enumerated in Sections 2 through 9 below.

b. The Co-chair positions have specific gender requirements. For the officers’ slate as a whole, the members of TCDSA shall strive for balance in race, class, sexual orientation and other factors relating to relative power in the community at large.

c. Members nominated for officer positions shall self-identify as they see fit.

Section 2. Co-chairs

a. The Co-chairs shall be the chief executives of the TCDSA and shall serve as spokespersons when one is required. Co-chair responsibilities include:

  • Drafting agendas for Steering Committee and chapter meetings, with input from Steering Committee members
  • Facilitating Steering Committee and chapter meetings
  • Approving contents of the chapter newsletter before each edition is sent, or delegating to other Steering Committee members

b. No more than one co-chair may be a cisgender man at any given time.

Section 3. Recording Secretary

a. The Recording Secretary shall prepare and publish the agendas and minutes of all Regular Membership Meetings, the Annual Member Convention and Steering Committee Meetings.

b. The Recording Secretary shall keep an archive of all previous meeting agendas and minutes for at least three (3) years. Minutes of all membership and Steering Committee meetings will be shared electronically with the Steering Committee as soon as possible after the meeting. Members shall have access to the archive of minutes upon request.

c. The Recording Secretary will oversee any paper balloting or division at any meeting.

Section 4. Technology Coordinator

a. The Technology Coordinator shall maintain the chapter’s technology, including the chapter website, databases, and chapter email addresses. The Technology Coordinator shall implement the chapter’s social media and technology policies. The Technology Coordinator shall assist with research into new software, systems, or hardware before adoption by the chapter.

b. The Technology Coordinator will be the chair of the Tech-Ops Committee, and will schedule meetings of that committee as required.

Section 5. Treasurer

a. The Treasurer shall maintain records of the income, expenses, and budget of the TCDSA. The Treasurer will receive any money donated to the TCDSA and will account for all received money.

b. TCDSA will shall maintain a checking account at a credit union and the signatories will be the Treasurer and at least one Co-chair. If TCDSA engages in any business causing taxes, rents, or fees to be due, the treasurer shall pay these from the assets of the TCDSA. If TCDSA engages in any electoral activity, the Treasurer will submit campaign reporting as needed.

c. The Treasurer will be the chair of the Budget Committee, and will schedule meetings of that committee as required.

Section 6. Political Education Coordinator

a. The Political Education Coordinator shall be a co-chair of the Political Education committee, which shall plan and follow-through on all chosen programs of political education for TCDSA.

b. The Political Education Coordinator will be the highest ranked candidate in the election of the Political Education Committee facilitators, as described in Item III, Section 7.

Section 7. Political Action Coordinator

a. The Political Action Coordinator shall plan and follow-through on all chosen programs of political advocacy for TCDSA. The Political Action Coordinator shall be, along with the Co-chairs, a liaison with any external groups that TCDSA shall choose to affiliate with, assist, or collaborate with.

b. The Political Action Coordinator will be the chair of the Outreach Committee, and will schedule meetings of that committee as required.

Section 8. Members at Large (three)

a. The three Members at Large shall represent the views of all members (at-large) on the Steering Committee. Member-at-Large responsibilities include:

  • Scheduling chapter meetings, with assistance and input from the Steering Committee and Tech-Ops Committee
  • Working with Steering Committee to plan, give notice of, and set up chapter meetings
  • In the lead time before chapter meetings, facilitating ride-sharing and working to enhance turnout to the meetings
  • Participation on (chairing optionally) the Internal Organizing Committee, or convening an Internal Organizing Working Group if the Internal Organizing Committee does not exist
  • Sharing joint responsibility with the Member Data Coordinator of the lists of current members
  • At general membership meetings, as part of the initial business on every agenda, the chairs will introduce the Members at Large and give out their contact information so that members will know whom to contact if they need representation or want to give feedback. Members at Large may optionally make a report at the membership meeting but are not required to do so as other officers.

b. At least one Member at Large must not be a cisgender man at any given time.

c. All Members at Large will serve as representatives of the interests of the entire membership body, with a special duty to represent any minority or marginalized groups within the membership.

Section 9. Communication Coordinator

a. The Communication Coordinator shall abide by the chapter’s social media and technology policies and be responsible for implementing communications guidelines as adopted by the chapter.

b. The Communication Coordinator will be the chair of the Communication committee, and will schedule meetings of that committee as required. The Communication Coordinator shall serve as the representative of the Communications committee and any designated sub-committees on the Steering committee.

