Section 1. Name.
Flint Hills, Kansas Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (hereafter “Flint Hills DSA” or “FHDSA” or “chapter”) is a local chapter of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America (hereafter “national organization” or “national DSA”).
Section 2. Territory.
The Chapter conducts activities in the Flint Hills region of Kansas, within the territory defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America. This includes those residing in one of the following Kansas counties: Clay, Dickinson, Geary, Marion, Marshall, Morris, Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, and Washington.
The Flint Hills, Kansas Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America seeks to facilitate the transition to a democratic socialist society where workers collectively own and democratically control the means of production, where economic decisions are made based on human need rather than private profit, and where all people have genuine equality of opportunity and security in meeting their basic needs.
This society will be characterized by workplace democracy, public ownership of key industries, comprehensive social provision of healthcare, education, housing, and transportation, ecological sustainability, and the elimination of oppression based on race, gender, sexuality, nationality, disability, class and other identities. International solidarity will replace imperialist competition, and participatory democracy will extend from workplaces to communities to all levels of government.
Section 1. Definition.
An individual who is a member in good standing as defined by the the national organization’s bylaws, who lives in, works in, or is otherwise able to attend meetings in the jurisdiction of FHDSA, as defined in Article I, Section 2, of this document, is not a member of any other chapter of DSA or an at-large member of DSA, who believes in and supports the mission and values of the chapter, shall be a member of the chapter.
Section 2. Application
An individual shall apply to be a member of the chapter following the procedure prescribed by the national organization’s bylaws. Members are in good standing provided that they pay dues as prescribed in the national organization’s bylaws.
Section 3. Authority.
Members are entitled to participate in any campaigns, committees, and groups organized within the FHDSA, except as otherwise set forth herein. Furthermore, any member in good standing may hold an elected or appointed position within FHDSA.
Section 4. Code of Conduct
Members of this Democratic Socialists of America chapter, commit to building a democratic socialist organization rooted in solidarity, collective struggle, and the goal of establishing a society free from capitalist exploitation, through the established points of unity.
4.1 Our Standards
4.1.1 Positive Behaviors. The following behaviors exemplify our values and advance our mission:
4.1.2 Unacceptable Behaviors. The following behaviors contradict our values and undermine our revolutionary potential:
4.2 Member Responsibilities
All members are expected to:
Section 5. Resignation.
An individual may resign from the Chapter to become an at-large member of DSA by written notice to the Chapter Engagement Coordinator and National DSA. A member may resign from DSA by notifying the national office of DSA. At-large members are those members who live outside of the bounds of a recognized DSA Chapter.
Section 6. Suspension and Expulsion
If a member’s conduct is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of the organization or in violation of the aforementioned code of conduct of the organization, they will be subject to disciplinary action by the Steering Committee that may include suspension and/or expulsion from FHDSA. Members facing suspension or expulsion must receive written notice of the charges against them and must be given the opportunity to be heard before the Steering Committee. For a member to be suspended or expelled from FHDSA, a two-thirds vote of the Steering Committee shall be necessary. Decisions on expulsion by the Steering Committee may be appealed first to the Chapter general body and then to the National Harassment Grievance Officer, which is authorized by the national organization’s Resolution 33, or to the National Convention, as defined by national DSA’s bylaws.
6.1 Harrassment
FHDSA follows the national organization’s Harassment Policy (Resolution 33) for all alleged discrimination and/or harassment claims and reporting. Please see Article XIII herein.
Section 7. Voluntary Donations.
As mandated by the national organization’s constitution and bylaws, the chapter may establish a chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or for holding chapter office. All donations collected by the chapter shall be retained by the chapter.
Section 8. Electronic Communications and Data Security.
Unless members indicate otherwise to the Steering Committee, all communication with members required in these bylaws, including meeting notices, may be sent electronically. Sensitive member data is stored and maintained on the online organizing platform, Action Network. The Steering Committee shall create and maintain policy and procedures for accessing and keeping member data secure.
Due to the significant risks to data security posed by Large Language Models (LLMs), and Generative AI (GenAI), in addition to the moral and ethical incongruences of this technology with socialist principles, FHDSA is to never intentionally employ their use in the creation or maintenance of data or media associated with the Chapter, and should take steps to mitigate its unintentional use.
