Constitution
Ratified Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
Preamble
In order to attract fresh faces and ideas to the Republican Party, to provide the means for the participation of young adults in the Republican Party and to strengthen the Republican Party through the commonsense principles of personal accountability, fiscal responsibility and transparent government, we do ordain and establish this constitution for the Lake County Young Republicans.
Article I – Name
Section 1 – Organization - This organization shall be named the Lake County Young Republicans (hereinafter the “Organization”).The Organization shall be an organization constituting Lake County, IL.
Section 2 – Affiliation - The Organization shall be affiliated with the Federation of Illinois Young Republicans.
Article II – Purpose
Section 1 – General - The Organization shall promote the foundational principles of the Republican Party, namely personal accountability, fiscal responsibility and limited, transparent government, and shall participate in political activities at the local, state, and national levels. The Organization shall also cooperate with regularly established Republican organizations at the local, state, and national levels to further promote these goals.
Section 2 – Endorsements - The Organization shall not endorse any candidate in a primary election, nor shall the Organization’s officers or members endorse any candidate in a primary election as an officer or member of the Organization. The Organization reserves the right to invite speakers or promote events for candidates or elected officials who promote the fundamental principles of the Organization and the Republican Party.
Section 3 – Positions on Issues - The Organization will not draft an official platform different from that of the Illinois Republican Party. The Organization may endorse a stand on any issue upon the recommendation of the Executive Board, if approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting.
Section 4 – Related Organizations - The Organization may assist any recognized Republican organization if approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting.
Article III – Membership
Section 1 – Regular Membership - Any registered voter residing in Lake County, Illinois who is at least eighteen (18) years of age and not more than forty (40) years of age is qualified for regular membership in the Organization.
Section 2 – Associate Membership - Anyone not meeting the requirements of Section 1 of this Article (III) is qualified for associate membership in the Organization. Associate members may neither vote at general membership meetings nor hold any position on the Executive Board of the Organization.
Section 3 – Election of Members - Prospective members must apply in writing to the Membership Director and attend at least one meeting or event. The member shall be elected upon the affirmative recommendation of the Executive Board. The Executive Board will provide a list of new members each month at the meeting of the general membership.
Section 4 – Dues - The Executive Board shall have the authority to levy membership dues of no more than twenty-five (25) dollars a year for an expanded level of membership with added benefits when such benefits have been determined. Any increase resulting in membership dues of more than twenty-five (25) dollars a year must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting, and must be brought to the attention of the general membership at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed action is to be heard.
Section 5 – Disciplinary Actions - The Organization, upon approval by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting, may censure, suspend, or expel any member for cause after an appropriate hearing. At least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting at which the action is to be heard, the person(s) bringing the recommendation for censure, suspension, or expulsion must notify the member recommended for such action and the Recording Secretary of their proposed action. The member recommended for censure, suspension, or expulsion or his authorized representative may present a defense at the hearing. Cause for censure, suspension, or expulsion in this Article includes, but is not limited to, indictment for a felonious civil or criminal offense, violation of the Organization’s constitution or bylaws, and actions otherwise not in the best interest of the Organization.
Section 6 – Resignation - Any member may resign by submitting a written resignation with the Recording Secretary.
Section 7 – Reinstatement - Upon written request, signed by an expelled or resigned member, the Executive Board may recommend reinstatement of the former member to general membership of the Organization upon approval by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting.
Section 8 – Transfer of Membership - Membership in the Organization is not transferable or assignable.
Section 9 – Equal Opportunity - Neither membership in, nor services provided by the Organization will be denied to anyone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap, age, sex, ancestry, or medical condition, pursuant to all guidelines in Article III, Sections 1 through 8.
Article IV – Officers
Section 1 – Officers of Organization- The elected officers of the organization shall be the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary. The appointed officers of the Organization shall be the Membership Director, Communications Director, and Event Director. The appointed officers shall be appointed by the Executive Board as described in Section 8 of this Article (IV).
Section 2 – Term of Office - The officers shall hold office for one year.