Section 10. Nominations and Voting

a. At least thirty days before the Annual Convention, the Member Data Coordinator shall distribute a nominations form to members with instructions for making nominations for open officer positions, and a deadline for submitting nominations by form.

b. Any member of TCDSA in good standing may nominate themselves. Names of nominated members will be included in the registration packet for the Annual Convention. At the Annual Convention, there will be a call for further nominations from the floor.

c. Any unopposed candidate for an office may be elected by acclamation, if quorum is present. Contested elections may be voted on using a paper ballot during the meeting or through electronic balloting per Item I: Section 6(c). Candidates must receive a simple majority of votes to be elected. In the case of a tie, the winner shall be decided from among the tied candidates by lot.

Section 11. Recall Elections

a. Any member of TCDSA may initiate a recall of any Steering Committee member at any time and for any reason. To do so, the member must present a formal written petition for recall signed by 5% of dues paying members in good standing, or 15 members, whichever is greater, to the Member Data Coordinator. If the Member Data Coordinator is the subject of the recall petition, the petition shall be presented to an At-Large Member of the Steering Committee.

b. The person receiving the petition shall verify the signatures on the petition and shall immediately provide notice to all TCDSA members that a recall election shall occur.

c. The recall election shall occur at the next regular membership meeting. A two-thirds majority of votes cast at that meeting is required to recall the elected Steering Committee member.

d. The Steering Committee member shall be permitted to resign before the recall election occurs. If the member resigns then the recall election shall be cancelled. The vacancy shall be filled according to Item III, Section 5.

Section 12. Member Data Coordinator

a. The Member Data Coordinator shall maintain membership lists and contact lists, using appropriate database software and/or a contact management system, and they shall assist the Internal Organizing Committee by periodically emailing welcome letters to new members and providing the chapter and the Internal Organizing Committee with member count updates. They will, if appropriate, also act as a database manager, providing member volunteers with access and training to use member management software, subject to the chapter’s data use policy.

b. The Steering Committee will have responsibility for either i) appointing a qualified member to be an unpaid Member Data Coordinator or ii) hiring a qualified person to be a paid Member Data Coordinator, or iii) holding a special election to enable the chapter to elect a qualified member to be the Member Data Coordinator. If the Steering Committee decides to appoint a Member Data Coordinator, the data use policy mandates that they must be re-appointed, or a new Member Data Coordinator appointed, every year in October, via an affirmation vote in a regular Steering Committee meeting.

Section 13. Terms of Office

The term of office for TCDSA constitutional officers shall be thirteen months, and shall run from October 1 to October 31 of the next year. Officers may serve up to three full consecutive terms in any position. Following three full consecutive terms, officers may not hold any other office for one full year. Partial terms of less than one year shall not count towards the three term limit.

Item III. Steering Committee

Section 1. Composition

a. The Steering Committee shall consist of all of the officers and representatives defined in Item II above, plus the elected representatives of any Branches or Sections formed as part of TCDSA.

b. Members who hold elected office are not eligible for Steering Committee membership.

c. Steering Committee members may not also be members of the National Political Committee of DSA.

Section 2. Functions, Powers, Duties

The Steering Committee, in addition to the individual responsibilities of the officers, oversees the functioning of TCDSA in line with its stated purpose, including:

  • Approving expenditures of chapter funds
  • Implementing decisions made at membership meetings
  • Proposing policies and actions to the membership for consideration
  • Receiving reports from committees and branches
  • Advising committees and branches on policy
  • Calling emergency membership meetings when deemed necessary

Section 3. Meetings of the Steering Committee

a. The Steering Committee shall meet at least monthly.

b. Meetings of the Steering Committee will be open to all TCDSA members.

c. All actions of the Steering Committee shall be disclosed to the members at the next membership meeting, and are subject to amendment or override by members, if any member should make a motion to do so.

Section 4. Quorum

a. 50% of the Steering Committee members comprise a quorum. If the Steering Committee has an odd number of members, the number will be rounded up for calculating a quorum.

b. If any branch has more than one representative at the meeting, that branch shall have only one vote and only one such representative shall count toward quorum.

