CHARLOTTE METRO DSA BYLAWS

Approved June 17, 2017; Approved by NPC September 14th, 2018

Last Updated May 18th, 2025

Article I: Name

Section 1: Name

The name of this organization shall be “Charlotte Metro Democratic Socialists of America”, a 501(c)(4) organization, hereafter referred to as “The Local”, “The Chapter”, “Charlotte Metro DSA” or “CLTDSA”.

Section 2: Territory

The Local shall conduct activities in the Charlotte metropolitan region of North Carolina and South Carolina within the territory defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America to Charlotte Metro DSA.

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of The Local shall be to organize the activities of the members of the Democratic Socialists of America in Charlotte, as well as those of any DSA members from regions of North Carolina and South Carolina without a local who wish to participate in Charlotte Metro DSA activities. Its activities shall include education and advocacy.

The Charlotte DSA seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means/resources of production are democratically and socially controlled. Charlotte Metro DSA rejects an economic order based solely on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national identity, religion/belief, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation, age, origin, caste or class, income or property, language, convictions, opinions, employment, health or disability, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.

We share a vision of a humane social order based on popular control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, racial equality, universal human rights, and non-oppressive relationships.

We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision.  In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the broad democratic Left.  We are striving to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States.

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Definition

A. Members of Charlotte Metro DSA are those individuals in good standing with Democratic Socialists of America who reside in the Charlotte region of North Carolina and South Carolina as defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America to Charlotte Metro DSA.  Individuals may not be members of The Local without being members of national DSA.

Section 2: Rights and Privileges

All members in good standing of Democratic Socialists of America in the Charlotte region defined in Article III, Section 1, shall have a vote on the election of Charlotte Metro DSA delegates to national DSA bodies, Charlotte Metro DSA officers, and questions raised to The Local, and they may stand for Charlotte DSA office.

Section 3: Voluntary Donations

A. By a vote  of its memberships, Charlotte Metro DSA has established a system of voluntary donations. Donations are used to assist low-income members with national dues, and to pay for administrative costs associated with meetings and political education events.

B. The payment of a donation may not be a requirement for voting or for holding office.

C. The schedule for the collection of such donations will be set by the Steering Committee. Collection and accounting of donations shall be the primary responsibility of the Treasurer.

D. Members may indicate they require assistance with paying national dues and will work with The Local Steering Committee to obtain this assistance.

Section 4: Removal of Members

If a member is found to be overtly hostile to the purpose of The Local as defined in Article II; if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive, and/or abusive behavior or harassing other Charlotte Metro DSA members: The Local may vote to expel them from Charlotte Metro DSA.

In order for such a finding to be made, any Charlotte Metro DSA member must formally submit written charges against the member in question to the Steering Committee of Charlotte Metro DSA, which shall set the date of a Steering Committee meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a majority vote of the Steering Committee meeting. An expelled full member may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA.

Article IV: Local Meetings

Section 1: Chapter Convention

The Local will hold a minimum of one Chapter Convention annually. All members of The Local will receive six weeks’ notice of the Chapter Convention by email, telephone, or, in cases where an email address has not been provided, by post and will receive a copy of the agenda not less than two weeks in advance of the Chapter Convention. The Chapter Convention may adopt an annual budget and elect officers. The Steering Committee shall set the agenda for General Meetings, with input provided by any members who wish to do so.  

In general, The Chapter Convention is the highest legislative body of The Local.

The minutes of the Chapter Convention shall be made available to the members by the Secretary within seven (7) days of the Meeting.

Section 2: Monthly Meetings

The Local shall hold Monthly Meetings at least six times annually, the time and place of which shall be set by the Steering Committee. Advanced notice of a Monthly Meeting must be given at least twenty-one (21) days before the planned date.

Monthly Meetings will set Charlotte Metro DSA policy and work priorities within the guidelines set by the Chapter Convention and will include political education sessions. The Steering Committee shall set the agenda for Monthly Meetings.

In general, the Monthly Meeting is the operating legislative body of The Local.

New business tabled either by a vote or failure to meet quorum at monthly meetings will be debated and voted on asynchronously on discord, the communication platform of The Local. For all asynchronous votes a twenty-four (24) hour period will be open of debate and amendments of the motion. After twenty-four (24) hours voting will begin and close after seventy-two (72) hours, during which debate will remain open.

