The Local Chapter will be the Connecticut Local Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America, hereinafter referred to as “Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America” or “Connecticut DSA”. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a not-for-profit corporation.

Section 2. Territory

Connecticut DSA shall conduct activities in the State of Connecticut within the territory defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America to the Connecticut DSA.

Section 3. Purpose

The Connecticut Local Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means and resources of production are democratically and socially controlled. The Local Chapter is organized primarily to promote social welfare.

DSA rejects an economic order based solely on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, gender or sexual orientation, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.

DSA envisions a humane social order based on popular control of resources, production, and economic planning; economic and environmental sustainability; equitable distribution; gender, racial, and ethnic equality; and non-oppressive relationships.

Our conception of socialism is a profoundly democratic one. It is rooted in the belief that human beings should be free to develop to their fullest potential, that public policies should be determined not by wealth but by popular participation, and that individual liberties should be carefully safeguarded. It is committed to a freedom of speech that does not recoil from dissent, to a freedom to organize independent trade unions, women’s groups, political parties, and other formations—recognizing these as essential bulwarks against the dangers of an intrusive state. It is committed to a freedom of religion that acknowledges the rights of those for whom spiritual concerns are central.

We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision. In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the broad democratic Left. In the long run, we hope to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States. Our strategy acknowledges the class structure of the U.S. society. This class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population.

Connecticut DSA’s purposes shall be consistent with those of the National DSA.

ARTICLE II. Membership

Section 1. Definition

Membership of Connecticut DSA shall be defined by Article III, Section 1 of the National DSA Constitution and residence in the territory described by the charter granted by National DSA. Individuals may not be members of Connecticut DSA or any of its branches without being members of the National DSA.

Only current dues-paying national organization members may have voting rights or hold elected offices in the Local Chapter. People who have not paid dues to the National DSA and whose membership has expired may not vote in Local Chapter matters or hold elected office.

“Member in good standing” shall be defined as a member whose dues to National DSA are current.

Section 2. Authority

Members shall be responsible for proposing and deliberating questions of Connecticut DSA business at Connecticut DSA Meetings, electing Local Chapter officers, electing delegates to the National Convention, and volunteering for Connecticut DSA activities and duties. The membership is the highest decision-making body of the organization (see Article III, Section 1)

Section 3. Resignation

A member may resign from Connecticut DSA to become an at-large member of DSA by written notice to the secretary of Connecticut DSA and National DSA. A member may resign from DSA by notifying the national office of DSA.

Section 4. Removal of Members

If a member, as defined by Article II, Section 1 is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of National DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, or if they are found to be under the discipline of any democratic centralist organization, Connecticut DSA may vote to expel them from the Local Chapter.

In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member shall formally submit written charges against the member in question to the Connecticut DSA Steering Committee, which will set the date of a Connecticut DSA meeting for deliberations on the charges.

The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before that meeting takes place.

Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of any Connecticut DSA Meeting established in Article III. An expelled member, as defined by Article II, Section 1, must appeal first to the National Political Committee of DSA.

Decisions on expulsion by the Chapter or National Organization may be appealed to the National Convention.

Section 5. Voluntary Donations

As mandated by the National Constitution and Bylaws, Connecticut DSA may establish a Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members.

The payment of a Chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or holding office in Connecticut DSA.

Section 6. Data Security

The Steering Committee shall create and maintain policy and procedures to secure all member data, including but not limited to contact and billing information.

ARTICLE III. Local Chapter Meetings

Section 1. Definition

Connecticut DSA Chapter Conventions, General Meetings, and Special Meetings shall represent the general will of the membership and shall have the highest authority of decision-making power over all matters within Connecticut DSA.

In these bylaws, “Connecticut DSA Meetings” refers to a meeting established by this article.

Section 2. Local Chapter Convention

Connecticut DSA shall hold a convention each calendar year to accept reports, consider questions of Chapter business, and elect Chapter Officers, and may adopt an annual budget.

