Drafted and voted on by members, our bylaws are our basic rules for conducting chapter affairs. They provide the structure and processes for organizing democratically and are legally binding rules by which the chapter is governed.
The name of the Chapter will be the Eugene-Springfield Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) (“DSA EUG,” “Eugene-Springfield Democratic Socialists of America,” “DSA Eugene-Springfield,” “Local Chapter”), an Oregon 501(c)4 Nonprofit Corporation and chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (“DSA”).
DSA Eugene-Springfield seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means/resources of production are democratically and socially controlled.
We reject an economic order based solely on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.
We envision a humane social order based on popular control of resources, production, and economic planning, equitable distribution, gender and racial equality, and non-oppressive relationships.
Our conception of socialism is a profoundly democratic one. It is rooted in the belief that human beings should be free to develop to their fullest potential, that public policies should be determined not by wealth but by popular participation, and that individual liberties should be carefully safeguarded. It is committed to a freedom of speech that does not recoil from dissent, to a freedom to organize independent trade unions, women’s groups, political parties, and other formations — recognizing these as essential bulwarks against the dangers of an intrusive state. It is committed to a freedom of religion that acknowledges the rights of those for whom spiritual concerns are central.
We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision. In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the broad democratic Left. In the long run, we hope to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States. Our strategy acknowledges the class structure of the U.S. society. This class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population.
Members of DSA Eugene-Springfield will be those individuals whose dues to national DSA are paid in full, who reside and/or work in the cities of Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding areas where not otherwise affiliated directly with DSA. Individuals may not be members of DSA Eugene-Springfield without being members of national DSA. It will be the responsibility of members to approve policies and guidelines for the operation of DSA Eugene-Springfield to elect delegates to the DSA 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.
If a member in good standing is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of national DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, or in violation of the DSA Eugene-Springfield Grievance Policy, or if they are found to be under the discipline of any democratic centralist organization, DSA Eugene-Springfield may vote to expel them from DSA Eugene-Springfield. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member must formally submit written charges against the member in question to the DSA Eugene-Springfield Steering Committee, which will set the date of a Steering Committee meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds vote of the Steering Committee. An expelled member in good standing may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA.
As mandated by the national Constitution and Bylaws, the Local Chapter may establish a Local Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a Local Chapter donation may not be a requirement for voting or for holding a Local Chapter office.
DSA Eugene-Springfield adheres to a strict policy of protecting the privacy of each member’s personal and contact information.
A Branch is a subgroup of the Local Chapter consisting of members who live and/or are engaging in activism or other DSA activities in a particular area within the coverage of DSA Eugene-Springfield.
Chapter members are considered to be members of the Branch in which they live for the purpose of counting branch membership or serving as Branch Representative. However, there is no restriction on members of other Branches attending or participating in the activities of any other DSA Eugene-Springfield Branch, or serving in any other Branch’s Working Groups or other organizing efforts.
A Branch may be chartered by majority vote of the Steering Committee upon petition of at least twenty (20) members residing within a defined territory, belonging to a particular institution, or sharing a common interest. Substantively similar Branches may be merged by the Steering Committee rather than granted separate representation. A Branch may be dissolved by the Steering Committee if the Steering Committee determines the Branch is defunct, for failure to conduct its internal affairs according to the Branch’s or DSA Eugene-Springfield bylaws, or if it has been promoting policies contrary to those of DSA Eugene-Springfield or national Democratic Socialists of America.
A Branch must elect one (1) Branch Representative to the Chapter Steering Committee. Branch Representatives are required to represent their Branches at Chapter Steering Committee meetings. Branch Representative elections will coincide with Chapter Officer elections, and members in good standing considered to belong to a given Branch (see Article IV Section 2) may vote in the Branch Representative election for their branch.
The Officers of the Local Chapter will be Co-Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer. The term of office will be one (1) year, and will run from February through January or until their successors are elected. The Officers may not all be of the same gender, and no more than half of the Officers may come from the same branch. For information on elections, see Article IX. Elections and Nominations.
In the event of a vacancy in any Local Chapter office, the Local Chapter Steering Committee will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term or until a special election can be held.
Two (2) Co-Chairs will be the chief executive officers of the Local Chapter. They will plan and facilitate Local Chapter and Steering Committee meetings or will appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding Officer as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised 12th Edition.