The minutes of the Monthly Meeting shall be made available to the members by the Secretary within seven (7) days of the Meeting.

Section 3: Quorum

Ten percent (10%) of members in good standing of The Local, but not less than six (6) people, constitutes a quorum and is required for the transaction of business at a Charlotte Metro DSA Chapter Convention or General Meeting.

Section 4: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised

The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern Charlotte Metro DSA meetings in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws. All meetings with ten (10) or more participants must submit to Robert’s Rules. Meetings with nine (9) or fewer participants have the option of instead following consensus decision-making process, but Robert’s Rules must be followed if any member requests that the meeting do so. Decisions made at meetings that follow these procedural requirements are considered valid and binding upon The Local.

Article V: Local Officers: Powers and Duties

Section 1: Definition

The officers of Charlotte Metro DSA shall be the two Co-Chairs, the Secretary, and the Treasurer.

Section 2: Term of Office

Officers shall be elected to one-year terms. Officers shall be elected during the Chapter Convention held in November of each year. The term of office shall run from the first day in January to the 31st day of December of the year following the election. No term limits are imposed.

Section 3: Co-Chairs

The Co-Chairs serve as the primary facilitator of the steering committee's meetings and activities. They ensure that meetings run smoothly, set the agenda, and encourage active participation from all members. The co-chairs also represent the chapter externally and serve as a point of contact for coordination with other organizations.

Section 4: Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the steering committee's meetings. They record minutes, distribute them to committee members, and ensure that important decisions and action items are documented. The Secretary may also handle general correspondence, help maintain membership lists, make sure emails are checked, and keep members informed.

Section 5: Treasurer

The Treasurer manages the budget, maintains financial records, and provides regular reports on the chapter's financial status to the steering committee and members. The Treasurer may also handle fundraising efforts, ensure proper financial controls are in place, and coordinate with the national DSA on financial matters.

Section 6: Harassment & Grievance Officer

The Harassment & Grievance Officers (HGOs) are responsible for upholding the requirements of Resolution 33, the National DSA Harassment Policy. HGOs also uphold the National DSA Code of Conduct and Charlotte Metro DSA Code of Conduct. These responsibilities include moderation of the chapter’s member-communications platforms.

The number of HGOs is determined by the following formula: ((# Members in Good Standing, rounded to the nearest 100)/100) + 1

The number of Members in Good Standing will be evaluated at the time of the monthly meeting prior to the chapter convention in order to determine the number of HGOs to be elected at the convention.

Article VI: Steering Committee

Section 1: Composition

The Steering Committee is composed of the co-chairs, secretary, and treasurer as defined in Article V. The members of the Steering Committee shall not all self-identify as the same gender. See article 8 section 2

Section 2: Function, Powers, and Duties

The Steering Committee is the managerial body of Charlotte Metro DSA. The Steering Committee administers the affairs of Charlotte Metro DSA and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the Chapter Convention and General Meetings.

In addition to its members’ duties as officers, the Steering Committee corporately exercises the following functions, powers, and duties: it proposes policies and activities to the membership; receives reports from committees; advises committees on policy issues; assigns temporary duties to Steering Committee members or ad hoc committees; calls emergency meetings of the membership; calls for emergency votes held asynchronously; and acts on any matter requiring immediate attention by Charlotte Metro DSA.

Section 3: Meetings

Meetings of the Steering Committee will take place as needed, in addition to General Meetings and the annual Chapter Convention. Advanced notice of a regular Steering Committee Meeting must be given at least seven (7) days before the planned date to the General Members.  Meetings of the Steering Committee will be called by consensus of the Steering Committee. Emergency meetings of the Steering Committee maybe called as needed, and must be announced to the General Membership as soon as possible.  

Section 4: Quorum

A simple majority of the members of the Steering Committee constitutes a quorum and is required for the transaction of business by the Steering Committee.

Section 5: Minutes

Minutes of all Steering Committee Meetings, Standing Committee Meetings, General Meetings, and the Chapter Convention are emailed automatically to all members of the Steering Committee. Copies of meeting minutes are available to any member upon request and are available for inspection at any regularly scheduled Steering Committee Meeting, Standing Committee Meeting, General Meeting, or Chapter Convention of Charlotte Metro DSA.