The Steering Committee shall electronically or physically send written notice of the convention to all members no less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the convention. The Steering Committee shall publish the agenda to the membership no less than ten (10) days prior to the convention.

If the Convention elects to consider special standing rules, the question of their adoption will be the first order of business and, upon adoption, will apply to that convention only.

The Convention may coincide with a General Meeting.

Section 3. General Meetings

Connecticut DSA shall hold a minimum of four (4) General Meetings each calendar year to address any Chapter business within the guidelines set by the Convention.

The Steering Committee shall publish the time and place to the membership no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting. The Steering Committee shall publish the agenda to the membership no less than five (5) days prior to the meeting.

Section 4. Special Meetings

The rules of the Special Meeting shall be in accordance with the bylaws and any standing rules adopted for general meetings.

Section 5. Rules

Connecticut DSA may elect to adopt standing rules, which shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws, to administer the process and procedures of Chapter Meetings.

These bylaws and existing standing rules will govern all Chapter Meetings. If additional structure is needed, a motion may be called to adopt the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised for a specific section of, or the remainder, of a meeting. Should a simple majority support the motion, Robert’s Rules will be utilized.

Should Robert’s Rules be inconsistent with these bylaws or standing rules, then the bylaws or standing rules will apply.

Any action taken by a Chapter Meeting in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.

Section 6. Quorum

A quorum of five (5) percent of the members (but not fewer than six (6) persons) is required for Connecticut DSA Convention, General, or Special Meetings to transact business.

ARTICLE III. Local Chapter Meetings

Section 1. Definition

In these bylaws, “Connecticut DSA Meetings” refers to a meeting established by this article.

Section 2. Local Chapter Convention

Connecticut DSA shall hold a convention each calendar year to accept reports, consider questions of Chapter business, and elect Chapter Officers, and may adopt an annual budget.

If the Convention elects to consider special standing rules, the question of their adoption will be the first order of business and, upon adoption, will apply to that convention only.

The Convention may coincide with a General Meeting.

Section 3. General Meetings

Connecticut DSA shall hold a minimum of four (4) General Meetings each calendar year to address any Chapter business within the guidelines set by the Convention.

Section 4. Special Meetings

Connecticut DSA Steering Committee may call a Special Meeting of Connecticut DSA on five (5) days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation. Special Meetings may be approved through a simple majority vote of the Steering Committee. The rules of the Special Meeting shall be in accordance with the bylaws and any standing rules adopted for general meetings.

Section 5. Rules

Connecticut DSA may elect to adopt standing rules, which shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws, to administer the process and procedures of Chapter Meetings.

Should Robert’s Rules be inconsistent with these bylaws or standing rules, then the bylaws or standing rules will apply.

Any action taken by a Chapter Meeting in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.

Section 6. Quorum

A quorum of five (5) percent of the members (but not fewer than six (6) persons) is required for Connecticut DSA Convention, General, or Special Meetings to transact business.

ARTICLE IV. Chapter Officers

Section 1. Officers and Terms

The Officers of Connecticut DSA shall consist of the two Co-Chairs, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Membership Coordinator., Each officer must be a member of the Local Chapter and be current in their dues at the time of election and throughout the duration of their term.

The term of office shall be one year or until their successors are elected. The officers shall not all be cisgender men.

No members shall hold more than one office at any given time.

Section 2. Election

See Article V, Section 2 for election of officers.

Section 3. Co-Chairs

The Co-Chairs shall be the leaders of Connecticut DSA. They shall preside over Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings or shall appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer.

The Co-Chairs shall be the official public spokespersons for Connecticut DSA and shall initiate such actions and policies as Connecticut DSA’s general welfare may demand.

The Co-Chairs, or the Steering Committee by simple majority vote, may designate other members as spokespersons for Connecticut DSA for a specific period of time.