Section 1. Definition,
Public meetings of the members shall be run according to the adopted parliamentary authority and other procedures approved by the members. A meeting of the members shall be defined as a general body meeting, informational meeting, special meeting, or local convention.
The general body shall convene in a meeting of the members at a regularly scheduled time and place set by the Steering Committee, unless determined otherwise by the members. For the purposes of this section, “place” may include exclusively online meetings.
It shall be the responsibility of the Steering Committee to ensure that all meetings are offered in a hybrid format and adhere to accessibility standards outlined herein.
Section 2. General Body Meetings
In the absence of a local convention, the members present and assembled at a general body meeting represent the general body membership and are the highest decision-making authority in the chapter. The general body membership shall allow for the democratic introduction of proposals through a resolution process. Resolutions can be introduced by any member at a general body meeting (see article IV, section 2.2 titled “Resolution Process”).
2.1 Quorum
A quorum of 5 percent of the local membership is required for a general body meeting to transact business. If applicable, votes cast electronically shall count towards attaining quorum of the business to which it pertains.
2.2 Resolution Process
Resolutions may be adopted by the general body at any scheduled general body meeting. Resolutions shall require a number, a rationale, a statement of purpose in the form of “whereas” clauses, the action(s) to be taken by the chapter in the form of “be it resolved” clauses, and at least three sponsors. (See [TEMPLATE] Resolution).
2.2.1 Resolution Numbering
Resolutions will be numbered with the last two digits of the current fiscal year, which begins in July of each calendar year, plus a two digit number representing the resolution’s proposal sequence, starting with 01 each new fiscal year.
2.2.2 Resolution Drafting
Resolutions can be drafted by members at any time. Members will use the [TEMPLATE] Resolution document, making a copy of it and saving it in the Proposals folder. The title of the document should be as such: Resolution No. YY-## (e.g., Resolution No. 26-01). Each resolution must have three sponsors (i.e., proponents) before it can be proposed to the general body.
2.2.3 Resolution Proposal - First Reading
The purpose of the resolution proposal and first reading is to present the resolution to the membership. Resolution proposals should be added to the new business section of the Chapter General Body Meeting agenda before the last Thursday of each month. Any resolution proposal not on the agenda will be heard after discussion of those items that were added to the agenda by the deadline, if time permits. Proponents of the resolution will read their resolution proposal and any supporting documents. After which, the general body and Steering Committee may comment and ask questions.
2.2.4 Move to Adopt or Amend
After adequate time for questions and discussion, any member, except for the proponents of the resolution may make a motion to adopt the resolution as was presented or to amend the resolution and/or any supporting documents. If a move is made to adopt and fails, a move can still be made to amend the resolution if it is during the proposal - first reading.
2.2.5 Amendment Period
If a motion to amend is made during a proposal, the resolution and/or supporting documents will be open for comment, suggested amendments, and debate in the appropriate Google Docs location, utilizing Google Drive’s “suggesting” function and comments. The amendment period will last for a total of two weeks where the Steering Committee will consider the amendments to the proposal and add their own comments for a period of one week. One week before the next Chapter General Body Meeting, the resolution will be sent to the sponsors for editing and final presentation.
2.2.6 Final Presentation - Second Reading
Resolution proposals that are ready for their second reading will appear on the Open Issues section of the agenda. Proponents of the resolution will read their resolution proposal and any supporting documents. After which, the general body and Steering Committee may comment and ask additional questions. Significant debate should be limited as adequate time was given to all members to take part in the amendment process.
2.2.7 Move to Adopt
After adequate time for questions and discussion, any member, except for the proponents of the resolution may make a motion to adopt the resolution as amended. Adoption of a resolution requires a majority vote, or two-thirds vote when it comes to resolutions related to chapter governance. After a resolution has been read for a second time, there can be no motions to amend. If a vote to adopt fails, a new resolution proposal will have to be made with a new resolution document number.
2.3 Discussion, Speaking, and Voting
Any individual in attendance at a chapter general body meeting may participate in the democratic process of speaking and providing in-person commentary on any business that is being discussed. Only members may vote and provide electronic feedback to resolutions and other chapter business.