Section 3 – Eligibility - To qualify to hold elected office, a member must (i) be a member in good standing for at least one year preceding the election, (ii) have attended at least half of the meetings of the general membership in the preceding year, and (iii) not have missed three consecutive meetings of the general membership. The Recording Secretary will certify the eligibly of candidates.
Section 4 – Election of Officers - At the meeting of the general membership held in March of each year nominations from the floor shall be permitted to nominate candidates for the officer positions. At the April meeting of the general membership, the elections shall be conducted. Only those members who are in good standing prior to nominations being made will be allowed to vote during the election. Secret balloting shall be used in contested elections. A majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for election to office. If balloting does not provide a majority of votes for the nominee to an office there shall be additional balloting with the nominee having the lowest vote count dropped from the succeeding ballots until a nominee has received a majority of the votes cast. The Recording Secretary shall prepare such ballots as are necessary for the conduct of the elections and shall tabulate the vote for each ballot cast. Each nominee or his representative may observe the tabulation of each ballot cast. Terms of office expire at midnight, April 30 of the appropriate year.
Section 5 – Removal of Officers - Any officer, duly notified, may be removed from office for cause at any meeting of the membership by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting. Such officer shall be notified of the specific charges against him/her at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting. Cause for removal under this Article includes, but is not limited to, indictment for a felonious civil or criminal offense, violation of the Organization’s constitution or bylaws, the violation of fiduciary responsibilities to the Organization, and actions otherwise not in the best interest of the Organization.
Section 6 – Replacement of Officers - Positions vacant for any reason shall be filled by a person selected by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Executive Board. If the office of President becomes vacant with less than one half (1/2) of the term remaining the Vice President shall serve out the remainder of the term. If the office of President becomes vacant with more than one half (1/2) of the term remaining, the office shall be filled by election under provisions of Section 4 of this Article (IV), except that dates for nomination and balloting shall differ.
Section 7 – Elected Officers - The descriptions of the elected officers of the Organization are as follows:
A – President - The President shall be the principle executive officer of the Organization. The President shall preside at all meetings of the general membership unless under consideration for removal from office. He/She shall be in charge of the business affairs of the Organization. He/She shall see that the resolutions and directives of the membership and the Executive Board are put into effect, except in those instances when the responsibility is assigned to some other person. He/She shall discharge all duties incident to the office of President, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Executive Board.
B – Vice President - The Vice President shall assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties as the President may direct, and shall perform such other duties from time to time as may be assigned to him/her by the President or Executive Board. In the absence of the President, or in the event of his/her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all powers of and be subject to all the restrictions of the office of President.
C – Treasurer - The Treasurer shall be the principal financial and accounting officer of the Organization. He/She shall (1) have charge of and be responsible for the maintenance of adequate books of account for the Organization, (2) have charge and custody of all funds and securities of the Organization and be responsible for the receipts and disbursements thereof, and (3) perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President or the Executive Board. If required by the Executive Board, the Treasurer shall give bond for the faithful discharge of his/her duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties, as the Executive Board shall determine. The Treasurer shall pay, with Organization funds, the charter-fees of the Organization and file status reports as required. He/She shall file all financial reports required by law with the proper government agencies and provide the Executive Board with final financial report for the fiscal year ending on March 31.
