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Proposed Bylaws Changes and Procedures, 2015

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus / January 12, 2015

BYLAWS OF THE

STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF ALACHUA COUNTY

A Chapter of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Stonewall Democrats of Alachua County (herein referred to as “the caucus.”)

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this organization shall be to:

· encourage voter registration and stimulate active interest and participation in political and governmental affairs among ~~LGBT~~LGBTQ Democrats;

· promote the candidacy of Democrats specifically committed to the principle that no individual shall be deprived of equal rights based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression and to encourage the passage of legislation securing such rights;

· strengthen and further the ideals and principals of the Democratic Party;

· support and elect duly selected nominees of the Democratic Party who are openly supportive of ~~LGBT~~ LGBTQ issues in national, state and local campaigns;

· ensure inclusion of ~~gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender~~ lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Democrats throughout and at all levels of the Democratic Party;

· foster a spirit of understanding of issues of interest to the extended community of sexual orientation minorities; and

· advocate issues of concern to the ~~LGBT~~ LGBTQ community and its supporters.

Section 2. Mission.

The Stonewall Democratic Caucus of Alachua County is devoted to advancing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. The caucus strives to: (1) identify, educate and activate the ~~LGBT~~LGBTQ electorate and its supporters on Democratic Party principles in order to increase participation and turnout in elections for Democratic candidates, (2) inform the county Democratic Executive Committee and Florida Democratic Party about ~~LGBT~~ LGBTQ issues of relevance and where the Democratic Party platform stands on these issues, (3) recruit, support, elect and retain openly ~~LGBT~~ LGBTQcandidates, and candidates who are openly supportive of the ~~LGBT~~ LGBTQ community to elected office, and (4) advocate for equality based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

Section 3. Endorsements. In all state-wide and local primaries, elections, or runoffs, whether partisan or non-partisan, where more than one Democrat is running for the same public office, the caucus may endorse (defined as endorsing, certifying, or recommending in any manner), and support a candidate. No such endorsement shall be made prior to the close of the period of candidate qualifying. Prior to being eligible to endorse, seventy five percent (75%) of all Board positions shall be filled, and the General Membership shall have held at least eight (8) meetings at which a quorum was present during the previous twelve (12) months. To be endorsed, a candidate for a given office shall be recommended by a three fourths (3/4) vote of the total Board of Directors and such endorsement action shall be confirmed by a three fourths (3/4) vote of those present and voting at a General Membership special or regular meeting. At no time will this organization support any non-Democrat against a Democrat in any election.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATION

Section 1. Membership and Associate Membership. Any Democrat registered to vote in the State of Florida, supportive of the purpose and mission statement of this caucus, who wishes to participate actively in the caucus, and who pays dues as specified by the membership shall be a member. No other residency restriction may be placed upon membership or the privileges of membership in this caucus. Any Democrat, supportive of the purpose and mission statement of this caucus, registered in the State of Florida, but who cannot participate actively in the caucus, shall be an associate member, upon payment of dues specified by the Board. Associate members may speak at caucus meetings and serve on committees, but shall not vote and shall not be counted in determination of a quorum.

Section 2. Friends of the Caucus. Mindful of the need to reach out and the benefits of a policy of inclusion, a person who:

(a) is not a Florida resident, or

(b) is not eligible to register to vote in Florida,

but who subscribes to the purpose and mission of the caucus, shall be a “friend of the caucus,” upon payment of dues specified by the Board. “Friends” may speak at meetings and assist on committees, but may not vote.

ARTICLE IV. DUES

Section 1. Annual Dues. Annual dues for members, associate members, and “friends,” shall be set forth by the membership, payable to the Treasurer by December 31, for the ensuing year, or at time of becoming a member, for the remainder of that calendar year. No later than September 30 of each year, the membership shall establish a dues schedule for each category of membership and affiliation for the ensuing year. If such dues schedule is not established by September 30, the then-current dues schedule will continue in full force and effect.

Section 2. Notification of Arrears and Effect on Status and Voting Privileges. By January 31 of each year, the Secretary shall notify members, associate members, and friends who have not renewed their membership for that year. Those members, associate members, and friends whose dues are not paid by March 1 shall be automatically placed in inactive status. Provided notice had been sent to the members’ last known address, the voting privileges of those members in arrears will be suspended until dues are paid and they shall not be counted in determination of a quorum.