2.4 Electronic Participation and Voting
All chapter general body meetings will allow attendance through electronic means (i.e., through Discord, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). Members who are eligible to vote and attend a meeting electronically will be informed of the voting processes during the meeting.
2.5. Agendas
Agendas for the next chapter general body meeting become available for members to propose announcements, working group updates, or new items of business for a duration of ten (10) days until the monthly Steering Committee meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month. The Steering Committee will finalize the agenda and it will be made available to the public the first Tuesday of each month. Submissions to add to the agenda once it is finalized will be at the discretion of the Steering Committee.
2.6 Minutes
Meeting minutes for chapter general body meetings will be made available to members the Tuesday following a chapter general body meeting. Members will have ten (10) days to comment on, suggest edits to, or ask questions about items within the minutes. The Steering Committee will make the suggested edits, respond to comments, and answer questions at the Steering Committee meeting the fourth Thursday of each month. The minutes will be finalized for the general body to vote to approve them at the following chapter general body meeting.
Section 3. Informational Meetings
The Steering Committee may set chapterwide informational meetings at which voting business will not be conducted and policies will not be set. For the purposes of these bylaws, chapterwide informational meetings should not be considered general body meetings. Informational meetings can serve as a first read for the resolutions process.
Section 4. Special Meetings
By majority vote of the Steering Committee or a petition by 5 percent of the membership submitted to the secretariat, the chapter may call a special meeting on at least seven days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation. No matters other than those listed in the meeting notice may be brought to or raised from the floor at a special meeting. Voting may be conducted at a special meeting on those matters listed in the meeting notice.
Section 5. Urgent Matters
Urgent matters that would regularly require a general body meeting vote may be voted on by the Steering Committee and, if adopted, be put to a ratification vote by a majority or two-thirds vote as the bylaws require at the next voting meeting. This section will not apply to electoral endorsements.
Section 6. Chapter Convention.
FHDSA shall hold a chapter convention each calendar year in July to accept reports, consider questions of chapter business, elect chapter officers and may adopt an annual budget.
If the Chapter Convention elects to consider special standing rules, the question of their adoption will be the first order of business and upon adoption will apply to that convention only.
The Chapter Convention may coincide with a General Meeting.
Section 1. Rules of Order.
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern FHDSA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order that FHDSA may adopt. The parliamentary authority of FHDSA shall be adopted by the Steering Committee and the general body.
Section 1. Officers and Terms.
The officers of the Chapter shall consist of two Chapter Co-Chairs, and up to two individuals to serve as Administrative Coordinators, Finance Coordinators, and Engagement Coordinators.. Each officer must be a member of the Chapter and be current in their dues at the time of election and throughout the duration of their term. The term of office shall be one year or until their successors are elected. No member shall hold more than one office at any given time.
Section 2. Elections.
Elections for officers shall be held at the Chapter Convention unless otherwise stated in these bylaws. The Steering Committee shall open nominations no less than thirty (30) days prior to the election and call for nominations to the membership. Uncontested elections may be decided by acclamation without objection, otherwise elections will be determined by single transferable vote. Elections shall be governed by any rules and procedures under Article V Section 1.
Section 3. Chapter Co-Chairs.
The Chapter Co-Chairs shall be the Chief Executive Officers of the Chapter. They shall preside over Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings or shall appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
The Co-Chairs shall be the official public spokespersons for the Chapter and shall initiate such actions and policies as the Chapter’s general welfare may demand. The Co-Chairs act as ambassadors when conducting business with other organizations outside of the DSA. They are to serve as the points of contact for the media in “on-the-fly” situations such as demonstrations. The Co-Chairs shall be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Chapter’s working groups, Committees, and other formations. The Co-Chairs shall report to Chapter Meetings on the business of the Steering Committee.
Section 4. Administrative Coordinator.
The Administrative Coordinator shall be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Chapter and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Chapter. They shall ensure effective communication with National DSA as well as with other DSA chapters across the country and region. They shall temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair, if neither Co-Chair is able to do so. Candidates for the Administrative Coordinator position shall be a member in good standing of the Chapter for more than three months, and shall have attended at least two general meetings.
