• Bylaws of the Columbus Democratic Socialists of America

    As passed by the General Membership on April 22, 2023. (Last updated April 27, 2026)

    1. Name
      1. The name of this organization will be Columbus Democratic Socialists of America, hereinafter “Columbus DSA”, a Local Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America.
    2. Purpose
      1. Columbus DSA is working for the transition to a truly democratic society and is committed to building the institutions necessary to realize democratic socialism in our lifetimes.
      2. To accomplish its work towards a truly democratic society, Columbus DSA will establish Priority Campaigns, as defined in these bylaws. All business the Columbus DSA endorses, commits to, or otherwise supports must directly work toward the chosen Priority Campaigns, or toward goals as clearly established by the chapter public statements, by Resolutions, or by DSA National.
    3. Membership
      1. Definition
        1. Active members of Columbus DSA will be those persons who are members in good standing of the Democratic Socialists of America, or in other words are actively paying their dues or have a dues waiver. Members must also reside and/or work within the geographic area designated by the national organization to comprise this chapter.
      2. Rights
        1. Members may elect the Officers of Columbus DSA.
        2. Members may elect delegates, alternates, or representatives to governing bodies of Democratic Socialists of America.
          1. “Governing bodies of Democratic Socialists of America” is defined as any body that votes on official DSA business or represents the chapter in any official manner.
        3. Members may deliberate on and approve priorities and policies, goals and priorities for Columbus DSA.
      3. Voluntary Donations
        1. Columbus DSA may establish a system of voluntary monthly or annual donations for its members.
        2. Donations to Columbus DSA will not be a requirement for voting or for holding office.
      4. Privacy
        1. Reasonable care will be taken to protect the privacy of members’ records.
      5. Suspension and Removal of Members
        1. A policy for the suspension and/or removal of members found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles, bylaws or policies of Columbus DSA, or that consistently engage in disruptive and/or undemocratic behavior, will be established by the Steering Committee.
      6. Harassment & Grievance
        1. A Harassment & Grievance policy will be established by the Steering Committee and be made reasonably accessible to the general membership.
        2. Harassment & Grievance Officers will be appointed by the Steering Committee as prescribed by that policy.
        3. A Member Code of Conduct will be established by the Steering Committee and be made reasonably accessible to the general membership.
        4. Any changes to the harassment policy, grievance policy, or code of conduct must follow the amendment procedure as laid out in Article IX of this document.
    4. Meetings and Voting
      1. General Meetings
        1. Columbus DSA will hold General Meetings. The date, time, and location of these meetings will be set in a schedule by the Steering Committee.
        2. The General Meeting of the Members will constitute the highest decision-making body of Columbus DSA.
        3. Columbus DSA will hold General Meetings at least once every three months.
        4. The Steering Committee will set the agenda for General Meetings in consultation with the general membership.
        5. The agenda of the General Meetings may include, but is not limited to, announcements and reports, discussion on chapter priorities and policies, and education in democratic socialist theory and practice.
        6. The Steering Committee will set the schedule and agenda for General Meetings in consultation with the members. All schedules and agendas for General Meetings must also have mechanisms for input from the general membership.
        7. The agenda for General Meetings will be sent to members in advance of the meeting. Notice may be sent by electronic means, but members that have not provided an email address may be contacted via phone or mail.
        8. A quorum of at least 60% of the average attendance of the last three General Meetings will be required to convene the General Meeting. General Meetings shall be convened by the Chair or by someone designated by the Chair.
      2. Special Meetings
        1. The Steering Committee may call a Special Meeting with advance notice of seven days when an urgent matter requires deliberation.
        2. At special meetings, members may introduce motions to suspend various sections and/or subsections of the bylaws. For any such motion to proceed, it must carry a two-thirds vote.
      3. Convention
        1. The chapter shall hold a Convention once a year. The time, place, and manner of this Convention shall be accessible to all members and provide in-person and virtual participation. The time and place of the Convention shall be announced no later than three months prior to the event.
        2. The Convention may also serve as the General Meeting for the month it is held. Bylaws changes, Resolutions, Priority Campaigns, or any other consideration that will be put before the general membership at the Convention must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the Convention date. These items must follow the same rules and procedures as outlined for General Meetings. 
