CHARTER, BYLAWS, AND STANDING RULES OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

Adopted pursuant to the Charter of the Young Democrats of America on August 14, 2021 by the National Convention of the Young Democrats of America in Cincinnati, Ohio.

View printer-friendly version

THE CHARTER OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

PREAMBLE

We, the Young Democrats of America, in order to stimulate in young people an active interest in governmental affairs and promote their involvement in the political process, to promote the acquisition of political power by young people, to promote the policies and practices which are consistent with the advancement of democracy and legislation and policies that are important to young people, to increase the efficiency of popular government and to provide the highest degree of justice and social welfare for the citizens of our country, do associate ourselves together and establish this Charter.

CHARTER
ARTICLE I
CHARTERED UNITS

SECTION 105 Chartered Units.

Section 105(a) Definition.

This organization shall be composed of chartered units representing all Young Democrats within their respective territories. Territories shall be defined as each of the fifty (50) United States; the District of Columbia; Guam; Puerto Rico; U.S. Virgin Islands; American Samoa; and one (1) group representing Young Democrats Abroad. There may be no more than one (1) chartered unit in any territory.

Section 105(b) Issuance of Unit Charters.

Unit charters shall be issued by the National Convention in accordance with the Charter and the Bylaws and are subject to renewal by each succeeding National Convention. Interim unit charters may be issued by the National Committee between National Conventions in accordance with the Charter and the Bylaws and are subject to renewal by each succeeding National Convention. All unit charters that have not been renewed by the close of a National Convention shall be terminated at that time.

SECTION 110 Application for Unit Charters; Contents.

Section 110(a).

Name of the unit.

Section 110(b).

Territory represented by the unit.

Section 110(c).

Date of last unit convention.

Section 110(d).

List of unit officers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of election, dates of term expiration, and dates of birth. Phone numbers and email addresses for state officers serving on the National Committee must be for personal use.

Section 110(e).

A copy of the unit Constitution, Charter, Bylaws, Certification of Incorporation, and/or any other such prevailing organic document.

Section 110(f).

Certification by no less than one (1) member of the Democratic National Committee representing the applying unit's territory that the unit is recognized, sanctioned, or authorized by the Democratic Party of that territory as that territory's official organization of Young Democrats and that the unit's officers were elected subsequent to the preceding National Convention, with the exception of the host unit of the National Convention, which shall be allowed to schedule its unit convention no later than thirty (30) days after the close of the National Convention.

Section 110(g).

Certifications signed the unit’s President and by at least one (1) of the unit’s National Committee Representatives. Such certification shall state that to the best of the signer's knowledge, all documents submitted are current, complete, and in every respect accurate; that the membership list submitted consists of actual members of the unit subsequent to the preceding National Convention who currently satisfy the age requirements of the Charter and the Bylaws; and that the unit has held a convention and elected officers subsequent to the preceding National Convention.

Section 110(h).

A Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct by which the unit shall abide.

SECTION 130 Unit Vote Status.

The following items are not required for a unit to receive a charter and do not affect a unit’s chartering status, but shall be used to determine the votes each chartered unit gets at the National Convention in conjunction with any penalties contained within the Charter and Bylaws.

Section 130(a).

A list of the members of the unit, including all of the following: first and last name, city or ZIP code, date of birth (including month, day, and year), and email address. Units shall receive one (1) vote for every two (2) members up until their maximum allocation amount.

Section 130(b).

Rules for the selection of Delegates and Alternates to the National Convention.

Section 130(c).

Supporting materials for Participation Votes pursuant to the Charter and the Bylaws.

SECTION 145 Revocation of Unit Charters.

Section 145(a) Revocation of Unit Charter; Cause.

Unit charters may be revoked for inactivity or non-compliance with this Charter.

Section 145(b) Consideration; Notice.

The revocation of a unit charter shall be considered by the Standing Committee on Credentials. Such committee may not consider such a revocation unless the challenged unit shall have been notified in writing at least thirty (30) days prior thereto. Such notice shall contain the grounds for revocation and the date, time, and place of the first consideration thereof by said committee and shall be sent to the last known President and two (2) National Committee Representatives of the challenged unit, and no fewer than (1) member of the Democratic National Committee representing the challenged unit's territory, based on the most recent contact information provided to the Secretary.

CHARTER
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 205 Categories.

Section 205(a) Regular Member.

Any person who has not yet reached the age of thirty-six (36) may be accorded regular membership in this organization by and through a chartered unit. Each chartered unit shall have the primary responsibility for setting requirements for membership in such unit.

Section 205(b) Associate Member.

If a person selected or elected to a position on the National Committee or any Standing or Select Committee is not a regular member, the person holding that position shall be entitled to participate in meetings of such committee but shall not be permitted to cast a vote in such committee.

Section 205(c) Honorary Member.

Any person who has reached the age of thirty-six (36) may be elected to honorary membership in this organization upon nomination by the President and confirmation by an affirmative vote of three fourths (3/4) of the National Convention. Prior to nomination for honorary membership, candidates shall have demonstrated a commitment to the highest ideals of the Democratic Party and shall have performed extraordinary service to the Young Democrats of America. Honorary members shall be accorded full, non-voting, floor privileges at any National Convention.

CHARTER
ARTICLE III
NATIONAL CONVENTION

SECTION 305 Authority.

The National Convention shall be the highest authority of the Young Democrats of America, subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws.

SECTION 310 Time, Place.

A National Convention shall be held in June, July, or August of each odd-numbered year at a time and place so designated by the National Committee, pursuant to bids received from interested localities except in instances where the National Convention occurs as a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference pursuant to Section 311; in such a situation the National Convention the opening general session of the National Convention must begin no later than November 1.

Section 311(a) Criteria for Emergency Rescheduling, Cancellation, or Movement.

The National Convention may be rescheduled, canceled, or moved to either a new location, a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference in the manner provided by Sections 311(b) through 311(c) and Section 1100, provided that one or more of the following emergency circumstances are applicable:

The designated meeting location is currently experiencing or has recently experienced one of the following:
1. A natural or man-made disaster.
2. A terrorist incident or attack.
3. A public health crisis or epidemic.
4. Armed conflict or civil unrest.
The designated meeting location is within an area where an emergency declaration has been issued by:
1. A mayor or municipal government.
2. The government of a county or county-equivalent subdivision.
3. The governor of a U.S state, commonwealth, or territory.
4. The President of the United States of America.
5. Federal, state, local, or territorial government agencies properly exercising their legal authority to make such emergency declarations.
It is inadvisable to meet in or travel to the designated location, even if an event listed in Section 311(a)(i) has concluded or governmental declaration as provided in Section 311(a)(ii) is no longer in effect.

Section 311(b) Methods for Rescheduling, Cancellation, or Movement due to Emergency.

If any of the criteria listed in Section 311(a) is applicable, the National Convention may be rescheduled, canceled, or moved to either a new location, conducted as a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference provided that one of the following provisions applies:

Receipt of a written request of the Board of Directors. physically or electronically signed by not less than four fifths (4/5) of the current membership of the Board of Directors to the Secretary.
The affirmative vote of four fifths (4/5) of the Board of Directors
The affirmative vote two thirds (2/3) of the National Committee.

Section 311(c) Notice and Mechanisms for Rescheduling, Cancellation, and Movement.

If one of the methods listed in Section 311(b) has been met then the Board of Directors shall meet and specify the location, date, and time of the rescheduled National Convention, and such date shall be not less than:

Sixty (60) days from the date such request was received if the meeting of the National Convention has been designated to be rescheduled or moved to either a new location or;
Forty-five (45) days from the date such request was received if the meeting of the National Convention has been designated to a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference.

SECTION 320 Convention Officers.

Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening general session of each National Convention, the President shall appoint at least one (1) Convention Chair, Secretary, Parliamentarian, Sergeant-At-Arms, and other such officers as may be necessary or required to conduct the affairs of the National Convention. The Convention Secretary shall be required to compile reports from all Convention Standing Committee Chairs, maintain the voting results in electronic form, and prepare an electronic copy of the Convention minutes. Such packet shall be electronically submitted to the President and Secretary of the National Committee within thirty (30) days of the adjournment of the National Convention. Upon receiving such packet, the Secretary shall make such packet available, electronically, to the National Committee within fourteen (14) days.

Section 325(a) Appointment of Temporary Convention Officers.

In the event of the death, resignation, or removal of any Convention Officer less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening session of the Convention, the President shall appoint a temporary officer. Any temporary officer shall have full rights and privileges as if they were the permanent convention officer. No individual may be appointed as a temporary Convention Officer if they have indicated they are either running for a National Officer position or have endorsed any candidate for National Officer.

Section 325(b) Election of Permanent Convention Officer.

If a temporary Convention Officer is appointed pursuant to Section 325(a) the first order of business and vote taken up in the first General Session of the National Convention shall be a voice vote to approve the temporary officer as a permanent convention officer for the position so appointed. The vote to approve the temporary officer as a permanent convention officer shall be non-debatable. If the voice vote fails, then any properly credentialed delegate may nominate an individual to serve as the permanent convention officer. A vote among all properly nominated individuals shall then be held using the same method as electing National Officers. No individual may be nominated or elected by the Convention if they are either running for a National Officer position or have endorsed any candidate for National Officer. Nothing in this section shall prevent any welcoming remarks, introductions, or similar prior to the voice vote on approving the temporary officer.

SECTION 350 Convention Standing Committees.

Section 350(a) Named.

At each National Convention, there shall be established Convention Standing Committees on Credentials, Rules and Charter, and Platform.

Section 350(b) Officers.

The President shall appoint at least one Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary of each Convention Standing Committee and shall give notice of such appointments to the National Committee not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening general session of the Convention.

Section 350(c) Voting.

Every unit chartered by the previous National Convention or issued an interim charter by the National Committee, and all new units that have applied for a charter, shall be entitled to one vote on each Convention Standing Committee, unless a credentials challenge is raised against such unit. If a dispute arises, the following procedure will be followed:

If the challenged unit was chartered by the preceding convention and has applied to re-charter in accordance with the Charter and the Bylaws, it shall be entitled to vote in any Convention Standing Committee until the credentials challenge is settled by the Convention.
In all other cases, the challenged unit shall not be permitted to vote in any Convention Standing Committee until the credentials challenge is settled by the Convention.

Section 350(d) Committee Delegates and Alternates.

Unit delegations are encouraged to designate a specific delegate or alternate to serve on each Committee and to certify such persons to the Convention Secretary no later than seven (7) days prior to the opening of the general session. Such certificate may restrict participation to such delegate and alternate, but in all other cases, any delegate or alternate to the National Convention may cast their unit's vote in Committee. A person serving in the capacity of Chair may not cast their own unit’s vote. No committee officers shall cast a separate vote by virtue of their positions as officers.

Section 350(e) Quorum Requirements.

Each Convention Standing Committee shall meet at the call of its Chair but not later than the day preceding the opening general session of the Convention. A quorum in any Convention Standing Committee shall be representatives for one-third (1/3) of those units entitled to cast a vote.

Section 350(f) Remote Participation.

The Convention Procedures Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that any number of attendees, up to and including all Committee Delegates and Alternates, may participate in any meeting of Convention Standing Committees by means of remote communication including, but not limited to, videoconferencing or teleconferencing. Participation in a meeting held by remote communication shall constitute presence in person at the meeting for all purposes, including quorum and voting.

SECTION 360 Unit Vote Allocation.

Chartered units shall be eligible for votes at the National Convention based on the following formula: Population Votes (maximum of 50) + Participation Votes (maximum of fifty-two (52) + Charter Votes (maximum of eight (8) = Number of Votes (maximum of one-hundred ten (110). Under no circumstance shall any chartered unit be allowed to cast more votes than one-half (1/2) the number of regular members in the unit, as determined by such unit’s membership list.

Charter Section 360(a) Population Votes.

Each territory shall receive ten (10), twenty (20), thirty (30), forty (40) or fifty (50) votes for population regardless of the territory’s number of members. The populations of territories shall be ranked so that the ten (10) territories with the highest population shall receive fifty (50) votes, the next ten (10) territories shall receive forty (40) votes, the next ten (10) territories shall receive thirty (30) votes, the next ten (10) territories shall receive twenty (20) votes, and the remaining territories shall receive ten (10) votes; Young Democrats Abroad shall receive ten (10) votes. The population figures shall be based on the most recent decennial census figures issued by the United States Census Bureau.

Section 360(b) Participation Votes.

A chartered unit shall receive up to fifty-two (52) participation votes based on the following formula:

National Participation (maximum of twenty-eight (28) - Meeting Participation. A chartered unit is eligible for up to twenty-eight (28) votes for attendance of National Committee members to National Committee meetings as follows: the number of meetings that at least one member of the National Committee from a chartered unit attended a national committee meetings subsequent to the previous National Convention, divided by the total number of National Committee meetings held, taken as a percentage of the total twenty-eight (28) votes. Proxies held by members of the chartered unit shall be counted as full participation. Proxies held by National Committee members of chartered units for other chartered units will be counted as one-half (1/2) attendance by the unit sending the proxy.
Regional Participation four (4) votes) - A chartered unit shall receive four (4) votes for attendance at to the official biennial regional conference as reflected by the official minutes of the regional meetings as verified by the Regional Director. If a Region fails to hold a Regional Conference during the biennium, then all the chartered units in that region shall be awarded the full four (4) votes.
Campaign Participation (maximum of ten (10) votes) - A chartered unit shall receive ten (10) votes for participation in at least two (2) Democratic candidate or issue campaigns, and shall receive five (5) votes per campaign by including written verification from the candidates or campaign coordinators, including their names, addresses, and phone numbers, along with the unit’s charter application.
1. Campaign Participation Metrics. The Board of Directors shall establish and adopt, at the beginning of each biennium, a set of required metrics to be met by a chartered unit in order to receive maximum campaign participation votes.
Online membership management participation (ten (10) votes) - A chartered unit shall receive ten (10) votes for the submission of their official membership list via spreadsheet. Spreadsheets shall be in a digital format supplied via media accompanying the unit’s charter application or via email prior to the packet-opening deadline.

Section 360(c) Charter Votes.

A chartered unit shall receive four (4) votes for each of the two (2) immediately preceding National Conventions at which it was chartered. A chartered unit shall receive four (4) votes for receiving an interim charter since the preceding National Convention.

SECTION 370 Voting of Delegates and Units.

Section 370(a) Delegate Vote Allocation.

The total votes to which a chartered unit is entitled shall be equally divided among the registered Delegates present at the convention. The final votes by a chartered unit shall be cast in whole numbers rounded as closely as possible to the expressed votes of its individual Delegates.

Section 370(b) Minimum Unit Delegation to Vote Ratio; Mileage Formula.

Chartered units shall be permitted to cast votes allocated under the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws provided that each chartered unit is represented by registered Delegates, present, whose aggregate number does not fall below the votes per delegate ratio established according to the driving mileage from each unit's territorial capitol or largest city, whichever is furthest, to the site of the National Convention as follows: Zero (0) to five hundred (500) miles, one (1) delegate for every three (3) votes; five hundred one (501) to one thousand (1000) miles, one (1) delegate for every four (4) votes; one thousand one (1001) to one thousand five hundred (1500) miles, one (1) delegate for every five (5) votes; one thousand five hundred one (1501) to two thousand five hundred (2500) miles, one (1) delegate for every six (6) votes; any distance in excess of two thousand five hundred (2500) miles, one (1) delegate for every seven (7) votes. Young Democrats Abroad delegate ratio shall be set at one (1) delegate for every seven (7) votes. No later than sixty (60) days prior to each National Convention, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Credentials shall prepare a chart of each territory’s driving mileage, derived by the mileage indicated in the current Rand McNally Atlas or comparable mapping standard, along with the delegate to vote ratio derived therefrom. In instances where the National Convention occurs as a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference pursuant to Section 311 of the Charter than the votes per delegate ratio shall be one (1) delegate for every three (3) votes and delegates will only be allowed to cast votes allocated under the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws provided that they are present during the proceedings of the National Convention.

Section 370(c) Voting Preference.