The Administrative Coordinator shall be responsible for preparing meeting agendas and taking minutes of all Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports, and other official records of the Chapter. The Administrative Coordinator is also responsible for ensuring a fair, transparent, and orderly voting process in accordance with voting as established in the herein and DSA National Constitution. They are also responsible for ensuring timely notification of the results to all members.
The Administrative Coordinator shall transfer official records, such as meeting minutes and membership lists, in good condition to their successor. The Administrative Coordinatoris responsible for storing and ensuring members’ access to the latest versions of these bylaws, meeting minutes, agendas, resolutions, standing rules, and all other materials in the interest of the membership.
The Administrative Coordinator is responsible for the maintenance of the chapter’s website and digital infrastructure. They shall maintain a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) related to digital infrastructure and the website which outlines these subjects in technical detail. The SOP should be written such that any new member who qualifies as Administrative Coordinator can pick it up and have it function without disruptions. The Administrative Coordinator may nominate any member of the Chapter to serve as on an Administrative Committee to help support with administrative tasks and projects, subject to confirmation by the Steering Committee.
Additionally, the Administrative Coordinator will support the Engagement Coordinator with marketing and communications and other functions as they relate to the chapter’s social media accounts, including, but not limited to, maintaining the security of each account and regularly updating passwords and other security measures, such as two-factor authentication when necessary.
Section 5. Finance Coordinator.
The Finance Coordinator shall be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Chapter. All funds collected by the Chapter shall be turned over to the Finance Coordinator, who will hold these funds in a secure place until it is possible to deposit the funds in a credit union or bank account under the name of the Chapter.
The Finance Coordinator shall make every reasonable attempt to maintain an account and do business with a financial institution which does not engage in conduct contrary to our values as a chapter.
The Finance Coordinator shall prepare budgets and financial reports for consideration at Chapter Meetings and as requested by the Steering Committee, and ensure the Chapter’s regulatory compliance. In cooperation with the EngagementCoordinator, the Finance Coordinator shall be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are current. Any budgets and financial reports shall be available to members who are in good standing on a basis of a request. These Reports shall be in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP).
The Finance Coordinator shall create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for carrying out their duties and for maintaining healthy Chapter finances. The Finance Coordinator shall design the SOP with the ability to facilitate an orderly transition during elections. The Finance Coordinator shall transfer to their successor the documented policies and procedures, financial records and reports, and access to financial accounts securely.
The Finance Coordinator is also responsible for safeguarding the general ledger. The general ledger shall be treated as a sensitive document that will only be distributed on a need-to-know basis. Under no circumstances is the Finance Coordinator to disclose such a document to anyone outside the organization without the prior consent of the Steering Committee.
Section 6. Engagement Coordinator.
The Engagement Coordinator shall be responsible for the overall health and growth of the Chapter Membership by coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of the Chapter. The Engagement Coordinator shall oversee initiatives concerning membership growth, retention, engagement, participation, and leadership development.
The Engagement Coordinator shall organize their activities to be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive to marginalized groups. Special attention shall be devoted to the recruitment of members from marginalized groups.
The Engagement Coordinator shall have access to the membership rosters of the Chapter for the purpose of creating metrics, analyzing data, and developing plans to assist in the growth of our organization. Such metrics, analyses and plans will be outlined in the SOP.
The Engagement Coordinator shall be responsible for drafting an overall Social Media Program for the purpose of , as well as developing a Social Media SOP. This SOP will document both general social media best practices, as well as best practices specific to each platform.
Section 7. Additional Duties and Actions Out of Order.
The Chapter Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these bylaws.
Any action taken by an officer in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 8. Resignation.
Any officer of the Chapter may electronically or physically submit their resignation to either the Steering Committee or during a Chapter Meeting. Upon resignation, the Steering Committee shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term either by scheduling an election no less than thirty (30) days away from a General Meeting or by appointment via simple majority vote of the Steering Committee.
Section 9. Suspension.