Section 3. Resignation from Membership or Affiliation. Members, associate members, or friends desiring to resign from the caucus shall submit their resignations in writing to the Secretary.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers. The officers of the caucus shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as deemed necessary by the membership. All officers shall perform the duties prescribed in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, the parliamentary authority for the caucus, as modified and amplified by these bylaws.

Section 2. Term of Office. All terms of office shall be for two (2) years, or until a successor is elected. The terms of office shall commence at the close of the meeting at which they are elected.

Section 3. Office-Holding Limitations. The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve no longer than two terms in the same office. No member shall hold more than one office at a time.

Section 4. Publicizing Elections. In order to fully and adequately inform prospective and current members of the election of caucus officers, the caucus shall publicize election procedures fully, timely, and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested Democrats.

ARTICLE VI. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the caucus, and Board of Directors, and shall be ex-officio member of all committees (except the Nominating and Audit committees). The President, or the President’s designee from among the members of the Board, (a) shall represent the caucus at county, district, state and national meetings and functions and (b) shall act as the only official spokesperson for the caucus and represent it whenever necessary. The President shall refer any questions for study to the appropriate committee and shall provide guidance to the committee chairs in their work. The President shall perform all other duties pertaining to the office of President, as directed by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Vice President. The Vice President shall assist the President in the discharge of the President’s duties; shall maintain a current list of members, associate members, and friends with addresses, precinct numbers, phone numbers and e-mail addresses, as well as committee assignments and shall assume the office of the President in the absence, or inability to serve, of the President. The Vice President shall chair the Strategic Planning Committee and shall be responsible for oversight of outreach to attract new members.

Section 3. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all meetings of the caucus, and Board of Directors; shall be custodian of all records of the caucus (except those assigned to other officers or committee chairs by these bylaws); and shall maintain the caucus bylaws with any amendments properly recorded, as well as special rules of order, and standing rules. All records of the caucus shall be available for inspection by members and associate members, upon written request to the President. The Secretary shall issue the call of meetings, assist the President in preparing an order of business, and — in the absence of the President or Vice President — shall call a meeting to order, until a Chair pro tempore is elected. The Secretary shall chair the Communications and Bylaws Committees

Section 4. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds of the caucus; shall keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures; shall present a written statement of all income, expenditures, accounts payable, and income receivable since the previous meeting of the caucus; shall present such interim or special reports, as required by the Board; and shall prepare an annual statement of expenses and receipts to be presented at the Annual meeting in February. All financial statements and reports shall be in writing and made available to Board members, to the extent practicable, at least a week in advance of meetings. The annual financial statement, and such other records as from time-to-time, the Audit Committee requires, shall be audited by the Audit Committee, and the Treasurer shall provide any detail or records so required. The Treasurer shall disburse funds as authorized by the Board or membership. Checks may be signed by the Treasurer or the President. The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee.

Section 5. Loyalty Oath. Officers and Directors shall execute a loyalty oath, in the form and manner prescribed by rules of the Florida Democratic Party, immediately upon taking office or as soon thereafter as possible (within thirty [30] days), before the discharge of their duties. Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, failure to comply shall result in immediate forfeiture of office.

Section 6. Maintenance of Membership. All officers and directors shall pay dues for the ensuing year by December 31. Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, failure to comply shall result in immediate forfeiture of office.

Section 7. Caucus Records. All records created and maintained by officers in the discharge of their duties shall be the exclusive property of the caucus. Officers shall be custodians of such records during their term of office and shall physically present them at the meeting called to elect officers (or at such other time as their term ends) to ensure the smooth transfer of all records to succeeding officers upon election of their successors.

ARTICLE VII. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS OF THE CAUCUS

Section 1. Regular Meetings. There shall be at least ten regular general membership meetings of the caucus each year held monthly on ~~the 4^th~~ ~~Thursday of the month unless otherwise ordered by the caucus or the Board of Directors.~~ a date determined by the membership.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the President or upon written request of a majority of the Board of Directors, and shall be called upon written request of twenty (20) percent of the membership. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call. The stated purpose shall be the only business conducted at such special meetings. One week’s notice of the special meeting shall be provided to the members.