        3. All members of Columbus DSA at the time of the Convention shall be considered eligible voters of the Convention.
      4. Voting Methods
        1. For any vote conducted at any General Meeting, Convention, or other convening of the entire membership (including, but not limited to, elections, Priority Campaign approvals, resolutions, and amendments), voting shall be conducted by voice, show of hand, written or electronic ballot, and entered electronically by Steering Committee members.
          1. With the exception of elections, all votes cast in relation to chapter business shall be public unless a motion is made requesting a secret ballot. If such a motion is made, it will be included as the first question on each ballot, and require a simple majority to pass.
          2. With the exception of secret ballots, the record of votes on all questions shall be made available to members. In the case of a secret ballot, the record of which members cast ballots, but not their votes, shall also be made available.
          3. Individuals who wish to vote on an upcoming decision but who cannot be physically present or present online may designate a proxy who will be able to vote on their behalf. Proxies must be members in good standing, and any member can only be a proxy for one other member (i.e. nobody may vote for more than themselves and one other person). An individual wishing to designate a proxy must do so by submitting a request using the method prescribed by the Steering Committee no later than 24 hours prior to the date of the vote the proxy is being designated for.
        2. For any vote conducted at any General Meeting, Convention, or other convening of the entire membership that is for an election (including, but not limited to, election of Steering Committee officers, National Delegates, or Stewards), voting shall be conducted via electronic ballot after the meeting. Only those members present for the meeting will receive an electronic ballot for that election.
    5. Governance and Permanent Structures
      1. Governance
        1. Columbus DSA is governed by the democratic participation of its Membership. The Membership is the highest decision-making body of the chapter. The Membership exercises governance through regular General Meetings and the Annual Convention Meeting.
        2. A Steering Committee described below shall be elected, and the Steering Committee officers, other agents, and committees are charged with the execution of Membership decisions.
      2. Steering Committee
        1. The Steering Committee shall be elected by the Membership to execute the decisions of Membership and any administrative duties required for the operation of Columbus DSA.
        2. The Steering Committee shall ensure that Columbus DSA meets all requirements of the National DSA specified in the DSA Constitution and Bylaws and shall ensure communication between Columbus DSA, National DSA, and other chapters as required.
        3. The Steering Committee will consist of the following officers: Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership & Campaigns Chair, and Communications & Technology Chair.
          1. While each officer will have duties as outlined below, all officers are expected to work together as a committee and in tandem with general membership to ensure execution of chapter Priority Campaigns as outlined in Article VI.
          2. Each Priority Campaign will act as a Steering Committee Officer for the purposes of voting on Steering Committee decisions.  Votes cast in this manner will be made by a Steward of the Priority Campaign or a representative of the Priority Campaign delegated by the Campaign Stewards via written notice to the Steering Committee.
        4. The term of office for Steering Committee officers will be one year or until their successors are elected and/or removed from office. No person may hold or run for more than one office on Steering at a time, and a Steering Committee member may not serve as a Steward. All officers will be elected by Ranked Robin voting.
        5. Steering Committee Meetings
          1. The Steering Committee shall determine the frequency of Steering Committee Meetings as appropriate with a minimum meeting schedule of twice per month and/or for a minimum of 20 hours per term.
          2. Meetings of the Steering Committee may take place either online or in person. The option to observe and fully participate remotely must be provided for in-person meetings to all who would otherwise be eligible to do so. The Steering Committee may conduct votes via electronic means.
          3. All minutes of the Steering Committee’s meetings shall be posted on a public forum accessible to all members, including records of votes taken.
        6. Steering Committee Quorum
          1. A majority of the members of the Steering Committee is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business.
        7. Removal from Office
          1. A member of the Steering Committee may be removed by either a member-initiated recall election or a three-quarters vote of the Steering Committee confirmed by the next General Meeting.
          2. A member of the Steering Committee who does not vote in more than 50% of votes taken by the Steering Committee and/or does not attend 50% of the meetings of the Steering Committee over a three month period (beginning at the time of the first absence), or fails to complete their assigned duties as outlined in these bylaws will result in automatic removal from office considered to have resigned unless a written explanation is provided to the other members of the Steering Committee and accepted by a majority vote thereof.
          3. The Chair shall bring forth a motion of removal due to failure to perform duties which must be approved by a majority of the Steering Committee.
          4. Abstentions from votes will count towards vote requirements stipulated in these bylaws.
        8. Vacancies
          1. In the event of a vacancy in any office of the Steering Committee, the Steering Committee will, within 14 days, vote to appoint an interim steering member to the role in question and that person shall serve a term up to 90 days. If general elections do not fall within 90 days of the appointment a special election will be called before the end of the 90-day term.
        9. Collective Responsibilities
          1. The Steering Committee is the highest elected body of Columbus DSA and is the political leadership and administrative body of the chapter when the membership is not assembled. It is subordinate to the Bylaws as well as resolutions passed by members at General Meetings and Chapter Conventions which may overturn its decisions.
          2. The Steering Committee is not permitted to overturn decisions of a General Meeting or Chapter Convention.
          3. The Steering Committee is empowered to arbitrate any disputes between chapter formations that may arise.
          4. The Steering Committee is empowered to interpret and enforce the Code of Conduct and such powers as are delegated to it by the Bylaws.
          5. All members of the Steering Committee are empowered to delegate duties and responsibilities as stipulated in these bylaws with advance notice and approval by the majority of other Steering Committee members. Delegation of the duties outlined in these bylaws does not override Steering Member’s responsibility for the completion of duties.
          6. The Steering Committee is tasked with writing and disseminating all chapter wide meeting agendas in consultation with the Membership and Campaigns Committees.
          7. In order to ensure the chapter speaks in one voice, statements or endorsements that could reasonably be interpreted as representing the chapter and as creating a new obligation or position for Columbus DSA as a whole must be approved by the Steering Committee, a General Meeting, or the Chapter Convention. Public commentary chapter formations (including but not limited to Working Groups, Priority Campaigns, and Committees) in relation to established Columbus DSA policies, campaigns, and objectives does not require Steering Committee approval.
          8. Written internal guidance will be provided to members and Stewards by the Steering Committee where there is any doubt as to the interpretation of the bylaws or chapter policies. Such guidance may be amended (or new guidance issued) by majority vote of the General Meeting or Chapter Convention and will be made available to all members for internal review in a timely fashion.
        10. Data and Records Management
          1. The Steering Committee shall report monthly to the General Membership on relevant chapter happenings, Steering Committee business, and any other information as required in these bylaws.
          2. The Steering Committee shall develop a data security policy which will be approved by a simple majority of the General Membership to govern chapter policy related to data security, password restricted access, and other matters pertaining to technology of the chapter.
          3. The Steering Committee shall keep up to date records of who has access to each password restricted resource and accept responsibility for ensuring good data security of such records. Access to sensitive chapter information by committees or working groups will be decided by the Steering Committee on a case-by-case basis under the advisement of the Chapter Chair.
          4. Outgoing Steering Committee members will transfer official records in good condition to their elected or appointed successors, including but not limited to minutes, membership lists, and financial records. Each Steering Committee member will update and/or maintain transition documents to be given to their successor which will include pertinent information pertaining to an office and its duties. In accordance with chapter privacy standards, under no circumstance may a former Officer keep or make use of non-public official records of the Chapter, except to transfer them to their successors or as agreed upon by the Steering Committee. Outgoing Steering Committee members will be removed from all applicable communication channels, shared documents, and social media platforms upon the completion of their term.
        11. Urgent Matters
          1. Columbus DSA is a Democratic organization which recognizes the importance of timely response to current events. The Steering Committee, as the elected leadership of the chapter, is empowered to address any such urgent and/or time sensitive matter. The Steering Committee is the body responsible for ensuring the chapter responds to such events in a manner consistent with our goals as a socialist organization.
          2. If a time sensitive matter arises and is deemed “urgent” by a majority vote of the Steering Committee the Steering Committee may vote on that issue. Any changes to chapter policies, resolutions, or commitments must then be ratified by the General Membership at the next General Meeting by a simple majority. This section does not apply to changes to the bylaws or electoral endorsements.
      3. Officer Duties and Definitions
        1. Chair
          1. The Chair shall ensure that all orders and resolutions of the Members and the Steering Committee are carried out.
          2. The Chair shall preside over all meetings of the Steering Committee and chapter general body or shall appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer.
          3. The Chair shall be the official public spokesperson for Columbus DSA, and shall sign or countersign all certificates, contracts, or other instruments of Columbus DSA except where otherwise designated in these bylaws. The Chair shall initiate such actions and policies as the chapter’s general welfare may demand.
        2. Secretary
          1. The Secretary shall be the custodian of all Columbus DSA records, including membership roster and reports as stipulated throughout Article V of these bylaws.
          2. The Secretary shall ensure that minutes are kept of the meetings of the Steering Committee and of the general membership and shall ensure that the minutes are distributed.
          3. The Secretary shall see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law.
          4. The Secretary shall have the authority to delegate responsibilities of their position with advance approval from the Steering Committee.
          5. The Secretary shall keep a register of the address, phone number, and email address of each member of the Steering Committee, which shall be furnished to the Secretary by each Steering Committee member.
          6. The Secretary shall, in general, perform the duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as are from time to time assigned by the Chair or by the Steering Committee.
          7. The Secretary shall ensure effective communication between Columbus DSA and national DSA by sharing reports from the chapter to the national organization and national communications to chapter officers and to committees, working groups, and caucuses when relevant to their work.
        3. Treasurer
          1. The Treasurer shall, as directed by the Steering Committee, have care and custody of the general funds, securities, properties, and assets of Columbus DSA.
          2. The Treasurer shall ensure that the funds and securities are deposited in the bank(s), trust companies, or depositories that the Steering Committee shall designate. At the direction of the Steering Committee, the Treasurer will ensure disbursement and disposal of the same, taking proper voucher for such disbursements.
          3. The Treasurer shall ensure that accurate books of account are kept in accordance with reasonable accounting standards, recording therein the amount of all monies, funds, securities, properties, and assets in their custody, wherever located, and showing the amount of disbursement made and the disposition of properties.
          4. The Treasurer shall exhibit said books and records when required by the Steering Committee, Chair, or government agency of appropriate regulator jurisdiction pursuant to law.
          5. In cooperation with the Membership Chair, the Treasurer shall be responsible for tracking and promoting membership renewals and keeping records of which members’ dues are paid up to date.
          6. The Treasurer shall, in conjunction with the Steering Committee, oversee and administer fundraising efforts on behalf of the chapter.
          7. The Treasurer shall prepare—in consultation with the Steering Committee—a one-year budget to be presented and voted on at the Chapter Convention.
          8. The Treasurer shall prepare, in conjunction with the Steering Committee, a yearly financial report and fundraising recommendation for presentation at the chapter General Meeting the month of the chapter convention meeting.
        4. Membership Chair
          1. The Membership Chair shall seek to promote a lively participatory and democratic culture within the chapter through the recruitment, education, mobilization, and development of members and is responsible for chairing the Membership Committee, scheduling its meetings, drafting its agenda in consultation with committee members, and ensuring the completion of all responsibilities of the Membership Committee as outlined in Article V Section (D)(2) of these bylaws.
          2. The Membership Chair shall compile all reports of the Membership Committee as stipulated in these bylaws.
        5. Campaigns Chair
          1. The Campaigns Chair shall seek to promote collaboration and coordination between priority campaigns and is responsible for chairing the Campaigns Committee, scheduling its meetings, drafting its agenda in consultation with Stewards, and ensuring the completion of all responsibilities of the Membership Committee as outlined in Article V Section (3) of these bylaws.
          2. The Campaigns Chair shall oversee reporting requirements for working groups and priority campaigns.
          3. The Campaigns Chair shall compile all reports required of the Campaigns Committee as stipulated in Article V Section (D)(3)(a) of these bylaws.
        6. Communications & Technology Chair
          1. The Communications & Technology Chair shall prepare, in conjunction with the Steering Committee, a yearly communications & technology report for presentation at the Annual Convention Meeting.
          2. The Communications & Technology Chair shall oversee chapter social media, email dispatch, and act as webmaster for the chapter website & calendar.Along with the Secretary, the Communications & Technology Chair shall oversee the Chapter shared drive(s), and oversee all records and data management necessary for these aforementioned duties.
          3. The Communications & Technology Chair in conjunction with the Steering Committee shall respond to all communications requests to the chapter. The Chair shall also help craft public statements, facilitate communication, along with the Chapter Chair, between the chapter and other organizations including other DSA chapters, and oversee all records and data management necessary for these aforementioned duties.
      4. Permanent Committees
        1. In addition to the Steering Committee, Columbus DSA shall have three (3) permanent committees to facilitate ongoing work of the chapter. These shall consist of the Membership Committee, Campaigns Committee, and Communications & Technology Committee.
          1. Membership Committee
            1. The Membership Committee shall be a Permanent Committee chaired by the Membership Chair.
            2. The Secretary will automatically be a member of the Membership Committee.
            3. The Communications & Technology Committee will advise this committee as required for successful completion of the duties as outlined in these bylaws.
            4. Committee membership is open to all chapter members beyond the permanent seats as outlined in these bylaws.
            5. The Membership Committee shall, in conjunction with the Secretary, maintain a register of all policies passed and/or introduced by Columbus DSA and maintain a comprehensive chapter membership list.
            6. The Membership Committee shall create membership recruitment and retention plans with an intentional focus on developing and supporting a diverse membership representative of the City of Columbus and its surrounding jurisdictions.
            7. The Committee shall oversee training and duties of internal organizers who will act within the chapter to ensure high participation, understanding, and respect among Chapter members. The Committee shall also ensure new members are onboarded to the chapter and fully integrated into ongoing projects.
            8. The Committee shall oversee training and education programs to inform members in grassroots organizing and campaigning tactics in order to develop future chapter organizers and leaders.
            9. To facilitate work within the Membership Committee, the Membership Chair shall oversee a Stewards program in which members are appointed by the Membership Committee with approval by a simple majority at a General Meeting, to work on subsets of internal organizing projects including but not limited to: community building, education and onboarding.
            10. Stewards shall serve a term of six months at which point they may step down or renew their term via a simple majority vote at a General Meeting. If there are more interested parties than available steward seats at any point, an election will be called and executed under normal election processes as dictated by these bylaws.
            11. The Membership Committee is responsible for the flow of member engagement throughout the chapter. This includes coordinating, tracking, and overseeing volunteer recruitment and allocation to campaigns as requested. The Membership Committee shall do this in consultation with the Campaign Stewards assigned to liaise with the membership committee.
            12. The Membership Committee shall determine the frequency of Membership Committee Meetings as appropriate with a minimum meeting schedule of 20 hours per term. Meetings of the Membership Committee may take place either online or in person. The option to observe and fully participate remotely must be provided for in-person meetings to all who would otherwise be eligible to participate.
            13. The Membership Committee shall assist chapter formations in event planning and other activities as directed by the General Membership and/or Steering Committee. The Steering Committee or General Body may direct the Membership Committee to assume more duties on their behalf.
          2. Campaigns Committee
            1. The Campaigns Committee is an administrative and gathering space of Priority Campaigns and Working Groups. The Committee will be responsible for providing visibility and communication across Columbus DSA’s various campaigns as well as updates on campaign progress to the membership and Steering Committee.
            2. The Campaigns Committee shall be chaired by the Campaigns Chair.
            3. The Communications & Technology Committee shall advise the committee as required for successful completion of the duties as outlined in these bylaws.
            4. Priority Campaigns and Working Groups will be represented by two Stewards each.
            5. Stewards shall serve a term of six months at which point they may step down or renew their term via a simple majority vote at a General Meeting. This vote will be separate from votes to renew or discontinue a Priority Campaign. If there are more interested parties than available steward seats at any point, an election will be called and executed under normal election processes as dictated by these bylaws.
            6. The Campaigns Committee shall determine the frequency of Campaigns Committee Meetings as appropriate with a minimum meeting schedule of 12 hours per term. Meetings of the Campaigns Committee may take place either online or in person. The option to observe and fully participate remotely must be provided for in-person meetings to all who would otherwise be eligible to do so.
            7. Campaign and Working Group Stewards shall, at minimum, attend every Campaigns Committee Meeting and submit reports in the frequency indicated by these bylaws.
            8. In the event the above are not completed the Steering Committee may, by simple majority vote, set temporary and discretionary limits on the Campaign or Working Group’s access to the chapter website, social media, and any other chapter resources until the situation which caused the limitations to be imposed is rectified by the submission of a report, attendance at a Campaigns Committee meeting, or both..
            9. Committee membership is open to all chapter members beyond the permanent seats as outlined in these bylaws.
            10. The Campaigns Committee will serve as a forum for discussion of Priority Campaign and Working Group plans, opportunities for coordination, and opportunities for member mobilization. The Campaigns Committee will also serve as a space to share best organizing practices and resources to encourage membership with campaign design and proposal processes.
          3. Communications & Technology Committee
            1. The Communications & Technology Committee shall be a Permanent Committee chaired by the Communications & Technology Chair.
            2. Committee membership is open to all chapter members beyond the permanent seats as outlined in these bylaws.
            3. The Communications & Technology Committee shall determine the frequency of Communications & Technology Committee Meetings as appropriate with a minimum meeting schedule of 15 hours per term. Meetings of the Communications & Technology Committee may take place either online or in person. The option to observe and fully participate remotely must be provided for in-person meetings to all who would otherwise be eligible to participate.
            4. The Communications & Technology Committee shall assist chapter formations in event planning and other activities as directed by the General Membership and/or Steering Committee. The Steering Committee or General Body may direct the Communications & Technology Committee to assume more duties on their behalf.
            5. The Communications & Technology Committee shall oversee answering all written and/or electronic correspondence and queries to Columbus DSA; crafting publicity, messaging, and design materials; managing social media and websites; and other communication related work in collaboration with Campaign Stewards, the Membership and Campaigns Chairs, and the Steering Committee.
            6. The Communications & Technology Committee, advises the Membership and Campaigns Committees. They shall promote work, information, and events pertaining to chapter business.
    6. Priority Campaigns
      1. Priority Campaigns Definition
        1. Columbus DSA will vote on a set of Priority Campaigns to guide chapter work. A Priority Campaign is defined as an external facing project undertaken by the chapter to advance the democratic ideals of Socialism.
        2. A Priority Campaign must include measurable metrics by which success and failure can be determined.
        3. The chapter may adopt a maximum of 3 Priority Campaigns at a given time.
        4. Priority Campaigns must be approved by a two-thirds vote at a General Meeting. All chapter committees will then provide support to ensure effective and efficient implementation of these priority campaigns.
        5. All work undertaken as a priority campaign must be performed in the name of the chapter. This does not prohibit collaboration with partner organizations but shall prohibit any chapter Priority Campaign from operating without explicit DSA endorsement including use of DSA logos and Columbus DSA branded materials such as printed material and merchandise.
      2. Priority Campaign Proposal & Approval Process
        1. Priority Campaigns are approved by the Membership body at the Annual Chapter Convention and at General Body Meetings as required by these bylaws. After initial approval, Campaigns must be reapproved by a two-thirds vote at a General Meeting: first after 6 months of operation, and thereafter every 6 months until either their Campaign goals are met or they are not renewed and reverted to a Working Group status within the chapter, subject to Working Group operational Bylaws
        2. The approval process for priority campaigns is as follows:
          1. Before the First Reader: Authors of a campaign proposal must complete all required draft campaign proposal paperwork and submit these items to the Campaigns Chair.
          2. First Reader: The campaign proposal shall be announced to the general membership at a General Meeting wherein membership will have the opportunity to pose questions and provide feedback based on the draft proposal paperwork. After the First Reader, as long as the Campaign proposal meets the Steward and signature requirements in Article VII section A, the Campaign will be granted Working Group status if it was not a Working Group already.
          3. Before the Second Reader: Authors of the campaign proposal must complete any additional campaign proposal paperwork and arrange a meeting with the Treasurer and the Steering Committee to evaluate the proposed campaign budget.
          4. Second Reader: A proposal update and summary of the authors’ meeting with the Treasurer and Steering Committee shall be provided at a General Meeting, as well as a response or update on any questions and feedback provided at the First Reader
          5. Before Third Reader: Campaign authors shall complete any additional required tasks and/or meetings requested by the Steering Committee or the General Membership as well as two additional signatures of active Columbus DSA members on their Campaign proposal for a total of seven signatures.
          6. Third Reader: When an opening for a new priority campaign becomes available, the chapter membership shall debate and vote on priority campaign at a General Meeting. If approved, the proposed campaign shall become a Chapter Priority Campaign as outlined in section Article VI Section (A) of these bylaws.
      3. Priority Campaign Internal Structure
        1. A Priority Campaign’s Stewards may be elected by the General Membership at the time of voting to approve said Priority Campaign. Campaigns may determine their own internal structure in order to meet the reporting requirements defined in the Bylaws and to ensure democratic decision-making within Campaigns.
      4. Priority Campaign Finances
        1. The Steering Committee shall hold an annual vote to approve the amount of budget to set aside for priority campaigns, as advised by Treasurer. Further chapter resources may be approved by/requested of the Steering Committee on an as-needed basis.
      5. Priority Campaign Data Records and Reporting
        1. As part of Campaign administration and management, Priority Campaigns will provide progress and status updates on a monthly basis at Campaigns Committee Meetings in writing, which will then be distributed to the general membership of the chapter via the upcoming General Meeting agenda, from the inception of a campaign through its termination.
        2. Reports will be shaped around metrics outlined in the initial Priority Campaign proposal documentation but may shift over time as needed. The Steering Committee may enhance reporting requirements for Priority Campaigns if deemed necessary.
        3. Priority Campaign applications and reports will be archived along with chapter administration documents and may include aggregate data such as attendance or engagement numbers, task hours, and other metrics proposed by the Campaign. Reasonable care will be taken to protect the privacy of any personal information gathered or reported by a campaign.
        4. The Campaigns Chair may at their discretion hold a special meeting which is limited to Priority Campaign Stewards and members of the Steering Committee. This will be considered equivalent to a meeting of the Campaigns Committee for the purposes of attendance requirements.
    7. Working Groups
      1. Working Group Definition
        1. Working Groups shall be formed whenever five or more active Columbus DSA members come together around a shared vision of work as long as its mission and activities do not violate these bylaws.
        2. Working groups may form by submitting a proposal including a vision statement, work plan and two suggested Stewards with the five signatures of the previously mentioned supporters to the Steering Committee which will be approved subject to meeting criteria as outlined in these bylaws.
        3. Working Groups may be subject or priority based and shall be responsible for keeping the Steering Committee and the Membership informed of the Working Groups’ projects.
        4. It is the Steering Committee’s duty to ensure assistance is provided to Working Groups and Stewards when requested to facilitate the production of reports. Failure to provide resources and training will negate consequences for any failure of a Working Group to submit a report.
        5. Working Groups will establish their own internal structure, which will include the election or appointment of two Stewards who will serve as official points of contact for the Campaigns Committee and other internal chapter bodies, in addition to any other duties which might be assigned to them by the Working Group.
        6. If the Steering Committee finds the activities of a Working Group violates the mission and/or bylaws of the chapter, they shall have the authority to halt its activities until it can be approved or dissolved at the next General Meeting.
        7. All Working Groups must be reapproved by a two-thirds vote at a General Meeting every 6 months after they are created. Any Working Group may be dissolved: by a vote against reapproval at a General Meeting, willingly by a majority of its members, when it fails to have five active Columbus DSA members, or has been inactive for more than six months.
          1. A working group with five active members requires that there are an average of five members attending working group meetings over the course of four months. Meetings may be defined according to the Working Group’s internal structure.
          2. An inactive working group is when the group has less than two stewards, has not had a meeting with quorum, or has not reported to the steering committee.
      2. Working Group Data and Reports
        1. Working Groups will provide progress and status updates monthly at Campaigns Committee Meetings via attending the meeting and submitting a report to the Campaigns Committee.
        2. Reasonable care will be taken to protect the privacy of any personal information gathered or reported by a Working Group.
    8. Elections
      1. Annual Chapter Elections
        1. Definition
          1. The annual chapter elections are scheduled for the Chapter Convention every year.
          2. At the annual chapter elections, all Officer positions described in Article V of this document will be elected.
        2. Structure
          1. The Steering Committee is charged with creating the process for both accepting nominations and the process to administer annual elections.
      2. Special Elections
        1. Definition
          1.  Special Elections may be called whenever there is a vacancy on the Steering Committee caused by resignation or recall.
          2. Special Elections are automatically triggered if a Steering Committee member has two consecutive unexcused absences to Steering Committee meetings.
          3. Special Elections may also be called whenever there are less than two Stewards on a Priority Campaign caused by resignation or recall.
          4. Special Elections are automatically triggered if there are less than two Stewards on a Priority Campaign for more than three months or neither Steward has attended a Campaign Committee meeting for more than three months.
        2. Structure
          1.  The Steering Committee is charged with creating for process for both accepting nominations and administering Special Elections.
      3. Delegate Elections
        1. Definition
          1.  A Delegate Election will be held preceding each DSA National Convention’s delegate registration deadline by a period of no less than 30 days.
          2. A fixed number of delegates will be elected as apportioned by the National Political Committee of Democratic Socialists of America.
        2. Structure
          1. The Steering Committee is charged with creating the process for both accepting nominations for and administering Delegate Elections.
      4. Voting
        1. All elections will take place at a General Meeting.
        2. Each member in good standing of Columbus DSA shall have one vote.
        3. All elections shall be administered according to the requirements outlined in Article IV.D, “Voting Methods”
    9. Amendments, Resolutions & Policy Changes
      1. Definitions
        1. An Amendment is any change to the Columbus DSA Bylaws.
        2. A Resolution is any written motion proposed by the membership that does not change the Columbus DSA Bylaws.
        3. A Policy Change is a change to any practice established by the Steering Committee as otherwise described in these bylaws.
        4. An Amendment or Resolution is “in order” if:
          1. It does not violate any local, state, or federal law.
          2. It does not violate the Columbus DSA Bylaws or any National DSA Bylaws or Passed Resolutions.
      2. Amendments & Resolutions
        1. Members may propose Amendments or Resolutions by petition, endorsed no less than seven members, and submitted to the Secretary no less than seven days in advance of the next Steering Committee Meeting
          1. The Steering Committee is charged with ensuring the Amendment or Resolution is “in order”.
        2. If the Amendment or Resolution is “in order”, the Chair will open the floor to discuss the item.If the Amendment or Resolution is not “in order”, the Steering Committee will table the item with instructions as to how the item can be brought “in order”.
        3. The Secretary will provide the members a report on any Amendments and Resolutions brought before the Steering Committee immediately after the Steering Committee Meeting adjourns
        4. The Steering Committee will be required to include the proposed Amendments and Resolutions in the agenda of the next General Meeting and will advise the petitioners in good faith.
        5. Approval of any Amendment or Resolution will require a two-thirds vote of the next General Meeting.
      3. Policy Changes
        1. Policy Changes must be passed with a simple majority vote of the Steering Committee.
        2. Policy Changes may be appealed by the general membership. If a member wishes to contest a Policy Change, they must use the amendment procedure as laid out in Article IX Section B of these bylaws.
    10. Rules
      1. Action Out of Order
        1. Any action taken by an officer or member of Columbus DSA in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
      2. Prohibited Activity
        1. Columbus DSA shall not engage in any activity prohibited by Resolutions adopted by the Democratic Socialists of America National Convention or the National Political Committee of Democratic Socialists of America.
    11. Accessibility
      1. Virtual Attendance
        1. The chapter will provide a virtual attendance option at all General Meetings, as well as all Campaign and Working Group meetings. Social gatherings, protests, demonstrations, and other public-facing events are exempt from this rule, although the chapter should strive to make these as accessible as possible.
      2. Hybrid Meetings
        1. The Steering Committee will utilize technology as necessary to provide, in hybrid meetings, a reasonably equal experience for attendees regardless of whether they are attending virtually or in-person. The chapter will ensure that virtual attendees are able to see and hear any in-person proceedings clearly and that virtual attendees may speak and be heard to the same extent as in-person attendees. The streaming software used must have the option of automatic closed captions, which the chapter will enable, and sound quality must be sufficient to generate reasonably accurate captions.
      3. Mitigation
        1. Masking. The chapter encourages, and may require, masking at General Meetings and any in-person Campaign and Working Group meetings in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, providing masks at the door. Masks worn and provided by the chapter will be of models filtering at least 94% of airborne particles. The chapter will keep a stock of transparent-paned masks on hand; at the request of an attendee with hearing loss, the chapter may ask speakers to switch to one of these masks before addressing the meeting. The chapter will make efforts to provide and disseminate masks at all events, as well as to recommend masking and social distancing to attendees in accordance with CDC or WHO guidelines. If any member feels that masks should be mandated due to health and safety concerns, and the CDC or WHO has not provided masking guidance, a simple majority vote can be called for masking to be mandatory at any meeting or event. The vote shall indicate the length of time in days that the mask mandate shall remain in effect; after which, if no guidance is given from CDC or WHO, the mandate shall expire and return to individual discretion.
        2. Venue. When choosing the venue for a chapter meeting or event, organizers will favor outdoor venues when feasible. When choosing indoor venues, organizers will consider factors affecting the transmission of airborne disease, including filtration and ceiling height. Organizers will take reasonable measures to remediate insufficient filtration in indoor venues, such as by opening windows and bringing filtration devices of their own.
        3. Personal Conduct. The chapter recommends that all members stay up-to-date with government-approved vaccinations, practice social distancing at indoor and outdoor gatherings, and not attend in-person gatherings while experiencing cold and flu symptoms.
      4. Consultation
        1. Once per term, the Steering Committee will solicit advice from the membership on how to preserve and increase chapter accessibility. Members can communicate their accessibility needs to the Steering Committee at will, and the Steering Committee will put forth a good faith effort to accommodate those needs.

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