The Co-Chairs shall coordinate the day-to-day operations and political work of Connecticut DSA’s Branches, Working Groups, Committees, and other formations.

The Co-Chairs shall report to Chapter Meetings on the business of the Steering Committee.

Section 4. Secretary

The Secretary shall be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of Connecticut DSA and maintaining an up-to-date membership list.

The Secretary shall ensure effective communication with National DSA.

The Secretary shall temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair, if neither Co-Chair is able to do so.

The Secretary shall be responsible for the taking of minutes of all Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports, and other official records of Connecticut DSA.

Minutes will include attendance of officers.

The Secretary shall transfer official records, such as meeting minutes and membership lists, in good condition to their successor.

The Secretary is responsible for storing and ensuring members’ access to the latest versions of these bylaws, meeting minutes, agendas, resolutions, standing rules, and all other materials in the interest of the membership.

The Secretary may delegate all or some of their responsibilities with the consent of the Steering Committee to a committee overseen by the Secretary but shall remain responsible for the fulfillment of these duties.

Section 5. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the funds and financial records of Connecticut DSA.

All funds collected by Connecticut DSA shall be turned over to the Treasurer, who will hold these funds in a secure place until it is possible to deposit the funds in a credit union or bank account under the name of Connecticut DSA.

The Treasurer shall prepare budgets and financial reports for consideration at Chapter Meetings and as requested by the Steering Committee, and ensure Connecticut DSA’s regulatory compliance.

In cooperation with the Membership Coordinator, the Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are current.

The Treasurer shall create and document policies and procedures for carrying out their duties and for maintaining healthy Local Chapter finances, including a Funding and Budgeting Policy.

The Treasurer shall transfer to their successor the documented policies and procedures, financial records and reports, and access to financial accounts securely.

The Treasurer may delegate all or some of their responsibilities with the consent of the Steering Committee to a committee overseen by the Treasurer but shall remain responsible for the fulfillment of these duties.

Section 6. Membership Coordinator

The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for the overall health and growth of Connecticut DSA membership by coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of Connecticut DSA.

The Membership Coordinator shall oversee membership growth, retention, engagement, participation, and leadership development initiatives.

The Membership Coordinator shall organize their activities to be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive to marginalized groups.

Special attention shall be devoted to the recruitment of members from marginalized groups.

Section 7. Additional Duties and Actions Out of Order

Connecticut DSA Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of Connecticut DSA, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws.

Any action taken by an officer in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.

Section 8. Resignation and Vacancies

Any officer of Connecticut DSA may submit their resignation to either the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting.

Upon resignation, or in the presence of other SC vacancies, the Steering Committee shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term either by scheduling an election no less than thirty (30) days away from a Chapter Meeting or by appointment via simple majority vote of the Steering Committee.

Section 9. Suspension

Any officer of Connecticut DSA may be temporarily suspended for thirty (30) days at a Local Chapter Meeting as defined in Article III. Any member may motion to recall and shall state with particularity the acts of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, or undemocratic or uncomradely behavior comprising the grounds for removal and must be seconded.

Connecticut DSA Meeting may adopt such a motion by a two-thirds vote.

Section 10. Recall

Any Officer may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer under provisions for recall of Steering Committee Members, see Article V, Section 8.

ARTICLE V. Steering Committee

Section 1. Composition and Terms

The Officers, four (4) At-Large Representatives, and the Branch Representatives shall be called Steering Committee Members and shall comprise the Steering Committee of Connecticut DSA. Each Member must be a member of the Local Chapter and be current in their dues at the time of election and throughout the duration of their term. All Steering Committee Members have voting rights.

Section 2. Elections

Elections for Steering Committee Members shall be held at the Local Chapter Convention unless otherwise stated in these bylaws.

The Steering Committee shall open nominations for Officers and At Large Representatives no less than thirty (30) days prior to the election and call for nominations to the membership. Uncontested elections may be decided by acclamation without objection; otherwise elections will be determined by instant-runoff voting either at the Local Chapter Convention or by electronic ballot delivered to dues paying members.