No Delegate shall be forced to cast a vote against their expressed preference on any issue, candidate, or questions that comes before the National Convention. No Delegate shall solicit or accept monetary compensation or anything of value to abstain from voting or to cast a vote for or against any issue, candidate, or question that comes before the National Convention. No Delegate shall be threatened with revocation of any previously promised monetary stipend or subsidy for convention expenses due to their expressed preference or official action with respect to any issue, candidate, or question that comes before the National Convention. No member of the Young Democrats of America shall offer or threaten to withhold from any Delegate monetary compensation or anything of value due to their expressed preference or official action with respect to any issue, candidate, or question that comes before the National Convention. Each Delegation Chair shall ensure that each Delegate’s vote is correctly recorded and cast and that all duly earned stipends and subsidies are allocated fairly and in strict adherence with the Charter and the Bylaws and the Rules of the National Convention. o chartered unit may award votes in a "winner take all" fashion, except in cases where every seated delegate cast votes identically. No chartered unit may enforce a policy of awarding its votes by the unit rule. All delegates are free to vote their conscience.

Section 370(d) Delegate Cap.

No charted unit shall be required to send any more than thirty-two (32) delegates in order to be able cast the maximum number of voters to which they were entitled. This section shall not be construed as to limit the number of delegates a chartered unit may bring to the National Convention.

SECTION 380 Delegates and Alternates.

Registered Delegates shall be voting members of a chartered unit’s delegation, and registered Alternates shall be non-voting members of a chartered unit’s delegation. Registered Alternates may be seated as registered Delegates in the event that a registered Delegate is not present pursuant to rules adopted by the National Convention. Each chartered unit shall be responsible for selecting its own Delegates and Alternates and for setting the rules and procedures for said selection with the following limitations:

Section 380(a) Eligibility.

Any regular member is eligible to represent a unit as a Delegate to the National Convention provided the member resides within such unit’s territory, resides outside the United States but resided in such unit’s territory directly prior to moving abroad, or appears on the membership list submitted by such unit in its charter application.

Section 380(b) Selection Process.

Each unit shall adopt rules to govern the process for the selection of Delegates and Alternates that shall encourage the full participation of all members of the unit, especially historically underrepresented groups in the Young Democrats of America. These rules shall be filed with such unit’s charter application and shall be made public on the national website and the convention website and shall be provided upon request by the National Office. Unless provided for in a unit’s rules for selecting Delegates and Alternates, no registered Delegate or Alternate present at the convention shall be removed from such unit’s delegation.

Section 380(c) Filing.

Each unit shall file the name and contact information for each Delegate and Alternate with the Convention Secretary no later than seven (7) days prior to the first general session of the National Convention. If the names of the Delegates and Alternates have not been filed by this deadline, any members from a chartered unit who are present at the National Convention may register as Delegates or Alternates.

SECTION 381 Livestream.

The proceedings of the general sessions of the National Convention shall be livestreamed and made available to all members of the Young Democrats of America who request access to it. Proceedings may be delayed by the Convention Chair due to technical issues that interrupt or delay the ability to livestream proceedings.

SECTION 382 Virtual Delegates.

Delegates that have been properly selected by their chartered unit per the Charter and Bylaws and have properly registered for the National Convention may be designated as a “Virtual Delegate” pursuant to rules and procedures set forth by the charter unit. Virtual delegates may participate remotely in proceedings of the general session of the National Convention as set forth in this section.

Section 382(a) Number of Virtual Delegates.

The number of delegates to an in-person meeting of the National Convention that may be designated as a Virtual Delegate shall be set in the bylaws.

Section 382(b) Virtual Delegates Participation.

Virtual Delegates shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings of the National Convention in the following manner:

Virtual Delegates shall have access to the National Convention Livestream pursuant to Section 381 of the Charter.
Virtual Delegates shall have access to a virtual lobby where they will be able to vote on any and all matters that come before the National Convention, with the exception of the election of officers, through utilizing the nonverbal feedback tools of the virtual lobby or other digital voting features approved by the Committee on Convention Procedures
Virtual Delegates shall have the ability to authorize their delegation chair to speak on any issue being considered by the National Convention through the utilization of electronic methods of communication. The delegation chair shall indicate that they are speaking for another delegate who is participating virtually. Such communication must be sent in a timely manner during the appropriate portion of the General Session;
Virtual Delegates shall vote for the election of officers in the manner prescribed by the convention rules. The chosen method of voting prescribed in the convention rules must outline accommodations for virtual delegates. In instances where the election of officers is recorded through an analog method then the Virtual Delegate shall have the right to request photographic verification that their vote is being accurately recorded by the person recording the vote of the Virtual Delegate.

Section 382(c) Virtual Delegate Display Names.

Each Virtual Delegate shall rename their display name to their full name followed by the two-letter initials of their state or territory within parentheses. Virtual Delegates may also display their gender identity pronouns in their display if they so choose. If a participant cannot change their name or does not know how to change it, the Convention Secretary or their designee may change it for the Virtual Delegate.

Section 382(d) Technology Responsibility.

Each Virtual Delegate shall be responsible for their own connection to the Internet and teleconferencing software. No action of the convention will be invalidated on the grounds that the loss of, or poor quality of, a delegate’s individual connection prevented them from participating in the General Session.

Section 382(e) Virtual Lobby Software Selection.

The Convention Procedures Committee shall determine what software will be utilized for the Virtual Lobby. The Convention Procedures Committee may also determine what software features the Virtual Lobby will utilize or restrict.

Section 382(f) Virtual Lobby Access Information.

Information and access to the virtual lobby shall be emailed to Virtual Delegates at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the first general session of the National Convention by the Convention Secretary or their designee.

Section 382(g) Temporary Disconnection.

The Convention Chair or their designee may cause or direct the temporary disconnection of a Virtual Delegate’s connection to the virtual lobby if the Virtual Delegate is found to be causing continual undue interference with the business of the convention. The decision to do so will be announced during the meeting and is subject to an appeal of the chair that may be made by any delegate present.

Section 382(h) Restrictions.

Chartered units must have at least one (1) in-person delegate present at the National Convention to designate Virtual Delegates. Delegation Chairs may not be designated a Virtual Delegate.

SECTION 385 Delegation Chair.

Each unit’s Delegation Chair shall be appointed by such unit’s President, and such appointment shall be filed with the Convention Secretary no later than seven (7) days prior to the first general session of the National Convention. If no such appointment is filed in time, all registered Delegates from such unit shall caucus and elect a Delegation Chair immediately prior to the opening general session of the Convention.

CHARTER
ARTICLE IV
NATIONAL COMMITTEE

SECTION 405 Authority.

Except for powers reserved to the National Convention, the governing body of the Young Democrats of America shall be the National Committee.

SECTION 410 Composition.

Section 410(a) Voting Members.

All elected Officers, the Chair of each Voting Constituency Caucus, the Regional Director of each Regional Caucus, the Chair of each Standing and Select Committee, the Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit Presidents, the Chair of the Judicial Council, and the President and two (2) National Committee Representatives of each chartered unit shall be voting members of the National Committee. No person shall be entitled to cast more than one vote on the National Committee by virtue of holding multiple offices. The two (2) National Committee Representatives from each Chartered Unit shall be of two (2) different gender identities.

Section 410(b) Non-Voting Members.

Each Administrative Officer specified in the Charter and the Bylaws shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the National Committee.

Section 410(c) Voting Requirements.

Voting Members of the National Committee may not vote at a meeting of the National Committee unless they have paid the conference registration fee, made alternate payment arrangements with the Standing Committee on Credentials, or received a fee waiver.

SECTION 420 Meetings.

Section 420(a) Required Meetings.

The National Committee of the Young Democrats of America shall meet at the call of the President subject to approval by of the Board of Directors. No fewer than two (2) meetings shall be held each calendar year.

Section 420(b) Notice of Meetings.

Except as provided in Section 420(d) and Section 421, the Board of Directors shall provide notice of any meeting of the National Committee to all National Committee members not less than ninety (90) days prior to the opening session of such meeting.

Section 420(c). Location of Meetings.

The number of in-person meetings of the National Committee held on the East and West sides of the Mississippi River between National Conventions shall be equal within one in-person meeting.

Section 420(d). Meeting Requests.

Upon receiving a written request to call a meeting of the National Committee physically or electronically signed by not less than twenty percent (20%) of the current membership of the National Committee, the Secretary or their designee shall notify the Board of Directors, who shall meet and specify the location, date, and time of the meeting, and such date shall be not less than sixty (60) days from the date such request was received.

SECTION 421 Emergency Rescheduling, Cancellation, and Movement of Meetings.

Section 421(a) Criteria for Emergency Rescheduling, Cancellation, or Movement.

Meetings of the National Committee may be rescheduled, canceled, or moved to either a new location, a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference in the manner provided by Sections 421(b) through 421(e) and Section 1100, provided that one or more of the following emergency circumstances are applicable:

The designated meeting location is currently experiencing or has recently experienced one of the following:
1. A natural or man-made disaster.
2. A terrorist incident or attack.
3. A public health crisis or epidemic.
4. Armed conflict or civil unrest.
The designated meeting location is within an area where an emergency declaration has been issued by:
1. A mayor or municipal government.
2. The government of a county or county-equivalent subdivision.
3. The governor of a U.S state, commonwealth, or territory.
4. The President of the United States of America.
5. Federal, state, local, or territorial government agencies properly exercising their legal authority to make such emergency declarations.
An officer of the Young Democrats of America has died within the thirty (30) days preceding a meeting of the National Committee.

Section 421(b) Methods for Rescheduling, Cancellation, or Movement due to Emergency.

If any of the criteria listed in Section 421(a) is applicable, a meeting of the National Committee may be rescheduled, canceled, or moved to either a new location, conducted as a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference provided that one of the following provisions applies:

Receipt of a written request of the National Committee physically or electronically signed by not less than one third (1/3) of the current membership of the National Committee to the Secretary.
Receipt of a written request of the Board of Directors. physically or electronically signed by not less than fourth fifths (4/5) of the current membership of the Board of Directors to the Secretary.
The affirmative vote of fourth fifths (4/5) of the Board of Directors.

Section 421(c) Notice and Mechanisms for Rescheduling, Cancellation, and Movement.

If one of the methods listed in Section 421(b) has been met then the Board of Directors shall meet and specify the location, date, and time of the rescheduled meeting, and such date shall be not less than:

Sixty (60) days from the date such request was received if the meeting of the National Committee has been designated to be rescheduled or moved to either a new location or;
Thirty (30) days from the date such request was received if the meeting of the National Committee has been designated to a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference.

The Secretary shall provide notice to the National Committee of any meeting that has been rescheduled, canceled, or moved to either a new location, conducted as a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference pursuant to this section.

Section 421(d) Board of Directors Shall Act in Good Faith.

A good-faith effort shall be made by the Board of Directors to reschedule a meeting of the National Committee in the location designated in the initial meeting notice. If rescheduling the meeting in the initial location is not feasible and the meeting requires it to be moved then the Board of Directors shall make a good-faith effort to consider alternative locations in relatively close geographic proximity, within the chartered unit or units to which the meeting was previously awarded, before considering other alternatives. If a meeting has been designated to move to a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference then the Board of Directors shall make a good-faith effort to hold a meeting of the National Committee in the location designated in the initial meeting notice at a later date within the biennium.

Section 421(e) Retroactivity.

If there were any meetings of the National Committee that were scheduled to occur between the first (1st) of January, 2020 and the thirty-first (31st) of May, 2020 that subsequently did not occur due one of the emergency circumstances as listed in Section 421(a), then that meeting may be rescheduled, canceled, or moved to either a new location, a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference in accordance with Section 421(b), Section 421(c), and Section 421(d). Section 421(e) shall become null and void, of no further force or effect, and subsequently removed from the Charter on September 1st, 2020.

SECTION 430 Standing Committees of the National Committee.

Section 430(a) Named.

The National Committee shall have Standing Committees on Credentials, Rules and Charter, and Resolution, and Legislation.

Section 430(b) Standing Committee Membership.

Each Standing Committee shall consist of one representative from each chartered unit and such representative need not be a member of the National Committee. Standing Committee members shall be chosen in accordance with procedures established by the chartered units they represent and shall be certified in writing to the Secretary.

Section 430(c) Meetings.

Standing Committees shall meet at each meeting of the National Committee and at other times as called by such Standing Committee’s Chair or the President. Meetings not held in conjunction with a National Committee meeting shall require fourteen (14) days written notice to each committee member and the National Committee and must be held via videoconference, teleconference, or online conference.

SECTION 440 Select Committees of the National Committee.

Section 440(a) Named and Establishment.

The National Committee shall have Select Committees on Budget, Campaigns, Chapter Building, International Affairs, Site Selection, Technology, Training, and Digital Integration, and Diversity and Outreach. The President, with the approval of the National Committee, shall have the discretion to establish and instruct additional Select Committees.

Section 440(b) Budget Committee Membership.

The Select Committee on Budget shall consist of the elected Treasurer of each Regional Caucus and up to three (3) at-large members appointed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall designate a Director, Deputy Director, and Secretary from among the members of the Select Committee on Budget. The Deputy Treasurer and the Finance Director shall serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Select Committee on Budget.

Section 440(c) Other Select Committee Membership.

Each Select Committee shall consist of one (1) representative selected by each Regional Caucus and up to three (3) at-large members appointed by the President with the exception of the Select Committee on Budget. The President shall designate a Director, Deputy Director, and Secretary from among the members of each Select Committee with the exception of the Select Committee on Budget. In the case of the Diversity and Outreach Committee, one (1) additional representative shall be appointed by the Chair of each of the Voting Constituency Caucuses.

Section 440(d) Meetings.

Select Committees shall meet at each meeting of the National Committee and at other times as called by such Select Committee’s Chair or by the President. Meetings not held in conjunction with a National Committee meeting shall require fifteen (15) days written notice to each committee member and the National Committee and must be held via videoconference, teleconference, or online conference.

CHARTER
ARTICLE V
REMOVED BY ACTION OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

CHARTER
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 603 Board of Directors.

There shall be a Board of Directors for the Young Democrats of America, composed of the Officers of the Young Democrats of America, the Chair of the Council of Regional Directors, the Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit Presidents, and the Chair of the Council of Caucus Chairs. The six (6) members representing stakeholder communities of the Stakeholder Advisory Council shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members. The President shall serve as chair of the Board of Directors. The President shall serve as chair of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 605 Officers; Named.

The Officers of the Young Democrats of America shall be a President, an Executive Vice President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Third Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and two (2) Democratic National Committee Members, neither of whom may be of the same gender identity. The Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit Presidents, the Chair of the Council of Regional Directors, and the Chair of the Council of Caucus Chairs shall serve as ex-officio Officers of the Young Democrats of America.

SECTION 606 Duties of Officers.

The Officers of the Young Democrats of America shall perform such duties as required by the Charter and the Bylaws, the President, and the National Committee. The Officers shall meet at the call of the President to informally discuss, plan, and coordinate activities of the Young Democrats of America. No decisions made during a meeting of the Officers shall be binding unless specified by the Charter and the Bylaws and other provisions adopted pursuant to authority of the Charter, including resolutions or other actions of the National Convention or National Committee.

SECTION 607 Gavel Order.

The list of officers, excluding ex-officio officers, in Section 605 shall constitute the gavel order of the Board of Directors and meetings of the National Committee.

SECTION 608 Duties of Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors shall be responsible for selecting, supervising, and managing the employment of the Executive Director, reviewing staff performance, awarding raises and bonuses, and adopting human resources and staff management policies. In addition, the Board of Directors shall review and approve major contracts and management decisions as needed. The Board of Directors shall meet not less than once every three (3) months. The Secretary or their designee shall inform the National Committee of the time, date, location, and topics of discussion for each meeting not later than 48 hours prior to such meeting, and shall distribute accurate minutes of each meeting to the National Committee not later than fourteen (14) days after such meeting.

SECTION 610(a) Eligibility.

Regular members who have not yet reached the age of thirty-six (36) shall be eligible to serve as Officers. Individuals who are not members of a Party other than the Democratic Party shall be eligible for selection as Stakeholder Advisory Council Members.

Section 610(b).

Upon filing paperwork to qualify for, create an exploratory committee for, or accept an appointment to any federal or statewide elected office, an Officer of the Young Democrats of America shall resign their position.

SECTION 615 Elections.

Officers other than the Democratic National Committee Members shall be elected by a majority vote of the National Convention for a term of two years or until their successors are elected. The Democratic National Committee Members shall be elected by a vote of the National Committee in even-numbered years at a National Committee Meeting held before July for a term of two years or until their successors are elected.

SECTION 616 Stakeholder Advisory Council.

