Find a downloadable version of our bylaws at the bottom of this page.
ARTICLE I: NAME
1. The name of this organization shall be: Culver City Democrats United.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
1. The main purpose of this organization is to originate, advance, and coordinate Democratic Party activity in Culver City. This includes the following, and such other matters as may be permitted by law:
a. Motivation
i. Motivate party members to increase participation in the political process, and persuade non-Democrats to join our party;
b. Leadership
i. Develop leadership throughout Culver City;
c. Relationships with the Democratic Party, Clubs, and Other Like-Minded Organizations
i. Contribute to the growth and influence Democratic Clubs and the Democratic Party;
ii. Maintain and promote cooperation within party ranks, including like-minded groups that share our values, and are working to elect CCDU’s endorsed candidates and legislation;
iii. Cooperate with and be a resource of information for membership of CCDU-affiliated Democratic Clubs. Additionally, work with like-minded organizations with whom we choose to work with;
d. Public Outreach
i. Maintain Democratic visibility in Culver City and its surrounding areas;
ii. Inform members and the public about local, state, national and international issues, about candidates, and about party positions;
iii. Promote and maintain voter registration;
e. Promote, support and assist in campaigns for CCDU’s endorsed candidates, as well as other important races outside of, but deemed important to, our geographic area;
f. Advocate for CCDU’s endorsed positions and resolutions;
g. Raise money to aid Democratic activities.
ARTICLE III: AFFILIATION
1. The Club is officially chartered with the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (hereinafter called the LACDP) and shall apply for re-charter as required by the LACDP. As a chartered and affiliated club of the LACDP, the Club shall comply with the bylaws of the LACDP and the California Democratic Party (hereinafter called CADEM), as they apply to fully chartered affiliates.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
1. Qualifications: Any individual qualifies for Club membership if the individual:
a. is a registered Democrat; or
b. is currently ineligible to vote (due to underage, non-residency, or other legal impediments) but pledges to register as a Democrat when eligibility is attained; and
c. supports the purpose of the Club as stated in Article II, above.
d. agrees to abide by the attached Code of Conduct.
2. Members in Good Standing: A qualified individual shall be considered an active member in good standing if the member has paid all club dues and is a registered Democrat.
3. This organization does not require or use any test of membership or oath of loyalty which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, physical ability, mental ability, sex, age, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, or economic status.
4. The membership list of this Club consists of the name, address, phone number, email address, and political and financial data (e.g. – districts, contributions, and dues status) pertaining to those persons who are or have been members of the club. Only the President and Secretary of the club shall possess copies of the membership list.
5. This Club shall comply with the reporting requirements of the Democratic Party and/or any other affiliating organization. All persons provided with access to the membership list are to make use of it for authorized purposes only.
ARTICLE V: DUES
1. Dues for each calendar year shall be set by the Treasurer.
2. Membership is effective upon receipt of dues. Dues shall be paid each year after on or before the date of the members first dues payment.
3. Payment of dues shall not be obligatory to anyone whom it constitutes an economic hardship. Waivers may be available to alleviate financial burdens for members experiencing hardship with the approval of the President and Treasurer
ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
1. Meetings
a. Regular meetings shall be held quarterly - on a date specified by the President. Once the club has begun its regular stride, the club body will vote on the monthly meeting date (i.e. second Tuesday of the month). The club body will vote on this each year. Meetings will always follow the voted upon schedule unless otherwise stated by the President.
b. Special meetings may be called by the President at any time, on notice as specified below. In the absence of the President, any two Officers may call a special meeting, on notice as specified below.
c. A quorum for any official meeting of the Club shall be 10 members in good standing and a majority of the elected officers.
d. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the Club may adopt events and conduct regular business with a majority vote (50 percent plus one member) of the members present at any meeting.
2. Notice of Meetings
a. Notice of regular and special meetings shall be given at least 7 days in advance to all active members, by one or more of the following: (1) in writing, via U.S. mail; (2) in writing, via e-mail; (3) by telephone or text message.
b. Notice of the meeting shall be deemed sufficient by any manner specified above if such notice includes the date, time and place of the meeting and is calculated to be received at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
c. Notice of the meeting must also be sent to the LACDP ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
3. Rules for Meetings - The Club shall use the most current edition of Roberts Rules of Order to govern parliamentary procedure at all official meetings of the organization, except as specifically noted in these By-Laws.
