Environmental Caucus

By-Laws

Section 1. NAME

The name of the group shall be the Environmental Caucus of the California Democratic Party, otherwise known as the "Environmental Caucus."

Section 2. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Environmental Caucus shall be to promote issues relating to the environment and to represent those interested in environmental concerns within and for the Democratic State Party of California.

Section 1. RELATIONSHIP TO DEMOCRATIC STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

The Environmental Caucus is a "Special Group Caucus" within the Democratic State Central Committee. The Environmental Caucus shall operate within by-laws as the by-laws or the Democratic State Central Committee. In case of conflict, the by-laws of the Democratic State Central Committee shall prevail.

Section 2. RULES

These by-laws shall govern the organization, operation and functions of the Environmental Caucus, except as noted in Article II. Section 1(a).

Section 3. MEMBERSHIP

The Environmental Caucus shall be open to all registered Democrats who subscribe to the purpose of the caucus upon payment of dues in effect as the time the person joins.

Section 4. DUES

Dues are for a one-year period. These are to be set by the Executive Board of the Environmental Caucus, at its discretion.

Any individual claiming financial hardship may be excused from any dues requirement for membership at the discretion of the chair.

Section 1. OFFICERS

The Officers of the Environmental Caucus shall be a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Officers shall comprise the Executive Board.

Section 2. DUTIES

The duties of the Officers are as follows:

a) Chair: The Chair shall be chief executive officer and official voice of the Environmental Caucus, shall carry out into effect the purpose of the Environmental Caucus. The Chair shall serve as a member of the Executive Board of the State Democratic Central Committee.

b) Vice-Chair: The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair in carrying out her/his duties and shall serve as chair in the chair's absence.

c) Secretary: The Secretary shall maintain the minutes of the meetings of the Caucus and shall maintain current lists of Caucus members. In addition, the Secretary shall serve as editor of the Caucus Newsletter. At the discretion of the Executive Board, the post of editor of the Newsletter can be delegated to another member of the Caucus.

d) Treasurer: The treasurer shall take custody of the account for all funds raised by the Environmental Caucus consistent with the procedures of the State Democratic Central Committee and shall submit budgets and financial reports as required by the by-laws of the State Democratic Committee.

e) Chair Emeritus: The Chair Emeritus is a lifetime position awarded to past Chair Rachel Binah, who shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Chair and the Executive Committee, on which she shall be a voting member.

Section 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

a) All officers shall be elected at the meeting of the Environmental Caucus held at the State Convention in odd numbered years. The Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by the entire membership present at the meeting.

b) Nominations for officers shall be accepted at the meeting and election shall be based on a majority vote of members of the Caucus who are present. Members who join the Caucus at the meeting are eligible to nominate and vote for officers.

Section 4. TERM OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES

a) The term of office shall be for two years or until a successor is elected, save for the position of Chair Emeritus.

b) A vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Caucus Chair and ratified by the remaining officers.

Section 1. MEETINGS

a) All meetings of the Environmental Caucus shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, unless other procedures are specified in these by-laws.

b) Caucus meetings shall be held every year at the State Convention of the Democratic Party and during the weekend of the regularly scheduled meetings of the State Party Executive Board.

Section 2. QUORUM TO DO BUSINESS

a) Five voting members at a regularly scheduled meeting under Article IV, Section 1(b) shall be considered a quorum to do business.

Section 3. AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

a) These by-laws may be amended by:

1) A 2/3 vote of those members present at the first meeting after January 1st in odd-numbered years. Membership shall be determined under the provisions of Article II.

2) A 2/3 vote of these present at any other regularly scheduled meeting of the Caucus is at least 14% of the membership is present.

3) By a 2/3 vote of those participating in mail ballots sent to all members of the Environmental Caucus. All ballots returned within 30 days of the mailing shall be counted.