Section 6: Vacancies

Any member of the Steering Committee may be removed by the Steering Committee for violation of the articles or by-laws of The Local or for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of Charlotte Metro DSA. Should any member of the Steering Committee miss three or more consecutive Steering Committee meetings, the Steering Committee may declare that position vacant. It must notify said member of its intention to vacate their position prior to the meeting at which such action will be voted on. In the event of a vacancy, the vacancy shall be filled by a special election; alternatively, an acting successor may be appointed by the Co-Chairs until a new officer is elected at the next regularly scheduled Chapter Convention or General Meeting specially called for that purpose.

Article VII: Nominations and Recalls

Section 1: Nominations Process

A three (3)-person Nominations Committee will be established at least one (1) month prior to every election by vote of a General Meeting. It will solicit and receive nominations for the positions to be elected. The call for nominations shall be announced to all members of Charlotte Metro DSA in advance of the election, and nominees will be encouraged to provide a brief statement of their qualifications. Nominations may be made by any member in good standing. Nominations for delegates to the National Convention shall be opened at least 10 days prior to the next General Meeting following announcement of location/dates by National. Nominations may be made by any member in good standing.

Section 2: Uncontested Positions

If a position is uncontested, the nominee will be declared elected by acclamation. Nominees are free to decline nominations.

Section 3: Vacancies

If a chair position for any committee becomes vacant under 4 months ahead of the Chapter Convention, then an appointment will be brought forward and voted on by the Steering Committee. If the chair position becomes vacant over 4 months ahead of the Chapter Convention, then a Special Election will be held with 4+ weeks notice during a General Meeting. If committee members have an uncontested position it may be filled through a recorded and transparent straw poll (detailed in meeting minutes with vote totals and members present) during their meetings after a position has become vacant.

Section 4: Recall

If any chapter officers or committee members are considered to be in dereliction of duty, as defined by their position, any member in Good Standing may propose a recall of their position at least ten (10) days before the General Meeting or Convention at which the proposal will be made. This proposal must provide documented evidence of officer or committee member’s dereliction and will be handled as New Business in accordance with Roberts Rules. In order for a recall to be successful, it must pass via a two-thirds majority vote at a General Meeting or Convention.

Article VIII: Committees

Section 1: Ad Hoc Committees

The Local will have Ad Hoc Committees, which will perform a specific task or accomplish a specific objective and will exist for a limited and explicit duration. Ad Hoc Committees may be established and dissolved through a simple majority at a Genreal Meeting of The Local or through the Steering Committee. Ad Hoc Committees shall keep minutes of their meetings and submit a copy of each to the Secretary. The structure, duration, and mission of each Ad Hoc Committee shall be designated when established.

Section 2: Standing Committee Structure

1. The Local will have Standing Committees, which will fulfill designated purposes on an ongoing basis and will exist for an indefinite period. Standing Committees may be established through a bylaw amendment at a General Meeting or Convention of The Local. Standing Committees may be dissolved through a reverse bylaw amendment at a General Meeting or Chapter Convention. The purpose of each Standing Committee shall be designated when established and may be modified by a two-thirds majority vote at a General Meeting or Convention.

2. Standing Committees shall create a monthly report on their activities and submit a copy each month to the Secretary who will report back on these at each General Meeting. This report must explain the committee’s activities in light of the chapter’s purposes and priorities as determined at the Convention.

3. Each committee shall consist of a definite number of positions, each of which shall be named in terms of its role and the responsibilities of which defined. Membership of the committee is defined as occupying one of these positions.These positions may be updated through the Steering Committee or Committee itself. Positions should not be defined in the bylaw amendment that establishes each committee. At least three positions (including the chair, see below) must be defined in official reports at all times.

4. In addition to other seats, each committee shall have a chair who serves as the primary facilitator of the committee's meetings and activities. They ensure that meetings run smoothly, set the agenda, and encourage active participation from committee members. One of the chapter co-chairs must serve as the chair pro tempore until the committee chair has been determined, and the steering committee must serve as committee members pro tempore in order to establish the original members of the committee.