Section 3. Annual and Biennial Meetings. The annual meeting each year shall be held during the regularly scheduled meeting in February. Every odd numbered year, the Annual Meeting shall include elections of officers and directors as outlined in Article IX of these bylaws and shall also be known as the Biennial meeting.

Section 4. Quorum. Twenty (20) percent of the caucus membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting. A majority vote is necessary to carry motions, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws.

Section 5. Meetings Open to All Democrats. The time and place for all regular, annual, biennial, or special meetings of the caucus shall be publicized fully and in such manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Meetings shall be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, color, creed, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or physical disability. All meetings shall be in a facility accessible to the physically handicapped.

Section 6. Voting. No voting at a meeting of the caucus shall be by secret ballot. Proxy voting at general membership meetings of the caucus shall be prohibited.

ARTICLE VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Board Composition. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and two additional at large members elected by the caucus membership.

Section 2. Duties and Powers of the Board. The Board of Directors shall have full power and authority over the affairs of the caucus, except those specifically reserved to the General Membership in these bylaws. The Board shall be subject to the orders of the General Membership of the caucus, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the General Membership of the caucus.

Section 3. Board Meetings. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board; meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly. Special meetings may be called by the President, and shall be called within twenty (20) days upon written request of one-third (1/3) of the Board.

Section 4. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5. Voting. No vote at a Board meeting shall be taken by secret ballot. Proxy voting shall not be permitted in accordance with Florida Democratic Party Bylaws.

ARTICLE IX. ELECTIONS

Section 1. Nominations and Elections of Board of Directors.

A. At the Biennial meeting held in February during odd numbered years, members will elect the Board of Directors.

B. In November of each even numbered year, the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee, comprised of three members. The duty of this committee shall be:

1. to publicize the elections and qualifications for candidacy,

2. to recruit members for each position,

3. to ensure the eligibility (consistent with these bylaws) for all members seeking office,

4. after ascertaining their eligibility and willingness to serve, to nominate at least one candidate for each position to be filled at the biennial meeting,

5. to conduct the elections process.

No Nominating Committee member may be nominated or elected to any position filled at the biennial meeting.

C. At the biennial meeting in February, the Nominating Committee shall report on nominations received to date and then accept further nominations from the floor.

D. Prior to the biennial meeting, the Nominating Committee shall prepare one ballot for each position, with the names of the duly qualified candidates. Each ballot will be printed with the name of the caucus on the top, followed by the position to be voted upon, with the candidates’ names printed on the ballot. There will be a blank line or lines provided for each office, for additional nominations from the floor. At the bottom of the ballot, there will be two blank lines to be completed by the voter, with the voter’s signature and printed name.

E. Voting will be by open ballot in accordance with Florida Democratic Party rules. Members must be present to vote; absentee or proxy voting is prohibited. The Nominating Committee shall preside over and conduct the election process. As nominations from the floor shall be in order, voters may write in candidates’ names and vote for the preferred candidate. Following each vote, the Committee shall collect and count the ballots, utilizing additional tellers, as necessary, and will announce the results at the end of the count. A majority of those present and voting shall be required for election; the nominee receiving the lowest number of votes shall be removed from the next ballot. The Committee shall afford any candidate the right to a recount, after which the Committee shall certify the results.

F. To be eligible to vote, participate in elections, and be a candidate at the biennial meeting, a new member must have been a member forty-five (45) days prior to that meeting.

G. If a candidate for a Board of Directors position is unopposed or the number of candidates equals or is less than the number of officers to be elected, such candidates may be elected by acclamation.

H. The Secretary shall retain all ballots, available for inspection, for a period of three (3) years, after which the ballots may be destroyed.

ARTICLE X. VACANCIES AND REMOVAL

Section 1. Vacancy of President. If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice President shall become President.