The Stakeholder Advisory Council shall be constituted to provide counsel, guidance, and advice to the Officers and the Young Democrats of America in general. The Stakeholder Advisory Council shall be composed of six (6) members representing stakeholder communities.

SECTION 618 Selection of Stakeholder Members.

The six (6) Stakeholder Advisory Council Members shall be appointed by the Board of Directors subject to confirmation by the National Committee. Three (3) Stakeholder Advisory Council Members shall be selected in each even-numbered year, at the same meeting at which the Democratic National Committee Members are elected, for a term of four years or until their successors are appointed and confirmed.

SECTION 620 Attendance at Meetings

SECTION 620(a) Attendance at Meetings.

Board Members shall be required to attend all meetings of the National Committee. Multiple meetings of the National Committee convened within a period of three (3) days shall be construed as one (1) meeting for the purpose of this section.

SECTION 620(b) Excusing Absence of Board Member.

Following the presentation of the Standing Committee on Credentials report at a meeting of the National Committee, it shall be order for a member of the National Committee to make a motion to excuse the absence of a Board Member from the National Committee meeting. A motion to excuse the absence of a Board Member from the National Committee meeting shall require a majority of the members of the National Committee voting to be approved.

SECTION 620(c) Removal of Board Member Due to Two Unexcused Absences from Meeting.

A Board Members who fails to attend two meetings of the National Committee during their term that have not been excused under Section 620(b) shall be eligible to be removed from office under the procedure in this subsection. At the next meeting of the National Committee following a Board Member’s failure to attend two meetings that have not been excused by the members of the National Committee, a motion may be placed before the members of the National Committee under New Business to remove the Board Member from the office they serve. The motion to remove the Board Member from office shall require approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the National Committee voting to remove the Board Member from office.

SECTION 620(d) Vacancies.

Vacancies created pursuant to this section shall be filled as prescribed in the Charter and the Bylaws.

SECTION 650 Impeachment; Cause.

Officers and Board Members are subject to impeachment and removal from office for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of assigned duties or for violation of the Charter, the Bylaws, or any rule of the Young Democrats of America, the Democratic Party, or for the commission of high crimes and misdemeanors.

CHARTER
ARTICLE VII: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

Section 720 Non-Voting Officers Named.

There shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Committee a parliamentarian and up to eighteen (18) non-voting administrative officers which shall include a deputy treasurer (nominated by the Treasurer and confirmed by the National Committee), an issue advocacy director, communications director, general counsel, deputy communications director, finance director, community service director, technology director, and deputy technology director. Appointees from an un-chartered area shall provide a letter of support from a party official from that unit. These officers shall serve as ex-officio non-voting members of the National Committee.

SECTION 735 Terms.

Administrative Officers shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing officer except that removal of the parliamentarian shall require a majority vote of the National Committee.

SECTION 740 Duties.

The Administrative Officers shall perform such duties as required by the Charter, the Bylaws, and the National Committee.

CHARTER
ARTICLE VIII
REMOVED BY ACTION OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

CHARTER
ARTICLE IX
REGIONAL CAUCUSES

SECTION 905 Regional Caucuses.

There shall be eight (8) Regional Caucuses of the Young Democrats of America.

Section 905(a) Composition.

Each Regional Caucus shall be composed of all chartered units within the region as provided for in the Bylaws.

Section 905(b) Officers.

Each Regional Caucus shall elect a Regional Director as provided for in the Bylaws.

SECTION 910 Regional Directors.

Each Regional Director shall serve as ex-officio voting member of the National Committee.

CHARTER
ARTICLE X
CONSTITUENCY CAUCUSES & AUXILIARY BODIES

SECTION 1000 Constituency Caucuses

There shall be three (3) types of constituency caucuses in the Young Democrats of America.

SECTION 1005 Voting Constituency Caucuses.

Voting Constituency Caucuses shall exist as organizations within the Young Democrats of America pursuant to Article X, Section 1005 of the Bylaws. The chairs of each of such caucuses shall serve as ex-officio, voting members of the National Committee.

SECTION 1010 Provisional Constituency Caucuses.

Provisional Constituency Caucuses may be established at the discretion of the National Committee pursuant to Article X, Section 1010 of the Bylaws. The chairs of each of such caucuses shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the National Committee.

SECTION 1015 Constituency Caucus Working Groups.

Constituency Caucus Working Groups may be established at the discretion of the National Committee pursuant to Article X, Section 1015 of the Bylaws.

SECTION 1020 Provisions.

Each Constituency Caucus shall establish internal bylaws and rules necessary for its operation, not in conflict with the Charter or the Bylaws, and subject to the approval of the National Committee. Such bylaws and rules must contain provisions specifying the definition of membership, the definition of voting privileges, procedures for election of officers, duties of officers, and procedures for removal of officers. A copy of the bylaws, rules, and any subsequent amendments to the bylaws or rules must be submitted to the National Office within thirty (30) days of approval and must be available to any member of the National Committee upon request.

SECTION 1030. Caucus Re-Chartering.

At each meeting subsequent to the National Convention, each Constituency Caucus will submit an application to be certified as an active Caucus. Each Caucus will submit a plan to guide its activities over the course of the biennium. Said plan may include a budget, fundraising goals, proposed training programs, and other action items. At the meeting of the election of the DNC Committee Members, each Caucus may make amendments to their previously submitted plan. The initial submitted plan shall be reviewed and initially approved by the Convention Standing Committee on Rules and Charter. Any amendments made in the interim must be approved by the Standing Committee on Rules and Charter. Each Caucus recommendation from the Convention Standing Committee on Rules and Charter must be approved by discrete vote of the National Convention. Multiple Caucuses may not be approved in a single vote.

SECTION 1040. Auxiliary Bodies: Established.

The Young Democrats of America shall recognize such auxiliary bodies as necessary to represent the function of those officers to the national organization and its bodies.

Section 1040(a). Auxiliary Bodies: Named.

The Association of Chartered Unit Presidents (ACUP), The Council of Region Directors (CORD), and The Council of Caucus Chairs (CCC) are recognized as official auxiliary bodies of the Young Democrats of America.

Section 1040(b). Auxiliary Bodies.

The auxiliary bodies shall establish policies and governing procedures, not inconsistent with the Young Democrats of America governing documents, to carry out such responsibilities as may be necessary to accomplish the goals therein set by the bodies.

CHARTER
ARTICLE XI:
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 1100 Electronic Meetings and Voting.

Section 1100(a). Meeting by Videoconference, Teleconference, or Online Conference.

The National Convention (only if authorized by Section 311 of the Charter), Official meetings of the Board of Directors, the National Committee, Standing Committees, Select Committees, and Judicial Council may be held by videoconference, teleconference, or online conference, provided that the following provisions apply:

Members shall be allowed full participation in un-muted and un-censored real-time discussion, and all members must be able to hear or see the communication from all other members.
Attendance by members participating can be accurately recorded.
An online balloting system shall be in place for any question or matter put before the body. If this is not feasible, then roll call votes shall be taken on any vote upon the request of one member.
Nothing in this section shall limit a member from making a motion to table or postpone as provided in Robert’s Rules of Order.
No Officer or National Committee member may interfere with the procedures regarding notification or execution of a videoconference, teleconference or online conference without providing to the convening officer conclusive evidence that said meeting would cause direct financial or legal harm to the Young Democrats of America.

Section 1100(b). Petitions and Asynchronous Voting.

A petition may be submitted to the YDA Secretary, bearing the signatures of at least 25% of the National Committee, to refer matters normally handled at meetings of the National Committee to the members of the National Committee through the mail, or by means of electronic voting, provided that the following provisions apply:

The petition must be submitted by a current and eligible member of the National Committee.
At least one opportunity for open, un-muted and un-censored debate must occur prior to the beginning of the voting period. Notice for debate on a petition shall be announced no less than seven (7) days to all members of the National Committee. Members shall have at least seven (7) days to return their ballot, and within five (5) days after the close of balloting, the list of members voting, and their votes cast shall be distributed to the National Committee.
Any vote pursuant to this subsection shall be void unless ballots are returned by a majority of the members of the National Committee. Any member whose credentials were revoked at a previous National Committee meeting, or whose voting power was suspended at a previous National Committee meeting may not cast a ballot in a mail or electronic vote and may not have their signature applied to the petition threshold, until such time as their vote has been restored by the Credentials Committee.
Voting must be made available through postal mail or fax to any member upon request to the Secretary.
Voting must be done in a manner to ensure that all votes cast bear the signature or electronic signature of the member who cast the vote.
Should twenty-five percent (25%) of the members of the National Committee vote to postpone the matter under consideration until the next in-person meeting of the National Committee, the matter shall be considered tabled until that time. The option to postpone until the next in-person meeting shall be listed on any matter referred in this matter as an option to vote.
The election of Officers shall, and confirmation of Presidential Appointments shall not be held pursuant to this subsection

Section 1100(c). Limitations.

Section 1100(b) is not applicable to any electronic vote taken by the National Committee when it meets by a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference as authorized by Section 421 of the Charter.

Section 1100(d).

Regional Caucuses may conduct meetings and vote pursuant to the provisions as defined in Section 1100(a) unless otherwise prohibited, provided that no elections are held unless otherwise authorized by the Charter. The National Committee may authorize Regional Caucuses to hold elections for officers under the provisions as defined in Section 1100(a) by two-thirds (⅔) vote.

Section 1100(e). Constituency Caucuses.

Constituency Caucuses may conduct meetings and vote pursuant to the provisions as defined in Section 1100(a) unless otherwise prohibited by the bylaws of a caucus.

SECTION 1105 Quorum.

Section 1105(a) National Committee.

A quorum of the National Committee shall consist of twenty-five (25) members representing not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of chartered units.

Section 1105(b) Standing Committees of the National Committee.

A quorum of a Standing Committee shall consist of representatives from twenty-five percent (25%) of chartered units.

Section 1105(c) Board of Directors, National Committee; Judicial Council; Select Committees.

A quorum of the Board of Directors, Judicial Council, and Select Committees shall consist of forty percent (40%) of the voting membership.

SECTION 1110 Proxies Authorized.

Proxy voting shall be permitted as specified in the Charter and the Bylaws at in-person meetings of the National Committee, Board of Directors, Judicial Council, Standing Committees, and Select Committees. Proxies shall be carried only by regular members, and shall be general, uninstructed, and transferable unless otherwise specified. Under no circumstances may any Young Democrat carry more than two (2) proxies. Proxies for Officers of the Young Democrats of America in the Board of Directors must be held by a member of the National Committee. Proxies by email or fax shall be accepted. Should a faxed or emailed proxy be challenged, it shall be considered as a provisional vote until such time that the Chair of the Credentials Committee may review the original document. Such review shall take place within 30 days of the casting of the vote, or the proxy shall be considered out of order and the vote improperly cast.

SECTION 1115 Requirements; Restrictions.

No law or rule of any chartered unit may conflict with this Charter and any provision which does so conflict shall be null and void. Every chartered unit shall be required to hold a general convention not less than biennially. The National Committee shall have authority to revoke the Charter of any unit for violation of any law or rule of the Democratic Party at any level. Restrictions on voting commonly referred to as "unit rule" are prohibited. Chartered units shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, national origin, economic status, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

SECTION 1120 Open Meeting Policy.

All meetings of the Young Democrats of America shall be open to the public excluding those portions of meetings of the National Committee concerning the disclosure of details, recommendations, or disciplinary actions in regard to complaints that are pending adjudication and ratification by the National Committee. Members of the National Committee shall be prohibited from disclosing details of executive sessions with outside parties and entities. All portions of meetings that move into executive sessionshall be preceded and followed by an announced five (5) minute recess. All votes that occur during meetings of the Young Democrats of America shall not be taken by secret ballot. Meetings shall be publicized on the public website of the Young Democrats of America no later than the notification date required for membership and minutes shall be taken and made accessible.

SECTION 1125 Definitions.

Section 1125(a) National Committee.

National Committee means the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America.

Section 1125(b) Board of Directors.

Board of Directors means the Board of the Directors of the Young Democrats of America, including the Officers, the Region Directors, the Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit Presidents, the Vice Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit President, and the six (6) non-voting members of the Stakeholder Advisory Council of the Young Democrats of America.

Section 1125(c) Charter and Bylaws.

The Charter and the Bylaws means the current version of the Charter and the Bylaws of the Young Democrats of America.

Section 1125(d) Biennium.

Biennium means the period between the conclusion of a National Convention and the conclusion of the subsequent National Convention.

Section 1125(e) Virtual Lobby.

Virtual Lobby means the use of teleconferencing or video conferencing software that allows for remote participation in proceedings of an in-person meeting. Virtual lobbies may limit the use of some software features like participant audio and in-meeting chat.

Section 1125(f) Live Streamed.

Livestream means when audio and video footage from a meeting is captured and streamed live via the internet, such that the content being streamed is not pre-recorded, but filmed and streamed on the internet when it is happening.

SECTION 1130 Parliamentary Authority.

The Rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Young Democrats of America in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Charter and the Bylaws and any other rules of order the Young Democrats of America may adopt.

SECTION 1135 Content and Trigger Warnings

Section 1135(a) Procedures.

If any matter or agenda item comes before the National Committee that discusses a topic listed in Section 1135(b), then it shall be the duty of the chair or presiding officer to inform the National Committee that the topic is listed in Section 1135(b) where deemed necessary or appropriate by the chair or presiding officer. The National Committee shall then begin a recess for a period of five (5) minutes to allow for any member to excuse themselves from the proceedings. Any National Committee member who chooses to excuse themself from the proceedings under this section may designate a temporary proxy to another individual by informing the Secretary as long as that individual is not already carrying the maximum number of proxies allowable as specified by Section 1100. At the conclusion of a matter or agenda item that discusses a topic listed in Section 1135(b), the National Committee shall then begin another recess for a period of five (5) minutes to allow for members to return to the proceedings of the meeting. Additionally, the President and Secretary shall add the letters “TW/CW” next to any item on the written agenda for a meeting of the National Committee that may discuss a topic listed in Section 1135(b) and insert a footnote or endnote into the agenda that states the following:

"TW/CW" stands for Trigger Warning/Content Warning.

Content warnings are verbal or written notices that precede potentially sensitive content. These notices flag the contents of the material that follows, so readers, listeners, or viewers can prepare themselves to adequately engage or, if necessary, disengage for their own wellbeing. Trigger warnings are a specific variety of content warning that attempt to forewarn audiences of content that may cause intense physiological and psychological symptoms for people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders. PTSD and other anxiety disorders are real mental health disabilities that have physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that are triggered by stimuli that recalls an individual’s experience of trauma.”

SECTION 1135(b) Topics qualifying for TW/CW notice and accommodation:

Topics of discussions that must contain the TW/CW notice include, but are not limited to, the following:

Violence
Sexual violence
Domestic violence
Child abuse
Self-harm or Suicide
Eating disorders, body hatred, and fatphobia
Mental illness and ableism
Racism and racial slurs
Sexism and misogyny
Hateful language directed at religious groups
Transphobia and transmisogyny
Homophobia and heterosexism
Other topics that may cause intense physiological and psychological symptoms for people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other anxiety disorders at the discretion of the chair or presiding officer.

SECTION 1140 Rules.

Each official body of the Young Democrats of America created under the authority of this Charter shall adopt and conduct its affairs in accordance with written rules, which rules shall be consistent with the Charter and the Bylaws and other provisions adopted pursuant to authority of the Charter, including resolutions or other actions of the National Convention or National Committee. The National Committee shall maintain copies of all such rules and shall make them available upon request.

SECTION 1145. Elections to be held at the National Convention.

All Constituency Caucuses, Provisional Caucuses, Working Groups, and other Young Democrats of America sub-groups (excluding chartered units and Regional Caucuses and the filling of vacancies) whose elections are not otherwise provided for in the Charter and the Bylaws shall elect their officers at the National Convention.

SECTION 1150 Procedural Guarantees.

The Young Democrats of America shall implement the following guarantees to members:

Section 1150(a) Open Meetings.

All public meetings and official functions at all levels of the Young Democrats of America shall be open to all members of the Young Democrats of America regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (except as provided in Section 205(a)), color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, economic status, disability, or philosophical persuasion.

Section 1150(b) Membership Test.

No test for membership in, nor any oath of loyalty to, the Young Democrats of America shall be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members of the Young Democrats of America to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (except as provided in Section 205(a)), color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, economic status or disability.

Section 1150(c) Non-Discrimination.