Any officer of the Chapter may be temporarily suspended for thirty (30) days at a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article III Section 6. Any member may motion to recall and shall state with particularity the acts of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, or undemocratic or uncomradely behavior comprising the grounds for removal and must be seconded. The Chapter Meeting may adopt such a motion by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.
Section 10. Recall.
Any officer of the Chapter may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer.
In order to recall or remove an officer, a member in good standing must formally refer a request to the Steering Committee to remove said officer, which will set a date of a Chapter Meeting for deliberations on the accused officer’s removal. The officer in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before the meeting takes place. The accused officer will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting. Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Chapter Meeting.
An officer may be recalled by vote of the Steering Committee only under narrow circumstances for failure to do their duty. If an officer misses three consecutive Steering Committee meetings without excuse and fails to respond to attempts by Steering Committee members to communicate, that officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Steering Committee. This action must be reported at the next Chapter Meeting, at which time members in good standing may overturn the vote.
Section 1. Composition.
The Steering Committee shall be composed of the officers of the Chapter.
Section 2. Duties.
The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of Chapter Meetings; it may also propose policy to Chapter Meetings. It shall have the power to receive reports of any Committee, or formally created Working Group, and advise thereon, to call Special Meetings of the Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of the Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative bodies, the Chapter Convention and General Meetings.
The Steering Committee shall be responsible for establishing program activities for the Chapter, for proposing guidelines and policies that shall subsequently be voted on by members in good standing, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Chapter meetings.
The Steering Committee is responsible for ensuring that the following responsibilities are assigned to Steering Committee members or other individuals: communications, internal and external; development of any standing rules; maintenance of social media platforms; maintenance and development of the chapter website; political education of the membership base; and preparation of an annual report to be presented to the membership at the beginning of the new fiscal year or at the Chapter Convention.
Section 3. Meetings.
The meetings of the Steering Committee shall be held on on the same day and time each month. Meeting days, locations, and times can be changed by a ⅔ vote of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee shall give notice of its meeting schedule to Chapter members. Meeting minutes shall be recorded and accessible to the membership.
Steering Committee Meetings may be held electronically by any means acceptable to all the members of the Steering Committee.
Any member in good standing of the Chapter may observe Steering Committee Meetings. The Steering Committee shall allow for a question and answer period and a comment period if capacity permits.
The Steering Committee may go into executive session by simple majority vote in order to discuss any sensitive matters. The Steering Committee will not use this power to purposefully circumvent democratic oversight by the membership.
Section 4. Quorum.
A quorum of a simple majority, including at least three (3) of the officers, is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business.
Section 5. Rules.
Each office of the Steering Committee shall be responsible for maintaining a series of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their respective committees. The purpose of a SOP is to lay out the day-to-day functions of each role, the work flows and processes to accomplish the tasks, important due dates, helpful resources, the reasoning behind the processes, etc. Each Steering Committee member may add additional information to their SOP if they feel it necessary. The purpose of writing such SOPs is to ensure the transmission of knowledge, to preserve institutional memory, and to function as a template which other chapters may freely utilize for their own operations.
Any action taken by the Steering Committee in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 6. Voting.
The Steering Committee may make decisions on business by vote of a simple majority of the committee at a Steering Committee Meeting or through other means unanimously approved by all Steering Committee members at a Steering Committee Meeting. Any vote that occurs between Steering Committee Meetings shall be reported at the next meeting.
Section 7. Board of Directors.
For the purposes of meeting the requirements of local and state incorporation laws, the Chapter shall have a “Board of Directors” consisting of members of the Steering Committee assigned for the purpose as logical and required by law.
Section 1. Definition.
A Branch is a subgroup chartered by the Chapter consisting of at least five (5) members in good standing for the purpose of expanding the reach and accessibility of the Chapter. Branches shall be defined by geography, identity, language, belonging to a particular institution, or sharing a common interest.
Section 2. Creation.
A charter application must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter who would be members of the Branch, and submitted according to the same procedure as defined in Article XV of these bylaws.
A charter application must define the purpose of the Branch, the nature of its leadership, the scope and nature of its membership, and how the Branch makes decisions. Membership by geography shall not overlap with another Branch defined by geography. The Chapter Meeting may approve a charter application under this article by a simple majority vote.