ARTICLE VII: CLUB ENDORSEMENTS
1. General Provisions
a. The Club shall not endorse more candidates for an office than the number to be elected for that office.
b. The Club shall make no form of endorsement and shall not support in any way a candidate who is not a Democrat.
c. The Club shall not provide direct support to any candidate who has not received the Club’s endorsement.
2. Endorsement Process
a. President oversees the endorsement process. Interview requirement: Candidate Forum
b. Only members in good standing and who have been members for at least 60 continuous days are eligible to vote in the endorsement process.
c. Any voting member may request a secret ballot at any stage in the proceedings.
d. The club will distribute online voting forms, which members will have 24 hours to complete after a candidate forum.
e. A 60% majority is required for endorsement. If no candidate receives 60%, it shall be deemed that this organization has reached “no consensus.”
3. Selection of Representatives to California Democratic Party (CADEM) Pre-Endorsing Conferences:
a. Club representatives shall be allocated as follows: one representative, resident in the Assembly District and duly registered as a member of the California Democratic Party (CADEM), for each full (not a fraction thereof) 20 members in good standing registered to vote in the Assembly District who were listed on the roster submitted to Los Angeles County Democratic Party and to the appropriate Regional Director of the CADEM by the appropriate deadline as prescribed by the CADEM.
b. For purposes of this Section:
i. Only members in good standing as of the deadline prescribed by the CADEM shall be included on the roster;
ii. “Member in Good Standing” shall mean a member whose dues are current, or have been waived due to economic hardship;
iii. The status of such members shall be certified by the Club’s President, Secretary, or Treasurer; and,
iv. The Club’s representatives to any particular pre-endorsing conference be from the roster described above and that the overall list of representatives to all conferences reflect the diversity of the district(s) in question, to the extent possible.
c. Said representatives shall be selected by the President
d. This Club shall inform its membership of the process for selection as a Representative to the CADEM Pre-Endorsing Conferences, via email to those members who have provided email addresses for notice purposes. Members interested in being considered for Representative positions shall self-identify to the Secretary.
e. In order for a member’s name to be submitted as one of This Club’s representatives to CADEM Pre-Endorsing Conferences, the member must submit a signed written declaration of intent to the Selection Committee declaring their intent to support This Club’s endorsed candidates at the Pre-Endorsing Conferences by voting for them thereat.
ARTICLE VIII: Executive Board/Board
1. The Board shall consist of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. They shall be elected in January every two years.
2. Election of Officers
a. Any member interested in serving as an officer shall submit his/her name to the Secretary on or before December 3rd to be placed on the ballot for the election.
b. Election of officers shall occur every 2 years, led by the Secretary.
c. Secretary for the prior calendar year shall preside over the election.
d. Ballots shall be distributed to all members in good standing [present for the meeting]. In uncontested races, at the option of the presider, the candidate may be elected by voice vote.
e. No individual may hold more than one Executive Board office simultaneously.
3. Qualifications
a. Candidates for President shall be a member in good standing and must have been an active member of the Club for at least 1 year before standing for election.
b. Candidates for all other offices shall be members in good standing and must have been an active member of the Club for at least 6 months before standing for election.
c. The Treasurer shall avail themselves of training provided by CADEM, the LACDP or other qualified entity.
4. Duties of Officers
a. President
i. Principal officer and spokesperson of the Club
ii. Responsible for the overall direction of the Club’s activities
iii. Sets yearly goals and projects
iv. Presides over all general meetings as well as Board meetings
v. Works hand-in-hand with each of the Officers of the Club to ensure that each has sufficient support and resources to ensure success in their missions
vi. Responsible for appointing a professional Treasurer, with the consent of the Board
vii. May convene special committees as necessary to the functioning of the Club
viii. Appoints a Secretary
ix. Ensures charter with LACDP is renewed according to LACDP requirements
b. Secretary
i. Records minutes of Club meetings
ii. Maintains records of the Club, including meeting minutes, notices of meetings, and formal communications
iii. Ensures that the membership list is current, including contact information for all members
iv. Responsible for ensuring the confidentiality and security of all records and membership lists
c. Treasurer
i. Responsible for all Finances of the Club
ii. Receives and disburses all funds of the club under the direction of the Board
iii. Reports to the membership the current financial status of the Club at each monthly membership meeting
iv. Responsible for the preparation and timely filing of all financial reports as required by law in conjunction with the professional treasurer, if any.