The election of Branch Representatives will occur by the same process, except that candidates for Branch Representative will be nominated and elected by their respective Branch. See Article VI, Section 4.

Elections shall be governed by any rules and procedures under Article III, Section 5.

Section 3. General Responsibilities of the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee administers the affairs of Connecticut DSA and oversees the implementation of the decisions of Chapter Meetings; it may also propose policy to Chapter Meetings. It shall have the power to receive reports of any Branch, Committee, or formally created Working Group, advise thereon, call Special Meetings of Connecticut DSA, and act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action.

The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of Connecticut DSA and thus subordinate to its Legislative bodies: dues-paying members, the Connecticut DSA Convention, and General Meetings.

The Steering Committee shall be responsible for establishing program activities for Connecticut DSA and proposing guidelines and policies that members in good standing shall subsequently vote on. It shall be responsible for acting on the organization’s behalf between Chapter meetings.

The Steering Committee shall ensure that the following responsibilities are assigned to Steering Committee members or other DSA members: communications, internal and external; development of any standing rules; and preparation of an annual report to be presented to the membership at the beginning of the new year or the next Local Chapter Convention.

The Steering Committee shall submit a written or verbal report to the Local Chapter membership at the Local Chapter Convention or a General or Special Meeting.

The Steering Committee shall ensure the Chapter’s membership and the general public’s security and privacy as defined by the Chapter’s security policies.

The At-Large Representatives shall assist the Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Coordinator in the fulfillment of their responsibilities and the coordination and growth of the Chapter, Branches, Working Groups, Committees, and other formations.

See Article VI, Section 4 for information about Branch Representatives.

Section 4. Meetings

The meetings of the Steering Committee shall be held at the call of one (1) of the Co-Chairs at regular intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with any three (3) members of the Steering Committee.

All members of the Steering Committee shall be given at least three (3) days of written, verbal, or electronic notice of Steering Committee Meetings unless all Committee members agree to accept the shorter notification.

The Steering Committee shall give notification of its meeting schedule to Connecticut DSA members.

All meeting minutes, including executive sessions, shall be available to all current Steering Committee members.

All other Non-Executive Session Meeting minutes shall be recorded and accessible to Connecticut DSA membership through its internal communications platform.

Steering Committee Meetings may be held electronically by any means acceptable to all the members of the Steering Committee.

Any member as defined by Article II, Section 1 of Connecticut DSA may observe Non-Executive session Steering Committee Meetings.

The Steering Committee shall allow for a question and answer period and a comment period if capacity permits.

The Steering Committee may go into executive session by a simple majority vote of Steering Committee members to discuss any sensitive matters.

Section 5. Quorum

A quorum of a simple majority of the Steering Committee Members elected by the entire chapter (five (5) Officers and four (4) At-Large Representatives) and a simple majority of Branch Representatives is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business.

The Steering Committee may meet without a quorum to work on existing ongoing Steering Committee projects and research, but may not undertake any votes or hear new business.

Section 6. Rules

The Steering Committee may elect to adopt standing rules to administer the process and procedures of Steering Committee Meetings that are not inconsistent with these bylaws.

Any action taken by the Steering Committee in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.

Section 7. Voting

The Steering Committee shall make decisions on business by a simple majority vote or through other means unanimously approved by all Steering Committee Members at a Steering Committee Meeting. Votes between Steering Committee Meetings shall be recorded at the next meeting.

Section 8. Removal of Steering Committee Members

Any Steering Committee Member may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations.

Nonfeasance for a Steering Committee Member may include unexcused absences from three or more consecutive Steering Committee meetings. An excused absence shall be defined as any absence where the member notifies the Steering Committee within 24 hours of notice, barring an emergency.