D – Recording Secretary - The Recording Secretary shall record the minutes of the meetings of the members and the Executive Board, conduct elections for officers as prescribed in Article 5 of this Constitution, see that all notices are duty given in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and its bylaws, or as required by law. He/She shall keep a register of all the Post Office addresses of each member of the Organization, keep a register of all information necessary to the Organization, maintain and update the Organization’s web page and social networking pages, and perform all duties incident to the office of Recording Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or by the Executive Board. If the Organization’s web page cannot be maintained and updated by the Recording Secretary, it is his/her responsibility to appoint a member or to find an external vendor. Hiring an external vendor for maintaining and updating the web page requires a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Section 8 – Appointed Officers - The descriptions of the appointed officers of the Organization are as follows:
A – Communications Director - the Communications Director shall be appointed on an annual basis by the President and affirmed by a majority vote of the elected officers with terms subject to the terms of the elected officers, and shall be responsible for relaying relevant information to entities on behalf of the Organization and shall work together with the Executive Board in regard to any statement on behalf of the Organization or any of its affiliates released to the public, and perform all duties incident to the office of Communications Director, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or Executive Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Executive Board, all statements for the Organization are to come from the President or Communications Director. Written statements, to be published or with reasonable chance of being published through press releases, circulars, newspapers or any other formal correspondence, must be reviewed and passed by a majority of the Organization’s executive board. Verbal statements on behalf of the Organization to outside organizations, including press and non-press entities, must be spoken prudently and in the best interests of the Organization and its affiliates. Any member of the Executive Board reserves the right to bring to the board concerns regarding governmental issues that he/she thinks necessitates public comment. The proposed comment must be in written form and passed by a majority of the Executive Board.
B – Membership Director - the Membership Director shall be appointed on an annual basis by the President and affirmed by a majority vote of the elected officers with terms subject to the terms of the elected officers, and shall be the principal officer with which to maintain and increase membership, increase College Republican involvement in Organization activities, and perform all duties incident to the office of Membership Director, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or Executive Board.
C – Event Director - the Event Director shall be appointed on an annual basis by the President and affirmed by a majority vote of the elected officers with terms subject to the terms of the elected officers, and shall be the principal officer to plan and execute functions for the enjoyment and education of members, coordinate and plan political activities for the Organization, schedule local politicians to speak at Organization events, and perform all duties incident to the office of Events Director, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or Executive Board.
Section 9 – Transfer of Records - It shall be the duty of all Officers to transfer to their successor any and all records of the Organization within ten (10) days following the end of their term. All such records kept by Officers of the Organization are property of the Organization.
Article V – Executive Board
Section 1 – Membership - The Executive Board of the Organization shall consist of the officers of the Organization.
Section 2 – General Powers - The affairs of the Organization shall be managed by the Executive Board. Actions of the Executive Board may be reversed upon a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting.
Section 3 – Meetings - The Executive Board shall meet at such times and places as designated by the President, or upon the request of four (4) members of the Executive Board.
Section 4 – Quorum - A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Executive Board meeting.
Section 5 – Manner of Action - The act of a majority at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Executive Board unless a larger vote is required by this constitution.
Article VI – Standing Committees
Section 1 – Definition - The standing committees of the Organization shall be: Membership, Fundraising, Event, and Communications.
Section 2 – Chairpersons - Chairpersons shall be appointed on an annual basis by the President and affirmed by a majority vote of the elected officers with terms subject to the terms of the elected officers, and serve one year terms or until their successors are nominated and appointed. Standing committee chairpersons may be removed for cause upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board.
Section 3 – Membership - Any member of the Organization may be a member of a standing committee. Members of standing committees are appointed and removed by the Chairperson of the standing committees. The Chairperson of the committee may name a Vice-Chairperson to assist with the duties of the committee, subject to the term of the Chairperson.
Section 4 – Duties of the Standing Committees - The duties of the standing committees shall be as follows:
A. The Membership Committee shall coordinate the efforts of the Organization to recruit and maintain members and shall assist the Recording Secretary in the maintenance of membership records. The Recording Secretary shall be an ex-officio member of this committee. The Membership Director shall be the chairperson of this committee.
B. The Fundraising Committee shall consult with the Treasurer regarding the financial affairs of the Organization, plan and propose means by which the Organization shall secure funds, and shall coordinate the fund raising events of the Organization. The Treasurer shall be the chairperson of this committee.
C. The Event Committee shall plan the activities of the Organization. The Event Director shall be the chairperson of this committee, and shall present his/her proposed plans for the year one month after assuming office. The Membership Director, Treasurer, and Communications Director shall be ex-officio members of this committee.