The Co-Chairs will be the official public spokespersons for the Local Chapter and will initiate such actions and policies as the Local Chapter’s general welfare may demand.
The Co-Chairs will be responsible also for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Local Chapter’s Branches, Working Groups, and Committees.
The Co-Chairs will report to Local Chapter Regular Meetings on the business of the Steering Committee Meetings, at which time a copy of the minutes of those meetings will be available for inspection.
The Co-Chairs will be the primary contact for communication to and from DSA’s national office, including participation in regular stakeholder calls. The Co-Chairs are also responsible for dissemination of announcements from DSA’s national office and National Political Committee.
No Co-Chair can simultaneously hold a position as a Branch Representative.
The Secretary will be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Local Chapter and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Local Chapter. They will ensure effective communication with national DSA. They will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair, if neither Co-Chair is able to do so.
The Secretary will be responsible also for the taking of minutes of all Local Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings, and will have custody of these minutes and the resolutions, reports and other official records of the Local Chapter. They will transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Official records will include meeting minutes, member lists, and voting/election results.
The Secretary will work with Branch Representatives to collect Branch records and ensure that those records are successfully integrated into the Local Chapter records.
The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Local Chapter. All funds collected by the Local Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer, who will deposit them in a bank account under the name of the Local Chapter.
The Treasurer will be responsible for reimbursing members for approved expenses on behalf of the Chapter, as well as advising members on what is and is not eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursements are subject to review and a Branch or Chapter Steering Committee vote prior to payout.
In cooperation with the Secretary, the Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are paid up-to-date.
At least once a year, the treasurer will prepare the annual Local Chapter budget and deliver the Local Chapter financial report to the General Meeting of the Local Chapter. The Treasurer is also responsible for giving periodic progress reports as requested by the Steering Committee of the Local Chapter.
The Local Chapter Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an Officer of the Local Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws.
The Local Chapter Steering Committee will be composed of the four (4) Officers of the Local Chapter, three (3) Branch Representatives, and up to three (3) At-Large Steering Committee members. All Steering Committee members must be members in good standing of national DSA for the duration of their term.
The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Local Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the General Meetings; it may also propose policy to the General Meetings. It will have the power to receive reports of any Committee or Branch, and advise thereon, to call Emergency Meetings of the Local Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the executive body of the Local Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative body, the General Meeting.
The Chapter Steering Committee will be responsible for establishing and coordinating program activities for the Local Chapter, including but not limited to political education and outreach, socials, organizer training, coalition building, and helping members start new projects and campaigns. The committee is also responsible for proposing guidelines and policies that will subsequently be voted on by members in good standing of DSA, for enacting policies and enforcing guidelines passed by membership, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Local Chapter meetings.
The meetings of the Steering Committee will be held at the call of one (1) of the Co-Chairs at such intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with any three (3) members of the Steering Committee. All members of the Steering Committee must (ordinarily) be given four (4) days oral, written, or electronic notice of regular Steering Committee Meetings; a 24-hour notice may be given under special emergency circumstances.
A quorum of a simple majority, including at least two (2) of the four (4) officers, is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business.
Branch Representatives are elected by each of the constituent Branches of the Chapter. Each Branch is allotted one (1) Branch Representative. Branch Representatives must be members in good standing of national DSA for the duration of their term.
Branch Representatives are required to represent their branches at steering committee meetings. They are also expected to inform their branches (and/or branch steering committees) of chapter decisions and developments.
Branch Representative elections are to be held annually. In the event that a branch representative resigns, a replacement will be appointed by the Branch Steering Committee until new elections can be held.
The Chapter Steering Committee may elect to add up to three (3) additional Steering Committee positions, so long as their assignments and duties do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws. They may also dissolve such positions, as needed. General membership must vote by majority to elect each of these new Steering Committee members. These Steering Committee members can be recalled in the way that officers can.
The Local Chapter will hold a minimum of one (1) General Meeting annually for purposes of electing Officers. All members of the Local Chapter will be sent notice of, and an agenda for, the General Meeting. Notice may be sent by electronic means. The General Meeting will elect Local Chapter Officers and may adopt an annual budget. In general, it is the highest legislative body of the Local Chapter. The General Meeting may coincide with a Regular Meeting.
The Local Chapter Steering Committee may call an Emergency Meeting of the Local Chapter on 48 hours notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.