Malfeasance may be defined as any abuse of position that may compromise the Local Chapter’s integrity, including but not limited to misuse of Local Chapter membership, voter lists, or other resources. Malfeasance may also be defined in the Local Chapter’s Grievance Policies.

Remote participation in Steering Committee meetings shall not count as absences.

A Steering Committee Member may take a leave of absence for up to three months for emergencies or other personal difficulties. They may appoint an interim replacement who will exercise the Committee member’s duties while on leave. The Steering Committee must confirm the appointment of their replacement by a simple majority vote.

Recall of a Steering Committee Member Other Than a Branch Representative by Vote of the Membership

In order to recall or remove a Steering Committee Member other than a Branch Representative, a member in good standing as defined by Article II, Section 1 must formally refer a request to the Steering Committee to remove said Member, which will set a date of a Local Chapter Meeting for deliberations on the accused Steering Committee Member’s removal.

The Member in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before the meeting takes place.

The accused Member will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting. Removal of a Member requires a two-thirds vote of a Connecticut DSA Meeting.

Recall of a Steering Committee Member Other Than a Branch Representative by Vote of the Steering Committee

A Steering Committee Member other than a Branch Representative may be recalled by vote of the Steering Committee only under narrow circumstances for failure to do their duty.

If a Member misses three consecutive Steering Committee meetings without excuse and fails to respond to attempts by Steering Committee members to communicate, that Member may be removed from office by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Steering Committee.

This action must be reported at the next Chapter Meeting, at which time members in good standing may overturn the vote.

Section 9. Board of Directors

For the purposes of meeting the requirements of local and state incorporation laws, Connecticut DSA shall have a “Board of Directors” consisting of members of the Steering Committee assigned for the purpose as logical and required by law, or the Officers if none are assigned.

ARTICLE VI. Branches

Section 1. Definition

A Branch is a subgroup chartered by Connecticut DSA consisting of at least fifteen (15) members in good standing to expand the reach and accessibility of Connecticut DSA. Branches shall be defined by geography.

Section 2. Creation

A charter application must be made by written resolution and endorsed by fifteen (15) members in good standing of Connecticut DSA who would reside in the geographic area defined by the Branch.

A charter application or resolution must define the purpose of the Branch, the nature of its leadership, the scope and nature of its membership, and how the Branch makes decisions. Membership by geography shall not overlap with another Branch defined by geography.

The charter application shall be submitted to the Steering Committee at least two (2) weeks before the next Local Chapter general meeting.

The Steering Committee shall include the Branch charter application in the agenda for the general meeting, in which the application shall be discussed and voted on by the general membership.

Connecticut DSA members may approve a charter application under this article by a simple majority vote at the next Chapter general meeting.

Section 3. General Responsibilities of Branches

Branches shall promote, adapt and implement Connecticut DSA’s priorities and campaigns.

Branches shall conduct their internal affairs according to democratic principles.

Branches may create or adopt their own internal bylaws and policies as they see fit. Any bylaws or policies adopted shall be null and void if they conflict with Connecticut DSA or National DSA bylaws and policies.

Branches may create working groups, committees, or other formations. These formations should be specific to their Branch’s territories’ social, economic, or political conditions.

Branches may form Connecticut DSA Working Group subgroups where applicable only with the approval of the Chapter Working Group.

Branches shall hold regular meetings. General branch meetings shall not conflict with Connecticut DSA’s General meetings or convention.

Branches shall only use communications and data platforms approved by Connecticut DSA when discussing or sharing member information or organizational information and follow all Chapter and National DSA security and privacy policies.

Section 4. Branch Representation to the Steering Committee

Each Branch shall have one (1) Branch Representative upon the approval of the Branch charter. A Branch may have an additional Branch Representative per fifty (50) Branch members in good standing and is subject to a cap of two (2) Steering Committee Branch Representatives per Branch.