D. The Communications Committee shall develop the new media technologies for the Organization as assigned to the committee by the Executive Board. New Media technologies consist of, but are not limited to, a website, email template, blog, newsletter, social networking pages, and radio or television programs. The Communications Director shall be the chairperson of this committee.
E. The standing committees shall also perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to them by the President or the Executive Board.
Section 5 – Rules - Each standing committee may adopt rules for its own government not inconsistent with this constitution, its bylaws, or the rules adopted by the Executive Board.
Article VII – Meetings
Section 1 – Regular Meeting - Regular meetings of the membership shall be held monthly at a time and place designated by the Executive Board of the Organization.
Section 2 – Notice of Meetings - Written notice stating the place, date, and time of any meeting of the general membership shall be given to each member entitled to vote at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting. In case of a special meeting, or when required by statute, this constitution, or its bylaws, the purpose for which the meeting is called shall be stated in the notice.
Section 3 – Quorum - The membership holding one-eighth (1/8) of the votes which may be cast shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the general membership. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the general membership, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting at any time without further notice. Withdrawal of members from a meeting shall not cause failure of a duly constituted quorum.
Section 4 – Voting Rights - Each member in good standing is entitled to one (1) vote in each matter submitted to a vote of the membership.
Section 5 – Proxies - No proxy votes are permitted under this constitution.
Section 6 – Special Meetings - Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President, majority action of the Executive Board, or petition of one-half (1/2) of the regular members in good standing. Written notice stating the place, date, hour, and purpose of the meeting shall be given at least fourteen (14) days before the date of such meeting to each member in good standing.
Article VIII – Amendments to This Constitution
Section 1 – Proposal - Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any regular member in good standing. Proposed amendments must be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Board.
Section 2 – Executive Board Ratification - Amendments proposed by a member of the Organization must be approved a majority of the members of the Executive Board. The Executive Board must vote on the proposed amendment within ten (10) days of submission. If approved, the amendment is to be voted on at the next meeting of the general membership, pursuant to proper notification as outlined by Section 3 of this Article (VIII).
Section 3 – Notification - The membership of the Organization shall be notified of the proposed amendment at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be voted on.
Section 4 – General Membership Ratification - Voting to ratify the proposed amendment shall take place at a meeting at least one month after the amendment was proposed. Ratification shall require approval by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting.
Article IX – Contracts, Deposits, Funds
Section 1 – Contracts - The Executive Board may authorize any officer(s) as agent(s) of the Organization, in addition to the officers so authorized by this Constitution, to enter into and execute any contract in the name of, and on behalf of, the Organization, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 2 – Deposits - All the funds of the Organization shall be deposited within ten (10) days of receipt to the credit of the Organization in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Executive Board may select.
Section 3 – Checks - Drafts drawn against the account of the Organization up to and including the amount of $200.00 may be signed by either the President or the Treasurer. Two (2) officers, one of who must be the President or Treasurer, must sign drafts drawn against the account of the Organization over the amount of $200.00.
Section 4 – Gifts – The Executive Board may accept on behalf of the Organization any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the Organization.
Section 5 – Reimbursements – After the approval of a majority of the executive board, all reimbursements shall require a written or electronic receipt to the treasurer.
Section 6 – Expenditures - All expenditures by the Organization must be approved by the Executive Board.
Article X – Books and Records
The Organization shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, Executive Board, and committees having any of the authority of the Executive Board. Any member may inspect all books and records of the Organization for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.
Article XI – Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Organization shall end March 31.
Article XII – Mergers
Section 1 - The Organization may merge itself with other Young Republican organizations upon the recommendation of the Executive Board.
Section 2 – Notification and Ratification – The membership of the Organization shall be notified of the proposed merger at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed merger is to be voted on. Voting to ratify the proposed merger shall take place at a meeting at least one month after the amendment was proposed. Ratification shall require approval by three-fourths (3/4) of the members present at an announced general membership meeting.
Article XIII – By-Laws
The Organization may adopt and pass such by-laws as may be determined by a majority of the members present at an announced general membership meeting. No by-laws shall be passed that are in conflict with the Constitution.