Section 2. Other Vacancies. Vacancies created by removal shall be immediately filled at the same meeting. The President shall fill other vacancies, on an acting basis, until the next meeting of the general membership. At such meeting, after nominations from the floor, the position shall be filled for the remainder of the term. Election shall be by open ballot; members shall indicate their choice for the vacancy and shall sign and print their own name. Election may be by acclamation, if only one person is nominated for the position. The Secretary shall retain all ballots for a three years period from the date of election, after which the ballots may be destroyed.

Section 3. Removal. Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed upon two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members at any regular or special general membership meeting after thirty (30) days notice to the membership that a motion for the purpose of removal of said member will be considered at the regular or special meeting. The removal may be for causes including, but not limited to, malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, abandonment of office, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, supporting a non-Democrat against a Democrat in an election, and conviction of a felony. Any absence from four (4) Board meetings shall constitute neglect of duty. Unexcused absences from two consecutive regular Board meetings shall constitute abandonment of office.

ARTICLE XI. STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees. The Standing Committees shall be Bylaws, Finance, Strategic Planning, Membership, Campaign, Communications, Audit, and Nominating.

Section 2. Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws Committee, chaired by the Secretary, shall recommend such changes in the bylaws as appear necessary and feasible from time to time.

Section 3. Finance Committee. Promptly after the November meeting, the President shall appoint a Finance Committee, comprised of the Treasurer and at least two other members, which shall prepare a budget for the ensuing calendar year, to be submitted to the General Membership in January for approval. The Committee shall develop a fundraising plan, recommend manners of fundraising, and coordinate all such fundraising activities.

Section 4. Strategic Planning Committee. The Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by the Vice President, shall develop a strategic framework document for Board approval. Thereafter, it shall maintain, update, and revise the plan as necessary, coordinate with other committees to ensure congruence with the plan, and shall monitor achievement against plan benchmarks.

Section 5. Membership Committee. The Membership Committee, chaired by the Vice President, shall ensure that all persons wishing membership are, in fact, registered Democrats in Florida within twenty (20) days of their application; shall maintain permanent membership records and shall organize membership campaigns.

Section 6. Campaign Committee. The Campaign Committee shall work toward the election of Democratic candidates, including local, county, state and national candidates. It shall support voter registration efforts, serve as a clearinghouse for candidates’ request for volunteers, and mobilize the general caucus membership and ~~LGBT~~ LGBTQcommunity at large to vote. The Campaign Committee shall report on the status of candidates and issues, recommending actions (including endorsements) as appropriate.

Section 7. Communications Committee. The Communications Committee, chaired by the Secretary, shall see that all activities, including meetings, are advertised to the membership. It shall ensure that caucus members are informed on issues and upcoming activities. It shall also develop and maintain a caucus website, subject to Board approval.

Section 8. Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, comprised of at least three members (none of whom may serve on the Finance Committee), shall be appointed within thirty (30) days of the February meeting. The duty of the committee shall be to audit the Treasurer’s books, the annual financial report, or any other reports required to be audited by the President, Board, or general membership. The President and Treasurer may not serve on such committee, although they may be called upon and shall be required to provide any and all information requested by the committee to discharge its duties.

Section 9. Nominating Committee. The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee, whose duties are defined in Article IX, Section 2 of these bylaws.

Section 10. Committee Records and Reports. All records created and maintained by standing or special committees in the discharge of their duties shall be the exclusive property of the caucus. Every committee shall keep an accurate, complete, and permanent record of its proceedings, including membership attendance at all meetings of the committee. Committee chairs shall be custodians of such records, shall make copies of all records quarterly for submission to and retention by the Secretary, and shall transfer all records to succeeding chairs upon the appointment of their successor. All committees shall make written reports to the President and to the general membership, as requested or upon initiative of the individual committee chair.

ARTICLE XII. SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Section 1. Creation of Special Committees. Special committees may be created (a) by the President, (b) by petition of twenty (20) percent of the members attending a general membership meeting, or (c) by petition of fifty (50) percent of the members of the Board. The size of such special committees shall be determined (a) by the President if formed at the President’s initiative, (b) by majority vote of the general membership meeting if formed by member petition, or (c) by a majority of the Board if formed by Board member petition.

