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Labor Caucus Bylaws

Article I: Name and Mission

Section 1

The name of this caucus shall be the Labor Caucus.

Section 2

This caucus shall be a subsidiary organization of the New York State Young Democrats and shall be subject to all regulations set forth by it.

Section 3

The caucus shall advocate for and support the rights of unions and working people in New York on the local, state, and national level as well as encourage and support union members to vote and run for office especially in addition to the stated mission of the New York State Young Democrats per its Constitution.

Article II: Membership

Section 1

Membership shall include all regular member of the New York State Young Democrats as defined by Article II, Section 1 of the New York State Young Democrats Constitution, who are current or past union members, those who work or have worked for a union, and those with a general interest in advancing the rights and protections for working people. To remain in good standing, caucus members must attend two caucus events and be on one conference call per calendar year.

Article III: Elections

Section 1

The assembled caucus members at each New York State Young Democrats Convention shall elect a Chair.

Section 1.1

All candidates for Chair and all electors must be eligible caucus members as defined by Article I of these bylaws.

Section 2

The Chair shall be determined by the candidate who has received a simple majority of the total votes cast.

Section 3

In the event of a contested election for Chair, voting shall recommence with the candidate receiving the fewest votes being eliminated until a winner has been determined.

Article IV: Officers

Section 1: Chair

The duties of the Chair shall:

  • Establish administrative procedures not otherwise provided for by these bylaws
  • Serve as presiding officer of all caucus meetings, events, and conference calls
  • Act for and on behalf of and in the interest of the caucus, its members, and its stated mission
  • Appoint a caucus Vice Chair
  • Represent the caucus and its interests as a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Young Democrats and attend all of its meetings. When the attendance of the Chair is not possible he/she/xe shall appoint a suitable replacement and give said person his/her/hir proxy and any necessary instructions and reports to present to the Executive Committee.
  • Establish administrative procedures not otherwise provided for by these bylaws
  • Serve as presiding officer of all caucus meetings, events, and conference calls
  • Act for and on behalf of and in the interest of the caucus, its members, and its stated mission
  • Appoint a caucus Vice Chair
  • Represent the caucus and its interests as a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Young Democrats and attend all of its meetings. When the attendance of the Chair is not possible he/she/xe shall appoint a suitable replacement and give said person his/her/hir proxy and any necessary instructions and reports to present to the Executive Committee.
  • Section 2: Vice Chair

    The duties of the Vice Chair shall:

    • Maintain all records, votes, correspondences, lists of members with necessary and proper contact information, minutes of meetings, and related affairs.
    • Act in the stead of the Chair when necessary.
    • Assist the Chair.
  • Maintain all records, votes, correspondences, lists of members with necessary and proper contact information, minutes of meetings, and related affairs.
  • Act in the stead of the Chair when necessary.
  • Assist the Chair.
  • Section 3: Vacancies

    Section 3.1

    In the event of a vacancy of Chair, a special election shall be called in accordance with Article VII, Section 4 of the New York State Young Democrats Constitution. During the time of the vacancy, the Vice Chair shall serve as the acting Chair.

    Section 3.2

    In the event of a vacancy of Vice Chair, the Chair shall appoint a qualified member of the caucus, as defined by Article II of these bylaws as Vice Chair.

    Article V: Governing Rules

    Section 1

    These bylaws and, where relevant, the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings of the caucus.

    Section 2

    These bylaws, the Constitution of the New York State Young Democrats, the Bylaws of the New York State Young Democrats, and the rules of the New York State Young Democrats Convention shall govern the caucus at convention insofar as they do not conflict or contradict. In the event of a conflict or contradiction of any of the aforementioned governing documents, the convention parliamentarian shall arbitrate.

    Article VI: Amendments

    Section 1

    Amendments to these bylaws must be submitted to the Chair and Vice-Chair no later than thirty (30) days prior to the New York State Young Democrats biennial convention for distribution to the caucus membership for consideration.

    Section 1.1

    Only amendments proposed by eligible members as defined by Article II of these bylaws may be considered.

    Section 2

    All amendments proposed shall be adopted at the caucus meeting at the New York State Young Democrats Convention upon a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the caucus membership assembled and upon the ratification by the Executive Committee of the New York State Young Democrats.

    Article VII: Adoption

    Section 1

    These bylaws shall take effect immediately upon ratification by the Executive Committee of the New York State Young Democrats.

    Section 1.1

    All amendments to these bylaws shall be subject to ratification by the Executive Committee of the New York State Young Democrats.