Section 5. Vacancies

a. Vacancies may be created if a Steering Committee member resigns, is removed by the Steering Committee, is removed by the Chapter Membership, or if the Steering Committee Member takes a leave of absence.

b. If a member of the Steering Committee misses three consecutive meetings, the Co-chairs will send a notice to that member, either by mail or electronically, that the Steering Committee intends to declare their position vacant and to replace them. The notice must include the date, time and place of the Steering Committee meeting at which the committee will vote on declaring the position vacant. If the member attends that meeting and expresses a desire to remain in the position, no vote will be taken and no vacancy will exist. But if the member does not attend that meeting, a vote will be taken and if the vote passes with a simple majority, a vacancy exists.

c. If the vacancy created is of an officer, the co-chairs may at their discretion appoint an acting successor, and then a special election will be held at the next usual membership meeting, or a special membership meeting may be called to elect someone to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy is a branch representative, the branch shall replace them as soon as they can, by whatever democratic means they choose.

d. Elected members of the Steering Committee may request a temporary leave of absence of one to three months each year, not to exceed three months cumulatively. The Steering Committee must be notified in writing of the member’s request for leave and the estimated length of the leave. The Chairs must be notified of the reason for the leave and the reason for the leave may be kept confidential at the member’s request. The Steering Committee will vote to accept the leave of absence. The Steering Committee may, at its discretion, appoint a replacement to serve while the member is absent. Multiple Steering Committee members may take leaves at the same time so long as the ability to meet quorum requirements is not affected.

Section 6. Committees and Subcommittees

a. Committees -— The Steering Committee may set up committees to accomplish ongoing work necessary to the chapter. Committees may be ad hoc, meaning they exist for a specified time to accomplish a specified task, or standing, meaning they exist until dissolved by bylaw if no longer needed.

b. Standing committees -— The following standing committees shall be created from volunteers from the membership and each shall be the responsibility of the Steering Committee officer named, to recruit and form the committee and to serve as liaison between the standing committee and the Steering Committee.

  • Tech-Ops committee – Technology Coordinator
  • Budget & Fundraising Committee – Treasurer
  • Communications committee – Communications Coordinator
  • Political Education committee – Political Education Coordinator
  • Outreach / Internal Organizing committee – Political Action Coordinator

c. Subcommittees —- The Steering Committee or any of the standing committees may create subcommittees (either standing or ad hoc) and delegate tasks to them.

d. Structures within committees and subcommittees shall be determined democratically by the volunteers on the committees or subcommittees, including but not limited to chairing of meetings, setting of agendae, and allocation of tasks.

Section 7. Political Education Committee a. The Political Education Committee shall have three (3) co-facilitators, with no more than one identifying as cisgender white man.

b. The Political Education Committee Facilitators will be elected for a term of thirteen months, using IRV (Scottish Single Transferable Vote.)

c. The Political Education Coordinator shall be elected to a thirteen-month term from amongst the newly elected Political Education Committee Co-Facilitators. They shall be elected by Instant Runoff Voting, using the same ballot as that used for the election of the Political Education Committee.

d. The Political Education Committee shall plan and follow-through on all chosen programs of political education for TCDSA. The Political Education Committee may also implement other political education programs as it sees fit.

Item IV. Delegates to DSA National Conventions

Section 1. Nomination and election of delegates

TCDSA shall hold an election for delegates to each National Convention called by DSA. Nominations will be made in the same manner as nominations for officers. Voting will take place at a Regular Membership meeting. Delegate elections will be conducted using a proportional voting method, such as Scottish Single Transferable Vote (STV).

Item V. Branches, Working Groups, and Caucuses

Section 1. Definitions

a. Branch – Branches are based upon a shared political concern or geographic location. Members will not be excluded from participation in a branch based on identity or political tendency. Branches have a member representative on the Steering Committee.

b. Working Group – Working groups are based upon a specific task, action, campaign, or political strategy. Members will not be excluded from participation in a working group based on identity or political tendency. Working groups do not have a member representative on the Steering Committee.

c. Caucus – Caucuses are based upon a common identity, affinity, and/or political tendency. Caucuses may limit their membership based upon their shared identity or tendency. Caucuses do not have a member representative on the Steering Committee.

  1. Recognized caucuses have the right to publish statements and proposals in public forums for TCDSA, subject to the moderation of the moderation team of that forum.

  2. The right for a caucus to establish formal or informal relationships with other caucuses composed of TCDSA or National members shall not be infringed or regulated by the Steering Committee.