A quorum of five (5) percent of the members (but not fewer than six (6) persons) is required for Chapter Meetings to transact business. In cases where quorum cannot be met with members present, a vote may be called after the meeting and put before membership on a secure online platform. Members may also move to hold any vote over a secure online platform by a simple majority of members present.
Any members in good standing may bring resolutions before the Chapter General Meeting to be voted on by membership. In order to submit a resolution to be considered at a General Meeting, a resolution must be first endorsed by: a Working Group or Committee, by the vote of a Branch General Meeting, or by at least three (3) chapter members in good standing. The resolution must then be submitted to the Steering Committee at least two (2) weeks before a Chapter General Meeting in order to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Resolutions submitted after that date will be considered at the following General Meeting.
The Steering Committee may reject submitted resolutions by majority vote if: the resolution contradicts or is prohibited by the chapter’s Bylaws or by the national organization, or if it is the Steering Committee’s opinion that the resolution is somehow incomplete, unactionable, unenforceable, or otherwise impossible to enact. The Steering Committee must provide their reasoning for any rejected resolutions, and may provide suggested amendments to a resolution’s author if they feel that a resolution would be acceptable with certain changes. The Steering Committee will announce the agenda for the General Meeting, including those resolutions to be included, at least one (1) week before the meeting.
Resolutions are passed by a majority vote of the General Meeting. If quorum cannot be met at the General Meeting where the resolution is presented, an online vote of members in good standing may be held.
A committee is a group within the Local Chapter that is tasked with carrying out an internal function for the chapter. There are two types of committee that the Chapter recognizes: Ad Hoc Committees and Standing Committees.
Ad Hoc Committees exist for a limited and explicit duration. Ad Hoc Committees may be established by a vote by General Membership at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter or by vote of the Steering Committee. An explicit and limited set of goals for the Ad Hoc Committee whose fulfillment would abolish the committee must be presented at the meeting and must also be made available to the membership upon request. Ad Hoc Committees may be dissolved at any time by a majority vote of either the Steering Committee or by General Membership at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter.
Standing Committees are not limited to an explicit duration. Standing Committees may be established by a vote by General Membership at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter. A Standing Committee is created by a Resolution passed by the General Meeting that contains a charter that details the purpose of the committee, the powers granted to the committee, and the internal structure and functioning of the committee. Standing Committee charters may be amended by a vote of a General Meeting of the Local Chapter. A Standing Committee that has not met for at least three (3) months will be considered defunct. If a Standing Committee is found to be defunct, the Steering Committee will schedule a vote for dissolution of the defunct Standing Committee at the next available Chapter Meeting and notify General Membership.
If the Steering Committee finds that a Standing Committee has failed to conduct its internal affairs according to DSA Eugene-Springfield bylaws or to have acted in violation of formally adopted resolutions or policies of DSA Eugene-Springfield, the Steering Committee may vote to suspend all officially sanctioned meetings, operations, and/or business of the Standing Committee until the next General Meeting of the Local Chapter, at which point General Membership will vote on the question of dissolving the Standing Committee.
A Working Group is a subgroup of the Local Chapter that does external organizing.
The Chapter Secretary will keep a regularly-updated list of recognized Working Groups.
Chapter members are considered to be Working Group Members if they have attended at least one (1) meeting of the Working Group and have registered their desire to become a member with the Working Group Secretary. Working Group Members are responsible for executing their respective body’s strategy in fulfillment of its objectives. A Working Group Member who has been absent for three (3) consecutive regularly-scheduled Working Group meetings and has not notified the Working Group Secretary ahead of time of the absences in question will cease to be considered a Working Group Member. A former Working Group Member who has ceased being considered a Working Group Member due to absences can regain Working Group Member status by attending a Working Group meeting and registering their desire to become a member with the Working Group Secretary. Only Working Group Members may vote during Working Group meetings or run for positions within the Working Group. A quorum of four (4) Working Group Members is required for Working Group meetings to conduct business.
General Membership is empowered to create and dissolve working groups by voting to do so at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter. Members interested in starting a Working Group shall submit a proposal to the Steering Committee detailing the scope and goals of the proposed Working Group along with the names of at least eight members who commit to regular participation in the proposed Working Group. If the Steering Committee determines the proposal is actionable, the Steering Committee will schedule for the proposal to be voted on by General Membership at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter. A Working Group that has not met with quorum for at least three months will be considered defunct. If a Working Group is found to be defunct, the Steering Committee will schedule a vote for dissolution of the defunct Working Group at the next available Chapter Meeting and notify General Membership. If the Steering Committee finds that a Working Group has failed to conduct its internal affairs according to DSA Eugene-Springfield bylaws or to have acted in violation of formally adopted resolutions or policies of DSA Eugene-Springfield, the Steering Committee may vote to suspend the meetings, operations, and business of the Working Group until the next General Meeting of the Local Chapter, at which point General Membership will vote on the question of dissolving the Working Group.
The leadership of each DSA Eugene-Springfield Working Group will consist of at least one and at most two (2) Working Group Chairs and at least one at most two Working Group Secretaries. Working Group Leadership terms will be set for six (6) months, but there are no limits on the number of terms a member may serve in Working Group Leadership. Working Group Leadership members must be members in good standing of national DSA for the duration of their term.
Working Group Chairs will preside over Working Group meetings and coordinate the day-to-day operations and work of the Working Group. Working Group Chairs will also act as liaisons to the Steering Committee. Working Group Chairs are empowered to liaise with external organizations on behalf of the Local Chapter, but they must get approval from Steering Committee to officially act in coalition with another organization for an event or get approval from general membership to officially act in coalition with another organization for a campaign lasting longer than thirty (30) days.
Working Group Chairs will collaborate with their Working Group Secretaries to ensure the timely dissemination of meeting announcements, agendas, and minutes to membership.
Working Group Secretaries will maintain an up-to-date list of Working Group Members. They may temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Working Group Chair if the Chair or Chairs are not available. Working Group Secretaries will work with Working Group Chairs to ensure agendas are made and distributed prior to Working Group Meetings and adequate minutes are taken during all Working Group Meetings. Working Group Secretaries will be responsible for updating the agenda and the minutes of all Working Group meetings, and shall have custody of these minutes, resolutions, reports, and other official records of the Working Group. Working Group Secretaries may delegate the tasks of writing meeting minutes and agendas, but ultimate responsibility for these tasks being completed is held by the Working Group Secretary. They shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Official records will include meeting minutes, member lists, and voting/election results. Working Group Secretaries will coordinate with the Chapter Secretary to ensure that Working Group records are successfully integrated into the Local Chapter records. Working Group Secretaries will be responsible for making all official Working Group documents available for viewing upon request by any Chapter member.
A Section is a group of members that associate due to a shared identity. The Chapter Secretary will keep a regularly-updated list of recognized Sections and ensure the Website is up-to-date with them. A Section is created when a group of three or more members notifies the Steering Committee of their intent to create the Section based on shared identity. Members of the Section will designate at least one (1) Section Contact and create a charter for the Section that include qualifications for membership in the Section. The Section Contact will be responsible for communicating with the Steering Committee about the activities and business of the Section.
Sections may be dissolved by a vote by General Membership at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter if the General Membership finds the Section to be defunct, to have failed to conduct its internal affairs according to DSA Eugene-Springfield bylaws, or to have acted in violation of formally adopted resolutions or policies of DSA Eugene-Springfield.
An Association is a group of members that associate due to a shared interest. The Chapter Secretary will keep a regularly-updated list of recognized Associations and ensure the website is up-to-date with them. An Association is created when a group of three (3) or more members notifies the Steering Committee of their intent to create the Association. Members of the Association will designate at least one Association Contact. The Association Contact will be responsible for communicating with the Steering Committee about the activities and business of the Association, as well as with the Growth, Development, and Outreach Committee. Associations may be dissolved by a vote of the Steering Committee or a vote by General Membership at a General Meeting of the Local Chapter if either body finds the Association to be defunct, to have failed to conduct its internal affairs according to DSA Eugene-Springfield bylaws, or to have acted in violation of formally adopted resolutions or policies of DSA Eugene-Springfield.
Elections for Local Officers shall be held at least once yearly. Local Officers are to be elected by a vote of the Local membership using a Single Transferable Vote method. A three (3)-person Nominations Committee will be established at least one (1) month prior to every Local Officer election by a vote of the Steering Committee.
It will solicit and receive nominations for the positions to be elected.
Elections shall be held by each of the Chapter’s constituent Branches once yearly. Branch Representatives are to be elected by a vote of their Branch memberships using a Single Transferable Vote method. A Nominations Committee will be established at least one (1) month prior to every Branch Representative election by a vote of the Steering Committee. It will solicit and receive nominations for the positions to be elected.
In the event of a vacancy, whether due to recall or resignation, the Chapter Steering Committee must appoint a temporary replacement until a special election can be held. If the vacancy occurs after the first six (6) months of the term, or if there are no candidates that ran during the previous election for the vacant seat, the Chapter Steering Committee may appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term.
Voting for local and branch positions may be conducted online. Nominations committees are responsible for ensuring that voting platforms are secure and clearly explained to membership. The vote must be publicized through email and other branch or chapter-wide communication channels. For Chapter elections, the vote must be open for at least fourteen (14) days. For Branch elections, the vote must be open for at least seven (7) days.
As Officers of the Local exist to serve the Local, any elected Officer may also be recalled by the Local. A recall vote may be triggered by a petition signed by a number of members equal to or greater than two thirds of the total number of votes cast during the previous Branch or Local election. Once triggered, a Nominations Committee shall be established in accordance with Sections 1-2 to hold a forum on the recall, followed by a Local- or Branch-wide election, where a supermajority of two-thirds of voters shall be required to recall the Officer.
In the case of malfeasance or nonfeasance, Branch or Local Steering Committees may call a vote to remove an Officer, with a two-thirds majority vote at a chapter general meeting or the emergency voting process required to execute the removal. Officers may not vote in the matter of their own recall. The rationale and result of any such vote called must be published to the membership.
Malfeasance shall be defined as intentional misuse of Local resources, abuse of Local Officer powers, or deliberate misrepresentation of the positions of the Local. Additionally, if a Local Officer is found to be in significant violation of the Grievance Policy, HGOs may recommend removal from the Local office and such violations shall be considered malfeasance. Nonfeasance shall be defined as an ongoing or repeated failure to execute Officer duties and maintain regular contact with other Branch or Local Officers, without making arrangements to be replaced or voluntarily stepping down from the position, or failure to maintain membership.
Local Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention will be elected by members in good standing of the Local Chapter of DSA using a Single Transferable Vote method. Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by the national organization. Nominations for Local Chapter Officers and delegates to the National Convention will be opened at least ten (10) days before and closed at the meeting at which elections take place. The call for nominations will be announced to all members in good standing of DSA Eugene-Springfield as soon as nominations are open.
The General Membership of the Branch or Local is the only body authorized to make electoral endorsements on behalf of a Branch or Local. Unless otherwise authorized, members or committees of DSA Eugene-Springfield are prohibited from campaigning as representatives of DSA for candidates or ballot measures that the Branch or Local has not officially endorsed.
Branch or Local Steering Committees shall be authorized to endorse activist events, urgent actions, or make statements in support of activist campaigns on behalf of the Branch or Local.
The General Membership in the Branch or Local shall be the only body authorized to endorse Branch or Local Chapter participation in a long-term activist campaign, where a long-term activist campaign is any campaign that requires ongoing Branch or Chapter resources (including ongoing public statements of support) for more than thirty (30) days.
In addition to the National DSA Harassment and Grievance policy, DSA Eugene-Springfield adopts a chapter-wide Grievance Policy. To enact this policy, DSA Eugene-Springfield will have appointed appropriate Ombudspersons, and Grievance Policy Officers. This policy shall apply to Branches within the DSA Eugene-Springfield.
Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGOs) are responsible for the enforcement of the Chapter’s Grievance Policy as outlined in Article XII. They are appointed by the Local Steering Committee.
Harassment and Grievance Officers do not have the responsibilities of Chapter Officers and do not sit on the Steering Committee, as their position requires them to be a neutral party external to the Committee.
HGOs can be removed for cause as per the procedure outlined in the Chapter Harassment Grievance Policy.
DSA Eugene-Springfield will not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Oregon. Nor will the Local 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 five (5) members of the Local Chapter of DSA and submitted to the Steering Committee at least one (1) month in advance of a General Meeting. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Local Chapter membership with at least two (2) weeks’ written or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The amendment must be approved by a majority vote of a General Chapter Meeting. If quorum is not met at the meeting, an online vote may be held.
The Rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised 12th Edition, will govern this Local Chapter in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws. Meeting chairs can participate in debate if they choose to. To indicate they are doing this they must say that they are “taking their chair hat off” or make a similar clarification.
Any action taken by an Officer or member of the Local Chapter in contravention of these Bylaws is null and void.
Upon dissolution of the organization, any residual assets shall become property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.