The Young Democrats of America shall adopt a policy providing an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment. This policy shall include, but not be limited to, stating that actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual's sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated, and shall provide a process for complaints and resolution.

Section 1150(d) Registration.

The Young Democrats of America, on all levels, shall support the broadest possible registration without discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (except as provided in Section 205(a)), color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, economic status, or disability.

Section 1150(e) Selection of Officers.

The Young Democrats of America shall publicize fully and in such manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a full description of the practical procedures for selection of Young Democrats of America Officers and Representatives on all levels. Publication of these procedures shall be done in such fashion that all prospective and current members of the Young Democrats of America will be fully and adequately informed of the pertinent procedures in time to participate in each selection procedure at all levels of the Young Democrats of America.

Section 1150(f) Qualifications for Officers.

The Young Democrats of America shall publicize fully and, in such manner, as to assure notice to all interested parties a complete description of the practical qualifications of all Officers and Representatives of the Young Democrats of America. Such publication shall be done in a timely fashion so that all prospective candidates or applicants for any elected or appointed position within the Young Democrats of America will have full and adequate opportunity to compete for office. It is the intention of the Young Democrats of America to ensure a full opportunity for all minority group members to participate in these electoral processes.

Section 1150(g) Bystander Policy.

The Young Democrats of America shall maintain a policy by which witnesses shall be empowered to advocate against, speak out, and/or confront such, any, and all harassing conduct done by individuals and/or report such conduct to the proper means of adjudication.

SECTION 1190 Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion

Section 1190(a) Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action is defined for the purposes of the Young Democrats of America as the aggressive recruitment, selection, placement, and retention of members from historically underrepresented and excluded groups in all party affairs. This includes all officers, caucuses, committees, meetings, conventions, and staff members.

Section 1190(b) Outreach and Inclusion

Outreach and Inclusion activities are wide-ranging, intentional, results-oriented, everyday Young Democrats of America efforts to engage and retain participation from historically underrepresented and excluded groups. All officers, caucuses, committees, meetings, conventions, and staff members shall engage consistently in outreach and inclusion. By engaging underrepresented groups through collaboration, flexibility, and fairness, the Young Democrats of America shall enable current and potential members to contribute to their fullest in all organizational activities.

Section 1190(c) Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion Statement.

The following Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion Statement is to be read at the beginning of National Committee Meetings, National Conventions, and all other meetings where elections or nominations occur:

“The Young Democrats of America seeks to end discrimination and bigotry in all its forms and to inspire broad participation in the Democratic Party. As part of our commitment to outreach and inclusion, we will take affirmative steps to increase the participation of members of all underrepresented communities. When you vote today, remember this commitment includes electing members of underrepresented communities to positions within the Young Democrats of America, the Democratic Party, and in public office.”

Section 1190(d) Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion Reminder

After the Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion Statement has been read, the Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion Reminder is read in lieu of the full Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion Statement before voting begins in each election.

“As you vote today, remember that the Young Democrats of America is committed to electing members of underrepresented communities to positions within the Young Democrats of America, the Democratic Party, and in public office.”

CHARTER
ARTICLE XII
JUDICIAL COUNCIL

Section 1205(a) Authority.

The Judicial Council shall adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation or application of the Charter, Bylaws, or Standing Rules of the Young Democrats of America and hear impeachment proceedings against Officers of the Young Democrats of America. The Judicial Council may also adjudicate disputes regarding the election or impeachment of members who are members of the National Committee by virtue of their office, but only after all means of adjudication provided for in the charter of such member’s chartered unit have been exhausted. The Judicial Council shall not have authority over:

Violations of prohibited conduct pursuant to Section 1305 of the Charter unless no outside vendor has been selected within 90 days of receiving the complaint as required under Section 1310; or
Disputes related to YDA's governing documents that come about due to a parliamentary ruling during a session of the National Convention, National Committee, or a Standing or Select Committee.

Section 1205(b) Grounds for Appeals of Unsuccessful Impeachments of National Committee Members.

Appeals from impeachment convictions of persons who hold a seat as a member of the National Committee by virtue of an election by a chartered unit shall be limited to violations of the Charter and the Bylaws of the Young Democrats of America or a breach of fiduciary duty to the Young Democrats of America, and shall not extend to any other grounds. No appeal may be made from an impeachment acquittal of a member of the National Committee for any other reason and no original impeachment actions shall be brought for any reason whatsoever.

Section 1205(c) Appeals from National Committee Member Impeachment Convictions.

In the case of appeals from impeachments from chartered units, all interpretations of the Charter, Bylaws, and any rule of the Young Democrats of America shall be reviewed de novo, while interpretations of the Constitution, Bylaws, Charter, and rules of a chartered unit shall be reviewed for clear error.

Section 1205(d) National Committee Election Contest Appeals.

In any matter arising from actions challenging, or appeals from the election of a member of the National Committee by a chartered unit, the Judicial Council shall not reverse any decision of a chartered unit by the properly constituted process of said chartered unit except in cases of a violation of the Charter and the Bylaws, or any rule of the Young Democrats of America, or in cases of a clear error by the chartered unit supported by clear and convincing evidence, provided the chartered unit submits the record in support of its decisions including the complete evidentiary basis and reasons for each decision being contested. Questions concerning the interpretation or application of the Charter, Bylaws, or any rule of the Young Democrats of America shall be determined de novo. If the chartered unit failed to adjudicate a question of fact that would be dispositive in a given case, the Judicial Council shall review it and the decisions of the chartered unit de novo. All chartered unit’s records shall be accompanied by notarized verifications from the chartered unit’s President, Secretary, or other relevant officer with responsibility for the production or maintenance of the record being submitted, that the record is a complete and accurate copy of the evidentiary materials and adjudicative decisions made by the chartered unit in said matter. Review of all other matters whose standard of review is not set forth in this subsection shall be de novo.

Section 1205(e) Previous Adjudication and Documentation.

Questions of fact that have been adjudicated by the chartered unit shall be sustained if supported by substantial evidence unless the chartered unit failed to include a complete record of all evidence submitted in the proceeding before the chartered unit, in which case no deference shall be given to any question of fact adjudicated by the chartered unit. All such records shall be accompanied by notarized verifications from the chartered unit’s President, Secretary, or other relevant officers with responsibility for the production or maintenance of the record being submitted, that the record is a complete and accurate copy of the evidentiary materials and adjudicative decisions made by the chartered unit in the said matter.

Section 1205(f) Prima Facie Determination.

Upon referral or receipt of a complaint filed with the Judicial Council, the Judicial Council Chair shall promptly make a determination as to whether the complaint alleges a prima facie violation of the Charter and the Bylaws, or any rule of the Young Democrats of America, or in cases of a clear error by the chartered unit supported by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. If a determination is made that the complaint does not allege a prima facie violation, the complaint shall be dismissed without prejudice and the complainant and the subject of the complaint must be promptly notified of the reasons the complaint did not allege a prima facie violation. If the complainant files a revised complaint regarding the same facts and the same subject, the prima facie determination must be completed by the Judicial Council Vice Chair. The chair may order that the prima facie determination for any complaint be made by the full Council and must order that the prima facie determination for a complaint being submitted for the third time be made by the Council.

SECTION 1210 Composition

The Judicial Council shall be composed of one (1) representative elected by each Regional Caucus and three (3) at-large members appointed by the President.

SECTION 1220 Disqualification.

No person who is a party in a dispute raised before the Judicial Council shall sit in judgment or cast a vote on the Judicial Council’s consideration of that dispute, regardless of such person’s membership on the Judicial Council or possession of a proxy vote of a Judicial Council member. A temporary replacement for such member may be chosen by a vote of the National Committee members who are members of chartered units within that affected Region, by the affected Regional Caucus’s Regional Director, or by the President.

SECTION 1225 Authority of the Parliamentarian to Rule on Questions of Procedures.

Where any questions arise about the meaning or proper procedure of:

the Charter, Bylaws, and Standing Rules of the Young Democrats of America as applied to the procedures of the Judicial Council; or
the adopted rules of procedure of the Judicial Council;

the parliamentarian shall have authority to advise the Judicial Council on the proper course of action. Individuals who are direct parties to any complaint being considered by the Judicial and members of the Judicial Council may contact the Parliamentarian if they believe proper procedures of the Judicial Council as mentioned above are being violated. Questions around the proper procedure of the Judicial Council are reviewable to the National Committee upon request of at least four (4) members of the Judicial Council. Requests for review by the National Committee shall be sent in writing to the President, Secretary, Judicial Council Chair, and Parliamentarian.

CHARTER
ARTICLE XIII
PROHIBITED CONDUCT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND ADJUDICATION

SECTION 1300 Organizational Statement.

Sexual violence and domestic violence are crimes that are completely incompatible with YDA’s core tenets of tolerance, inclusion, and community. Harassment of any kind creates a culture of exclusion that, too, is incompatible with the core tenets of YDA. Harassment, sexual violence, and domestic violence will not be tolerated. YDA will respond promptly and effectively to reports of harassment, sexual violence, and domestic violence, and will take appropriate action to prevent, correct, and when necessary, to discipline and or cooperate with law enforcement authorities regarding any behavior that violates this section. Any substantiated accusations against a YDA member, volunteer, or otherwise YDA-associated individual, which allege that they have committed sexual violence or domestic violence against another, are potential grounds for immediate, permanent, and total exclusion from participation in all YDA activities and events.

SECTION 1305 Prohibited Conduct.

Section 1305(a) Harassment.

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on a person’s sex, national origin, race, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or other immutable characteristics. Harassment can include but is not limited to:

Unwelcome sexual advances;
Unwelcome requests for sexual favors;
Other verbal or physical harassment;
Offensive remarks about any of a person’s characteristic(s) listed above;
The use of social media or mobile technology to portray another individual in a sexually explicit way;
without their freely given, voluntary, and conscious consent;
Stalking.

Though this definition does not prohibit outright teasing, offhand slights, or isolated incidents unless extremely serious, harassment which is frequent or severe such that it creates a hostile, uncomfortable, or offensive environment, or when it results in an adverse decision by the individual being harassed, will fall under this definition of “harassment” and therefore be subject to the disciplinary process for harassment pursuant to Section 1310.

Section 1305(b) Sexual Violence.

Sexual violence is any act of a sexual nature including the touching, fondling, or penetration of another individual or the use of an object to touch, fondle or penetrate performed on an individual, or in which an individual is made to perform on another, without their freely given, voluntary, and conscious consent to such actions. Sexual violence includes rape, sexual battery, and sexual assault. An individual cannot consent to a sexual act if that individual is underage, unconscious, asleep, intoxicated due to alcohol, drugs, or another substance, or is otherwise incapacitated. Lack of protest, silence or lack of resistance do not by themselves constitute consent. A prior sexual or romantic relationship between the persons involved is not by itself an indicator of consent.

Section 1305(c) Domestic Violence.

Domestic Violence is conducted by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim or a person with whom the victim shares a child in common that intentionally or recklessly causes bodily injury to the victim, another, or an animal, or places the victim or another in reasonable fear of serious bodily injury.

Section 1305(d) Retaliation.

Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse organizational actions against a person based on their report of harassment, sexual violence, or domestic violence. Retaliation is strictly prohibited by the YDA.

Section 1305(e) Fiduciary Malfeasance.

Fiduciary Malfeasance includes money laundering, theft of money or property, misuse of funds, and fraudulent accounting practices.

Section 1305(f) Breach of Confidentiality.

Breach of Confidentiality is the disclosure of information or details not intended for public dissemination as defined in the YDA Charter, Bylaws, and Standing Rules

SECTION 1310 Complaints, Investigations, and Adjudication.

Section 1310(a) Independent Outside Investigator.

The Young Democrats of America shall utilize an independent outside vendor or organization to serve as the primary investigator of any instances of prohibited conduct as defined in Section 1305.

Section 1310(b) Contract Solicitation and Approval.

The Board of Directors of the Young Democrats of America shall ensure there is an active contract or agreement with at least one (1) independent outside vendor or organization to conduct investigations pursuant to Section 1310(a).

Section 1310(c) Development and Publication of Investigatory Guidelines.

The Board of Directors in consultation with the contracted independent outside vendor or organization, the General Counsel, and the Chair of the Judicial Council shall develop investigatory guidelines and procedures for investigations of any instances of prohibited conduct as defined in Section 1305. Any investigatory guidelines and procedures shall be made available on the YDA website. Investigatory guidelines and procedures must include a provision that allows for the accused to be accompanied by counsel in any interactions with the primary investigator.

Section 1310(d) Filing of Complaints.

A survivor of, or witness to, or advocate for a survivor of an overt act of prohibited conduct as defined in Section 1305 may file a complaint with the General Counsel or the Chair of the Judicial Council. The General Counsel or the Chair of the Judicial Council shall confirm receipt of any complaint to the complainant in writing and shall forward the complaint to the contracted independent outside vendor or organization to conduct investigations pursuant to Section 1310(a) within five (5) days of initial receipt.

Section 1310(e) Disposition of the Complaint.

Upon completion of their investigation, the primary investigator shall prepare a written summary of the investigation and a recommendation as to the appropriate disposition of the complaint to be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the National Committee. In instances where disciplinary actions are recommended by the primary investigator, the National Committee shall ratify the decision by a simple majority vote in executive session pursuant to Section 1120.

Section 1310(f) Suspension and Exclusion Mechanism.

If an individual’s membership in YDA is terminated or YDA suspends its association with an individual accused of sexual violence, domestic violence, or harassment, the following items take immediate effect:

The General Counsel shall send the name of the individual to all elected and appointed officers, including regional directors, caucus chairs, and the complaintee’s and the complainants’ chartered unit president, with a summary of the National Committee’s disciplinary decision and length of the disciplinary action.
The individual shall be disallowed to participate in any functions of including but not limited to conventions, conferences, meetings, and all other events.
The individual shall be ineligible to register for conventions, conferences, meetings, and all other events. The Treasurer and Secretary shall ensure that any registration fees are immediately returned to the individual.
The individual shall be ineligible to participate in any meetings of the National Committee or any session of the National Convention. The individual shall also be ineligible to send or receive proxies.
The YDA Parliamentarian, Sergeant at Arms, and Officers are empowered to ensure the physical removal of the individual at any YDA conventions, conferences, meetings, or any other events by all legal means.

Section 1310(g) Reversion of Authority to Judicial Council.

If a complaint has been received that falls under Section 1305 of the Charter or a fiduciary matter that would normally be referred to an independent outside vendor or organization under section 1310(a) and if no independent outside vendor or organization has been hired or retained with 90 days of receiving the complaint, the Judicial Council shall have full authority and jurisdiction over the matter.

SECTION 1315 Confidentiality

Section 1315(a) Standard of Confidentiality.

The Young Democrats of America shall ensure that the identities and incident details surrounding survivors of harassment, sexual violence, or domestic violence are kept confidential. The Young Democrats of America shall take all steps deemed necessary and proper to protect the confidentiality of survivors.

Section 1315(b) Violations by Elected Officers, Regional Officers, and Appointed Officers.

Violations of confidentiality pursuant to this section shall constitute malfeasance pursuant to Section 650 of the YDA Charter, Section 655, and 940 of the YDA Bylaws. Any YDA appointed officer who violates confidentiality shall be subject to dismissal and removal by their appointing officer. Individuals may face additional action by the Young Democrats of America pursuant to the YDA Charter, Bylaws, and Standing Rules.

Section 1320. Immediate Removal Procedures During an In-Person Event.

If a member of the Officers learns of violations of prohibited conduct through personally witnessing it, through another YDA member, or by any other means and the conduct occurred at a convention, conference, meeting, or any other event that is still in process and ongoing, then the Officers shall gather, in a timely manner not to exceed 24 hours from the time the alleged incident first came to Officer’s attention to discuss the alleged conduct. Under these circumstances, the purpose of this meeting shall be whether, separate and apart from any subsequent disciplinary decisions, the individual should be removed from the ongoing and in process convention, conference, meeting, or event When making this determination, the Officers present shall consider:

The physical well-being and safety of the victim, accused, and general YDA community; and
The likelihood of retaliation against a reporting victim, the accused, or others.