  3. Caucuses shall have the right to determine their own internal structure, except where it is in violation of any bylaws or policies regarding member conduct.

Section 2. Branches: structures, rules, dissolution

Branches and sections shall be primarily autonomous, as long as they act in conformance with the DSA Constitution and these Bylaws. Branches and sections may not have separate treasuries or funds, but instead must have an accounting line in the TCDSA treasury and budget. All officers and leaders of the branches and sections must be elected democratically, including the representative on the Steering Committee. If a branch or section ceases to meet or act for a period of six (6) months, or if it has been acting in a way to bring disrepute or harm to TCDSA or the National DSA, the Steering Committee may vote in a Steering Committee meeting to dissolve said branch or section. The representatives of the branch or section must be notified at least seven (7) days before this meeting in the usual manner, and they may attend the meeting to defend against dissolution. Once a branch or section is dissolved, it may appeal the dissolution at the next membership meeting. After final dissolution of a branch or section, any property and records must be turned over to the TCDSA Steering Committee.

Item VI. Social Media and Online Assets

Section 1. Definitions and purpose

a. Social media is defined as all platforms on the internet that allow for exchange of information between registered accounts.

b. Online assets refers to organizational email accounts, websites, and opt-in mass email platforms, and other similar tools for using the internet, whether paid-for or free, that the TCDSA may own.

Section 2. Ownership and control

a. Any social media accounts and online assets set up in the name of TCDSA are the property of TCDSA and as such, the content of these assets will be under the control of the TCDSA Steering Committee or its delegates.

b. Membership or association with TCDSA does not confer on any individual member the right to control or dictate or censor online content.

Section 3. Adjunctive to legal notice requirements

Use of social media accounts and online assets are not a replacement for legal notice requirements as set out in these bylaws. The Communications Committee may use social media accounts and online assets to publicize membership meetings and program meetings and actions and events of TCDSA.

Item VII. Amendments to Bylaws

Section 1. Amendments

a. These bylaws may be amended by the TCDSA membership at any legally held membership meeting, including the Annual Convention.

b. The Steering Committee may propose a bylaws amendment to be voted upon at the next membership meeting. The text of the amendment and the intent to vote on it shall form part of the notice requirement for the meeting.

c. A Member may move to amend the constitution or bylaws at a membership meeting, in which case it shall be voted on in the next membership meeting. It may be discussed and debated in the meeting where proposed, at the discretion of the chair. The text of the amendment and intent to vote on it shall be included in the notice for the next meeting.

Section 2. Supermajority rule for passing amendments

A two-thirds supermajority of the votes cast is required for amendments to pass. The membership shall be notified of the amendment and a new copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be posted on the TCDSA website whenever an amendment is made.

Item VIII. Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 1. Rules and Construction of Language

In any business meeting conducted by TCDSA, where neither these bylaws nor the DSA National bylaws dictate parliamentary procedure, Robert’s Rules of Order (most current edition) will be the prevailing rules of procedure. If there is any conflict between these bylaws and Minnesota state law governing nonprofit organizations, Minnesota law will prevail.

Section 2. Fiscal Year and Accounting

The fiscal year for TCDSA shall run from October 1 to September 30. In producing financial reports and budgets, TCDSA shall use accounting principles generally accepted for small nonprofit organizations.

Section 3. External Relationships and Electoral Work

a. TCDSA will work in community with organizations that share, at least in part, our vision and principles. This can include socialist or communist organizations under the discipline of democratic centralism, or liberal advocacy organizations that we may disagree with on other issues. Such associations must be understood to be free and mutual on both sides and not to create any obligations or restrictions.

b. In electoral work, it is important to stress to associated groups that TCDSA, like its parent organization, is not a political party. If TCDSA gives an endorsement to a cause or candidate, it must be understood to be informal and informational only.

Section 4. Prohibited Activity

TCDSA shall not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)4 organizations or similar rules established by the state of Minnesota. Nor shall TCDSA engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.

Section 5 Accessibility and Class Consciousness

TCDSA shall strive to make all of its meetings, forums, and actions accessible and safe spaces for all. This consideration will extend to such things as the accessibility and safety of the venue, the type of food offered, accommodations for differences in sight, hearing, mobility and stamina, child care offerings, the avoidance of high cost venues that will essentially exclude some members, and religious and other identity considerations. Socialism is historically built on class consciousness, specifically on lifting up the working class. TCDSA will take care not to subtly exclude or censor working class viewpoints or viewpoints of any traditionally dis-empowered group.