Branch Representatives shall be nominated and elected by the Branch membership in the same election cycle as the Local Chapter Convention, by the rules prescribed in Article V, Section 2. A month prior to the Local Chapter Convention there shall be an audit of the number of members in good standing of each Branch to establish the number of Branch Representatives each Branch may have. If a Branch with two (2) Branch Representatives falls below the established threshold of fifty (50) members in good standing of the Branch, the Branch shall forfeit the second Branch Representative position.

Branches shall strive for equitable representation, per the requirement in Article IV, Section 1, in the selection of Representatives.

A Branch Representative may also hold, in the same Branch in which they represent, a leadership position whose focus is internal Branch matters.

Section 5. Recall of Branch Representative

In order to recall or remove a Branch Representative,. a member of the Branch in good standing as defined by Article II, Section 1, must formally refer a request to the Branch leadership to remove said Representative, which will set a date of a Branch Meeting for deliberations on the accused Representative’s removal.

The Branch Representative in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before the meeting takes place.

The accused Branch Representative will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting. Removal of a Branch Representative requires a two-thirds vote of Branch members at a Branch Meeting.

Section 6. Dissolution

A motion to dissolve a Branch must be made by written resolution, endorsed by ten (10) members in good standing of Connecticut DSA, and submitted according to the same procedure as defined in Article XV of these bylaws. A Connecticut DSA General Meeting may dissolve a Branch under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.

ARTICLE VII. Young Democratic Socialist of America Chapters

Section 1. Definition

Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapters, as defined and chartered by National DSA, within the geographic area of Connecticut DSA may affiliate as a branch using the same process described in Article VI, in which case the YDSA chapter may send a representative to the Steering Committee as their Branch Representative.

All YDSA members living in Connecticut while attending school shall be considered members of Connecticut DSA, with all privileges and rights outlined in these bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII. Administrative Committees

Section 1. Definition

An Administrative Committee is a group of Connecticut DSA members tasked with specific functions and authority related to Connecticut DSA’s long-term growth and administration.

Section 2. Creation

The Steering Committee or Local Chapter meeting may establish by a simple majority vote a committee to carry out responsibilities of long-term Local Chapter growth and administration or as assigned by the Steering Committee in these bylaws.

Each Administrative Committee shall have a written plan of its structure, goals, and the composition of its members.

An Administrative Committee may use Local Chapter funds outlined by the Treasurer’s written Funding and Budgeting Policy.

A proposed Administrative Committee shall be consistent with the purposes and work of the DSA.

Section 3. Interim Chair and Membership of Administrative Committees

The Steering Committee shall appoint an Interim Chair of a newly formed Administrative Committee and may appoint members of the Committee. A member of the Steering Committee shall be appointed to serve as an Interim Chair with each new Administrative Committee to serve until the election of a Chair or Co-Chairs.

Section 4. Chairs of Administrative Committees

After an Administrative Committee is created, but by no later than the Committee’s second meeting, the Committee shall vote to elect either one (1) Chair or two (2) Co-Chairs, as decided by the Committee. Uncontested elections may be decided by acclamation without objection; otherwise, elections will be determined by instant-runoff voting either at a committee meeting or by electronic ballot delivered to committee members.

Terms shall be for six months or one year at the committee members’ choosing, and incumbents may stand for reelection. Committee members shall create a set of expected commitments, duties, and responsibilities for the Chair or Co-Chairs. The Committee Chair or Co-Chairs or a committee member shall report to the Steering Committee.

Section 5. General Responsibilities of Administrative Committees

Each Administrative Committee shall submit a written or verbal report to the Steering Committee on a quarterly basis or at the request, with at least one week’s notice, of the Steering Committee.

Each Administrative Committee shall submit a written or verbal report at the Connecticut DSA Convention.

Each Administrative Committee shall ensure the Local Chapter’s membership and the general public’s security and privacy as defined by the Local Chapter’s security policies.