If a three-fifths (⅗) majority of the Officers decides the physical well being of any of the above-mentioned parties is potentially compromised, or if a three-fifths (⅗) majority of the Officers present decides that the chances of retaliation occurring against one of the above-mentioned parties is more likely than not, then the Officers shall make all reasonable efforts to remove the accused from the in-process and ongoing convention, conference, meeting, or any other event. If a three-fifths (⅗) majority of the Officers cannot be gathered to make the determination set forth above, then any decision by the Officers provided a quorum of forty percent (40%) is present must be unanimous. Officer participation by telephonic means or through electronic platforms like Skype or Google Hangout shall be allowed for both quorum and voting purposes provided the Officer’s members are given access to the same information including any written documentation that is provided to the Officers members who are present in person. If a member of the Officers must be recused from the proceedings for any reason that might pose a conflict of interest then their recusal shall not count towards the vote total or to establish a quorum.

Section 1325 Publication.

Chapter XIII of the Charter shall also be included or linked in any electronic communication that serves as a notice of an in-person meeting of the Young Democrats of America. Chapter XIII of the Charter along with information and resources for victims who have experienced harassment, sexual violence, or domestic violence shall be made available on the YDA website.

CHARTER
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENT AND BYLAWS

SECTION 1405 Amendment.

This Charter may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the registered Delegates to the National Convention voting or by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the National Committee voting.

SECTION 1410 Bylaws.

Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the National Committee voting or by a majority vote of the Delegates or the National Convention voting. Bylaws may not conflict with the Charter.

SECTION 1415 Submission and Publication of Amendments.

Proposals to amend the Charter or the Bylaws at a National Convention shall be submitted via email to the chair of the Convention Standing Committee on Rules and Charter no later than twenty-one (21) days before the opening general session of the Convention. Proposals to amend the Charter or the Bylaws at a meeting of the National Committee shall be submitted via email to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Rules and Charter no later than twenty-one (21) days before the National Committee meeting. All proposed amendments submitted to the chair of the Convention Standing Committee on Rules and Charter or the chair of the Standing Committee on Rules and Charter under this section shall be provided to the Secretary posted on the Young Democrats of America website not later than fourteen (14) days prior to the opening general session of the National Convention or National Committee meeting at which the amendments are to be considered. considered. The Secretary shall provide a copy of all proposed amendments to the Delegates of the National Convention and the members of the National Committee by email or other document sharing service not later than fourteen (14) days before the first day the National Convention or National Committee meeting is called to order.

CERTIFICATION OF CHARTER

The undersigned hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Charter of the Young Democrat of America as amended, including amendments certified by the Secretary, as adopted by the National Convention, on August 14, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Quentin Wathum-Ocama,
President

Matthew Russel Kochevar, Esq.,
Chair, Young Democrats of America Convention Committee on Rules and Charter

THE BYLAWS OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

Adopted pursuant to the Charter of the Young Democrats of America on August 14, 2021, by the National Convention of the Young Democrats of America in in Cincinnati, Ohio.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
CHARTERED UNITS

SECTION 115 Time Period for Filing Unit Charter Applications.

Section 115(a).

All component documents of unit charter applications shall be filed not less than seventy-five (75) days nor later than thirty (30) days preceding the day on which the first General Session of the National Convention is scheduled to be convened.

Section 115 (b).

The Young Democrats of America shall provide notice to all members of the National Committee of the charter application requirements not fewer than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the deadline for chartering applications to be submitted.

Section 115(c).

The Young Democrats of America will make available in digital file documents formatted to collect the chartering information required in Section 110 of the Charter. Electronic means of submission of all allowable documents will also be provided to the units eligible for chartering. These means may include but are not limited to a dedicated email address, an internally hosted web-based form, an externally hosted web-based form or other comparable system in common practice that allows for the needs of the process. All materials required by Section 110 may be submitted electronically using the prescribed method, including digital scans of documents requiring signatures.

SECTION 120 Office of Receipt for Unit Charter Applications.

Section 120(a).

Applications shall be filed with the Young Democrats of America via a specified electronic submission process (email, web form, etc.). Each unit shall bear sole and complete responsibility for ensuring that all component documents of its charter application are filed in a timely manner.

Section 120(b).

All charter applications shall be examined by the Chair of the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials within ten (10) days of their initial submission. Units shall receive two (2) reports on the status of their application and their preliminary votes allocation by email an sent to the unit President and o the unit’s two (2) National Committee Representatives at the email addresses shown on the charter application no later than seventy-two (72) hours
after the initial review of their packet. The two (2) reports to the units shall contain the following:

Application Status: Report on the preliminary status of the unit’s application including specifics of any defects and the procedure to follow to correct defects.
Preliminary Votes Status: Report on the preliminary status of the unit’s votes allocations and their assessed penalties.

Section 120(c).

No later than thirty (30) days preceding the day on which the first General Session of the National Convention is scheduled to be convened, the Chair of the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials shall provide the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America a report of preliminary votes to be allocated to all units along with specifics of any defects and penalties to be assessed.

Section 120(d).

Amendments or late applications shall be sent via the specified electronic submission process. The electronic submission date at the mailing address shall govern the assessment of penalties. seven (7) days of receipt by the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials, and notification sent to the unit within forty-eight (48) hours after receipt by the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials.

SECTION 121 Corrections.

Units shall be able to amend their charters to correct errors specified by the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials without penalty no later than fourteen (14) days preceding the day on which the first General Session of the National Convention is scheduled to be convened. Units can make one (1) set of corrections to charters under this provision. Additional amendments to an application may be submitted at any time and such amended applications shall be treated as late applications with penalties calculated based on the date the amendments are received in relation to the original due date for applications. In no case shall an amendment act to increase the number of pre-penalty eligible votes a unit may cast as calculated under Section 360 of the Charter.

SECTION 125 Penalties for Unit Vote Allocation.

Section 125(a).

Any omission or fault related to required documents in Section 110 of the Charter, shall be assessed a penalty equal to 100% unless a different penalty is provided for. Penalties shall be rounded to the nearest whole vote,

Section 125(b).

Applications received at the National Office after the submission deadline or amended after that date. Penalty shall be computed as follows:

Within fourteen (14) days after the submission deadline: five percent (5%) penalty
Fifteen (15) days or later after the submission deadline: three percent (3%) per day after the close of the submission window pursuant to Section 125(b), Subsection i until the application is received.

Section 125(c) Membership lists improper.

Individual names with defects shall not be counted toward determining the number of members in the unit.

SECTION 135 Interim Charter Application.

All applications for interim unit charter issuance shall conform to the requirements of Section 110 except that units applying for interim charter may have held their convention subsequent to the most recent National Convention, and they are not required to submit materials for Participation Votes or the rules governing the selection of their Delegates and Alternates to the convention.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE II
REMOVED BY ACTION OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

BYLAWS
ARTICLE III
NATIONAL CONVENTION

SECTION 300 Site Selection Committee.

The Select Committee on Site Selection (Site Selection Committee) shall have the purpose of reviewing bids from cities to host the next National Convention and submitting their report to the National Committee. The Committee shall consist of the Director, Deputy Director, and Secretary of the Select Committee on Site Selection, the Chair of the ACUP, and one member appointed by each Regional Director. The Site Selection Committee shall seek the advice and counsel of experts in event planning and disability access.

SECTION 305 Site Selection.

Section 305(a) Bidding Application and Deadline.

Prior to the first day of October following a National Convention, the National Office shall prepare a list of information which prospective bidders must submit with their bids to host the next National Convention. The Site Selection Committee may subsequently require further information, but the initial requirements must be available and sent to the National Committee by December 1. In order to be considered by the Site Selection Committee, bids from interested localities must be received by the National Office by February 1 of even-numbered years.

Section 305(b) Bid Review and Site Visitation.

The Site Selection Committee shall adopt procedures for review of each submitted bid, and for selection of sites for visitation to the potential host cities.

Section 305(c) Committee Report.

The Site Selection Committee shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations, including a ranking of bids from most desirable to least desirable, to the President no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the National Committee meeting at which the site will be selected. A copy of the report shall be provided to every member of the National Committee not less than ten (10) days prior to the National Committee meeting at which the site will be selected.

Section 305(d): Failure to bid.

Should no bids be properly submitted or deemed acceptable by the Site Selection Committee in their report as required by Section 305(c) it shall be the responsibility of the Site Selection Committee to approve a bid by August 15 of even-numbered years. The committee may re-solicit bids, create an independent convention bid, direct the President to begin National Convention planning, or take any other action that is necessary to approve a bid by August 15 of even-numbered years. Upon failure to approve a bid by August 15 in even-numbered years, authority over and responsibility for the Convention site-selection and creation process rests with the Young Democrats of America President.

Section 305(e) Consideration by National Committee.

When the report of the Site Selection Committee is presented to the National Committee, consideration of the three (3) bids ranked most desirable by the report shall automatically become the question before the National Committee. Prior to any presentations or debate thereon the President shall ask for a motion to consider additional sites. Such a motion may only be made at that time and may only move consideration of a site which submitted a written proposal to the National Office by the February 1 deadline for submitting bids. Such a motion shall require a majority vote for passage. A fifteen (15) minute presentation may then be given by each site under consideration. Following the presentations, debate will proceed in regular order. At the close of debate, the question shall be put to all bids under consideration with each National Committee member voting for only one bid. If no bid receives a majority, a second vote shall be taken without debate on the two bids which received together the greatest number of votes. On this second vote, the site receiving the majority shall be designated the National Convention site and the site receiving the minority shall be the alternate site. If any of the bids receive a majority on the first ballot, said site shall be designated the National Convention site and balloting shall proceed in the same fashion to determine an alternate site.

SECTION 307 Convention Management Committee.

There shall be a Convention Management Committee consisting of three (3) members appointed by the President, one of whom shall serve as Chair, and three (3) members appointed by the Chair of the Host Committee, one of whom shall serve as Vice Chair. The Convention Management Committee shall be responsible for the management and implementation of the National Convention, including scheduling, logistics, and other matters. The Host Committee shall hire and supervise staff and vendors as needed, subject to the review, supervision, and approval of the Board of Directors. The Host Committee shall exist as a legal entity solely for the purpose of putting on the National Convention, separate from both the Young Democrats of America and the Host unit of the National Convention. The Host Committee shall also submit a proposed budget to the Select Committee on Budget for approval and a fundraising plan to the Finance Director and the Board of Directors. The Host Committee shall work with the Finance Director to implement the fundraising plan.

SECTION 310 Committee on Convention Procedures.

There shall be a Convention Procedures Committee composed of the President, the Executive Vice President, the Chair of the Convention Host Committee, the Convention Chair, the Convention Secretary, the Chair or Chairs of each Convention Standing Committee, Convention Parliamentarian, and the Chair of the Judicial Council. Any of these persons may designate a representative to take their place on said committee. If any of these persons are running for National Office during the Convention, they must designate a representative to take their place on said committee. The President shall call the initial meeting of the Convention Procedures Committee not less than sixty (60) days prior to each National Convention. At the initial meeting, a Chair shall be elected by the Convention Procedures Committee who shall be empowered to select times, dates, and places for such further meetings as may be appropriate. Within fourteen (14) days of the meeting, minutes and copies of the Rules of the National Convention as adopted by the National Committee shall be transmitted to each member of the National Committee. Said Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the Rules of the National Convention are observed and complied with. It shall be the responsibility of said Committee to ensure the efficient scheduling of National Convention meetings and activities and to provide adequate administrative, legal, and clerical facilities for the delegations and committees.

SECTION 315 Election of Officers.

Officers shall be elected in the same order in which the offices are listed in the Charter and the Bylaws.

Section 315(a) Declaration of Candidacy.

At or before 10:00 AM of the day on which the second general session of the National Convention is convened, persons seeking election to National Office shall file with the Convention Secretary a Declaration of Candidacy for a specific office. Persons who have not timely filed declarations of candidacy shall be ineligible for election to national office.

Section 315(b) Disclosure of Campaign Finances.

At or before 10:00 AM of the day on which the second general session of the National Convention is convened, candidates shall file with the Convention Secretary a statement of all expenditures made, and sources of all funds utilized relating to their campaign for national office. Persons who have failed to timely file disclosures of campaign finances, or who make a materially false statement in connection thereto, shall be ineligible for election to national office. Within one (1) hour of their having been filed, the Convention Secretary shall forward to the General Counsel or Chair of the Judicial Council in the absence of the/a General Counsel or their designee, copies of the documents submitted pursuant to this Section, who shall review them for compliance with this Section. The General Counsel or the Chair of the Judicial Council in the absence of a/the General Counsel shall be authorized to call a special session of the Judicial Council, at any time prior to the General Session at which elections will be conducted, which shall be authorized to adjudicate alleged violations of this Section. The Judicial Council shall be further authorized to compel candidates, alleged in violation of this Section, to appear before it, subject to its summary Judgment of Ineligibility for Election. Persons accused subject to this Section, shall have the right to be accompanied by counsel, to present and cross examine witnesses, and to present evidence in their own defense.

Section 315(c) Disclosure of Campaign Finances for Democratic National Committee Members.

At or before 10:00 AM of the day before the General Session at which the Democratic National Committee Members are elected is convened, candidates shall file with the Secretary a statement of all expenditures made, and sources of all funds utilized relating to their campaign for national office. Persons who have failed to timely file disclosures of campaign finances, or who make a materially false statement in connection thereto, shall be ineligible for election. Within one (1) hour of their having been filed, the Secretary shall forward to the General Counsel or the Chair of the Judicial Council in the absence of a/the General Counsel or his designee, copies of the documents submitted pursuant to this Section, who shall review them for compliance with this Section. The General Counsel or the Chair of the Judicial Council in the absence of a/the General Counsel shall be authorized to call a special session of the Judicial Council, at any time prior to the General Session at which elections will be conducted, which shall be authorized to adjudicate alleged violations of this Section. The Judicial Council shall be further authorized to compel candidates, alleged in violation of this Section, to appear before it, subject to its summary Judgment of Ineligibility for Election. Persons accused subject to this Section, shall have the right to be accompanied by counsel, to present and cross examine witnesses, and to present evidence in their own defense.

315(d) Time Zone.

In instances where the National Convention or a meeting of the National Committee where YDA Officer elections occur is held as a videoconference, a teleconference, or a online conference pursuant to either Section 421 or Section 311 than the Declarations of Candidacy and statements of all expenditures made, and sources of all funds utilized relating to a candidate’s campaign for national office shall be filed at or before 10:00 am Pacific Time on the date as specified by Section 315(a), 315(b), 315(c), and 615(a).

315(e) Speech and Debate between Candidates.

The Committee on Convention Procedures and the Convention shall provide at least one (1) period during programming of the National Convention to be made available for a debate or forum between candidates running to Officers of the Young Democrats of America who have filed and submitted an accepted financial disclosure. Debate time and format shall be determined by agreement by the candidates, or in the absence of an agreement by the Committee on Convention Procedures. There shall be a debate or forum for each individual Young Democrats of America Officer position with an opportunity for the candidates to participate. In instances where an office is or appears to be uncontested, debate shall be waived. This debate session shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, candidate speeches as outlined in any adopted convention rules. A candidate may opt out of any debate or forum scheduled at a National Convention.

SECTION 321 Convention Programming.

Not less than forty-five (45) days prior to each National Convention, the Committee on Convention Procedures shall distribute a request for proposals to the National Committee for programming which shall be part of the official convention schedule but whose responsibility of execution shall be that of the National Committee member(s) who suggested.

SECTION 350 Convention Standing Committees.

Section 350(a) Rules and Charter.

The Convention Standing Committee on Rules and Charter shall recommend rules to govern the conduct of the National Convention and shall review and propose amendments to the Charter. The Convention Standing Committee on Rules and Charter shall ensure that its recommended rules to govern the conduct of the National Convention do not contradict or otherwise violate any section of the Charter or these Bylaws governing the conduct or procedures of the National Convention. No rule, special rule, standing rule, rule amendment or amendment to the Charter or the Bylaws shall be considered by the National Convention until and unless it has been reported favorably out of this committee. No later than ninety (90) days prior to the National Convention, the National Committee shall adopt temporary Convention Rules which shall govern the National Convention until the National Convention has adopted its own rules. In the event that an addendum to the temporary Convention Rules is deemed necessary and needed within ninety (90) days of the National Convention, the Committee on Convention Procedures shall propose said addendum to the National Committee. An asynchronous vote pursuant to Charter section 1100(b) shall be conducted, provided, that there shall be no requirement to obtain the signatures of at least 25% of the National Committee to initiate the asynchronous vote process.

Section 350(b) Credentials.