Section 6. Conflicts of Interest

If any action taken by the Steering Committee or TCDSA under the governance of the Steering Committee may potentially benefit materially a member of the Steering Committee, that member is said to have a conflict of interest, and will recuse themselves from voting on that action.

Section 7. Arbitration or Mediation

TCDSA shall maintain a Grievance Committee. If a conflict should arise within TCDSA between members or entities, or between a TCDSA member or entity and a person or organization outside of TCDSA, the Grievance Committee shall assess the conflict and provide recommendations to the parties, which may include a referral to an independent mediator.

Section 8. Ratification of this Constitution and these bylaws

This Constitution and these Bylaws shall be submitted to the membership for ratification at the first Annual Membership Convention of TCDSA to be held in September, 2016.

Addendum 1

List of counties in the Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Area, as defined by the US Office of Management and Budget

Minnesota counties (descending order of population)

  1. Hennepin
  2. Ramsey
  3. Dakota
  4. Anoka
  5. Washington
  6. Scott
  7. Wright
  8. Carver
  9. Sherburne
  10. Chisago
  11. Isanti
  12. LeSueur
  13. Mille Lacs
  14. Sibley

Wisconsin counties (descending order of population)

  1. St. Croix
  2. Pierce

Amendments Summary

2017-6-4 – Item 1, Section 4 revised, former language included below.

Notice of each meeting and a draft agenda shall be delivered, either by mail or electronically or both, to all members no more than seventeen (17) and no fewer than ten (10) days before the meeting. All members for whom a mailing address is available shall receive the mailed notice, and members who “opt in” for email will receive email notice. The Social Secretary is responsible for this notice, and also for posting notice on Social Media as described in Item V below.

APPROVED – Summer General Membership Meeting 2017

2017-6-5 – Bylaws change formally updated in digital version on-line.

2018-1-9: Updated to reflect amendments passed in Sept 2017 meeting; Item II sec 2 (gender requirements of Co-Chairs,) Item II sec 8 (removing Steering Committee forming nominations committee and proposing slate), Item V sec 1 (clarifying how branches are formed and their purpose).

2018-3-20: Updated to add sections defining Caucuses and striking “only endorse in partisan races” language.

2019-1-20: Updated to reflect amendments passed at January 2019 general meeting, including all amendments presented except for Amendment 11, 16, and 18, as per the meeting minutes.

2019-12-1: Updated to reflect amendment passed at November 2019 general meeting to Item III Section 6, constituting committees and subcommittees.

2019-12-1: Updated to reflect amendment passed at November 2019 general meeting, changing Item II Section 6 and adding Item III Section 7 to constitute the Political Education Committee.

2020-10-14: Updated to reflect amendment passed following September 2020 convention to add member reps on Steering Committee, changing item II section 2a, adding item II section 9, correcting numbering of item II sections 9-11, and changing Item III section 1a.

2020-12-13: Updated to reflect amendment passed at December 2020 general meeting to item II section 9, removing the geographic requirement in section 9d and changing "member representative" language to "member at large."

2021-09-21: Updated to reflect two amendments passed following September 2021 chapter convention. The term "inreach" is changed to "internal organizing" wherever it appears. Two-year Steering Committee terms are changed to thirteen months with one month of overlap between old and new Steering Committee members.

2022-09-30: Updated to reflect one amendment passed following September 2022 chapter convention. The long vacant officer position of "Operations Coordinator" is removed from the constitution and bylaws, as well as all references to the position or the "Operations Committee", with various duties reassigned to better reflect reality. "Member Data Coordinator", including duties and term of office, is added to the bylaws.

2024-01-28: Updated to reflect three amendments passed following September 2023 chapter convention. The term "cisgender male" is changed to "cisgender man" wherever it appears. Elections to the DSA national convention are updated to require a proportional voting method. The Arbitration or Mediation section is updated to require a grievance committee and describe the situations they will review.

2024-05-28: Updated after the Communications Coordinator bylaw amendment was approved in the April 2024 General Meeting to include the Communications Coordinator position outlined in Item II. Section 9.

2024-07-11: Updated Item I. Meetings of TCDSA – Section 6. Quorum and Item II. Officers of TCDSA – Section 10. Nominations and Voting which were also passed at the April 2024 General Meeting.