Bylaws of the Connecticut Local Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America

ARTICLE I. Name, Territory, and Purpose

Section 1. Name

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.

“Expired member” shall be defined as a member whose dues payments have lapsed according to the membership: for a yearly membership, has not paid dues in one calendar year since their last payment; for a monthly membership, has not paid dues in one calendar month since their last payment. Expired members are no longer an official member of the organization per the DSA Constitution.

An “Active” Connecticut DSA member shall be defined as a member in good standing who has attended at least one Connecticut DSA meeting or event in the previous 6 months.

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

Section 4. Special Meetings

Connecticut DSA Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council. 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.

Section 7. Voting

Voting on proposed resolutions and amendments debated at Chapter Conventions, General Meetings, and Special Meetings shall be held at the end of deliberation during said Conventions and Meetings.

All members of the organization who are in attendance (whether in-person or virtually, if a hybrid option is provided) may vote during Chapter Conventions, General Meetings, and Special Meetings. See Article II, Section 2 for membership authority.

ARTICLE IV. Chapter Officers

Section 1. Officers and Terms

An Officer of Connecticut DSA holds a defined administrative or leadership role within the chapter’s governance structure, with specific duties and accountability relationships established by these bylaws.

The elected Officers of Connecticut DSA shall consist of the two (2) Chapter Co-Chairs, one (1) Membership Chair, one (1) Welfare Chair, one (1) Outreach Chair, the Secretary, and the Treasurer. 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 enumerated in this Article at any given time.

Section 2. Election

See Article VI, Section 2 for election of officers.

Section 3. Chapter Co-Chairs

The Chapter 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 Chapter 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 Chapter 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 or for specific purposes and needs.

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

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

The Chapter Co-Chairs shall ensure effective communication with National DSA.

The Chapter Co-Chairs, in cooperation with all Steering Committee members, shall be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of Connecticut DSA.

Section 4. Membership Chair

The Membership Chair 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 Chair shall track data and metrics related to recruitment and retention, and shall design workflows and ladders for member engagement.

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

The Membership Chair, in cooperation with all Steering Committee members, shall be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date membership list.

The Membership Chair shall coordinate other chapter officers on engagement tracking, member development, and placement of incoming members.

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

The Membership Chair is a voting member of the Steering Committee.

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

Section 5. Welfare Chair

The Welfare Chair shall serve as the primary director of Connecticut DSA’s member welfare, accessibility and transformative justice organizing.

The Welfare Chair shall develop and maintain the chapter’s mutual aid capacity, primarily in the form of member-to-member, intra-organizational support systems and community defense resources.

The Welfare Chair shall build and sustain the chapter’s rapid response capacity — including through trainings such as medic training and marshal training — so that the chapter can act effectively when conditions require it.

The Welfare Chair shall coordinate chapter logistics, including the movement of chapter materials and resources across the state, and shall work toward durable solutions to the chapter’s statewide logistical needs.

The Welfare Chair shall coordinate with other chapter officers for rapid response moments requiring immediate chapter action.

The Welfare Chair is a voting member of the Steering Committee.

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

Section 6. Member Development Chair

The Member Development Chair shall serve as the primary director of organizing training across Connecticut DSA.

The Member Development Chair shall design and deliver trainings that develop members’ organizing skills — including but not limited to organizing conversations, mapping and charting, and campaign planning.

The Member Development Chair shall identify and develop members with leadership potential, maintain a chapter-wide understanding of where developing leaders exist across branches, and create pathways for those members to take on greater responsibility within chapter formations.

The Member Development Chair shall coordinate with other chapter officers on new member development and branch placement, ensuring that incoming members are connected to training opportunities early in their chapter engagement.

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

The Member Development Chair is not a regular voting member of the Steering Committee, but may represent the Membership Chair when designated as a proxy with the consent of the Steering Committee.

Section 7. Outreach Chair

The Outreach Chair shall be responsible for prospecting, managing and cataloguing relationships between the chapter and other organizations in Connecticut. The Outreach Chair will coordinate with all Chapter Council leaders to maintain updated lists of the Connecticut organizing ecosystem, including points of contact and a system to describe the alignment and partnership of each organization with Connecticut DSA.

The Outreach Chair shall coordinate with other chapter officers and external allies for rapid response moments requiring immediate chapter action, facilitating both the chapter’s support of other organizations and vice versa.

The Outreach Chair is an elected and voting member of the Steering Committee.

The Outreach Chair may delegate responsibility for specific external relationships to other chapter leaders such as Coalition Representatives and Active Working Group Chairs, but will remain ultimately responsible for completion of these duties.

Section 8. Secretary

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

Minutes will include attendance of all Steering Committee and Chapter Council members.

The Secretary shall transfer official records, such as meeting minutes, 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 9. 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.

The Treasurer, in cooperation with the Membership Chair, 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 10. 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 11. 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 may decide to leave the vacancy unfilled; or may 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.

If one or both Chapter Co-Chair positions become vacant, or if one or both Chapter Co-Chairs are temporarily unable to discharge their responsibilities, then another elected chapter officer shall assume Co-Chair responsibilities for the duration of the unavailability, up to the remainder of the term, in the following order of preference: Membership Chair, Welfare Chair, Outreach Chair. If an elected chapter officer position, besides the Chapter Co-Chairs, becomes vacant (including through assuming a Chapter Co-Chair vacancy), the Chapter Council may appoint an interim from among members in good standing pending a special election under Section 8 of this Article.

Section 12. Suspension and Recall

Suspension, recall, and removal of elected and appointed officers is governed by Article XI.

ARTICLE V. Steering Committee

Section 1. Definition and Composition

The Steering Committee (SC) is the executive leadership body of Connecticut DSA, responsible for the day-to-day political direction and operations of the chapter between Chapter Council meetings. The Steering Committee is subordinate to the Chapter Council.

The Steering Committee consists of seven (7) elected officers of Connecticut DSA: the two (2) Chapter Co-Chairs, the Membership Chair, the Welfare Chair, the Outreach Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.

All Steering Committee members must be members in good standing throughout their term.

Elections for Steering Committee members are governed by Article VI, Section 2.

Section 2. Meetings

The Steering Committee shall meet no fewer than twice per calendar month at the call of either Chapter Co-Chair. All Steering Committee members shall be given at least three (3) days written, verbal, or electronic notice of Steering Committee meetings unless all Committee members agree to accept the shorter notification. Steering Committee meetings may be held electronically.

All Chapter Council members may observe Steering Committee meetings unless the Steering Committee votes into executive session by simple majority vote. Steering Committee meeting minutes shall be available to all Chapter Council members.

Section 3. Quorum

A quorum of four (4) of seven (7) voting members is required for the Steering Committee to transact business. The Steering Committee may meet without quorum to work on ongoing projects and research, but may not undertake any votes or hear new business.

Section 4. Authority

The Steering Committee is authorized to act on behalf of Connecticut DSA, without prior Chapter Council approval, only in the following defined categories:

Time-sensitive legislative actions and solidarity asks that require response faster than the Chapter Council meeting cadence allows;

Rapid response public statements on breaking events;

Appointment of the Standing Committee Representatives to the Chapter Council, and Coalition Liaisons;

Emergency spending decisions under an approval process established in the chapter’s Funding and Budgeting Policy;

The Steering Committee may also act on urgent matters not falling within the above categories when the Chapter Council cannot be convened in time. Such actions shall be explicitly flagged as urgent when reported to the Chapter Council.

All Steering Committee actions shall be reported to the Chapter Council at the next Council meeting. The Council may review and overturn any Steering Committee action by simple majority vote within thirty (30) days of the action being reported.

Section 5. Voting

Steering Committee decisions at meetings require a simple majority of members present at a quorate meeting. Decisions made between meetings by asynchronous vote require four (4) of seven (7) Steering Committee voting members to affirmatively approve, with at least twenty-four (24) hours provided for members to respond. Silence shall not constitute consent. Asynchronous votes shall be recorded and reported at the next SC meeting.

Section 6. Removal of Steering Committee Members

Elected members of the Steering Committee are Chapter Council members and subject to recall under Article XII.

Section 7. 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. Chapter Council

Section 1. Composition and Terms

The Chapter Council is the regular governing body and political leadership of Connecticut DSA. The Chapter Council is subordinate to the democratic will of members in good standing as expressed through the Chapter Convention, General Meetings, and Special Meetings.

The seven (7) elected officers comprising the Steering Committee, one (1) Branch Representative from each Branch, one (1) Representative per Active Working Group, and any representatives of priority areas of work as determined by the general membership shall be called Chapter Council and shall comprise the Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council Members have voting rights.

In addition to voting Steering Committee Members, the Chapter Council shall include the following non-voting members with speaking rights: Standing Committee Representatives; and Coalition Liaisons.

Non-voting members shall not be counted toward quorum.

Section 2. Elections and Appointments

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

The Chapter Council shall open nominations for 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 members in good standing.

The election of Branch Representatives will occur according to Article VII, Section 4, where each Branch has one (1) voting seat on the Chapter Council, and shall elect or designate one or more Branch Representatives to occupy or rotate into the seat in any mechanism they see fit, in compliance with their own Branch Bylaws, provided that only one (1) Branch Representative may cast a vote for the Branch at any Chapter Council meeting. The election of Branch Representatives does not need to coincide with the Chapter Convention, provided that a Branch has a Representative available at all times to ensure Branch representation on the Chapter Council.

The election of Working Group Representatives will occur according to Article IX, Section 3, where each Working Group shall elect or designate one or more Working Group Representatives to occupy or rotate into the seat in any mechanism they see fit, in compliance with their own Working Group Charters, provided that only one (1) Working Group Representative may cast a vote for the Working Group at any Chapter Council meeting. The election of Working Group Representatives does not need to coincide with the Chapter Convention, provided that a Working Group has a Representative available at all times to ensure Working Group representation on the Chapter Council.

Standing Committee Representatives shall be recommended by each Standing Committee to be appointed by the Steering Committee. Steering Committee seat designations for Standing Committees shall be reviewed annually.

Coalition Liaison — one per coalition in which Connecticut DSA holds active organizational membership as determined by Chapter Council vote — shall be self-nominated by members in good standing, appointed by the Steering Committee.

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

Section 3. General Responsibilities of the Chapter Council

The Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council shall ensure that the following responsibilities are assigned to Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council shall submit a written or verbal report to the Local Chapter membership at the Local Chapter Convention or a General or Special Meeting.

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

The Chapter Council shall process budgetary and fundraising requests made of CT DSA’s treasury from both CT DSA members and external sources, and has final authority to approve or deny any such requests between meetings of the general membership.

The Chapter Council shall have authority over Connecticut DSA’s chapter-wide communications infrastructure, member data, and organizational platforms, including but not limited to chapter email lists, mass communications systems, membership databases, and approved digital platforms. The Chapter Council may establish and publish access policies governing the use of these resources by Branches, Working Groups, Standing Committees, and other chapter formations. Access to chapter-wide member communications — including any mass email or broadcast to the full chapter membership — requires Chapter Council authorization as provided for by access policies. The Chapter Council shall publish its current resource access policies and make them available to all members in good standing.

The Chapter Council may review and overturn any Steering Committee action by simple majority vote within thirty (30) days of the action being reported by the Steering Committee, which shall report all actions taken between Council meetings at each Council meeting.

Standing Committee Representatives shall report on committee activities at every Steering Committee meeting and shall speak to the operational implications of Steering Committee decisions for their respective committees.

Coalition Liaisons shall report to the Chapter Council on the current status of their assigned coalition, CT DSA’s level of participation, and any developments requiring Chapter Council awareness or action.