The Convention Standing Committee on Credentials shall review and recommend action on unit charter applications, new and renewal, to the National Convention. No other committee shall conduct business until the Credentials Committee has given its Convention Report to said other committees. The preliminary report of Credentials shall be determinative of voting rights until the report of the Credentials Committee is adopted by the National Convention.

Section 350(c) Platform.

The Convention Standing Committee on Platform shall recommend to the National Convention a biennial Platform for the Young Democrats of America and shall consider any resolutions submitted.

SECTION 360 Credentials Report.

Section 360(a).

The Chair of the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials shall prepare and distribute to the National Committee a complete preliminary credentials report not less than twenty (20) days prior to the day on which the first General Session of the National Convention is scheduled to convene. The report shall show all units that have submitted or attempted to submit charter applications, whether the application is accepted or denied, the date of original filing, the date of each subsequent amendment, the status of each required item under the Charter and the Bylaws, and the number of votes allocated under the Charter and the Bylaws, including penalties and delegate ratios.

Section 360(b).

The Chair of the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials shall make available all original documents submitted by units in the charter applications for inspection by the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials at the National Convention, except the Chair of said Committee shall provide a copy of the check. These documents must be present at the location in which the National Convention is being conducted.

Section 360(c).

The Chair of the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials shall prepare a Credentials Committee Report upon completion of the business of the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials for submission to the National Convention, reflecting all actions of the Convention Standing Committee on Credentials. This report shall be in the same form as the preliminary credentials report and shall govern voting until further action is taken by the National Convention. This report shall be available to all registered Delegates and distributed to the chair of each Convention Standing Committee, all convention officers, and the delegation chair of each chartered unit. A Final Credentials Report in the same format shall be submitted to the first National Committee meeting following the National Convention reflecting the final actions by the National Convention.

Section 382 Virtual Delegates to the National Convention.

Chartered units shall be permitted to allow for up to twenty-five percent (25%) of their voting delegates to an in-person meeting of the National Convention to be designated as Virtual Delegates. The number of Virtual Delegates a chartered unit may designate shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE IV
NATIONAL COMMITTEE

SECTION 405 Selection of Chartered Unit Representation.

Each chartered unit shall provide for the selection and, where vacancies occur, the replacement of its representatives on the National Committee. Each chartered unit shall provide certification to the Secretary of their representatives, and such certification shall be made by the presiding officer of the chartered unit they represent provided, however, that such certification may be waived by the National Committee by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

SECTION 410 Credentials Certification.

Prior to the opening session of each National Committee Meeting, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Credentials shall present its preliminary report to the President. Pending adoption of the final report by the National Committee, the preliminary report shall be determinative of member voting rights. Amendments to the final report which enfranchise or disenfranchise National Committee members shall be effective immediately upon approval, pending adoption of the final report.

SECTION 415 Agenda.

Not less than thirty (30) days prior to any meeting of the National Committee, the President shall prepare, and the Secretary shall distribute to all National Committee members, a written agenda for said meeting. The first order of business at every National Committee meeting shall be the report of the Standing Committee on Credentials. Thereafter, business shall proceed in regular order as designated by the agenda.

SECTION 420 Minutes.

Section 420(a) Preparation; Responsibility.

The Secretary shall ensure that accurate minutes are taken, prepared, and maintained of each and every meeting, session, or workshop of the National Convention, or the National Committee. The Secretary shall ensure that summary reports of all such meetings are included in all Young Democrats of America publications and such other national publications as may be appropriate.

Section 420(b) Delivery; Mailing.

A copy of the minutes of each meeting of the National Committee shall be delivered or mailed to each member thereof not more than thirty (30) days subsequent thereto. A copy of the minutes of each public meeting shall be made electronically available within thirty (30) days subsequent thereto.

SECTION 425 Notices.

It shall be the responsibility of each member of the National Committee to ensure that their contact information and preferred method of notification is on file with the Secretary. In the absence of a request for notification through United States mail or fax, email notification shall be sufficient for all requirements for notice or mailing required by the Charter or the Bylaws.

SECTION 430 Use of Membership Lists.

The national records of membership in the chartered units shall not be public record. The Board of Directors shall adopt a policy regarding management of the national records and membership lists that:

identifies acceptable uses of membership lists as only those uses pertaining to YDA business,
prohibits the improper use of membership lists for non-YDA business,
ensures steps are taken to secure membership lists,
details criteria and a process for securing consent to share lists with candidates, issues, and organizations both internal and external to YDA,
details criteria and a process for YDA-affiliated individuals to request a copy of membership list, and
outlines recourse for improper use of YDA membership lists.

SECTION 435 Select Committees.

Section 435(a) Select Committee on Budget.

The Select Committee on Budget (Budget Committee) shall meet at the call of its Chair and shall be responsible for review, modification, and submission of the Presidential National Budget to the National Committee for approval. The Budget Committee will regularly report on the status of income and expenditures compared to the budget and shall approve any expenditure in excess of the approved budget. The Budget Committee shall also be responsible for the review, modification, and submission of the Convention Management Committee Convention Budget to the National Committee for approval. The Budget Committee is empowered to recommend to the National Committee the investment on assets, the purchase or sale of real estate, and all other fiduciary arrangements, and shall serve as the Committee on Audit. The Treasurer shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of this committee. The Chair of the Budget Committee shall also serve as the Administrative Director.

Section 435(b) Standing Committee on Campaign.

The Standing Committee on Campaign (Campaign Committee) shall meet at the call of its Chair and shall be responsible for the development, implementation, and submission to the National Committee for approval of a national campaign plan and shall assist in the development and implementation of individual campaign plans for each chartered unit. The Committee shall also be responsible for submitting a draft of the Budget and Finance plans for Young Democrats of America's federal Political Action Committee (PAC) funds to the Budget Committee for consideration and approval. The Campaign Committee shall also be responsible for preparing proposed criteria for the awarding of all PAC funds which will then be submitted to the National Committee for approval. Upon approval of criteria, the Campaign Committee is responsible for dispersal of funds. The Chair of the Campaign Committee shall also serve as the Campaign Director.

Section 435(c) Select Committee on Chapter Building.

The Select Committee on Chapter Building (Chapter Building Committee) shall meet upon the call of its Chair and shall be responsible for the review and approval of plans and programs for chapter building submitted by chartered units and local chapters. The Chapter Building Committee shall set the overall guidelines for programs that the national organization will partner with both chartered unit and local chapters and recommend chapters that meet the criteria to the national staff for implementation and completion of the programs. The Chair of the Chapter Building Committee shall also serve as the Membership Director.

Section 435(d) Select Committee on International Affairs.

The Select Committee on International Affairs shall meet upon the call of its Chair and shall be responsible for initiating and coordinating contact between the YDA and youth political organizations outside the United States. The committee shall organize joint programs and activities, shall recommend to the National Committee international organizations for formal affiliation, and shall educate members of YDA about international issues and the political process in other countries. The committee shall also work on getting ballots to and from those living abroad.

Section 435(e) Technology, Training, and Digital Integration.

The Select Committee on Technology, Training, and Digital Integration shall meet upon the call of its Chair and shall be responsible for the review and approval of plans and programs relating to technology, training, and digital Integration. The committee shall provide advice on ongoing technological infrastructure including the website, any customer relationship management system, and intranet that YDA utilizes. The committee, in consultation with the Trainings Director, shall develop systems to record and digitize trainings that occur during National Conferences in order for them to be optimized for widespread access via the internet. Additionally, the committee, in consultation with the Trainings Director, will work to develop digital only trainings. The committee will also develop a system for digital resources and digital support to be accessible to units and chapters. The Technology Director shall serve as the Chair of the Select Committee on Technology, Training, and Digital Integration and shall serve as a voting member of the National Committee pursuant to Section 410(a) of the Charter. The Deputy Technology Director shall serve as the Vice Chair of the Select Committee on Technology, Training, and Digital Integration. The Trainings Director shall serve as an ex-officio voting member of the Select Committee on Technology, Training, and Digital Integration.

Section 435(f) Select Committee on Diversity and Outreach.

The Select Committee on Diversity and Outreach (Diversity and Outreach Committee) shall meet upon the call of its Chair and shall be responsible for establishing recommended guidelines to encourage participation by groups underrepresented in Democratic politics and work to make available tools and resources to assist every level of the Young Democrats of America in accomplishing its diversity and outreach efforts. The committee shall propose and administer such programs as they deem advisable to ensure future participation in Democratic politics of all persons regardless of race, color, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or age.

Section 435 (g) Select Committee Officers.

Vice Chairs and Secretaries of Select Committees shall also serve as Deputy Directors for the area assigned to the Chair of the Select Committee.

Section 435 (h) Regional Appointments to Select Committees.

Select committee members appointed as representatives from their regions shall also serve as the Regional Coordinator for the activities assigned to that particular committee and shall coordinate their efforts with the Regional National Committee members and officers; the Regional Treasurer shall serve as regional appointee to the Budget Committee. The Regional Director may appoint an alternate representative as necessary in the absence of the designated representative.

SECTION 440 Standing Committees.

Section 440(a) Standing Committee on Credentials.

The Standing Committee on Credentials shall review the credentials of all members of the National Committee at each meeting thereof. Said committee may establish administrative guidelines to promote a more efficient accreditation of National Committee members and units. All matters pertaining to the issuance or revocation of unit Charters shall be considered by this Committee prior to their consideration by the National Committee. Reports of the Standing Committee on Credentials shall be kept on file with the Credentials Committee Chair, the Young Democrats of America Office, and the Secretary.

Section 440(b) Standing Committee on Rules and Charter.

The Standing Committee on Rules and Charter shall meet in conjunction with every sitting of the National Committee and shall review and recommend the adoption or deletion of rules governing the National Committee and/or amendments to the Charter and the Bylaws. No rule change, Charter amendment or Bylaw amendment shall be submitted to the National Committee until it has been favorably reported out of this committee.

Section 440(c) Standing Committee on Resolutions.

The Standing Committee on Resolutions shall meet in conjunction with every sitting of the National Committee and shall review every resolution on matters of policy and program, which does not fall within the jurisdiction of any other Standing or Select Committee, prior to action by the National Committee. No policy resolution, as above described, may be submitted to the National Committee until it has been favorably reported out of this committee.

Proposed resolutions shall be submitted by a member of the National Committee to the Secretary and the Chair of the Standing Committee on Resolutions not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the National Committee meeting for which they are to be considered.
The Secretary shall then submit all proposed resolutions to the National Committee not later than ten (10) days prior to the National Committee meeting for which they are to be considered.
Prior to a proposed resolution’s submission to the National Committee, the Chair, Vice-Chair, or Secretary of the Standing Committee on Resolutions may, in coordination with each other and subject to the discretion of the Chair, solicit changes to the format and style of a proposed resolution from, and in collaboration with, a proposed resolution’s author(s). Neither the Chair, Vice-Chair, nor Secretary of the Standing Committee on Resolutions may require or coerce changes to the substance of a proposed resolution. Any revised proposed resolutions must be submitted to the Secretary by the original proposed resolutions author(s) no later than ten (10) days prior to the National Committee meeting for which they are to be considered.
After a proposed resolution’s submission to the National Committee, the Chair, Vice-Chair, or Secretary of the Standing Committee on Resolutions may, in coordination with each other and subject to the discretion of the Chair, solicit changes to the format and style of a proposed resolution from, and in collaboration with, a proposed resolution’s author(s). Neither the Chair, Vice-Chair, nor Secretary of the Standing Committee on Resolutions may require or coerce changes to the substance of a proposed resolution. Any revisions agreed to by the author(s) may be put forward on consent by the Chair before the Standing Committee on Resolutions.
Resolutions deemed urgent and timely by the National Committee, or by being presented to the Standing Committee on Resolutions prior to the adjournment of its meeting with the signatures of the fifteen (15) members of the National Committee, shall be eligible for consideration by the National Committee regardless of the time of submission or consideration by the Standing Committee on Resolutions.

Section 440(d) Standing Committee on Legislation.

The Standing Committee on Legislation shall meet in conjunction with every sitting of the National Committee and shall review every federal (Congressional and/or United States Senate) legislative submissions and National Constitutional Amendments submitted for consideration of support or opposition. matters of policy and program, which does not fall within the jurisdiction of any other Standing or Select Committee, prior to action by the National Committee. No legislative recommendations, as above described, may be submitted to the National Committee until it has been favorably reported out of this committee. Proposed legislative recommendations shall be submitted by a member of the National Committee to the Secretary not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the National Committee meeting for which they are to be considered. The Secretary shall then submit all proposed legislative recommendations to the National Committee no later than ten (10) days prior to the National Committee meeting for which they are to be considered. Legislation deemed urgent and timely by the National Committee, or by being presented to the Standing Committee on Legislation prior to the adjournment of its meeting with the signatures of the fifteen (15) members of the National Committee, shall be eligible for consideration by the National Committee regardless of the time of submission or consideration by the Standing Committee on Legislation.

SECTION 445 Officers of Standing Committees.

The President, within ninety (90) days of assuming office, shall appoint a Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary for each Standing Committee. Standing Committee Chairs shall serve at the pleasure of the President conterminously with the appointing administration. Chairs of the Standing Committees shall be ex-officio, voting members of the National Committee. Appointees from a non-chartered area shall provide a letter of support from a party official from that territory and a member of the National Committee. Vice Chairs of Standing Committees shall preside at meetings in the absence of the Chair but not succeed in the event of the Chair's death, resignation, or removal.

SECTION 450 Voting in Standing Committees.

Although a specific individual should be certified in writing to represent each unit in each Standing Committee, any chartered unit member present may represent and cast the vote of their unit in any meeting of a Standing Committee when the certified representative is not present. The officers of the Standing Committee shall not be entitled to a vote because of their position as an officer. However, the Vice Chair and Secretary may cast the vote of the unit they represent provided they are not serving in the capacity of Chair at the time of the vote.

SECTION 455 Duties of Standing Committee Chairs.

The Chair of each Standing Committee shall present a report to each meeting of the National Committee as to matters being reported out of committee for consideration by the National Committee. This report shall be in writing and, where feasible, copies should be distributed to all National Committee members.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE V
REMOVED BY ACTION OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

BYLAWS
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 600 Board of Directors Duties.

The Officers of the Young Democrats of America, the Region Directors, the Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit Presidents, the Vice Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit President, and the six (6) non-voting members of the Stakeholder Advisory Council when convened as the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the hiring and firing of the Executive Director, reviewing staff performance, awarding raises and bonuses, and adopting human resources staff management policies. In addition, the Board will review and approve major contracts as needed, as well as performing other ongoing management decisions. The Board shall prepare by October 15 of each year a Budget and a Fundraising Plan to be submitted to the Budget Committee.

SECTION 605 Elected Officers Duties.

Section 605(a) President.

The President shall be the principal administrative officer of the Young Democrats of America and shall preside over meetings of the Board of Directors and National Committee. The President, except as may otherwise be provided, shall appoint all administrative officers, committee officers, and select committees, subject to confirmation by the National Committee, as may be provided for in the Charter and the Bylaws, at its first meeting subsequent to said appointment.

Section 605(b) Executive Vice President.

The Executive Vice President shall assist the President in the performance of the President's duties and shall act as President during the President's absence and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors and the National Committee.

Section 605(c) Democratic National Committee Members.

The Democratic National Committee Members shall lobby and vote on behalf of the Young Democrats of America at every meeting of the Democratic National Committee. They shall coordinate the participation of the Young Democrats of America in the Democratic National Convention and any other conferences of committees of the Democratic National Committee.

Section 605(d) Vice Presidents.

The three (3) Vice Presidents shall develop and administer programs on behalf of the Young Democrats of America and shall perform other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors and the National Committee.

Section 605(e) Secretary.

The Secretary shall be responsible for non-financial records of the Young Democrats of America, including but not limited to, the minutes of all meetings of the National Committee, the Charter and the Bylaws, the Standing Rules, and the formal reports of Officers, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors and the National Committee.

Section 605(f) Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall oversee the receipt and disbursement of all funds of the organization, which shall be administered in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and which shall be deposited in a Federally Chartered Banking Institution. The Treasurer shall file all necessary reports as required by law, and keep a record of receipts and disbursements which shall be audited biannually and upon demand of the National Committee. The Treasurer shall publish and distribute a Finance Report to the National Committee meeting not less than (10) days prior thereto, and shall perform other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors and the National Committee or are customarily performed by a treasurer. Within ninety (90) days after election, the Treasurer shall obtain bond for satisfactory performance of their duties in an amount not less than forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00) and shall submit proof thereof to the Secretary. Payment of the premium thereon is authorized out of the National Treasury. The Treasurer shall also be a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Select Committees on Budget.

