our bylaws

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Bylaws of the
Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization is the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County (herein referred to as SDPC). The SDPC is a not-for-profit political committee that is organized as an affiliated Chapter of the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) and as a chartered Chapter of the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Democratic Caucus.
ARTICLE II. MISSION STATEMENT
Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County is devoted to advancing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. As a Democratic organization, SDPC will work with the Democratic Party and support fair-minded Democratic leaders and candidates who support our mission. Our organization’s strength comes from Pinellas County lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and allied Democrats working together to achieve the following goals:
1. Stimulating active interest in political and governmental affairs among the LGBT community and our allies;
2. Educating the LGBT community about issues that directly affect the quality of our lives. In addition, we want to educate the gay community and our allies about the vast differences between the two major parties on issues of concern to the LGBT community;
3. Supporting and participating in Democratic Party activities and working within the Party to help strengthen its record on issues important to the LGBT community – including standing against bigotry and intolerance, and advancing the prominence of openly LGBT people within the Democratic Party;
4. Supporting and electing Democratic candidates and Party nominees who are committed to defeating homophobia and prejudice at the local, state and national levels.
5. Electing qualified openly LGBT people to public office, and as convention delegates, and to achieve appointments of openly LGBT people to city and county boards and commissions in Pinellas County;
6. Fostering good will, cooperation, and collaboration between LGBT Democrats, our allies, the Democratic Party, other progressive organizations in the area, and with the community at large;
7. Registering voters who support the mission of our organization and encouraging their participation in the electoral process;
8. Achieving diversity in our Chapter’s membership and its governing bodies; and
9. Providing support to the National Stonewall Democrats, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, and to the Pinellas County Democratic Executive Committee.
ARTICLE III. ENDORSEMENTS
1. At no time, will this Chapter support any non-Democrat against a Democrat in any election, other than in judicial elections.
2. In all state-wide primaries, elections, or runoffs, whether partisan or non-partisan, where more than one Democrat is running for the same public office, the Chapter shall follow the endorsement or non-endorsement of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus. In other primaries, elections, or runoffs, whether partisan or non-partisan, where more than one Democrat is running for the same public office within the geographic area of the Chapter, the Chapter may endorse (i.e., endorse, certify, screen, or recommend, in any manner) and support a candidate. No such endorsement shall be made prior to the close of the candidate qualifying period.
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3. Prior to being eligible to endorse, (a) at least 80% of elected Executive Committee positions shall be filled, (b) the general membership shall have held at least two meetings at which a quorum was present during the previous 12 months, and (c) the Executive Committee shall have held at least three meetings at which a quorum was present during the previous 12 months.
4. A supermajority vote of more than 2/3 of the Chapter members present and voting shall be required to endorse candidates seeking elective office.
5. Endorsements of candidates seeking support for election/selection to Democratic Party bodies, or to any other commission, board or organization shall not be considered endorsements subject to supermajority rules, but shall be subject to general rules governing motions.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATION
1. Eligibility for Membership -- Any Democrat registered to vote in Pinellas County who is supportive of the mission of this Chapter shall be eligible for Chapter membership. No other residency restriction will be placed on membership or the privileges of membership. In accordance with Article VI of the Florida Democratic Party Bylaws, with the exception of the organizational meeting of this Chapter, those members permitted to vote in any Chapter election for officers must have been a member of the Chapter at least 45 days prior to the date of such election. Membership will become immediately effective upon the payment of dues and verification of Democratic Party affiliation to the extent practicable. Questions pertaining to eligibility shall be determined by the full membership upon the recommendation of the Membership Committee.
2. Affiliated Members
A. Any Democrat or individual without a Party affiliation, who is registered to vote in Pinellas County and who is supportive of the mission of this Chapter may choose to join as an associate member.
B. Any Democrat or individual without a Party affiliation, who is registered to vote outside of Pinellas County or who is not able to register to vote in Florida and who is supportive of the mission of this Chapter shall be eligible to be an associate member, upon payment of dues specified by the Chapter.
C. Associate members of the SDPC may participate in the activities of the Chapter, may be appointed to committees, and may attend and speak at meetings, but shall not be eligible to make motions, vote, or hold Chapter office. Associate membership will be effective immediately upon the payment of dues.
3. Dues
A. Dues shall entitle individuals to membership in the Chapter (as either a voting member or an associate member). The Chapter shall determine the annual dues of each category of membership or affiliation as part of the Standing Rules. Annual dues are payable to the Treasurer on or before December 31 for the ensuing year, or at the time of becoming a member for the remainder of that calendar year as pro-rated on a quarterly basis for new/non-previous members.