The Chapter Council shall have the power to remove any leader of any chapter formation from a leadership position for the purposes of nonfeasance or malfeasance consistent with Article XII, Section 7.

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

Section 4. Meetings

The Chapter Council shall meet no fewer than once per calendar month. The meetings of the Chapter Council shall be held at the call of one (1) of the Co-Chairs at regular intervals as may be determined by a prior Chapter Council Meeting or by consultation with any three (3) members of the Chapter Council.

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

The Chapter Council shall give notification of its meeting schedule to Connecticut DSA members.

All meeting minutes, including executive sessions, shall be available to all current Chapter Council members.

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

Chapter Council Meetings may be held electronically by any means acceptable to all the members of the Council.

Any member of Connecticut DSA may observe Non-Executive session Chapter Council Meetings.

The Chapter Council shall allow for a question and answer period and a comment period if capacity permits.

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

Section 5. Quorum

A quorum of a simple majority of the Steering Committee voting members (four (4) of seven (7)) and a simple majority of Branch Representatives is required for the transaction of Chapter Council business.

Non-voting Chapter Council members — Standing Committee Representatives, and Coalition Liaisons — shall not be counted toward quorum.

The Chapter Council may meet without a quorum to work on existing ongoing Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council Meetings that are not inconsistent with these bylaws.

Any action taken by the Chapter Council in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.

Section 7. Voting

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

ARTICLE VII. 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 must include a set of Branch Bylaws that 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. A new Branch may be formed within the geographic territory of an existing Branch, provided the new Branch’s geographic boundaries are clearly defined and the existing Branch’s boundaries are amended accordingly to exclude the new Branch’s territory. The formation of a new Branch through subdivision of an existing Branch’s territory shall follow the same charter application process established in this Section.

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 are an organizing unit of Connecticut DSA. Branches shall develop, drive, adapt, and implement Connecticut DSA’s priorities and campaigns. within their geographic areas, shall conduct investigation and inquiry into the material conditions of working class struggle specific to their geographic areas, and shall serve as a site of member engagement, recruitment, and base-building.

Branches shall conduct their internal affairs according to democratic principles.

Branches shall at all times maintain a set of Branch Bylaws which define the purpose of the Branch, the nature of its leadership, the scope and nature of its membership, and how the Branch makes decisions, and may create or adopt further internal 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. In the event that a Branch formation, campaign or other project has overlapping relevance with an existing Working Group, a Branch member shall be elected or appointed as a liaison with the responsibility of coordinating with and attending the meetings of both groups.

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 Leadership and Representation to the Chapter Council

Branches may elect internal officers as they see fit to coordinate the activities of the branch. Any election process or officer duties adopted shall be null and void if they conflict with Connecticut DSA or National DSA bylaws and policies.

Each Branch shall have one (1) voting seat on the Chapter Council, and shall elect or designate one or more Branch Representatives to occupy or rotate into the seat in any mechanism they see fit, in compliance with their own Branch Bylaws, provided that only one (1) Branch Representative may cast a vote for the Branch at any Chapter Council meeting. The election of Branch Representatives does not need to coincide with the Chapter Convention, provided that a Branch has a Representative available at all times to ensure Branch representation on the Chapter Council.

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

Section 5. Recall of Branch Representative

Branch Representatives to the Chapter Council may be removed by the Steering Committee or their associated Branch membership under the provisions of Article XI.

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 VIII. Young Democratic Socialists 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 VII, in which case the YDSA chapter may send a representative to the Chapter Council 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 IX. Standing Committees

Section 1. Definition

A Standing 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 Chapter Council 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 Standing Committee shall have a written plan of its structure, goals, and the composition of its members.

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

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

Upon formation of a new Standing Committee, the Steering Committee shall appoint an Interim Chair and may appoint members of the Committee, to the end of the Committee electing their own permanent chair or co-chairs. The interim chair need not already be a current member of the Steering Committee or Chapter Council.