Section 615(a) Declaration of Candidacy.

At or before 10:00 AM of the day on which the General Session of the National Committee meeting is convened, candidates shall file with the Secretary a statement of all expenditures made, and sources of all funds utilized relating to their campaign for National Office. Persons who have failed to timely file disclosures or campaign finances, or who make a materially false statement in connection thereto, shall be ineligible for election to national office. Within one (1) hour of their having been filed, the Secretary shall forward to the President copies of the documents submitted pursuant to this Section, who shall review them for compliance with this Section. The Chair of the Judicial Council or their designee shall be authorized to call a special session of the Judicial Council, at any time prior to the General Session at which elections will be conducted, which shall be authorized to adjudicate alleged violations of this Section. The Judicial Council shall be further authorized to compel candidates, alleged in violation of this Section, to appear before it, subject to its summary Judgment of Ineligibility for Election. Persons accused subject to this Section, shall have the right to be accompanied by counsel, to present and cross examine witnesses, and to present evidence in their own defense.

SECTION 640 Vacancies.

Section 640(a) Office of the President.

In the event of the death, resignation, or removal of the President, the Executive Vice President shall assume the position of President. The resulting vacancy in Executive Vice President shall be filled in the manner prescribed by Section 640(b) of the Bylaws.

Section 640(b) Officer other than the President.

In the event of the death, resignation or removal of an Officer other than the President, the President shall appoint an interim officer to fill the resultant vacancy until the next meeting of the National Committee, occurring at least thirty (30) days subsequent to written notice of the vacancy being provided to the members thereof. The National Committee shall fill the vacancy for the balance of the current unexpired term upon its majority vote.

Section 640(c) Initial Appointment for Newly Created Officers.

In the event of the creation of a new office between National Conventions, the President shall appoint the initial holder of the office, subject to confirmation by the National Committee, as soon as practical after adoption of the Charter amendment creating the office. Appointees from an non-chartered area shall provide a letter of support from a party official from that unit. The term of the appointed officer shall be from confirmation until their successor is elected at the next National Convention, or that National Convention adjourns without ratifying the amendment creating the office.

Section 640(d) Advisory Council Members.

Vacancies in the Stakeholder Advisory Council Members shall be filled at the National Committee Meeting immediately following the vacancy in the same manner in which Stakeholder Advisory Council Members are originally chosen.

SECTION 655 Impeachment.

Section 655(a) Impeachment, Initiation.

Impeachment proceedings may be initiated upon majority vote of the Judicial Council, which shall serve its resolution and a Bill of Particulars to the accused and the Executive Director by registered mail within ten (10) days of its action. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Executive Director, the Bill of Particulars shall be delivered to the Secretary.

Section 655(b) Impeachment, Hearing.

Not less than twenty (20) days nor more than sixty (60) days subsequent to service of the Impeachment Resolution and Bill of Particulars upon the accused, the Chair of the Judicial Council shall convene an open hearing in a mutually agreeable location or via videoconference, teleconference, or online conference to hear evidence of the impeachment and the defense of the accused. The accused shall have the right to be accompanied by Counsel and to present and cross-examine witnesses and present evidence in his or her defense. The Judicial Council may upon majority vote dismiss the impeachment or recommend to the National Committee removal from office of the accused, such recommendation shall be accompanied with its findings of fact and conclusions of law. The notice of dismissal or recommendation for removal shall be served upon the accused and the Executive Director by registered mail within five (5) calendar days.

SECTION 660 Removal from Office.

Upon receipt of an affirmative recommendation for removal of an Officer, the National Committee, meeting not less than thirty (30) days after such notice, shall consider said removal as a special order. The National Committee shall be empowered to remove Officers and Board Members it adjudges guilty of stated charges upon its majority vote.

Section 670(a) Finance Director.

The Finance Director shall be responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of national fundraising projects. Said Director shall be responsible for review, modification, implementation and submission to the National Committee for approval of the National Fundraising Plan. Said Director shall work with the officers, staff, and consultants engaged in fundraising on behalf of the Young Democrats of America to effectively oversee these programs and ensure their successful implementation.

Section 670(b) Communications Director.

The Communications Director shall advise and oversee programs related to internal and external communications and message development and outreach.

Section 670(c) Community Service Director.

The Community Service Director shall be responsible for planning, implementing, and seeking out community service projects and programs. The Director shall educate and advise members of Young Democrats of America on community based and public service opportunities and needs. The Community Service Director shall work to provide service opportunities at each National Conference and aid regions and states in implementing regular service projects.

Section 670(d) Policy and Advocacy Director.

The Policy and Advocacy Director shall be responsible for coordinating issue-based contact between the Young Democrats of America, the President of the United States, members of Congress, Governors, and state legislators, shall direct grassroots political advocacy efforts on behalf of Young Democrats of America, and shall educate members on significant issues coming before Federal and state lawmakers. Prior to October 1 of each year, the Policy and Advocacy Director shall, in consultation with the Board of Directors, recommend to the National Committee one (1) or more priority issues for which the Young Democrats of America will organize advocacy efforts for the ensuing calendar year. Prior to November 1 of each year, the National Committee shall refine and approve such priority issues. Prior to December 1 of each year, the Board of Directors shall set tangible goals and advocacy efforts and actions to achieve such goals. The goals and the YDA’s progress toward them shall be assessed at the first National Committee Meeting or National Convention following the subsequent Session of Congress.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE VII
EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS

SECTION 700 Executive Director.

The Executive Director shall serve as the administrator of the National Office of the Young Democrats of America. The Executive Director shall work under the day-to-day supervision of the President and the Board of Directors and shall be responsible for supervising staff and contractors and implementing programs and projects as assigned by the President and the Board of Directors.

SECTION 705 Other Staff and Contractors.

Other staff and contractors shall be hired as necessary and as provided for in the national budget to fulfill programs and projects as assigned by the President and the Board of Directors. These staff and contractors shall work under the day-to-day supervision of the Executive Director or an officer or staff member designated by the Executive Director.

SECTION 710 Employment, Contracting and Human Resources.

The National Committee shall establish written policies and processes for all matters relating to hiring, bidding, managing and terminating of employees or contractors, specifically providing for the fair and equal opportunity of employment, evaluation and treatment of all employees and contractors.

SECTION 715 Internal Campaigning by Young Democrats of America Staff.

Any individual who is a paid staff member or contractor of the Young Democrats of America shall be prohibited from actively campaigning for any announced or unannounced candidate for any level of the Young Democrats organization, including local chapters, state chapters, regional organizations, and officers. Activities prohibited include electioneering, fundraising, canvassing, phone-calling, or any other activity in advancement of the announced or unannounced candidate. This prohibition shall be stipulated in each staff member’s or contractor’s written contract.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE VIII
REGIONAL CAUCUSES

SECTION 805 Composition.

There shall be eight (8) Regional Caucuses designated as follows:

Section 805(a) Northeast.

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

Section 805(b) Mid-Atlantic.

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Young Democrats Abroad.

Bylaws Section 805(c) Southeast.

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Section 805(d) Great Lakes.

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin.

Section 805(e) Midwest.

Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.

Section 805(f) Southcentral.

Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas.

Section 805(g) Southwest.

Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming.

Bylaws Section 805(h) Pacific.

Alaska, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Northern Mariana Islands, Montana, Oregon, Washington.

SECTION 810 Directors of Regional Caucuses.

Directors for each Regional Caucus (Regional Director) shall be elected to terms of two (2) years at Regional Conferences held between sixty (60) and one-hundred eighty (180) days prior to the opening general session of each National Convention and shall serve until their successors are elected. Each Regional Director shall serve as Chair of each Regional Conference called during such Director's tenure. Regional Directors may be removed for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance by a majority vote of the members of the National Committee members who are members of chartered units within that Director's Region.

Section 810(a) Expanded Definitions of Nonfeasance.

Nonfeasance shall be defined to include either failing to make initial appointments to the Select Committees of the Young Democrats of America within the sixty (60) days following the final day of general session of the National Convention or failing to call a Regional Conference within the time period as described in Section 810.

SECTION 815 Regional Conferences.

Regional Conferences may be called by the Director of the Regional Caucus upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to all National Committee members who are members of chartered units within that Region If the Region Director fails to call a Regional Conference within the time period as described in Section 810 then the Deputy Director or the President of the Young Democrats of America may call a Regional Conference upon twenty-one (21) days’ written notice to all National Committee members who are members of chartered units within that Region. Regions shall hold a conference outside of a Young Democrats of America National Committee meeting at least once per biennium.

Section 816 (a). Regional Conferences at National Convention.

The National Committee may authorize all Regional Caucuses to hold Regional Conferences in conjunction with the National Convention by two-thirds (⅔) vote. In instances where Regional Conferences are held in conjunction with the National Convention then chartered units will receive their full Regional Participation votes pursuant to Section 360(b) of the Charter. The National Committee may also authorize all Regional Caucuses under this provision to allow for participation in Regional Conferences by means of remote communication including, but not limited to, videoconferencing or teleconferencing. Participation in a meeting held by remote communication shall constitute presence in person at the Conference for all purposes, including quorum and voting.

Section 816 (b). Regional Conferences as a Videoconference, Teleconference, or Online Conference.

The National Committee may authorize Regional Caucuses to hold Regional Conferences as a videoconference, a teleconference, or an online conference by two-thirds (⅔) vote.

SECTION 820 Voting at Regional Conferences

Section 820 (a) Generally.

Each chartered unit shall cast a vote at Regional Conferences equal to the population vote to which that chartered unit would have been entitled at the previous National Convention regardless of previous chartering status or penalties assessed by the Standing Committee on Credentials.

Section 820 (b) Minimum Unit Delegation to Vote Ratio; Mileage Formula.

Chartered units shall be permitted to cast votes allocated under the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws provided that each unit is represented by registered Delegates, present in person, whose aggregate number does not fall below the votes per delegate ratio established according to statute driving mileage from each unit's territorial capitol or largest city, whichever is furthest, to the site of the Regional Conferences as follows: One (1) to one hundred (100) miles, one (1) delegate for every ten (10) votes; one hundred one (101) to two hundred (200) miles, one (1) delegate for every twenty (20) votes; two hundred one (201) to four hundred (400) miles, one (1) delegate for every thirty (30) votes; four hundred one (401) and above, one (1) delegate for every fifty (50) votes. Not less than sixty (60) days prior to each Regional Conference, the Regional Director shall prepare a chart derived by the mileage indicated in the current Google Maps or comparable mapping standard, of each chartered unit's driving mileage from territorial capitol to conference site, along with the delegate to vote ratio derived therefrom. In instances where Regional Conferences occur as videoconferences, teleconferences, or online conferences or when Regional Conferences occur in conjunction with the National Convention pursuant to Section 816 of the Bylaws then the votes per delegate ratio shall be one (1) delegate for every ten (10) votes and delegates will only be allowed to cast votes allocated under the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws provided that they are present during the proceedings of the Regional Conferences.

SECTION 821 Regional Committees.

Each Regional Committee shall consist of all the Regional Officers and all the members of the National Committee from the region. The Regional Committees shall meet at each meeting of the National Committee and at other times as called by the Region Director or the President. Meetings not held in conjunction with a National Committee meeting shall require fourteen (14) days’ written notice to each committee member and must be held via videoconference, teleconference, or online conference. If the Region Director receives a written request to call a meeting of the Regional Committee signed or electronically signed by not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the current membership of the National Committee from the region then the Region Director shall call a meeting of the Region Committee no more than forty-five (45) days from the date such request was received.

SECTION 825 Regional Officers.

Regions shall elect the following officers: Regional Director, Deputy Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Judicial Council Representative, and Judicial Council Alternate. Officers shall take office at the conclusion of the Regional Conference at which they were elected.

SECTION 835 Elected Officers Duties.

SECTION 835 (a) Regional Director.

The Regional Director shall chair Regional Conferences, make appointments to the Select Committees of the Young Democrats of America, decide the time and place of Regional Conferences, and chair meetings of the Regional Executive Committee. Regional Directors shall make their appointments within the sixty (60) days following the final day of general session of the National Convention. Unless no other candidate is available, Regional Directors shall not appoint themselves to the Select Committees.

SECTION 835 (b) Deputy Director.

The Deputy Director shall chair Regional Conferences and meetings of the Regional National Committee in the absence of the Regional Director and perform other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Director. If the Regional Director fails to call a Regional Conference within the time period as described in Section 810 then the Deputy Director may call a Regional Conference upon twenty-one (21) days’ written notice to all National Committee members who are members of chartered units within that Region. If the Regional Director fails to call a Regional Committee meeting within the time period as described in Section 821 then the Deputy Director may call the Regional Committee meeting upon fourteen (14) days’ written notice to all National Committee members who are members of chartered units within that Region.

SECTION 835 (c) Secretary.

The Secretary shall keep the minutes of Regional Conferences and meetings of the Regional National Board and provide notices and communications as necessary to perform the duties of office.

SECTION 835 (d) Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall oversee the receipt and disbursement of any funds of the region, which shall be administered in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and which shall be deposited in a Federally Insured Banking Institution to be approved by the Regional Director and the Young Democrats of America Treasurer. The Treasurer shall file all necessary reports as required by law which shall be forwarded to the General Counsel, the Regional Budget Director, and the Regional Finance Director, and keep a record of receipts and disbursements which shall be audited biannually and upon demand of the Regional National Committee, a majority of the National Committee Members of the Region, or the President, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, the chair of the judicial council in the absence of a/the General Counsel, or Finance Director of the Young Democrats of America. The treasurer shall serve as the regional appointee to the Budget Committee.

SECTION 835 (e) Judicial Council Representative and Judicial Council Alternate.

The Judicial Council Representative and the Judicial Council Alternate shall represent the region on the Young Democrats of America Judicial Council. The Judicial Council Representative shall serve as the Regional Parliamentarian and shall adjudicate any disputes arising out of the region when there shall be conflict.

SECTION 837 Interim Appointments.

If a Regional Director fails to make initial appointments within the time period as described in Section 835 (a) then the President of the Young Democrats of America may make an interim appointment to any Select Committee with a vacancy for the region. This provision shall not be applicable if the Region Director has made their initial appointments and an appointed regional representative to a Select Committee subsequently is removed, resigns, or dies.

SECTION 840 Removal of Officers.

Regional officers are subject to impeachment and removal from office for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of assigned duties or for violation of any law or rule of the Young Democrats of America, the Democratic Party, or for the commission of high crimes and misdemeanors. Regional officers may be impeached and removed from office at any scheduled meeting of a Regional Committee. Impeachment and removal of a regional officer shall occur upon a two-thirds (2/3 vote) of the members of the National Committee from that region or upon receipt to the Region Director and the Chair of the Judicial Council of a petition signed by no fewer than two-thirds (2/3 vote) of the members of the National Committee from that region. A regional officer removed by impeachment may appeal to the Young Democrats of America Judicial Council to challenge their removal.

SECTION 845 Filling of Vacancies.

Vacancies in the office of Regional Director shall be filled by the Deputy Director until a new election which shall be held by the members of the National Committee who are members of chartered units within that Region at the next National Committee meeting or preferably, by the delegates to the next Regional Conference provided that such election may not be held less than fifteen (15) days following the occurrence of the vacancy at the next Regional Conference no less than fifteen (15) days following the occurrence of the vacancy. Vacancies in all other offices shall be filled by an appointment from the Regional Director which must be confirmed by a majority vote of the National Committee members from that region. at the next National Committee meeting or preferably, at the next Regional Conference provided that such vote may not be held less than fifteen (15) days following the occurrence of the vacancy.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE IX
CONSTITUENCY CAUCUSES

SECTION 905 Voting Constituency Caucuses

Section 905(a) Named.

There shall be established the following Voting Constituency Caucuses: Women, Black, Hispanic and Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander, Muslim, Native American, Labor, Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Questioning, Disability Issues, Jewish, Veterans and Military Affairs, Rural, Environmental, College, and High School.

Section 905(b) Formation.

The establishment of new Voting Constituency Caucuses shall be approved by the Convention Standing Committee on Rules and Charter and shall be voted upon before the National Convention. Voting Constituency Caucuses may not be created except at National Conventions. Voting Constituency Caucuses must be created in place of an existing Provisional Constituency Caucus.