Section 6. Formal Dissolution and Renewal of an Administrative Committee

If, in the opinion of the Steering Committee, the activities of any Administrative Committee have become inconsistent with the purposes and work of the DSA, if the Committee has become inactive, or if the Administrative Committee’s responsibilities are complete, the Steering Committee may, by a majority vote, dissolve that Administrative Committee.

ARTICLE IX. Working Groups

Section 1. Definition

Working Groups may exist within Connecticut DSA to carry out the organization’s political work or otherwise offer a beneficial purpose.

Such formations shall have no authority on behalf of Connecticut DSA beyond the authority provided to Chapter members individually. Working groups may be subject to additional rules and policies of Connecticut DSA as decided by the Steering Committee or the vote of a Local Chapter Meeting.

Section 2. Creation

The Steering Committee or Local Chapter meeting shall establish a Working Group by a majority vote at the petition of at least fifteen (15) members in good standing of the Local Chapter or as determined by the Steering Committee.

The Working Group shall have a written plan concerning its structure, goals, and membership.

The Working Group may use Local Chapter funds outlined by the Treasurer’s written Funding and Budgeting Policy.

The proposed Working Group shall be consistent with the purposes and work of Connecticut and the National DSA.

The Working Group shall be accountable to the democratic process as decided by the general membership of Connecticut DSA and implemented by the Steering Committee between Local Chapter meetings.

Section 3. Interim Chair and Membership of Working Groups

The Steering Committee shall appoint an interim chair of a newly formed Working Group and may appoint members of the Working Group. Members may also volunteer to be involved or be recruited by appointed members.

A Working Group Member is defined as any Connecticut DSA member of the Working Group email list, online channel, or another Working Group-specific communication medium.

A Working Group Member “in good standing” shall be defined as a member who is up to date on dues, is on a Working Group communications list, and has attended at least one Working Group meeting. A member of the Steering Committee shall be appointed to serve as a temporary liaison with each new Working Group.

Section 4. Chairs of Working Groups

After the Working Group is created, but by no later than the Working Group’s second meeting, the Working Group shall hold elections for either one (1) Chair or two (2) Co-Chairs, as decided by the Working Group.

Terms shall be for six (6) months or one year at the Working Group members’ choosing, and incumbents may stand for reelection.

Working Group members shall create a set of expected commitments, duties, and responsibilities for the Chairperson or Co-Chairs. The Working Group Chair or Co-Chairs or an appointed Working Group member shall be appointed as a liaison that reports to the Steering Committee.

Section 5. Removal of Working Group Chair or Working Group Member

In the event of the proposed removal of a Chair or Working Group member for nonfeasance or malfeasance, all Working Group members must be informed of the pending action via email or members-only online post two weeks before a meeting during which a vote will take place.

Nonfeasance for a Working Group Chair is defined to include unexcused absences from three or more Working Group meetings

An excused absence shall be defined as any absence where the chairperson or co-chair notifies the Working Group within 24 hours of notice, barring an emergency.

Remote participation in Working Group meetings shall not count as absences.

A Working Group Chair may be removed for nonfeasance by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of Working Group members in good standing at a Working Group meeting. A Working Group Chair may be removed for malfeasance by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of Local Chapter members in good standing at a Working Group meeting. Malfeasance is defined as any abuse of position that may compromise the Chapter’s integrity, including but not limited to misuse of Chapter membership, voter lists, or other resources.

The Chair(s) may take a leave of absence for up to three months for emergencies or other personal difficulties. They may appoint a replacement who will exercise the chairperson’s duties while on leave. The Working Group must confirm the appointment of the replacement.

Section 6. General Responsibilities of Working Groups

The Working Group shall submit a written or verbal report to the Steering Committee on a quarterly basis or by the request of the Steering Committee with at least a week’s notice.

The Working Group shall submit a written or verbal report to the Local Chapter membership at the Convention.

The Working Group shall ensure the Local Chapter’s membership and the general public’s security and privacy as defined by the Local Chapter’s security policies.

