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Caucus of Color Bylaws

ARTICLE I - NAME AND GOVERNANCE

The organization shall be the known as the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color (NYSYD COC). The organization shall operate in conformity with the Charter and Rules governing the New York State Young Democrats and the Young Democrats of America. The New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color exists as a Caucus organization under the New York State Young Democrats, which is a chartered state of the Young Democrats of America. The New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color operates under the general guidelines of the state and national organizations within the allowable freedoms. The New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color adhere to the strict guidelines of neither endorsing nor providing funds for any political candidates engaged in a primary election cycle.

ARTICLE II - MISSION STATEMENT & PURPOSE

The New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color (NYSYD COC) recognizes the need for inclusive representation throughout the Democratic Party, and seeks to advance political participation among young people of color in the State of New York. The purpose of this organization shall be to advance the highest principles of the Democratic Party, as outlined in the national platform of the Young Democrats of America, to foster and maintain truly democratic procedures in the Democratic Party, to support Democratic candidates of integrity, ability, and conviction for public office and party positions, and to arouse and animate participation by all Democrats in the conduct of their party. The New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color will seek to accomplish this in the following manner:

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership

Membership in the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color is open to the following persons:

Section 2. Voting Membership

Voting membership in the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color shall be open to all Caucus members who are members in good standing in any local chapter of the New York State Young Democrats.

Section 3. Honorary Membership

All enrolled Democrats over the age of thirty-six shall be eligible for honorary membership in the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color, as provided within the New York State Young Democrats Constitution and Bylaws. Any Democrat between the ages of 16 and 36, both inclusive, shall be eligible for active membership. No honorary member shall be entitled to vote nor shall any honorary member be entitled to the privileges of the floor at any meeting for the purposes of speaking on any matter pertaining to the business of any New York State Young Democratic Club or Convention except when unanimous consent is given. No honorary member shall hold any appointive or elective office.

ARTICLE IV - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Leadership Committee

The offices of Chair (or co-chairs), Vice-Chairs, Treasurer, and Secretary shall be elected by the membership of the Caucus. The Officers and Chairs of the respective Standing Committees shall make up the Leadership Committee of the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color. All candidates for the Leadership Committee must attend at least one official Caucus of Color event.

Section 2. Vacancy

In the event of a vacancy on the leadership committee, the office shall be filled by the selection of the Chair (or co-chairs). Should the Chair position(s) become vacant, a vote by the leadership committee will be held to select a new Chair from among the sitting Vice-Chairs.

ARTICLE V - DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1. Elected Positions

The New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color General Membership shall elect at the New York State Young Democrats Convention the following officers, who shall serve for a term of two years or until successors are elected to the Leadership Committee: Chair, Vice-Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. Functions of Officers

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees

There shall be the following standing committees: Outreach, Communications, Finance, and Campaign.

ARTICLE VII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all proceedings except when inconsistent with the Bylaws of the New York State Young Democrats, the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color, and Young Democrats of America. The President of the New York State Young Democrats shall be an ex-officio member of the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by majority vote at a General Election Membership meeting. These bylaws may also be amended by a 3⁄4 vote of the membership present at a General Membership Caucus meeting. Amendments and/or new Articles shall be effective upon adoption, and a copy of these by-laws shall be maintained by the Secretary of the Caucus.

ARTICLE IX – ADOPTION

The bylaws were approved by the membership of the New York State Young Democrats Caucus of Color. These by-laws shall take effect immediately upon adoption.