5. New and/or vacant positions must be open to application by any member in Good Standing at the General Meeting or Convention after which they are established by the Steering Committee or Committee itself. All applicants will be considered and applications must remain open until at least seven (7) days after their announcement. Any positions remaining unfilled after this initial period may be filled without further delay. Any committee member may be recalled from their position by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership at a General Meeting or Convention in accordance with the bylaws of the chapter.

Section 3: Standing Committees

1. Membership Committee

   The Membership Committee focuses on engaging and expanding the chapter's membership. It develops strategies for recruitment and retention, coordinates membership outreach efforts, runs list work sessions for consistent membership development, and ensures that new members are welcomed and integrated into the chapter. The Membership Committee also organizes orientation sessions, maintains member lists, and supports member engagement activities like socials. Due to the centrality of the Membership Committee to general chapter political administration and sensitivity of data handled, it is chaired by one of the chapter Co-chairs (as determined by the Steering Committee).

2. Communications Committee

   The Communications Committee handles the chapter's internal and external communications. It manages the chapter's website, social media accounts, internal communications platform, and email newsletters to disseminate information, promote events, and amplify the chapter's message. The Communications Committee also coordinates media relations, drafts press releases, and ensures consistent branding and messaging. Due to the centrality of the Communications Committee to general chapter political administration and sensitivity of data handled, it is co-chaired by one of the chapter Co-chairs (as determined by the Steering Committee) and Secretary. The Communications Committee shall be comprised of two subcommittees:

   1. Internal Communications

      This subcommittee will handle updates to the chapter website, social media posts, and email newsletters to chapter members. This group may also coordinate with the External Communications subcommittee to obtain social media graphics, coordinate on branding and messaging, and distribute materials to our members across our internal social media channels.

   2. External Communications (Agitprop)

      This subcommittee will be responsible for writing, designing, printing, and disseminating anti-Capitalist propaganda and/or advertisements for DSA to a broader public audience. Individual messaging campaigns will be subject to approval by members in attendance at a General Meeting.

3. Financial Committee

   The Financial Committee assists the Treasurer in providing regular reports on the chapter's financial status to chapter members. The Financial Committee also assists the Treasurer in handling fundraising efforts. Due to the centrality of the Financial Committee to general chapter political administration and sensitivity of data handled, it is chaired by the Treasurer.

4. Mutual Aid Committee

   The Mutual Aid Committee is responsible for organizing the chapter’s mutual aid network, addressing members’ needs, and gaining information about what initiatives would have the most impact.

Article IX: Statements

Section 1: At-Large Statements

Any public statement, release, or quote attributable to the Charlotte Metro DSA as a single entity must be proposed and approved in a Meeting at which there is a quorum. Such At-Large Statements may only be rescinded by proposal and vote in a Meeting at which there is a quorum.

Section 2: Steering Committee Statements

Any public statement, release, or quote attributable to the Charlotte Metro DSA Steering Committee as an entity must be proposed and approved in a Steering Committee Meeting at which there is a quorum. Such Steering Committee Statements are subject to ratification or amendment by the membership at the next membership meeting or the next Chapter Convention, as stated in Article VI, Section 2.

Section 3: Officer Statements

Any public statement, release, or quote attributable to an individual officer of the Charlotte Metro DSA speaking as such must be made attributable also to their office title. Such Officer Statements may be subject to ratification or amendment by the membership at the next membership meeting or the next Chapter Convention, as stated in Article VI, Section 2.

Article X: Amendments

Section 1: Notice of Proposed Amendments

Proposed amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members of the Local Chapter, and submitted to the Charlotte Metro DSA Steering Committee at least one (1) month in advance of a regularly scheduled General Meeting or Chapter Convention. The Steering Committee or an ad-hoc body appointed by the Steering Committee shall review any such amendments and ensure that the discussion and vote upon such amendments are listed on the agenda of the General Meeting or Chapter Convention. The agenda is provided to the membership fourteen (14) days in advance of the meeting, which will serve to notify the membership that Bylaws amendments have been submitted for consideration.

Section 2: Vote

These Bylaws may be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or in part by a simple majority vote of any General Meeting or Convention at which there is a quorum.

Section 3: Notification of Changes in Bylaws

Charlotte Metro DSA members must be notified within seven (7) days of any changes to these Bylaws. This may be done by emailing of meeting minutes or by emailing of revised Bylaws, or by contacting members by other means as requested.