Section 7. Formal Dissolution or Renewal of Working Groups

The recognition or establishment of such Working Groups may be revoked by simple majority vote of the Steering Committee or Local Chapter Meeting at any time.

ARTICLE X. Ad-Hoc Formations

Section 1. Definition

Connecticut DSA may include member formations other than Administrative Committees or Working Groups, such as short-term projects and event planning committees.

Section 2. Creation

Other formations may be recognized or established by the decision of the Steering Committee or at a Local Chapter Meeting to utilize the Chapter’s resources not otherwise offered to the Chapter members, including funds and communication resources.

The group formation shall have a written plan, structure, goals, and composition of its members.

The group formation may use Local Chapter funds outlined by the chapter Treasurer’s written Funding and Budgeting policy.

The motion to establish a formation must define the purpose of the formation, the nature of its leadership, its membership, how the Committee makes decisions, a deadline for either its dissolution or renewal, and any Chapter resources it may need. The formation may be subject to additional rules of the Chapter.

Section 3. Formal Dissolution or Renewal of other formations

The recognition or establishment of such formations may be renewed or revoked by a simple majority vote of the Steering Committee or at Local Chapter Meeting at any time.

ARTICLE XI. Delegates to National and Regional Organizations

Section 1. Eligibility to Vote on Delegates

Members in good standing of Connecticut DSA, as defined by Article II, Section 1, shall elect delegates and alternates to the National Convention and any regional organizations.

Section 2. Schedule of Elections to National or Regional Organizations

Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by National DSA.

Elections to regional organizations will be held on the schedule announced by those organizations.

Section 3. Method of Voting

Following Article V, Section 5 of the National DSA’s Constitution, delegates to the National Convention must be elected by secret ballot. And, “No election for delegates to the National Convention shall be held more than four months, or less than forty-five days, prior to the opening of the National Convention.

No election for delegates shall be conducted before the apportionment of delegates.”

Following Article VI, Section 3, of National DSA’s Bylaws, Local Chapters “may determine their own method of election of delegates to the Convention except that a petition from 10% of a Local Chapter’s membership or a motion supported by 15% of those present and voting at the Local meeting which determines the method of election will require the use of the Hare system in that Local’s election of delegates to the National Convention.”

ARTICLE XII. Grievance Procedure and Code of Conduct

Section 1. Purpose

The Local Chapter shall follow the DSA Code of Conduct for Members of the National DSA, the DSA Meeting Code of Conduct of the National DSA, and the Harassment Policy of National DSA. Connecticut DSA is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for members of all genders, races, and classes. The following policy provides guidelines to ensure that everyone is able to organize without fear of harassment, abuse, or harm.

Section 2. Policy Guidelines

Connecticut DSA will develop Policy Guidelines, which will be adopted by a simple majority vote of any Local Chapter Meeting defined in Article III.

ARTICLE XIII. Prohibited Activity

Connecticut DSA Local Chapter will not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Connecticut, nor will Connecticut DSA engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.

ARTICLE XIV. Amendments

Proposed amendments to these bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by ten (10) members in good standing of Connecticut DSA, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter regular meeting or convention as defined in Article III.

The Steering Committee is required to provide Connecticut DSA members with at least ten (10) days of physical or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. A Connecticut DSA Meeting may adopt amendments to these bylaws proposed under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.

No amendment to these Bylaws may be in conflict with the National DSA Constitution and Bylaws.

Connecticut DSA will provide the amended Bylaws to the DSA national office.

ARTICLE XV. Chapter Dissolution

A proposal to dissolve Connecticut DSA must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of Connecticut DSA, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Connecticut DSA Meeting as defined in Article III.

The Steering Committee is required to provide Connecticut DSA membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of this resolution.

Any Connecticut DSA Meeting may adopt a resolution to dissolve Connecticut DSA under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.

Upon dissolution of Connecticut DSA, any residual assets shall become the property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.