HISPANIC DEMOCRATS OF NORTH CAROLINA (HDNC)
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION AND BYLAWS
ARTICLE I -- NAME
The name of this organization shall be "The Hispanic Democrats of North
Carolina."
ARTICLE II -- AFFILIATION
This organization, chartered by the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive
Committee is an integral part of the North Carolina Democratic Party and shall
be influenced and guided by the platform and policies of the Democratic Party
on the state and national levels.
ARTICLE III -- OBJECTIVES AND POLICY
Section 1. Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this organization shall be to seek full representation of Hispanic/Latino
Americans at all levels and in all activities of the Democratic Party. This
shall include, but not be limited to the following objectives:
To support the Democratic Party at all levels
To ensure that issues of concern to the Hispanic/Latino community are made known
to the Democratic Party and that Democratic Party positions on those issues
are communicated to the Hispanic/Latino community
To take appropriate public stands on issues relevant to the Hispanic communities
To encourage Hispanics to seek public office and participate in the delegate
selection
and committee process at all levels of the Democratic Party, conventions and
organizations
To work with the North Carolina Democratic Executive Committee to strengthen
the Democratic Party in North Carolina.
To assist in organizing and maintaining active Hispanic Democratic organizations
at the state, district, and county levels
To promote political and civic participation of all Hispanics/Latinos
To work for the election of Democratic Party candidates, and
To initiate and carry out programs and projects on behalf of the Democratic
Party and Democratic candidates
Section 2. Policy
This organization shall not endorse or support the candidacy of any person for
any public office that is not the Democratic Party nominee and appointee. Individual
members may support candidates prior to nomination. All members who support
candidates during the primary must do so in a manner that makes it clear that
it is their personal endorsement and not the endorsement of the HDNC. This rule
shall not apply to non-partisan elections.
Section 3. Officer Candidacy
In the event an officer of this organization elects to run for public office
in a contested primary, said individual shall resign his/her position upon formal
announcement of candidacy.
ARTICLE IV- MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Classifications
There shall be four membership classifications: Active, Associate, At-large
and Honorary. Active members shall have the right to vote and to hold office.
Associate, At-large, and Honorary members shall carry all of the rights and
privileges of Active membership except that no Associate At-large or Honorary
member shall be eligible to vote or to hold office in the Hispanic Democrats
of North Carolina.
Active
Any person who is a registered Democrat in North Carolina who pledges him or
herself to the principles of the Democratic Party and the Hispanic Democrats
of North Carolina and to the political empowerment of the Hispanic Community
and who pledges to work for the election of Democratic candidates through his/her
Hispanic Democrat County Club shall be eligible for Active membership in this
organization and will have the right to vote.
Associate
Any Hispanic/Latino resident of North Carolina who is not eligible to register
as a Democrat, pledges him or herself to the principles of the Democratic Party
and the Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina (HDNC) and who pledges to work
for the political empowerment of the Hispanic community through his/her Hispanic
Democrat County Club shall be eligible for associate membership in the HDNC.
At-Large
Any person who qualifies for Active or Associate membership in accordance with
the provision of Section1.A or Section1.B of this Article except that said person
resides in a county where there is no chartered HDNC county club shall be eligible
for At-large membership. Until such time as three(3) clubs are chartered, all
persons who meet the qualifications for Active or Associate membership shall
be considered At-Large Active or At-Large Associate members and have the rights
under the sections from which they qualify as members.
Honorary
Any person who is not an active member of this organization and is not eligible
to register as a Democrat, who professes and demonstrates allegiance with the
principles of the Democratic Party and has made extraordinary contributions
to the Hispanic Democratic community will be eligible for honorary membership.
Such membership will be determined by the HDNC Executive Committee. Honorary
members will receive all the rights and benefits of HDNC membership but will
not be eligible to vote.
.
Section 2. Membership year
The membership year shall be the calendar year. Clubs organized after September
1st of any year shall be considered to have been chartered in the next calendar
year.
Section 3. Membership Fees
Membership fees shall be determined by the HDNC Executive Committee.