B. By January 31 of each year, members whose dues are 30 days in arrears shall be notified by the Chapter. Those members whose dues are not paid by March 1 shall be automatically placed in inactive status and shall not be considered members.
C. The Treasurer shall contact NSD on a regular basis regarding the status and payment of any outstanding dues for the Chapter’s NSD affiliated members. The Chapter shall pay an annual contribution to the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, as prescribed by the Caucus and Florida Democratic Party rules.
4. Responsibilities of Voting Members -- The duties of the voting members of the SDPC are as follows:
A. To annually evaluate, recommend and approve -- as considered appropriate by the Chapter’s Voting Members -- the mission, program, goals, and plan of operation for the SDPC as recommended by or through the Executive Committee;
B. To establish policies governing the operation of the SDPC, its officers, and the Executive Committee;
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C. To attend the regularly scheduled SDPC meetings to advise, counsel, suggest, debate, and participate in the decision-making process with respect to the mission, program, goals and plan of operation for the SDPC;
D. To execute, fulfill, complete, and satisfy, to the best of her/his ability, any task, charge, assignment, duty, or responsibility assigned to him/her by the President or the Executive Committee or their appointed designee or agent;
E. To nominate and select the Chapter officers.
5. Resignation from Membership -- Members desiring to resign from the Chapter shall submit their resignation in writing to the Secretary or the President. Dues will not be refunded.
6. Membership Lists -- The membership list of the SDPC shall be confidential and shall not be delivered or disclosed to any member or any other person unless authorized by the Executive Committee or the general membership. Nothing herein shall restrict the use of the membership list for mailing purposes by the SDPC or for such other purposes or by any other person or entity so long as the Executive Committee or the general membership approves of such use by a two-thirds vote and adequate provisions are made to ensure the security and integrity of the list.
ARTICLE V. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
1. Regular Meetings -- Regular general membership meetings of the SDPC shall be held once a month, unless otherwise determined by a vote of the general membership.
2. Special Meetings -- Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Executive Committee. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call to the meeting. Except in the case of an emergency, at least seven days notice shall be given.
3. Quorum and Voting
A. Twenty percent (20%) of the Chapter’s voting membership shall constitute a quorum. Without a quorum, no action may be taken by the membership. No proxies shall be permitted in voting at any time and votes shall not be taken by secret ballot. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, a majority vote is required to approve motions.
B. In accordance with Article VI of the Florida Democratic Party Bylaws, with the exception of the Chapter’s organizational meeting, only those individuals who have been members for at least 45 days may be permitted to vote in any Chapter election for officer(s). In addition, only those persons who have been members for at least 45 days may be permitted to vote in Chapter endorsements for candidates for public office, or amendments to the Chapter’s Bylaws. Votes on all other matters may be cast by all members in good standing.
4. Meetings Open to All Democrats -- The time and place for all regular and special meetings of the Chapter shall be publicized fully and in such a manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Meetings shall be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of sex, race, age (if of voting age), color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic identity, or physical disability. All meetings shall be in a facility accessible to the physically disabled.
ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. Composition -- The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers and the elected chairs of the standing committees. The immediate past president (if applicable) shall be an ex-officio member. The members of the Executive Committee must be members in good standing of the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County.
2. Duties and Powers -- The Executive Committee is responsible for the conduct of the affairs of the SDPC in the interim between meetings of the general membership, subject to these Bylaws and the Standing Rules. It will assist the President in the preparation of the agenda for each meeting, provide guidance to the membership in the deliberations of the Chapter, and carry out the instructions of the Chapter’s membership. The Committee will also be responsible for developing, reviewing and implementing a long-range plan for the Chapter. This body has general fiduciary responsibility for the Chapter’s financial records and shall have the Chapter’s financial records reviewed each
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fiscal year and may appoint a public accountant for this purpose.
3. Meetings -- Unless otherwise determined by the Executive Committee, the Committee shall meet prior to each general meeting at a time and a place specified by the President. Special meetings of the Committee may be called by the President and shall be called, within seven days, upon the written request of five members of the Committee.
4. Quorum and Voting -- A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum. Proxies will not be allowed at Executive Committee meetings. No one member of the Executive Committee shall have more than one vote, even if qualified by more than one criterion.
ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS
1. Officers -- The elected officers of the Chapter shall be a President, a Vice President for Political Action, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
2. Duties of Officers -- The duties of the elected officers shall be as follows:
A. President -- The President shall: preside at all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Committee; provide guidance to all committees; nominate all standing and special committee chairs and appoint the committee members (unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws); appoint other ex-officio non-voting officers as may be needed to assist in the conduct of the meetings; represent the Chapter at county, district, state, and national meetings and functions (or appoint a designee); act as primary spokesperson for the Chapter; and serve as chief executive and administrative officer, with the power to sign all contracts and other instruments of the SDPC which are authorized by the Executive Committee.
B. Vice President for Political Action -- The Vice President for Political Action shall: act as second-in-command of the Chapter and run Executive Committee and membership meetings in the absence of the President; be responsible for planning and implementing the political activities of the Chapter; and chair the Political Action Committee.
C. Secretary -- The Secretary shall: provide members with notice of meetings, proposed Bylaws changes, and other procedural business; maintain a record of all meetings of the Executive Committee and general membership; maintain all records of the Chapter (except as otherwise assigned by these Bylaws) including, but not limited to, meeting minutes, committee reports, the official membership roll, committee lists, the Bylaws and Standing Rules; and coordinate with the Treasurer and Membership Committee Chair on correspondence with members regarding the payment of membership renewal dues.
D. Treasurer -- The Treasurer shall: serve as the custodian of all funds of the Chapter; be responsible for keeping an accurate record of receipts and expenditures and presenting a current statement of income and all expenditures at each Executive Committee meeting and as requested by the Executive Committee; present a report at each general membership meetings; disburse funds only as authorized by the Executive Committee or the general membership; and appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, deputies to receive and account for Chapter funds, if needed. The Chapter’s financial records shall be available for review by any voting Chapter member upon reasonable request. Checks shall be signed jointly by the Treasurer and the President (or the Vice President for Political Action in the absence of the President).
3. Term of Office -- The Chapter’s officers shall be elected to serve for one year or until their successors are elected. Election of officers shall be at the organizational meeting and thereafter at the February general membership meeting. Subsequent elections may be staggered in accordance with provisions of these Bylaws. Nominations shall be accepted from the floor, and all voting shall be by open ballot. Officers shall be permitted to be elected to consecutive terms. Elected officers should be equally divided by gender, as practicable. In the election of officers (and the appointment of all Chapter offices and committees), consideration should be given to gender, racial, ethnic and other diversity characteristics to reflect the membership and the local LGBT community to the extent possible.
4. Office-Holding Limitations -- No member shall hold more than one elected office at a time.
5. Opportunity to Participate -- The Chapter shall publicize fully the legal, practical, and pertinent procedures for selection of the Chapter’s representatives and officers; such publication shall be timely to assure notice to all interested Democrats, whether members or prospective members, such that they may have adequate opportunity to participate.
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6. Loyalty Oath -- Chapter officers shall execute a loyalty oath, in the form and manner prescribed by the rules of the Florida Democratic Party, immediately upon taking office, or as soon thereafter as possible (within 30 days), and before discharge of their duties. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, failure to comply shall result in immediate removal from office.
7. Maintenance of Membership -- All officers are required to be current dues paying voting Chapter members. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, failure to comply shall result in immediate removal from office.
8. Organization Records -- All records created and maintained by Chapter officers in the discharge of their duties shall be the exclusive property of the Chapter. Officers shall be custodians of such records during their term of office and shall physically present them within 30 days of the conclusion of their term (or upon the election of their successor) to ensure the smooth transfer of office to their successor.
9. Vacancies and Removal
A. In the absence of or disability of the President, the Vice President for Political Action shall assume the duties of the President. If the President resigns, he/she shall act as President until a permanent President is elected. In the absence of the Vice President of Political Action, the role shall be filled by the Treasurer.
B. Other vacancies shall be filled, on an acting basis, by appointment of the President, until the next regular meeting of the Chapter, provided that at-least 10 days notice is given of the vacancy, at which time the position will be filled for the remainder of the term, by nominations from the floor.
C. Removal of an officer from office before the end of the term shall be for cause (including neglect of duty) and shall be considered at any general meeting by a two-thirds vote of those present who are members in good standing, providing notification of such pending action has been distributed to the membership at least two weeks in advance.
ARTICLE VIII. STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Committees
A. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the President shall nominate the standing committee chairs and appoint the members, in consultation with the Executive Committee, subject to ratification by the general membership. Chairs of Standing Committees shall sit on the Executive Committee.
B. The standing committees shall be as follows: Bylaws Committee, Fundraising Committee, Membership Committee, Media & Marketing Committee, Political Action Committee, Program Committee, Publications Committee, and Special Events Committee. Committees and functions may be combined upon approval of the general membership.
2. Functions -- The functions of the standing committees shall be as follows:
A. Bylaws Committee -- This body shall: receive and consider all proposals for changes to the Bylaws and to the Standing Rules and report its recommendation to the Executive Committee and the general membership; and conduct a continuing study of the Bylaws and Standing Rules and make periodic recommendations to the general membership for amendment.
B. Fundraising Committee – This committee is charged with the following responsibilities: plan and conduct an annual schedule of fundraising activities to provide funding for Chapter programs and activities in accordance with the Chapter’s budget; and coordinate specific fundraising events for candidates endorsed by the SDPC.
C. Membership Committee -- This body is charged with the following responsibilities: coordinate outreach and recruitment activities aimed at attracting new members; build a diverse membership with a broad representation of LGBT Democrats; coordinate with the Secretary and Treasurer on correspondence with members regarding membership renewal and dues payment; recommend rules and procedures relating to membership requirements and dues, including the manner and form of initial application, verification of
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Democratic Party registration, and renewals; and hear and recommend resolution to the Executive Committee on any dispute related to an individual’s membership in the Chapter.
D. Media & Marketing Committee -- This body is charged with the following responsibilities: generate positive media coverage of Chapter events, activities, positions, and successes; create and implement marketing strategies to promote awareness of the Chapter, enhance its image, and support the Chapter’s projects, events and programs; communicate the Chapter’s endorsements to the LGBT community in coordination with the Political Action and Publications Committees; and maintain a permanent record of all publicity materials, especially those items published in print or used on broadcast.
E. Political Action Committee -- This committee is chaired by the Vice President for Political Action and is charged with the following responsibilities: Coordinate activities to maintain and enhance relations between the SDPC and elected officials, candidates for public office, local and state Democratic Party organizations, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and the National Stonewall Democrats; coordinate the Chapter’s candidate review process, including distribution and collection of candidate questionnaires and coordination of candidate forums at Chapter meetings or special events as required; plan and implement the Chapter’s political activities in support of campaigns; develop activities to increase lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender participation in public boards, commissions, and elective office; facilitate “get out the vote” activities during the course of each election cycle; coordinate mobilization of members; organize and coordinate voter registration campaigns; and conduct petition drives and public demonstrations, where appropriate, on issues of concern to the community.
F. Program Committee -- This body is charged with the following responsibilities: conceive and coordinate programs for the Chapter’s monthly membership meetings (with the approval of the Executive Board); coordinate set-up, tear-down, and refreshments for each monthly meeting; reserve meeting space for membership meetings; work with the Political Action Committee to coordinate candidate or ballot initiative forums; and work with the Publications and Media and Marketing Committees to ensure appropriate publicity about each meeting in the media and in the Chapter’s newsletter.
G. Publications Committee -- This body is charged with the following responsibilities: ensure that all Chapter activities, including meetings, are advertised in an appropriate and timely manner; produce and distribute the Chapter’s monthly newsletter; develop and maintain the Chapter’s website; create printed and electronic information that promotes awareness of the Chapter, enhances its image, and supports its projects, events and programs; and maintain a record of all newsletters and other printed materials produced to support Chapter activities.
H. Special Events Committee -- This body is charged with the following responsibilities: Coordinate the Chapter’s participation in Pride activities; coordinate the Chapter’s participation in other special community events, including selecting appropriate events and developing goals and objectives for participating; and coordinate activities with the Fundraising Committee to ensure compatibility with Chapter goals and objectives regarding finances.
3. Other Committees -- The President shall appoint the chairs and members of other committees, standing or ad hoc, as the Executive Committee or general membership shall, from time to time, deem necessary to carry on the work of the Chapter.
4. Committee Records and Reports -- All records created and maintained by committees in the discharge of their duties shall be the exclusive property of the SDPC. All books and records of the SDPC may be inspected by any voting Chapter member upon reasonable request. Committee chairs shall be custodians of such records, shall make copies of all records for retention by the Secretary, and shall transfer all records to succeeding chairs within 30 days of the appointment of their successors. All committee reports requiring action at a membership meeting shall be in writing and should be previously presented to the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IX. ACCOUNTING
1. Expenditures will be made in accordance with a budget prepared by the Treasurer in consultation with the Executive Committee and approved by the membership. Non-budget expenditures of up to $500 may be approved by the Executive Committee. Non-budget expenditures of $500.01 or more must be approved by the membership.
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2. The Chapter’s fiscal year shall be the period from January 1 through December 31 of one calendar year.
ARTICLE X. CHAPTER STATUS
1. Charter Recertification -- In July of every odd numbered year, or at such time as otherwise required by the Caucus, the Chapter shall apply to the Membership and Chartering Committee of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus for charter recertification. Failure to do so shall result in the forfeiture of all rights and privileges of the use of the word Democrat, Democratic, or derivative thereof.
2. Dissolution -- In the event the Chapter wishes to dissolve, a resolution stating the date of dissolution and reasons for the same shall be adopted by a majority vote at a regular general membership meeting, provided that such resolution is submitted in writing at the previous meeting. If the Chapter disbands for any reason, the assets and funds of the Chapter, after all debts are satisfied, shall become the property of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus.
ARTICLE XI: INDEMNIFICATION OF MEMBERS AND OFFICERS The SDPC will have the right to indemnify and hold harmless the voting members, the President, Secretary, Treasurer, each Vice President, and any other officers or standing committee chairs and their respective assistants designated by the Executive Committee to the full extent permitted by Florida law. The SDPC will have the power to purchase or procure insurance for such purpose at such time it is deemed necessary and sufficient funds are determined to be available for this purpose. This paragraph shall not apply to willful misconduct or gross negligence by any voting member, officer, assistant, or other designated person. ARTICLE XII. STANDING RULES OF PROCEDURE Standing Rules for the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County shall be adopted to provide for the governance of the affairs of the Chapter in matters not provided for in these Bylaws. ARTICLE XIII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws or any other Chapter rules or procedures, the rules of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, the Florida Democratic Party and the National Democratic Party, and any statute applicable to this Chapter that do not authorize the provisions of these Bylaws to take precedence. ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
1. Amendment Process -- These Bylaws may be amended at any regular general membership meeting by a two-thirds vote, provided that the text has been distributed to the membership at the previous meeting, and distributed via e-mail to the Chapter’s membership e-mail list at least 10 days in advance. The Bylaws Committee shall review all proposed amendments to the Bylaws and report its recommendation in writing to the membership. Bylaws, and any changes or amendments thereto, together with copies of the minutes of the meeting at which such amendments were adopted, shall be filed with the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus within 30 days following adoption.
2. Effective Date -- All amendments shall be effective immediately, but shall be subject to the approval of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and the Florida Democratic Party Committee on Clubs, Organizations, and Caucuses. Any amendment or change, which is not approved, shall be deleted from the Bylaws. Actions taken pursuant to such non-approved amendment or changes shall be null and void.
HISTORY These Bylaws were adopted on: February 9, 2006. Subsequent Amendments:
 February 21, 2008.
Standing Rules of the
Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County
1. Membership and Dues
Dues and the related categories of membership shall be as follows:
1) General .................................$40 per year
2) Associate ...............................$25
3) Sustaining Member* ...............$100
4) Student .................................$15
5) Special Partners Benefits
a) Sustaining & Sustaining ....$175
b) General & General ............$70
c) Associate & Associate .......$40
d) Student & Student ...........$25
6) Seniors (60 years or over) ......10% discount off a membership level above
* Sustaining members shall be entitled to 10% discount off price of all chapter sponsored events
B. Affiliation benefits
1) Voting members of the Chapter shall also be enrolled as members of the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) so long as the NSD shall offer a reduced rate for Chapter members.
2) Voting members of the Chapter are automatically considered associate members of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and shall be encouraged by the Chapter to join the Caucus as full voting members.
2. Endorsement of Candidates
In addition to procedures contained in the SDPC Bylaws, to qualify to endorse candidates, the Chapter must meet the following requirements:
A. Election Plan
1) The Vice President for Political Action shall, on behalf of the Political Action Committee, recommend to the membership an election plan specifying the timing of endorsements, a budget for campaign contributions, voter registration drives, and other related activities. Such a plan shall be officially adopted by the membership at least three months prior to consideration of any candidate endorsement.
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2) The Chapter shall request from each candidate to be considered for endorsement, a statement which shall be distributed to the Chapter membership in advance of the meeting where the endorsement will be voted.
B. Endorsement Voting
1) All ballots will provide for the option of voting to abstain, and the option to not endorse any candidate. Absentee or proxy voting is not allowed.
2) If no candidate receives a supermajority vote on the first ballot, a second ballot shall be conducted upon adoption of a motion by any member. In that case, the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes will be considered on a second ballot except as provided by subsection B.4. below. In the case of a tie vote involving either of the two candidates to be considered for a second ballot, all of the qualifying tied candidates will be included.
3) If, after a second ballot, a candidate has not received a supermajority vote, the Chapter’s official position in that race will be "No Endorsement."
4) In any race where more than one seat is available, the Chapter may endorse as many candidates as there are seats available. In cases where a second ballot is to be conducted, the number of candidates on a second ballot will be twice the number of seats to be voted on.
C. Campaign Contributions
1) The vote to make a financial contribution to an endorsed candidate’s campaign must be voted as a separate question from the vote to endorse.
2) Contributions may be made in the form of independent expenditures paid for by the Chapter as well as a direct contribution to the campaign.
3) In races where the Chapter’s position is "No Endorsement," a motion to consider indicating support for more than one candidate in advertisements paid for by the Chapter may be approved with a 2/3 vote of those present and voting.
4) All direct, indirect or in-kind campaign donations will be made in strict conformity with federal, state, and other laws, as applicable.
3. General Membership Meetings
Regular Meetings -- Regular general membership meetings of the SDPC shall be held on the third Thursday of each month, unless otherwise ordered by the Chapter.
4. Executive Committee Policy Guidelines
A. Newsletter and Website
1) Paid advertising may be accepted for the Chapter’s newsletter, e-mail distribution, and/or website in accordance with a rate schedule approved by the Executive Committee.
2) Political advertisements may be accepted only from candidates or initiative campaigns endorsed by the Chapter and/or the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus.
3) Sexually explicit advertising or advertising that is contrary to the mission of the Chapter will not be accepted.
4) Endorsed candidates may, at their own expense, develop materials for e-mails or the website or print flyers to be inserted into the newsletter announcing fund raising and other campaign activities, or Executive Committee may specifically decide to pay for the printing of the insert.
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5) The President may, subject to review by the Executive Committee, approve informational or event-related mailing inserts, e-mails, or website links provided by other organizations, provided that the content of the material/link is consistent with the Chapter’s mission, platform, endorsements, and statements of position, and also provided the mailing insert is in compliance with postal and political campaign regulations.
6) As a general rule, a maximum of three newsletter inserts and/or related e-mails may be approved per month, with priority given to flyers for campaigns as designated by the Executive Committee.
B. Meeting Programs
1) Program topics should be consistent with the mission of the Chapter.
2) If the program is a candidate forum, all Democratic candidates who have filed for a partisan office and all candidates who have filed for a non-partisan office shall be invited to participate.
3) If the program is a presentation regarding a ballot initiative, the Chapter will endeavor to have representatives from both the opponents and the proponents. An exception may be made where the Chapter has already taken a position to endorse or oppose an initiative.
4) The Program Chair shall submit program proposals to the Board for approval at least one month prior to the program.
C. Use of the Mailing List
1) Per the Bylaws, the membership records are confidential. Use of the Chapter’s mailing list is subject to a vote of the Executive Committee or the general membership.
2) The membership list shall not be provided to candidates or ballot measures not endorsed by the Chapter.
3) Unless approved by the Executive Committee or the general membership, the membership mailing list and other Chapter lists may not be given to a campaign or another organization or individual. Chapter members can put labels on mailers and the Chapter can process the mailing, or the Chapter may arrange for a professional mailing firm to handle the addressing and mailing.
4) The Chapter’s mailing list is not to be rented, traded, or sold. The Chapter’s membership list may be provided to the Pinellas County Democratic Executive Committee, with the exception of those members who specifically request confidentiality.
5. Amendment of Standing Rules
Standing rules or amendments may be proposed by any member or group of members. Standing Rules may be adopted or amended by a majority vote of the Chapter members present and voting at any regularly scheduled meeting provided that the text of the proposed standing rule or amendment has been distributed to the membership at the previous meeting, and distributed via e-mail to the Chapter’s membership e-mail list at least 10 days in advance. The Bylaws Committee shall review all proposed amendments to the Standing Rules and report its recommendation in writing to the membership. HISTORY These Standing Rules were adopted on: February 9, 2006. Subsequent Amendments:
 March 15, 2007