Section 2. Membership of Special Committees. For special committees created by either member or Board member petition, the President shall appoint, within ten (10) days, not more than half of the members of such special committees and the remainder shall be nominated and elected by a majority vote of the members attending the general membership meeting or by a majority vote at the Board meeting at the general membership or Board meeting at which the petition is presented.

Section 3. Special Committee Chairs. For special committees created by the President, the President shall appoint the chair. For special committees created by petition, such committees shall have an organizational meeting called by the Secretary within thirty (30) days after the election of committee members, at which organizational meeting, they shall elect, by a majority vote, a chair and vice-chair.

Section 4. Special Committee Records and Reports. Special committees shall make reports and keep records in the same manner as outlined for standing committees in these bylaws.

Section 5. Discharge of Special Committees. Special committees may be discharged when the President has determined that their function has been fulfilled, except that special committees created by petition must only be discharged by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the body (i.e., general membership or Board) that elected the members.

Section 6. Term of Service. The Chair and members of the special committee shall serve a term of not more than two (2) years, commencing when appointed or elected and ending at the earlier of (1) the biennial elections meeting after which they were appointed or elected, or (2) the date when discharged. The term of service may be extended by the President, or a majority vote of either the general membership meeting or the Board. Such members may be reappointed or reelected, without limit on the number of successive terms they may serve.

Section 7. Removal of Elected Members. Any chairperson or member of a special committee, who is not appointed by the President, may be removed from such committee in the same manner as provided for the removal of officers as described in these bylaws.

Section 8. Vacancies of Elected Members. Vacancies of elected members shall be filled by the Board, immediately, but no later than the next meeting after the creation of a vacancy.

ARTICLE XIII. FINANCES

Section 1. Receipts. All dues, contributions, receipts from fundraising activities, and any other funds received shall be deposited in the name of the caucus in a qualified banking institution in the State of Florida designated by the President, in consultation with the Treasurer. A newly elected President shall not change an existing banking institution, except for cause and with the approval of the Board.

Section 2. Disbursements.

A. By its adoption of a budget, the membership shall establish the maximum amounts that may be expended for each activity or item of expense. Any expenditure in excess of these amounts is not authorized and shall require prior approval, by budget amendment, by the membership. Any individual disbursement in excess of two hundred dollars ($200.00) to any one payee shall require Board or general membership approval.

B. Any authorized disbursement shall be made upon the signature of the President or Treasurer.

C. Petty cash disbursements may not exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) in any one calendar month. All petty cash disbursements shall be made upon the signature of the President or the Treasurer.

Section 3. Records. An annual financial report showing the receipts and disbursements of the caucus for the preceding calendar year, and its assets and liabilities shall be prepared in writing and signed by the Treasurer for presentation to the membership at the Annual Meeting. It shall be submitted to the Audit Committee, no later than forty-five (45) days after the Annual Meeting. The Audit Committee shall provide its findings to each of the next following meetings of the Board and general membership.

ARTICLE XIV. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the caucus in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws, the rules of the Florida Democratic Party, and the Democratic National Committee.

ARTICLE XV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 1. Caucus Charter Recertification. At the time appointed by the Florida Democratic Party Committee on Clubs, Organizations, and Caucuses, the caucus shall provide requested records for recertification by the Florida Democratic Party. Failure to maintain certification may result in loss of permission to use the word “Democrat,” “Democratic,” or any derivative thereof.

Section 2. Caucus Dissolution. In the event the caucus chapter wishes to dissolve, a resolution stating the date of dissolution and reasons therefor shall be adopted by a majority vote at a general membership meeting of the caucus chapter, after being submitted in writing at the previous meeting. When the caucus chapter disbands for any reason, the chapter assets and funds, after all debts are satisfied, shall become the property of the Florida GLBT Democratic caucus.

Section 3. Grievances. Disputes and grievances may be resolved by the President, Board of Directors, by the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus or by the Florida Democratic Party Central Committee whose decision shall be final, unless appealed to the Judicial Council of the Florida Democratic Party within forty-five (45) days from the date of said decision. The Board of Directors shall prescribe a disputes and grievance procedure to designate the roles and authority of the President and Board of Directors, as well as the use of other members (not parties to the dispute or grievance), who may individually or collectively mediate and/or investigate the issue.

Section 4. Written Notice. Where required by these bylaws, notification in writing shall include communication by e-mail.

ARTICLE XVI. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Section 1. Amendment Process. These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at any regular or special general membership meeting pursuant to notification in writing ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The text of any proposed bylaws amendment shall be submitted to the Board and Bylaws Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to such meeting. The Bylaws Committee shall review such proposed amendment and provide a written report and recommendations to the Board and membership. The exact language of the proposed amendment, the written report of the Bylaws Committee, and the recommendation, if any, by the Board shall be included in the notification of the meeting. Bylaws and any changes or amendments thereto, together with copies of the minutes of the meeting at which they are adopted, shall be filed with the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus within thirty (30) days following adoption.

Section 2. Effective Date. All amendments shall take effect immediately, but shall be subject to approval by the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and the Florida Democratic Party Central Committee. Any amendment or change, which is not approved, shall be deleted from the bylaws. Actions taken pursuant to such unapproved amendment or changes shall be null and void.

ARTICLE XVII. ENDORSEMENT PROCESS

Section 1. Candidate Endorsements. The Stonewall Democrats of Alachua County have made a firm commitment to endorse and support Democratic candidates who will work to further the mission of Stonewall Democrats. In all state-wide and local primaries, elections, or runoffs, whether partisan or non-partisan, where more than one Democrat is running for the same public office, the caucus may endorse (defined as endorsing, certifying, or recommending in any manner), and support a candidate. No such endorsement shall be made prior to the close of the period of candidate qualifying.

Section 2. Endorsement Process. The endorsement process will be developed by the By Laws Committee and submitted to Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be required to approve this process by a 60% of the vote.

Stonewall Democrats of

Alachua County

Endorsement Procedures

1. Endorsement of any Democratic candidate will be based on the following criteria: Viability (Campaign donations and expenditures), Voting History (Incumbents or previously elected officials), public statements, campaign internet/social media content and questionnaires/interviews (if required).

2. In order for the SDAC to endorse Democrats in any election cycle the organization must:

a. Hold a current certification from the LGBT Caucus of the Florida Democratic Party.

b. Meet the meeting requirement set forth in Article 7 of these bylaws.

c. Have at least three officer’s position filled.

3. At the January meeting of any election cycle the general membership by a 60% vote will determine if the endorsement process will include interviews or questionnaires or both for candidates.

4. At the end of the qualifying period the President or their designee will contact each of the Democrats running for office within Alachua County. If candidates file earlier than the qualifying period the President or their designee may follow this process in an earlier time period. They will ask if the candidate is interested in receiving the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats of Alachua County. If the candidate would like to seek the endorsement the following will occur:

a. A verbal explanation of the process. If requiring a questionnaire then an email address will be attained and questionnaire sent to candidate.

b. If requiring an interview then the candidate will be scheduled at the next general meeting. If there is no regular meeting scheduled then a special meeting will be called in accordance with these bylaws.

5. At the conclusion of all interviews/questionnaires the President will schedule the next meeting or a special meeting to complete the endorsement process. In preparation for the endorsement meeting the President shall:

a. Send the membership the completed questionnaires or notes from the interviews.

b. Include the notice of endorsement meeting date and time.

c. Include the endorsement meeting process and agenda.

6. The Secretary will be responsible for compiling a list of eligible members that can vote at the endorsement meeting. To be eligible to vote a member must be:

a. Current in their dues

b. Attended at least 50% of the meetings during the previous calendar year or if a new member 50% of the meetings from their membership date.

7. At the scheduled endorsement meeting the process will be:

a. Each member’s eligibility to vote will be verified by the Secretary.

b. A quorum of those eligible to vote will be established by the President.

c. The endorsement process will follow Roberts Rule of Order.

d. Each endorsement will require a 60% favorable vote of members present.

e. In addition a second vote will take place for the purpose of designating funds to endorsed candidates. This vote will take a simple majority.

The President or their designee will contact the endorsed candidates within two days of the endorsement meeting. They will explain appropriate us of the endorsement for their campaign. They will also share the SDAC logo with the candidates for their use in campaign materials and web content mm. They will also discuss what campaign activities the membership of Stonewall Democrats can participate.

Author name: Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

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