Section 3. Chairs of Standing Committees

After a Standing Committee is created but by no later than the Committee’s third meeting, the Committee shall vote, or in any other way appropriate, recommend either one (1) Chair or two (2) Co-Chairs, as decided by the Committee, to be appointed by the Steering Committee.

Terms shall be for one year and incumbents may stand for reappointment. Committee members shall create a set of expected commitments, duties, and responsibilities for the Chair or Co-Chairs.

Section 4. General Responsibilities of Standing Committees

Each Standing Committee shall submit a written or verbal report to the Chapter Council on a quarterly basis or at the request, with at least one week’s notice, of the Chapter Council. Standing Committees designated with a Chapter Council seat shall report at every Chapter Council meeting rather than quarterly.

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

Each Standing 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 5. Formal Dissolution and Renewal of a Standing Committee

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

ARTICLE X. Working Groups

Section 1. Definition

Working groups are an organizing unit of Connecticut DSA. Working Groups shall develop, drive, adapt, and implement Connecticut DSA’s priorities and campaigns within their focus areas, shall conduct investigation and inquiry into the material conditions of working class struggle specific to their target constituency, and shall serve as a principal site of member engagement, recruitment, and base-building.

In the event that a Working Group’s campaign or other project has geographic overlap with an existing Branch, a Working Group member shall be elected or appointed as a liaison with the responsibility of coordinating with and attending the meetings of both groups.

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 Chapter Council or the vote of a Local Chapter Meeting.

Section 2. Working Group Creation and Funding

The Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council.

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 Chapter Council between Local Chapter meetings.

Section 3. Membership and Leadership of Working Groups

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. An Active Working Group Member 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 in the previous six (6) months.

A member of the Chapter Council shall be appointed to serve as a temporary liaison with each new Working Group.

The Working Groups shall hold elections for either one (1) Chair or two (2) Co-Chairs, as decided by the Working Group, at the first meeting of the Working Group after its creation, and on a regular schedule determined by the charter of the Working Group and in accordance with these bylaws.

Each Working Group with fifteen (15) or more Active Working Group Members shall have one (1) voting seat on the Chapter Council, and shall elect or designate one or more Working Group Representatives to occupy or rotate into the seat in any mechanism they see fit, in compliance with their own Working Group Charters, provided that only one (1) Working Group Representative may cast a vote for the Working Group at any Chapter Council meeting. The election of Working Group Representatives does not need to coincide with the Chapter Convention, provided that a Working Group has a Representative available at all times to ensure Working Group representation on the Chapter Council.

Terms shall be for no more than one year, and incumbents may stand for reelection. All Active Working Group members may have the right to vote in Working Group Co-Chairs elections. The Chair or Co-Chairs serve as the primary liaison between the Working Group and the Chapter Council, are responsible for any chapter tools and resources granted by the Chapter Council, and are responsible for the Working Group’s reporting obligations under Section 4.

A newly formed Working Group shall have its initial Chair or Co-Chairs designated by the Chapter Council. Members may also volunteer to be involved or be recruited by the designated Chair.

A Working Group Chair may take a leave of absence for up to one (1) month for emergencies or other personal difficulties. They may designate a replacement for the duration of the leave. The Working Group must confirm the designation or otherwise designate a new Chair to be reported to the Steering Committee.

Section 4. Working Group Status: Active, Dormant, and Dissolved

A Working Group shall always hold one of the following statuses: Active, Dormant, or Dissolved.

A Working Group shall be considered Active if it has held at least one meeting or documented activity on chapter communications platforms within the preceding three (3) months. Active Working Groups shall have the right to present about their goals and activities at chapter meetings or spaces designated by the Chapter Council.

A Working Group that has had no documented meeting or activity for three (3) consecutive months shall be designated Dormant. Before designating a Working Group as Dormant, the Chapter Council shall provide written notice to the Dormant Working Group’s Chair or Co-Chair, or last known contacts. The Dormant Working Group shall have thirty (30) days from the date of notice to document activity or notify the Chapter Council of its intent to continue, in which case the Dormant designation shall not apply.

A Dormant Working Group retains its recognition and its place in the chapter record, but loses active access to chapter-wide communications platforms as designated by the Chapter Council, and the ability to present at chapter meetings or spaces designated by the Chapter Council until reactivated. A Dormant Working Group may not initiate new funding requests.

A Dormant Working Group may return to Active status by written notification to the Chapter Council from its Chair or designated contact, provided the Working Group documents at least one meeting or activity on chapter communications platforms within thirty (30) days of that notification. Active status is restored upon documentation of that activity. Members of a Dormant Working Group may follow the process in Article XII, Section 6 to remove a Chair or Co-Chairs committing nonfeasance to facilitate a return to Active status.

A Working Group shall be Dissolved under any of the following conditions: 1. The Working Group notifies the Steering Committee in writing of its decision to self-dissolve; 2. The Working Group has been Dormant for three (3) or more consecutive months without reactivation, in which case the Chapter Council may dissolve by simple majority vote; or 3. The Chapter Council votes by a two-thirds (⅔) supermajority to revoke recognition on the grounds that the Working Group has acted in a manner inconsistent with CT DSA or National DSA bylaws or chapter policies. In the case of (3), the Working Group must receive written notice of the specific grounds for proposed dissolution and shall have the opportunity to respond at a Chapter Council meeting before any vote is taken.

Dissolution is permanent. A dissolved Working Group wishing to reconstitute must submit a new petition under Article X, Section 2.

Section 5. General Responsibilities of Working Groups

Working Groups develop the political education and issue expertise of their members; build internal chapter capacity through trainings, study, and member development; incubate project ideas; provide research, expertise, or logistical support to campaigns or chapter priorities; organize time-bounded solidarity actions — such as rallies, boycotts, and public statements; and organize members within the scope of their charters and missions as approved by Chapter Meetings and Conventions.

Active Working Groups 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’s quarterly report shall include a description of any organizing activity undertaken during the quarter.

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 6. 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 XI. Ad-Hoc Formations

Section 1. Definition

Connecticut DSA may include member formations other than Standing 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 Chapter Council 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 Chapter Council or at Local Chapter Meeting at any time.

ARTICLE XII. Suspension and Removal of All Chapter Leaders and Officers

Section 1. Scope and Exclusivity

This Article governs the suspension, removal, and recall of all elected or appointed leaders and officers of the Chapter. It is the exclusive provision governing these matters. All other articles in these bylaws that address suspension, removal, or recall of any chapter leader or officer shall contain only a cross-reference to this Article.

“Chapter leader or officer” as used in this Article includes: all Chapter Council members — Steering Committee officers (Co-Chairs, Membership Chair, Welfare Chair, Outreach Chair, Member Development Chair, Secretary, Treasurer), Branch Representatives, Working Group Representatives; all non-voting Chapter Council members — Standing Committee Representatives, Coalition Liaisons; and all formation leaders — Standing Committee chairs, Working Group chairs, Ad-Hoc Committee chairs, and chairs or leaders of any other chapter formation.

Section 2. Definitions

Nonfeasance includes unexcused absences from three (3) or more consecutive meetings of any body to which the leader or officer is accountable. For Branch Representatives and Working Group Representatives, the nonfeasance clock runs on both Chapter Council meetings and Branch or Working Group meetings; three consecutive unexcused absences from either body triggers it. For Steering Committee officers who sit on both the Steering Committee and the Chapter Council, the clock runs on both bodies; three consecutive unexcused absences from either body triggers the clock. Where a member holds roles in multiple bodies and triggers the nonfeasance threshold in more than one simultaneously, those triggers collapse into a single proceeding under Section 6 or Section 7 as applicable. An excused absence is any absence where the member notifies the relevant body within twenty-four (24) hours, barring an emergency. Remote participation does not count as an absence.

Malfeasance is any abuse of position that may compromise the Chapter’s integrity, including but not limited to: misuse of Chapter membership lists, voter lists, or other chapter resources; violation of National DSA’s Code of Conduct; deliberate use of a leadership position or access to chapter communications to manipulate or subvert chapter democratic processes; or conduct determined to constitute malfeasance under the Chapter’s Grievance Policies.

Section 3. Leave of Absence

Any chapter leader or officer may take a leave of absence for up to one (1) month for emergencies or other personal difficulties. A leave of absence does not trigger the nonfeasance clock. An interim replacement shall be designated in the following order of preference: by the leaving member, by the membership of the associated body, or by the Steering Committee. The Chapter Council must confirm the interim replacement by simple majority vote.

Section 4. Suspension

Any chapter leader or officer may be temporarily suspended for up to thirty (30) days by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Chapter Council at a meeting where quorum is present, upon an accusation and subsequent investigation of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, or undemocratic or uncomradely behavior. The member must receive written notice of the specific grounds for suspension and shall have the opportunity to respond before the vote is taken. During suspension, the member’s duties shall be carried out by an interim designated under Section 3. The member may be reinstated by a simple majority vote of the Council.

Section 5. Member-Initiated Removal

Any member in good standing may formally refer a request to remove any chapter leader or officer to the Chapter Council. The Council shall set a date for a deliberative meeting of the Council, facilitated by a non-involved Council member. The member subject to removal must receive written documentation of the specific grounds and notice of the meeting no fewer than two (2) weeks in advance. The member shall have the opportunity to speak in their own defense. Removal requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Council at a meeting where quorum is present.

Section 6. Body-Initiated Removal for Nonfeasance

The associated body of any chapter leader or officer — the branch membership for Branch Representatives, the Working Group membership for Working Group chairs or representatives, the Standing Committee membership for Standing Committee chairs, and so on — may initiate removal of that leader or officer for nonfeasance as defined in Section 2 by a two-thirds (⅔) vote at a duly noticed meeting of the associated body.

The associated body must report the removal vote to the Chapter Council in writing within seven (7) days. The Council then has thirty (30) days from receipt of written notice to act. If the Council takes no action within thirty (30) days, the removal stands. The Council may extend the thirty (30) day window by simple majority vote if it is unable to convene in time. At any point during the thirty (30) day window, the Council may overturn the removal by a two-thirds (⅔) vote; if it does so, it must state its grounds in writing and report them to the chapter membership. The Council may also, at any point during the thirty (30) day window, reclassify the proceeding as a malfeasance removal under Section 7, at which point the body-initiated removal vote is void and the full Section 7 process applies.

For Steering Committee officers and non-voting Chapter Council members, there is no associated body outside the council itself; nonfeasance removal of these leaders proceeds directly under Section 7.

Section 7. Chapter Council-Initiated Removal for Malfeasance

If any chapter leader or officer is accused of malfeasance, the accused member must receive written notice of the specific grounds no fewer than two (2) weeks before any vote is taken and shall have the opportunity to respond at a Chapter Council meeting before the vote. Removal requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Council at a meeting where quorum is present. Malfeasance removal is exclusively a Council proceeding; no other body-level vote initiates or substitutes for it.

ARTICLE XIII. 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 V, Section 4, of National DSA’s Bylaws, Local Chapters “shall conduct their own elections for delegates and the NPC shall conduct elections for at-large delegates according to the guidelines set forth in the Bylaws. Only members fully paid up in dues at the time of the election shall be permitted to vote or to be candidates for election, subject to limitations in Bylaws Article III Section 5.”

ARTICLE XIV. 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.

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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 XV. 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 XVI. 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 Chapter Council at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter regular meeting or convention as defined in Article III.

The Chapter Council 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 XVII. 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 Chapter Council at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Connecticut DSA Meeting as defined in Article III.

The Chapter Council 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.