d. Communications Vice President
i. Leads the newsletter committee which shall be responsible for the monthly newsletter.
ii. Ensures the Club website is up-to-date and operational
iii. Oversees social media (e.g. Facebook group, Twitter account, Instagram, etc.) for the Club
iv. Primarily responsible for securing speakers and other programming for meetings
e. Membership Vice President
i. Presides over meetings when the President is absent, and in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President or the absence or temporary disability of the President, shall exercise all powers of the President
ii. Leads the Membership committee which shall be responsible for the application and intake of all new members. Will re-evaluate the membership guidelines each year, in conjunction with the Club President and Treasurer.
iii. Leads efforts to recruit new members to the Club, and handles membership inquiries
f. Community Outreach Vice President
i. Responsible for keeping track of Culver City’s local issues they’d like the Club to focus on
ii. Responsible for the conduct, implementation, and execution of the Club’s political organizing activities (e.g. canvassing, phone banking, other activities on behalf of candidates for office and legislative initiatives supported by the Club)
iii. Actively seeks to engage members from communities that are historically underrepresented
g. Endorsement Vice President
i. Heads the endorsement committee, which eventually will be responsible for the running of endorsement forums, candidate interviews, and which endorsed candidates will receive contributions in conjunction with the Club President, and Treasurer.
ii. Responsible for the conduct, implementation, and execution of the Club’s endorsement process
iii. Serves as Chair of the Endorsement Committee
h. Creation of New Executive Board Position
i. Upon approval by 2/3 of the existing Executive Board members, a new Executive Board position may be created; however, at all times there must exist an odd number of Board positions
ii. New Executive Board members are appointed by 2/3 of the current Executive Board members
iii. New Executive Board positions, after appointment by 2/3 of the existing Executive Board, are then subject to election and re-election with the first such election occurring in the January of the election of the remaining Executive Board positions and then every two years thereafter as with the other Executive Board members.
ARTICLE IX: REMOVAL OF MEMBERS
1. Any member of the Club may request the removal of another member from the Club for good cause. Good cause includes, but is not necessarily limited to, behavior that violates the mission of the Club as set forth in these Bylaws, or violates the code of conduct of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party or the California Democratic Party, including each entity’s anti-harassment policies.
2. Requests for removal shall be in writing, setting forth the reasons why the complainant requests removal and submitted to Secretary and President. The subject of the removal shall be informed of the request by telephone and email with a copy of the complaint, and given no less than five (5) business days to respond, in writing, with the reasons why they should not be removed.
3. The Board shall make a recommendation regarding removal, with a 70% threshold for recommending removal. Any member for which removal has been recommended has the option to voluntarily resign their membership. Removal shall require a vote of 60% of the general membership present at a duly noticed meeting.
ARTICLE X: FINANCES
1. The Treasurer shall maintain all financial records of the club, be responsible for bank accounts, ensure FPPC/FEC financial reports are submitted on time, and will provide a monthly financial report at club meetings.
2. Treasurer shall not issue a check in excess of $100 without the prior written approval of the Board and shall not enter into any financial agreement for amounts of more than $100 without written Executive Board approval.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS
1. These bylaws may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote at a general membership meeting after the proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at a preceding meeting.
2. The Secretary will propose amendments to the bylaws
ARTICLE XIV: DISSOLUTION
1. In the event of the dissolution of Culver City Democrats United, the President shall direct the Secretary and the Treasurer to donate all property, records and books to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.
DOCUMENT CONTINUES NEXT PAGE WITH APPENDICES I AND II WHICH ARE CONSIDERED AS PART OF THESE BYLAWS
APPENDIX I of II CODE OF CONDUCT
The Culver City Democrats United is committed to fostering an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. The Culver City Democrats United expects that all members, including officers and board members, and our associated party allies will conduct themselves in a respectful manner to ensure that all events and meetings are places where members feel welcomed and comfortable.
Our goal is to guarantee that any club member or ally who comes forward to share their story about harassment, assault, or a violation of any kind can expect their story to be taken seriously – regardless of who the perpetrator is, whether a club member, a club leader, a party leader, a candidate, a staffer, or an elected official.
Prohibited Behaviors:
1. Discrimination—The unfair treatment of a person or group because of that person’s or group’s category status, including race, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability status, national origin, veteran status, and immigration status,
2. Harassment—Physical or verbal hostility, or any unwelcome or offensive conduct or communication, directed toward someone or toward a group of individuals, because of their category status,
3. Sexual Harassment—Unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; or any other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature, and,
4. Sexual Assault—any physical sexual act (including touching and grabbing) perpetrated upon a person, without their consent, where:
a. the assailant uses physical force, threat, coercion, or intimidation to overpower or control another;
b. the victim fears that he or she, or another person, will be injured or otherwise harmed if he or she does not submit;
c. the victim’s ability to give or withhold consent is impaired due to the influence of alcohol or other drugs; OR,
d. consent is otherwise not freely given.
Reporting Violations & Disciplinary Action
1. Culver City Democrats United strongly encourages all survivors to report violations to a trusted person or to the authorities. We also strongly encourage and expect third parties, when and if possible and not endangering individual safety and/or emotional well-being, to report knowledge of violations of this Code of Conduct.
2. Violation of this Code of Conduct may include disciplinary action up to and including termination of rights to membership, and leadership positions, attendance at club events, consideration for endorsements, and other applicable privileges.
3. This Code of Conduct may be amended from time to time by the membership. Amended versions shall replace prior versions and shall have the same force and effect. This Code of Conduct shall be posted on the Club web page.
APPENDIX II of II POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT AND WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
The Democratic Party is committed to the goal of each worker, contractor, volunteer and member of the public interacting with any of the foregoing having a work environment free from harassment and workplace violence. In keeping with this goal the Club is committed to providing each employee, contractor and volunteer with a work environment free of unlawful harassment and workplace violence. The Club will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment by anyone involved in the operation of the Club and, as such, prohibits unlawful discrimination against or harassment by all such persons, including by employees, officers, applicants, volunteers, interns, members, and persons providing services pursuant to a contract (hereinafter collectively “covered persons”). The Club considers discrimination and/or harassment to be the kind of serious violation of Party norms which can result in disciplinary action to the offending person.
Anti-Harassment Policy
Prohibited harassment or discrimination refers to harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, being transgender or a gender non-conforming individual or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Prohibited harassment and discrimination also includes conduct based on the perception that anyone has any of the aforementioned characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. “Military and veteran status” is defined broadly as “a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserve, the United States National Guard, and the California National Guard.” All such harassment, whether or not unlawful, is prohibited; and the Club has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to prohibited harassment. The Club’s anti-harassment policy applies to all persons involved in the operation of any campaign headquarters funded or operated by the SDC and it applies to prohibited and unlawful harassment by any such headquarters employee, contractor, or volunteer, including supervisors, those one supervises and coworkers.
The Club’s prohibition of unlawful discrimination and harassment specifically includes, is but not limited to, the following behavior to the extent it is violative of applicable law or constitutes an unlawful hostile or discriminatory workplace or condition of employment:
• VERBAL CONDUCT such as epithets, derogatory jokes or comments, slurs or unwanted sexual advances, invitations, or comments;
• VISUAL CONDUCT such as derogatory and/or sexually-oriented posters, photography, videos, cartoons, drawings, or gestures;
• PHYSICAL CONDUCT including assault, unwanted touching, intentionally blocking normal movement, or interfering with work directed at an individual because of the individual’s sex, race, or any other protected characteristic;
• THREATS AND DEMANDS to submit to sexual requests in order to keep a job or avoid some other loss, and offers of job benefits in return for sexual favors.
• ANY RETALIATION for having reported or threatened to report harassment.
Depending on the circumstances, examples of these behaviors include but are not limited to:
• unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors;
• sexual jokes and innuendo;
• verbal abuse or advances of a sexual nature;
• commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess or sexual deficiencies;
• leering, catcalls, or touching;
• insulting or obscene comments or gestures;
• display or circulation in the workplace of sexually suggestive objects or pictures (including through e-mail); and • other unwelcome physical, verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
No covered person may threaten or insinuate, either explicitly or implicitly, that an individual’s refusal to submit to sexual advances will adversely affect the individual’s employment, compensation, advancement, assigned duties, or any other term or condition of employment or career development.
Harassment based on any other protected characteristic is likewise strictly prohibited. This policy prohibits unacceptable conduct in all interactions arising in connection with the operation of the Club.
This policy is meant to be expansive and also includes a prohibition of harassment by visitors to or “customers” of the Club’s office or other facilities where the Club operates.
The obligation to treat others with dignity and respect extends to cyberspace.
“Cyberbullying” is the willful and repeated use of cell phones, computers, and other electronic communication devices to harass and threaten others. Instant messaging, chat rooms and other social media, e-mails, and messages posted on websites are common means of engaging in this type of misconduct. It is not limited to words, but includes images, sounds, data or intelligence. Cyberbullying can include, but is not limited to, defamatory, inaccurate, disparaging, violent, abusive, profane, or sexually oriented material (including so-called “sexting”), and sometimes includes efforts to embarrass or bombard another.
Cyberbullying incidents frequently run afoul of the other prohibitions in this policy with no less serious disciplinary consequences, but even when it does not, it is severe misconduct for which there is a zero tolerance.
If you believe that you have been unlawfully harassed or witnessed unlawful harassment, submit a written complaint to the President of Club, one of the Club’s officers, or THE CHAIR OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY as soon as possible after the incident. You are never required to file a complaint with the harasser(s). Your complaint should include details of the incident or incidents, names of the individuals involved, and names of any witnesses.
If you are uncomfortable providing details of the incident to the person to whom you report the incident, the Club will use its best efforts to provide you with access to a non-employee, non-officer to collect that data. The Club will immediately undertake an effective, thorough, and objective investigation of the harassment allegations.
If the Club determines that unlawful harassment has occurred, effective remedial action will be taken in accordance with the circumstances involved. Any employee determined by the Club to be responsible for unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination. To the extent consistent with law, the Club ordinarily will advise all parties concerned of the results of the investigation. The Club will not retaliate against any employee, member, volunteer or other covered person for filing a complaint and will not tolerate or permit retaliation by others.
If you have any questions concerning this policy, please feel free to contact the Club’s President or the Chair of the Los Angeles Democratic Party.
Workplace Violence Policy
CCDU is committed to providing a volunteer space and workplace that is free from acts of violence or threats of violence. In keeping with this commitment, the SDC has established a policy that provides “zero tolerance” for actual or threatened violence against one’s co-workers, supervisors, visitors, or any other persons who are either on our premises or have contact with our employees, contractors, and volunteers. Safety and security is everyone’s responsibility.
Compliance with this anti-violence policy is a condition of your employment (if you are an employee) or your permission to be on our premises (if you are a non-employee).
Every verbal or physical threat of violence must be treated seriously and reported immediately to the President of the Cub, one of the Club’s officers, or the Chair of the Los Angeles Democratic Party. You are never required to file a complaint with the person making the threat. Your complaint should include details of the incident or incidents, names of the individuals involved, and names of any witnesses. If you are uncomfortable providing details of the incident to the person to whom you report the incident, the Club will use its best efforts to provide you with access to a non-employee, non-officer to collect that data. The Club will immediately undertake an effective, thorough, and objective investigation of the harassment allegations.
If the Club determines that workplace violence or other misconduct has occurred, effective remedial action will be taken in accordance with the circumstances involved. Any employee determined by the Club to be responsible for workplace violence or other such misconduct will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination. To the extent consistent with law, the Club ordinarily will advise all parties concerned of the results of the investigation. COMMITTEE will not retaliate against any employee for filing a complaint and will not tolerate or permit retaliation by management, employees, or co-workers. In situations where an employee, contractor, or volunteer becomes aware of an imminent act of violence, the threat of imminent violence or actual violence, emergency assistance should be sought immediately. In such circumstances, the employee, contractor, or volunteer should notify someone in charge and/or appropriate law enforcement authorities, as the circumstances demand. When promptly and properly notified of such an emergency, it is the policy of the Club to do whatever it can to ensure that appropriate action is taken.
Other resources you may wish to access include:
Domestic Violence: 800-766-SAFE
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255
Sexual Violence: 800-656-HOPE