Section 4. HDNC Convention Delegate
Any Active member of a properly chartered club whose name appears on the membership
list submitted to the Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina shall, upon being
duly registered at a HDNC convention, be considered a delegate and entitled
to vote a proportionate share of said club’s vote. Associate, Honorary
and At-large shall be duly registered as non-voting delegates, seated with their
respective delegations and extended the courtesies of the convention. ARTICLE
V -- ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Clubs and their scope.
Local units of this organization shall be known as clubs. Only one club may
be organized in any county.
Section 2. Minimum membership
A club must have at least five (5) Active members to charter. Members will pay
local and state dues on an annual basis. State fees will be determined by the
HDNC Executive Committee and local club fees will be determined by the club
executive committee.
Section 3. Official name of each club
The official name of each club shall be the Hispanic Democrats of the county
in which the club exists such as the “Hispanic Democrats of Wake County.”
Section 4. Chartering
The HDNC President, with the approval of the HDNC Executive Committee shall
have the authority to approve and issue charters.
Section 5. Chartering Fees
Chartering fees will be determined by the HDNC Executive Committee. Clubs will
pay a chartering fee at the time of initial chartering.
ARTICLE VI -- OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers.
The elected officers of this organization shall consist of a President; First
Vice President/President-elect; Second Vice President; Secretary and Treasurer.
Section 2. Duties
The officers of the HDNC shall perform the duties usually performed by such
officers, together with such duties as shall be prescribed by the Bylaws or
the HDNC Executive Committee including, but not limited to, the following responsibilities:
Section 3. President
A. Uphold and enforce the provisions of the HDNC Articles of Organization and
ByLaws
B. Organize and administer the organization
C. Preside at all meetings and call special meetings when necessary
D. Chair the HDNC Executive Committee
E. Appoint the Parliamentarian with the approval of the HDNC Executive Committee
F. Appoint Chairpersons and members of standing committees
G. Fill all committee vacancies and appoint select committees to serve at his/her
discretion and with
the approval of the HDNC Executive Committee
H. Represent the organization at all official functions
I. Serve on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee and Executive
Council
J. Submit a final report to the Chair of the NC Democratic Party at the conclusion
of each year
Section 4. First Vice-President /President-Elect
A. Advise and assist the President in the administration of the organization;
B. Assume the duties of the executive office in the temporary absence of the
President.
C. Chair the Membership Committee.
D. Actively recruit and assist in the development of new clubs
Section 5. Second Vice-President
A. Advise and assist the President in the administration of the organization
and assume
the duties of the President in the absence of the President and the First Vice-President/pres.elect)
B. Serve as liaison with other Democratic auxiliary organizations (Young Democrats,
Senior
Democrats, Democratic Women etc)
C. Chair the Public Policy/Program Committee
Section 6. Secretary
A. Record and distribute the minutes of all meetings including HDNCExecutive
Committee
B. Maintain the files of the organization.
C. Keep a record of attendance.
D. Verify chartering and memberships
E. Send copies of the county and the HDNC state organization bylaws to the Bylaws
committee Chair
F. Submit all official records to the HDNC archives
G. With the approval of the President, conduct the official correspondence of
the organization.
Section 7. Treasurer
A. Maintain an accurate account of all financial transactions.
B. Conduct all financial affairs of the organization
C. Compile periodic financial status reports;
D. Present a financial report at every HDNC Executive Committee Meeting
E. File financial reports as required with the state Board of Elections
F. Furnish a bond in an amount determined by the HDNC Executive Committee
G. Chair the Finance/Ways and Means Committee.
H. Forward a copy of the state Board of Elections finanical reports to the NC
Democratic Party
staff for their records
I. Prepare accounts for audit at the close of the fiscal year
Section 8. Eligibility for office
Any Active member, in good standing, shall be eligible to hold elected office
in this organization.
Section 9. Term of HDNC Officers
HDNC officers shall be elected at the annual convention of the Hispanic Democrats
in even-numbered years and shall serve for a term of two years. No officer shall
serve more than one consecutive term in the same office.
Section 10. Officer Reports
For each HDNC Executive Committee Meeting a written report of actions taken
must be submitted by each officer to the Secretary. These reports shall be included
in the official minutes. ARTICLE VII -- COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees
The standing committees of the Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina shall be
the following: Bylaws, Platform and Resolutions, Finance/Ways and Means, Public
Relations/Publicity, Membership, Public Policy/Program, and Convention. Each
standing committee will meet at least two times per year. Unless otherwise designated,
all committee chairs must be Active members.
Section 2. Presidential Appointments
The President shall appoint the Chairs of all standing committees. Appointments
of all require approval of the HDNC Executive Committee. Members of the statewide
committees will be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chairperson
of each committee. Chairpersons and committee members shall serve for a term
of two (2) years.
Section 3. Membership Committee.
The First Vice-President /President-elect shall serve as Chair of the Membership
Committee.
The Membership Committee shall be in charge of promoting the formation of new
clubs and strengthening existing chartered clubs.
Members of the statewide committee will be appointed by the President in consultation
with the
Membership Committee Chairperson..
Section 4. Public Policy/Program Committee
A. The Second Vice President shall serve as Chair of the Public Policy/Program
Committee.
B. The committee shall include the Chair and a representative from each county
organization. The
Chair will be responsible for planning, coordinating and effectively implementing
the committee’s work.
C. The committee members will support and promote the issues and specific bills
selected by the
committee and will encourage Hispanic/Latino Democrats to apply for positions
on local and
state boards and commissions.
Section 5. The Finance/Ways and Means Committee
A. The Treasurer shall serve as the Chairperson. The Committee shall:
B. Prepare the biennial budget for presentation at the HDNC Executive Committee
Meeting
C. Review and revise the biennial budget in the odd-numbered year and make adjustments
according to the
organization’s financial situation.
Assist the organization in developing sound fiscal policy.
Pursue and present fund-raising options to the HDNC Executive Committee and
the membership.
Direct the fund raising projects approved by the HDNC Executive Committee with
consent of the membership.
Section 6. The Public Relations/Publicity Committee
A. This committee shall consist of a Chairperson appointed by the President
and members representing the
county clubs. If there is a webmaster and a newsletter editor they should serve
on the committee along with appointed members representing diverse areas of
the state. The committee shall:
B. Maintain contacts with media sources to obtain publicity on the activities
and successes of the HDNC
C. Secure from the HDNC committee Chairs and the President information to be
supplied to the media.
D. Identify diverse media strategies such as a HDNC newsletter and website for
advertising widely to the
community and members about upcoming events and issues important to Hispanic
Democrats.
E. Work with other committees and the Second Vice President to develop outreach
strategies to increase
visibility
F. Strengthen connections with other Democratic affiliate organizations to build
support for Democratic
campaigns with emphasis on Hispanic/Latino political involvement.
Section 7. Bylaws and Platform/Resolutions Committee
The committee shall be composed of the Parliamentarian as Chair and appointed
members. This committee shall:
A. Prepare and present to the HDNC Executive Committee such bylaws, resolutions
and policies as may be
deemed feasible for consideration by the organization.
B Seek member involvement in preparation of resolutions related to public policy
and Democratic legislative
issues.
Submit in writing all bylaw amendments proposed by the Bylaws Committee to the
HDNC Executive
Committee 30 days prior to any HDNC Convention.
D. Report on all proposed bylaws amendments at HDNC convention.
E. Propose and publicize a platform that reflects the positions and principles
of the HDNC.
F. Submit in writing all resolutions or platform amendments proposed by the
committee to the
HDNC Executive Committee 30 days prior to the HDNC convention
G. Consider and report on all proposed resolutions and platform amendments to
be voted on at HDNC
convention. Upon two-thirds vote of the HDNC convention body, a resolution or
amendment may be considered from the floor at a HDNC convention following consideration
of all resolutions from the Committee.
Section 8. Nominating Committee.
The Chair and two members of the Nominating Committee shall be elected from
and by the membership at the annual convention of the Hispanic Democrats of
North Carolina in odd-numbered years and shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
The Chair may succeed him/herself but may not serve more than one consecutive
term for a total of four years. The President may not serve as a member of this
committee.
Section 9. Convention Committee
In accord with the provisions set out in Article XI, the convention committee
shall
A. Solicit, collect, and report on all convention bids
B Bids must be awarded no less than five (5) months prior to the convention.
C Establish a good working relationship with the host of a convention. The Convention
Committee
Chair will serve as liaison between HDNC and any host club.
D. Establish agenda guidelines, profit/loss ratio, promotion of the convention
within the HDNC
E. Assist in the solicitation of a keynote speaker
Section 10 Reports
A. HDNC Committee Chairs shall submit to the to the HDNC Executive Committee
a
written agenda for their upcoming term within 30 days of taking office.
B. Committee Chairs shall submit a final report to the HDNC Secretary within
30 days of leaving office
to be retained in the HDNC archives.
Section 11. Special Committees
They shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the HDNC Executive
Committee as the need arises. ARTICLE VIII- MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Convention
The Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina shall hold an annual convention in
the spring of each year and prior to the general election in such year as one
is held. The HDNC Convention shall be held at a location recommended by the
Executive Committee. The time and place of the annual convention shall be set
at the preceding annual convention.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the President, by a majority of the HDNC Executive
Committee, or upon written request of two-thirds Active members of the organization.
ARTICLE IX- HDNC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. Duties
The affairs of this organization shall be conducted between HDNC conventions
by the HDNC Executive Committee. The duties of the HDNC Executive Committee
shall be those specified in the Bylaws.
Section 2. Voting Members
The Executive Committee shall be composed of the elected HDNC officers (President,
First Vice-President /President-Elect, Second Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer), designated representative of the North Carolina Democratic Party,
Immediate Past President, Chairpersons of standing committees, and the President
or a delegated representative from each chartered club. The retiring President
shall be an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee for a term not exceeding
two years following the election of a new President.
Section 3. Designated Representative of the North Carolina Democratic Party
(NCDP)
The designated representative from NCDP shall be nominated by the President
and confirmed by the HDNC Executive Committee. Such designated representative
shall be appointed by the NCDP.
Section 4. Non-voting, Ex-officio Members
Past Presidents shall serve as non-voting members of the HDNC Executive Committee.
The President may appoint a Legal Counsel, Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, and
Parliamentarian.
Section 5. Frequency, Time Place of Meetings.
The HDNC Executive Committee shall meet at least four (4) times a year. Such
meetings shall be called by the President or upon written request of one-third(1/3)
of the members of the HDNC Executive Committee. The time and place for such
meetings shall be set by the President with the approval of the HDNC Executive
Committee.
Section 6. Quorum
Quorum shall exist at any meeting of the HDNC Executive Committee when two-fifths
(2/5) of the members of the HDNC Executive Committee are present.
ARTICLE X -- VOTING, ELECTIONS AND VACANCIES
Section 1. All decisions to be made by the general membership of this organization
shall be by majority vote of the Clubs represented at the Annual Convention,
except as specified in Article XI - Amendments. Until such time as three (3)
clubs are chartered, all decisions should be made by a majority vote of Active
members present.
Section 2. Elections
This organization shall conduct an open, publicized election of officers biennially
at the Convention in even numbered years.
Section 3. Vacancies
Vacancies occurring between elections shall be filled by the President of
this organization, subject to approval of the Executive Committee. Any person
so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of the person he/she
succeeds.
Section 4. Removal From Office
Members may be removed from office under the following provisions:
A. If an officer or Committee Chair fails to perform the duties of his/her
office or has two unexcused
absences from HDNC Executive Committee meetings, the HDNC Executive Committee
may declare the office vacant and the vacancy shall be filled as provided
in Section 1 of this Article.
B. The President of the Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina is the only person
who shall excuse an
absence from a HDNC Executive Committee meeting.
C. The HDNC officers may not participate actively in primary elections. A
leave of absence shall be in order
in the event of proposed active involvement in primary elections. Failure
to take such leave of absence shall constitute grounds for removal from office.
D. Any officer or committee member of the Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina
at the state, district or
County level, who directly or indirectly gives support to, aids or helps any
opposing political party or
candidate of any opposing party, or who refuses or fails to perform his or
her duties, or who is convicted
of a crime involving moral turpitude, may be removed from office.
E. The member is no longer an Active member of the HDNC.
F. The President may recommend to the HDNC Executive Committee that any member
be removed from
office. The President shall state the nature of the charges in writing to
the Executive Committee at least
twenty (20) days prior to any HDNC Executive Committee Meeting. A two-thirds
(2/3) vote of those
present at the HDNC Executive Committee shall be necessary to remove any member
from office
G. The President shall inform the removed person of his/her removal and his/her
appeal rights within three
(3) business days by certified letter.
H. All documentation of removal of officers shall be forwarded to the HDNC
Secretary for safe
keeping and a copy sent to the NC Democratic Party Chair. An individual, who
has been removed from office may appeal to the HDNC Executive Committee for
reinstatement. A vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present at the HDNC Executive
Committee meeting shall be necessary for reinstatement. ARTICLE XI -- HDNC
CONVENTIONS
Section 1. Frequency : Time and Place
This organization shall assemble as a state convention at least once each
year at a time and place to be determined by the HDNC Executive Committee.
Section 2. Participation
A club may participate in a HDNC convention if it holds a current charter
and has paid chartering fees in accordance with Article V Section 4.
Section 3. Voting at HDNC Conventions
Clubs that have chartered shall have convention votes based on the following
formula:
A. The number of votes for a club shall not exceed the number of Active members
of the club
B. No single delegate at a HDNC convention shall cast more than ten (10) votes.
C. Each club, upon chartering and registering at a HDNC convention shall have
a maximum of five (5) votes
per member present. If only one person from a club attends, then that person
has ten (10) votes, subject to
Section 3(B) above.
D. Until such time as three (3) clubs are chartered, convention votes shall
be based on individual
membership. All Active members and At-large members who qualify for Active
membership due to the
lack of a HDNC club in their county shall be eligible to vote.
Section 4. Quorum
A quorum shall exist at any HDNC convention when a majority of local clubs
holding current charters are represented by one or more duly registered delegates.
Until such time as three (3) clubs are chartered, a quorum shall exist when
twentyfive percent (25% )of Active At-large members are present.
Section 5. Calling a HDNC convention
A HDNC convention may be called by the President upon the recommendation of
two-thirds (2/3)of the HDNC Executive Committee or by the adoption of resolutions
calling for a state convention by a majority of chartered clubs.
Section 6. Credentials Committee
A Credentials Committee shall meet prior to any HDNC convention and certify
the list of chartered clubs, the number of votes allocated to each club, and
the duly authorized delegates. The President shall have the option of appointing
up to twelve (12) of the Credentials Committee and each candidate for HDNC
office may appoint one (1) member of the Credentials Committee. Until such
time as three (3) clubs are chartered, the Credentials Committee shall certify
the list of Active members who are eligible to vote. ARTICLE XII --AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Time Frame and Process
This organization may adopt and amend such articles of organization and bylaws
as it may deem necessary. Amendments shall be adopted when approved by a two-thirds
majority vote of clubs, provided that the amendment with a brief written statement
describing the general nature of the proposed change has been submitted in
writing to the Chairperson of the Bylaws/Constitution committee at least thirty
days (30) prior to the HDNC convention at which the amendment shall be considered.
Notice of any proposed amendment must be mailed to the Presidents of the chartered
clubs at least fourteen (14) days prior to the HDNC convention at which the
amendment shall be considered. Section 2.
Until such time as three (3) clubs are chartered, amendments to these articles
and bylaws may be made by a majority vote of Active At-large members. They
shall vote in accord with the time frame set out in Section 1 of this article.
ARTICLE XIII -- PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in Roberts' Rules of Order, Newly Revised, or latest edition,
shall govern this organization in all cases in which they are applicable and
in which they are not inconsistent with the Articles of Organization and Bylaws
of this organization.
Hispanic Democrats of North Carolina ByLaws, Adopted Feburary 8, 2002