A charter application may include an amendment to these bylaws for the purpose of Branch representation on the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meeting may approve this proposed amendment by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.
Section 3. Dissolution.
A motion to dissolve a Branch must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted according to the same procedure as defined in Article XV of these bylaws. The Chapter Meeting may dissolve a Branch under this article by a simple majority vote.
A motion to dissolve a Branch may include an amendment to these bylaws for the purpose of removing Branch representation on the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meeting may approve a motion to dissolve a Branch with a bylaws amendment under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.
Section 1. Definition.
Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapters within the geographic area defined by a DSA Chapter may affiliate as a Branch of that Chapter, in which case the local YDSA chapter may send a representative to the Chapter Steering Committee.
Section 2. YDSA Liaison.
Each official YDSA Chapter that exists in the Chapter’s territory may nominate one (1) YDSA Liaison that shall coordinate organizing, recruitment, and other efforts with the Flint Hills Chapter.
Section 1. Definition.
A committee is a group of Chapter members tasked with specific functions and authority related to the work and administration of the Chapter.
Section 2. Creation.
A committee may be established by a Chapter Meeting by a simple majority vote. The Steering Committee may also establish a committee solely for purposes of carrying out responsibilities already assigned to the Steering Committee in these bylaws. The motion to establish a committee must define the purpose of the committee, the nature of its leadership, the nature of its membership, how the committee makes decisions, a deadline for either its dissolution or renewal, and any Chapter resources it may need. The committee may be subject to additional rules of the Chapter.
Section 3. Dissolution.
Any committee created under this article may be dissolved by a Chapter Meeting at any time by a simple majority vote. If a committee was established by the Steering Committee, that committee may be dissolved by the Steering Committee at any time by a simple majority vote.
Section 1. Definition.
Other formations may exist within the Chapter when they do not need to represent the will of the membership, but otherwise offer a beneficial purpose. Such formations shall have no authority on behalf of the Chapter beyond the authority provided to Chapter members individually. Such formations may be subject to additional rules of the Chapter.
Section 2. Formal Creation.
Such formations may be recognized or established by decision of the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting for the purpose of utilizing Chapter resources not otherwise offered to Chapter members, including funds and communication resources.
Section 3. Formal Dissolution.
The recognition or establishment of such formations may be revoked by simple majority vote of the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting at any time.
Section 1. Eligibility to Vote on Delegates.
Members in good standing of the Chapter shall elect Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention, as well as to any regional or state organizations.
Section 2. Schedule of Elections to National, Regional, or State Organizations.
Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by National DSA. Elections to regional or state organizations will be held on the schedule announced by those organizations.
Section 3. Method of Voting.
Following Article V, Section 5 of National DSA’s Constitution, delegates to the National Convention must be elected by secret ballot. And, “No election for delegates to the National Convention shall be held more than four months, or less than forty-five days, prior to the opening of the National Convention. No election for delegates shall be conducted before the apportionment of delegates.”
Following Article VI, Section 3, of National DSA’s Bylaws, Chapters “may determine their own method of election of delegates to the Convention except that a petition from 10% of a Chapter’s membership or a motion supported by 15% of those present and voting at the Chapter meeting which determines the method of election will require the use of the Hare system in that election of delegates to the National Convention.”
Flint Hills DSA will use the same method of voting outlined in Article V, Section 2 of this document for determination of delegates to the Convention, unless such methods violate the DSA National Bylaws or Constitution. In the event of a conflict, Flint Hills DSA will abide by the higher body’s decision.
The Chapter will follow the Harassment Policy of National DSA.
Flint Hills DSA will not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Kansas. Nor will the Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.
Proposed amendments to these bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by either five (5) members or ten (10) percent of the membership–whichever is greater–in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The Chapter Meeting may adopt amendments to these bylaws proposed under this article by majority vote.
No amendment to these bylaws may be in conflict with the National DSA Constitution and Bylaws. The Chapter will provide the amended bylaws to the DSA national office.
A proposal to dissolve the Chapter must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least thirty e (30) days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of this resolution. The Chapter Meeting may adopt a resolution to dissolve the Chapter under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.
Upon dissolution of the Chapter, any residual assets shall become property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.