Section 905(c) Re-designation.

Should a Constituency Caucus fail to hold elections over a span of no less than two (2) years and three (3) months, the Caucus shall be re-designated as a Constituency Caucus Working Group. This action may be delayed until the close of the subsequent National Convention by a majority vote of the National Committee.

Section 905(d).

The name of every Constituency Caucus shall be "The Young Democrats of America (name of constituency) Caucus". The name of every Provisional Constituency Caucus shall be The Young Democrats of America (name of constituency) Provisional Caucus". The name of every Working Group shall be "The Young Democrats of America (name of constituency) Working Group."

Section 1005(e).

Caucuses part of the Young Democrats of America. Caucuses are components of Young Democrats of America that exist to promote involvement by their constituency in the Young Democrats of America and Democratic Party politics and not autonomous or separate organizations.

SECTION 910 Provisional Constituency Caucuses.

Section 910(a) Formation.

The establishment of new Provisional Constituency Caucuses shall be subject to a report by the Standing Committee on Rules and Charter and a simple majority vote of the National Committee.

Section 910(b) Dissolution.

Provisional Constituency Caucuses shall cease to exist at the conclusion of the first National Convention following the creation of the Provisional Constituency Caucus.

SECTION 915 Constituency Caucus Working Groups.

Section 915(a) Formation.

The establishment of new Constituency Caucus Working Groups shall be subject to a majority vote of the National Committee.

Section 915(b) Dissolution.

Constituency Caucus Working Groups shall cease to exist at the conclusion of the first National Convention following the creation of the Constituency Caucus Working Group. A majority vote of the National Committee can prevent this dissolution.

SECTION 920 Provisions.

Section 920(a) Chairs of Constituency Caucuses.

Each Constituency Caucus must provide in its bylaws for the election of a Chair who shall serve as the director of caucus activities and as a point-of-contact for interested members of the Young Democrats of America.

Section 920(b) Membership.

Constituency Caucuses shall have provisions in their bylaws for caucus membership. No caucus may allow for members that are ineligible for membership in the Young Democrats of America as provided in the Charter and the Bylaws, Charter Section 205(a)

BYLAWS
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 1010 Proxies.

Section 1010(a) Form.

All proxies shall be written and shall include the name and position of the person executing the proxy, the name of the regular member to whom the proxy is given and the period of time for which the proxy is valid and instructions, if any, on the voting of the proxy. Proxies by email shall be accepted without a notary if sent to the Chair of the Credentials Committee and Secretary from the individual's email that is listed on the official leadership roster. Should a faxed or emailed proxy be challenged it shall be considered as a provisional vote until such time that the Chair of the Credentials Committee may review the original document. Such review shall take place within 30 days of the casting of the vote or the proxy shall be considered out of order and the vote improperly cast.

Section 1010(b) Approval.

Proxies shall be presented to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Credentials of the National Committee who shall determine whether they are in proper order. Proxies approved by the Chair are immediately entitled to a vote. A majority vote upon appropriate motions shall be sufficient to reject a proxy approved by the Chair or approve a proxy rejected by the Chair.

Section 1010(c) Instructions.

Proxies may not be voted inconsistent with instructions at any time. Should the Chair or any member discover that a member has voted a proxy in violation of this Section, that proxy shall be discarded and cannot be used for any purpose other than recording the attendance of the person who executed the proxy. On any vote, violated proxies shall be indicated as having voted ‘present.’

Section 1015. Standing Rules.

The National Convention and National Committee may adopt Standing Rules related to the administration of the Young Democrats of America.

A motion to adopt, amend, suspend, or rescind a Standing Rule may be submitted in accordance with the procedural requirements for charter amendments as to notice and committee approval, in which case the motion may be adopted by a majority vote of the National Committee or National Convention.
A motion to adopt, amend, suspend, or rescind a Standing Rule may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee or National Convention.
All Standing Rules, including those in effect at the time this section is adopted, shall continue in effect until rescinded.

SECTION 1020 Standards for Accessibility.

No officer or staff member of the Young Democrats of America, or any Constituency Caucus or Regional Caucus, shall sign any contract or make any financial obligation to hold an official function in a facility without receiving written certification that said facility is compliant with the accessibility requirements of the Charter.

SECTION 1040 Standards for Labor Preference.

The receipt of a letter from a duly recognized labor union certifying the requirements of the Charter have been met in relation to labor preference shall be considered adequate for compliance with the Charter.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE XI
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1105 Endorsements.

It shall be the policy of the Young Democrats of America Officers, National Committee, National Convention, Committees, Regional Caucuses, Constituency Caucuses, and Auxiliary Bodies not to provide official endorsements to any candidate in a contested primary election. Chartered units and local organizations are not bound by this policy, but are urged to carefully consider the possible organizational risks of such an endorsement. Officers who are registered Delegates to the Democratic National Convention by virtue of their office in the Young Democrats of America may make endorsements in U.S. Presidential elections provided they do not present said endorsement as an official position of the Young Democrats of America. Such officers are encouraged to consider the consequences of such an endorsement before making it however.

SECTION 1106.

No funds shall be obligated or drawn from the Young Democrats of America treasury or any other account of Young Democrats of America or any of its subsidiaries (not including state or other chartered units or their sub-groups) without the approval of the President, their designee, or the Board of Directors. For obligations or disbursements in an amount in excess of Five Hundred dollars ($500), the President shall require the concurrence of the Board of Directors for any such approval. For the purposes of this Rule, all obligations or disbursements for a substantial transaction or occurrence shall be added together to determine the amount involved.

SECTION 1107 Young Democrats of America Policy Positions.

No Caucus, Region, Committee, staff, or other component of the Young Democrats of America shall contradict the Policy positions, Resolutions, and/or platform of Young Democrats of America.

SECTION 1110 Precedential Value.

No provision in these bylaws shall conflict with any provision in the Charter of the Young Democrats of America.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE XII
JUDICIAL COUNCIL

SECTION 1210 Officers.

The President shall appoint from the membership of the Judicial Council, a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary within ninety (90) days after assuming office.

SECTION 1215 Term of Office.

Members elected from each of the Regional Caucuses shall be elected at a regional conference or meeting convened prior to, or during each National Convention. Members of the Judicial Council shall serve a term of two years or until their successors are elected or appointed.

SECTION 1220 Filling Vacancies.

Section 1220(a) Officers of the Judicial Council.

The Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the President and in the event of their death, resignation, or removal, the President shall appoint their successors.

Section 1220(b) Recusal.

Upon a public declaration for, or the acknowledgement of, candidacy for an office in YDA, a member of the Judicial Council must recuse themselves from all matters on the Judicial Council.

Section 1220(c) Regional Members.

In the event of a vacancy among the members elected to the Judicial Council by Regional Caucuses, the alternate representative shall succeed and the Director of the Regional Caucus of the vacant member's region shall appoint a successor to fill the vacated alternate seat for the unexpired term with the approval of the regional board.

SECTION 1225 Rules of Procedure and Records.

The Judicial Council may adopt its own rules of procedure, and shall keep a record of its proceedings and make the same available to the National Committee. Judicial Council shall send the YDA Secretary a copy of its most current rules of procedure within seven (7) days of their initial adoption or subsequent modification. The rules and procedures of the Judicial Council shall be made available on the YDA website

SECTION 1230 Referral of Matters to Judicial Council.

Matters may be referred to the Judicial Council by the Chair of the Judicial Council, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, by a majority vote of the National Committee, upon receipt of a petition signed by no fewer than twenty-five (25) members of the National Committee by no fewer than six (6) members of the Judicial Council submitted to the Chair of the Judicial Council.

SECTION 1240 Notice of Meeting.

Upon proper notice of a matter being referred to the Judicial Council, the Chair shall call a meeting and shall provide no less than ten (10) days notice to the members, Board of Directors, Region Directors, and Chartered Unit Presidents, except where as issues may arise at a National Committee Meeting or National Convention the notice requirement timeline shall be deemed waived and they may meet at the call of the Chair, the President, or any three (3) members of the Judicial Council as necessary.

BYLAWS
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1305 Amendments.

Bylaws may be adopted or amended by a majority vote of the National Committee or the National Convention; and must comply with all procedural requirements for charter amendments as to notice and committee approval, as provided for in the Charter and the Bylaws. Bylaws may not conflict with the Charter.

STANDING RULES

Standing Rule 1.

Standards for Dietary Restrictions: Food served at any official function of the Young Democrats of America shall be clearly labeled as to the contents, noting whether it contains meat, gluten, nuts, shellfish or dairy.

Standing Rule 2.

National Conventions, National Committee Meetings, and all official functions of the Young Democrats of America, or any Constituency Caucus or Regional Caucus, shall be held only at facilities which are accessible to persons with disabilities as defined by the American with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). All official Young Democrats of America communications shall only use media that are accessible as defined by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. For purposes of this rule, “official communications” shall be broadly defined to include, but not be limited to, any public-facing and/or publicly-distributed communications using the official Young Democrats of America websites, social media, printings, and/or e-mails published by the Young Democrats of America, any Constituency Caucus or Regional Caucus, Standing Committee or Select Committee.

Standing Rule 3.

National Conventions and National Committee Meetings shall be held only at facilities organized by a duly recognized labor organization, should they exist in the location selected.

Standing Rule 4.

Access to Child-care and family-friendly facilities. The Young Democrats of America, and any Constituency Caucus or Regional Caucus, shall strive to be fully inclusive and accessible to all members, alumni, and guests who have young children or are the caregivers for young children. National Conventions, National Committee meetings, and all other official functions of the Young Democrats of America and any of its subunits, whenever possible, shall be held at facilities where reasonable accommodations can be made for these individuals.

Standing Rule 5.

The Fair Usage Policy of the YDA Official National Leadership Roster and Appointed Officers List for Bulk Communications shall be as follows:

All emails should include the email address of the sender and an individual signer who is a member of the national committee.
If the signer is not a member of the national committee they must have been granted permission from the YDA Secretary and agreed to the terms of the Fair Usage Policy of the YDA Official National Leadership Roster and Appointed Officers List in writing.
No email should misrepresent itself as coming from YDA or YDA leadership.
Senders should not use the YDA logo without the express permission of YDA Board.
Senders cannot share the list with third party candidates or entities without the expressed consent and approval of YDA leadership.
Senders should consider if the email needs to go to the entire National Committee or if it is better suited for specific individuals.

Standing Rule 6.

The email account policy for YDA shall be as follows.

Eligible Officers.

All National Officers shall be given a YDA.org email account. Regional Directors, Caucus Chairs, Committee Chairs, and Appointed Officers may request YDA.org email accounts, which may be granted at the discretion of the Technology Director or their designee, in consultation with the Secretary. All YDA.org email account holders are expected to conduct YDA business through their respective accounts.
Acceptable Use.

The Select Committee on Technology, Training, and Digital Integration shall promulgate a policy governing the acceptable use of such email accounts and empowering the Technology Director or their designee to enforce such policy. The acceptable use policy must be distributed to all officers upon being given an account and anytime such policy is amended.
Transition.

Upon an account holder vacating their account-eligible office, the Technology Director or designee shall set a temporary password and notify the incoming account holder as soon as practicable after taking office that they are now the account holder and may access the email account. Outgoing account holders may request an extension for a defined time period from the Technology Director but must grant the incoming account holder access to the account during the extension.
Deletion.

Accounts are eligible for deletion if the account holder notifies the Technology Director or their designee in writing that they no longer intend to use the account, or if the account is inactive for at least six months. Prior to deletion the Technology Director or designee must make a good faith effort to back up all account data.

Standing Rule 7.

A candidate for any Elected Officer position listed in Section 605 of the YDA bylaws is dropped if they get less than fifteen percent (15%) of the votes on the first ballot, or less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the votes on the second ballot, or less than thirty-five percent (35%) of the votes on the third ballot, or less than one-third (1/3) of the votes on the fourth or any later ballot, as long as the two candidates with the most votes or, in the case of a tie for the second most votes, the candidates with the most and second-most votes are not dropped.

Standing Rule 8.

Individuals speaking at any meetings of the Young Democrats of America shall make a good faith effort to verbally forewarn audiences of content that may cause intense physiological and psychological symptoms for people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other anxiety disorders in order to ensure that individuals can prepare themselves to adequately engage or, if necessary, disengage for their own wellbeing.

Standing Rule 9.

The elected Officers, appointed officers, and Regional Directors shall be required to complete training on trauma-informed practices at least once per biennium. The elected Officers, in consultation with the Board of Directors, shall make such a training readily accessible to all those required to complete it.

Charter, Bylaws, and Standing Rules as of 4/3/2022

CHARTER, BYLAWS, AND STANDING RULES OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

THE CHARTER OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

PREAMBLE

CHARTER ARTICLE I CHARTERED UNITS

SECTION 105 Chartered Units.

Section 105(a) Definition.

Section 105(b) Issuance of Unit Charters.

SECTION 110 Application for Unit Charters; Contents.

Section 110(a).

Section 110(b).

Section 110(c).

Section 110(d).

Section 110(e).

Section 110(f).

Section 110(g).

Section 110(h).

SECTION 130 Unit Vote Status.

Section 130(a).

Section 130(b).

Section 130(c).

SECTION 145 Revocation of Unit Charters.

Section 145(a) Revocation of Unit Charter; Cause.

Section 145(b) Consideration; Notice.

CHARTER ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 205 Categories.

Section 205(a) Regular Member.

Section 205(b) Associate Member.

Section 205(c) Honorary Member.

CHARTER ARTICLE III NATIONAL CONVENTION

SECTION 305 Authority.

SECTION 310 Time, Place.

Section 311(a) Criteria for Emergency Rescheduling, Cancellation, or Movement.

Section 311(b) Methods for Rescheduling, Cancellation, or Movement due to Emergency.

Section 311(c) Notice and Mechanisms for Rescheduling, Cancellation, and Movement.

SECTION 320 Convention Officers.

Section 325(a) Appointment of Temporary Convention Officers.

Section 325(b) Election of Permanent Convention Officer.

SECTION 350 Convention Standing Committees.

Section 350(a) Named.

Section 350(b) Officers.

Section 350(c) Voting.

Section 350(d) Committee Delegates and Alternates.

Section 350(e) Quorum Requirements.

Section 350(f) Remote Participation.

SECTION 360 Unit Vote Allocation.

Charter Section 360(a) Population Votes.

Section 360(b) Participation Votes.

Section 360(c) Charter Votes.

SECTION 370 Voting of Delegates and Units.

Section 370(a) Delegate Vote Allocation.

Section 370(b) Minimum Unit Delegation to Vote Ratio; Mileage Formula.

Section 370(c) Voting Preference.

Section 370(d) Delegate Cap.

SECTION 380 Delegates and Alternates.

Section 380(a) Eligibility.

Section 380(b) Selection Process.

Section 380(c) Filing.

SECTION 381 Livestream.

SECTION 382 Virtual Delegates.

Section 382(a) Number of Virtual Delegates.

Section 382(b) Virtual Delegates Participation.

Section 382(c) Virtual Delegate Display Names.

Section 382(d) Technology Responsibility.

Section 382(e) Virtual Lobby Software Selection.

Section 382(f) Virtual Lobby Access Information.

Section 382(g) Temporary Disconnection.

Section 382(h) Restrictions.

SECTION 385 Delegation Chair.

CHARTER ARTICLE IV NATIONAL COMMITTEE

SECTION 405 Authority.

SECTION 410 Composition.

Section 410(a) Voting Members.

Section 410(b) Non-Voting Members.

Section 410(c) Voting Requirements.

SECTION 420 Meetings.

Section 420(a) Required Meetings.

Section 420(b) Notice of Meetings.

Section 420(c). Location of Meetings.

Section 420(d). Meeting Requests.

CHARTER
ARTICLE I
CHARTERED UNITS

CHARTER
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP

CHARTER
ARTICLE III
NATIONAL CONVENTION

CHARTER
ARTICLE IV
NATIONAL COMMITTEE

CHARTER
ARTICLE V
REMOVED BY ACTION OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

CHARTER
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHARTER
ARTICLE VII: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

CHARTER
ARTICLE VIII
REMOVED BY ACTION OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

CHARTER
ARTICLE IX
REGIONAL CAUCUSES

CHARTER
ARTICLE X
CONSTITUENCY CAUCUSES & AUXILIARY BODIES

CHARTER
ARTICLE XI:
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS