The Bylaws of The San Francisco Young Democrats

REVISED DECEMBER 2023


PREAMBLE

The San Francisco Young Democrats shall endeavor to stimulate in young people an active interest in governmental affairs, increase the efficiency of our government, maintain the viability of our free institutions, and contribute to the growth and influence of the ideals and philosophies of the Democratic Party.

ARTICLE I. NAME AND AFFILIATION

A. Name

The name of this Organization shall be THE SAN FRANCISCO YOUNG DEMOCRATS.

B. Affiliations

The San Francisco Young Democrats shall be affiliated with the California Young Democrats, the Coalition of Bay Area Young Democrats and the Young Democrats of America.

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

A. Membership

Regular membership in this Club shall be open to persons who are at least fourteen (14) years of age but not more than thirty-five (35) years of age, and who are registered Democrats or who intend to register as Democrats when eligible. Such persons must also live in or be employed in the City and County of San Francisco.

Persons below the minimum age or over the age of thirty-five (35) may be admitted as non-voting members of this Club. No non-voting member may be used for the purpose of representation at any meeting of this Organization.

Voting privileges are reserved only for Members in good standing. A Member in good standing must have paid yearly dues at an amount determined by a two-thirds vote of the Full Board and have attended at least three general membership meetings within the twelve (12) months preceding any vote, as well as the meeting at which a vote of the Members will occur. The eligibility of events sponsored by the San Francisco Young Democrats or organized by the California Young Democrats or the Coalition of Bay Area Young Democrats will be subject to Full Board approval in terms of meeting these requirements.

Membership dues shall be paid in January, and shall expire in the following December of that year. Dues can be excused under specific circumstances (i.e. unable to pay, status, or any difficult situation) by the sole decision of the club’s Treasurer, or by a majority vote of the Executive Board. These membership fees can be covered by a sponsorship by any club board member, or by a simple waiver.

ARTICLE III. ELECTED BOARD OFFICERS

A. Elected Board Officers

The Elected Board Officers of this Organization shall be two Co-Presidents, the Vice President, the Treasurer, and the Secretary. The San Francisco Young Democrats Elected Board shall include all Elected Board Officers, The Immediate Past President(s), and any Officers of The Young Democrats of America, College Democrats of America, California Young Democrats, or Coalition of Bay Area Young Democrats residing in or employed in San Francisco, assuming such persons are no older than thirty-five (35) years of age and are members of this Organization in good standing.

B. Duties

  1. Co-Presidents

    The Co-Presidents shall be the chief executive officers, official voices of this Organization, and its representatives at all Democratic Party functions. The Co-Presidents shall each serve two year terms and be elected in alternating years. The Co-Presidents shall share the same responsibilities and duties. Each Co-President shall have one vote on the Elected and Full Board.

    The Co-Presidents shall preside over all meetings of this Organization. The Co-Presidents shall also appoint non-elected board members, the chairs of all standing committees, and the chairs and memberships of all special committees, unless otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. All appointments from the Co-Presidents are subject to the approval of the Elected Board until a Full Board is convened, where such appointments are subject to the approval of the Full Board.

    The Co-Presidents shall establish an organizational calendar and shall make all efforts to maintain and strengthen communications with various clubs. The Co-Presidents shall also manage the Organization’s functionality, including the membership database and the annual chartering with the California Young Democrats.

    If both Co-Presidents disagree on any of their enumerated responsibilities, the Vice President will cast the deciding vote then be subject to approval as provided for in these Bylaws.

    Should a vacancy occur in one of co-presidency positions of this Organization, the Vice President will assume the duties of one of the Co-Presidents until such time as a replacement is selected according to these Bylaws.

  2. Vice President

    The Vice President shall be responsible to the Co-Presidents. In the absence of both of the Co-Presidents, the Vice President shall preside at the meetings of this Organization. The Vice President shall also coordinate outreach efforts, co-sponsored activities, and major events. The Vice President shall further assist in the managing of the Organization’s outreach to Democrats older than thirty-five (35) years of age, as well as outreach to new Young Democratic organizations seeking support from this Organization.

  3. Treasurer

    The Treasurer shall submit financial statements to the Elected Board at regularly scheduled intervals and shall chair the Finance Committee. In addition, the Treasurer shall be responsible for seeing that all disbursements, receipts, banking relationships, FPPC statements and in general, any and all bookkeeping responsibilities of the Organization are fully and properly performed. An annual budget of this Organization shall be prepared for approval of the Elected Board at least thirty (30) days prior to the fall Full Board meeting or at a time designated by the Co-Presidents.

  4. Secretary

    The Secretary shall maintain all records of this Organization, serve all required notices, and discharge any other duties at the discretion of the Co-Presidents. The Secretary shall prepare materials as necessary to maintain the Organization’s current membership in the California Young Democrats, as well as serve as the Organization's parliamentarian and help guide the Full Board and Membership on process and procedures within these Bylaws.

C. Election of Officers

All officers shall be elected annually at the December membership meeting of the San Francisco Young Democrats with the exception of the Co-Presidents (Article III, Section C, Section II).


The two Co-Presidents shall be elected in alternating years by the membership of this organization at the December meeting and will serve a two year term. If during the December membership meeting an election of both Co-Presidents is required, either due to the original implementation of this bylaw section or; the resignation or removal of both previous Co-Presidents, the newly elected Co-Presidents shall decide amongst themselves during the membership meeting which individual will serve as the Senior Co-President, serving a one year term, and which individual will serve as the Junior Co-President, serving a two year term. The term “Senior” and “Junior” apply only when identifying term limits and not in title. If an agreement cannot be reached by the two Co-Presidents, the decision shall be decided by a coin toss. Once a decision is reached it shall be shared with the membership by (or before) the next membership meeting or event. The Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary shall be elected annually by the entire membership of this Organization at the December meeting in the order listed. An unsuccessful candidate for an officer position may be elected for any remaining officer position, provided they meet all requirements as stipulated by these Bylaws. All candidates for office shall file their "intent to run" with the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to election.


Every Member in good standing shall be eligible for any office in this Organization.

D. Vacancy

Vacancy in any office shall be filled by nomination of The Co-Presidents or Acting Co-Presidents and a majority vote at a meeting of the Elected Board, which shall be summoned with at least twenty-one (21) days notice to the Membership.

E. Removal

The excessive absences of an officer or board member at properly noticed meetings of the Full Board shall create a vacancy in his or her office, as determined by the Co-Presidents. At the close of the second consecutive meeting in which a board member has not submitted a written excuse for absence or submitted an officer’s report, his or her office shall be declared vacant via dereliction of duty. When personal, academic or professional obligations prevent an officer’s board attendance, an officer may submit a written note and an officer’s report prior to the next meeting, directed to the Co-Presidents or Secretary as a sufficient excuse for absence.


ARTICLE IV: THE FULL BOARD

A. Organization

The Co-Presidents shall be the Chair of both the Elected and Full Boards, and the Secretary shall be the Secretary of both the Elected and Full Boards.


B. Meetings

The Full Board may convene in special meetings in the following manner:


At the call of the Co-Presidents and at such a time and in such a place as the Co-Presidents may designate; or


Upon written request to the Co-Presidents from a majority of the members of the general membership, or two-thirds of the Full Board and at such a time and in such a place as it may designate.


C. Procedure and Action

All members of the Full Board must volunteer at least two (2) hours of their time per year to this Organization. Such activities may include chartering work, outreaching efforts, work on behalf of an endorsed candidate, or any activity as determined by the Co-Presidents.

ARTICLE V: STANDING COMMITTEES

A. The Political Action Committee

There shall be a Standing Committee for Political Action (PAC). The Chair or Chairs of this committee shall be appointed by the Co-Presidents and confirmed by a majority vote of the Full Board. The Chair or Chairs of the PAC shall appoint at least five (5) and no more than ten (10) members, all of whom shall be Full Board members and/or Members in good standing.

If a singular Chair of the PAC runs for election to any office enumerated under these Bylaws at the next Club election, that person shall cease to be Chair, and shall immediately turn over all PAC-related documentation to the Co-Presidents, or, if the Co-Presidents have appointed a new Chair, to the new Chair of the PAC.


B. The Membership Committee

There shall be a standing Committee on Membership consisting of at least two (2) and no more than five (5) Full Board members and/or Members in good standing.

The Co-Presidents shall choose a Chair or Chairs for this Committee.

C. The Communications Committee

There shall be a standing Committee on Communications consisting of at least two (2) and no more than five (5) Full Board members and/or Members in good standing.

The Co-Presidents shall choose a Chair or Chairs for this Committee.

D. The Events Committee

There shall be a standing Committee on Events consisting of at least three (3) and no more than five (5) Full Board members and/or Members in good standing.

ARTICLE VI: SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Special Committees

A Special Committee may be created at the direction of the Co-Presidents for any club issues in need of special consideration not already covered by a Standing Committee.

ARTICLE VII: GENERAL PROVISIONS

B. Expenditures

The Co-Presidents and Treasurer shall agree upon all expenditures up to and including $100. All expenses over $100 and up to and including $500 shall be proposed by the Co-Presidents and approved by a majority vote of the Elected Board Members present. Expenses exceeding $500 shall be proposed by the Co-Presidents and approved by a majority vote of the Full Board Members present.

C. Organizational Records

The Co-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer shall, whenever possible, forward relevant organizational records periodically and at the close of each year to an established San Francisco Young Democrats archive. This information may include, but is not limited to, photos, memorabilia, meeting minutes, leadership rosters, conference notes, agendas, credentials reports and other statements. Such records serve to preserve the history of this Organization for future generations.

ARTICLE VIII: ENDORSEMENT PROCEDURES

A. Endorsement Rules & Process

For endorsements of candidates or measures which will appear on ballots for any regularly scheduled local, state, or national primaries or general elections, the club’s Political Action Committee (PAC) will provide minimal research to the membership on the candidates and ballot measures under consideration.

In order for a candidate to be endorsed, the person must receive a sum score of at least 50%+1 of the maximum ballot score, which shall be determined by multiplying the total number of ballots cast by five. In order for a proposition to be endorsed with a yes, no, or no recommendation, a position must receive a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast.

The political platform of San Francisco Young Democrats shall consist of any and all endorsements made by the Club, and can be put forward by the Political Action Committee (PAC) on a regular basis.

The San Francisco Young Democrats may endorse:

  • Any Democratic primary candidates for major political office;

  • Any Democratic candidate for partisan political office;

  • Any Democratic candidate for non-partisan political office;

  • Any initiative, measure, advisory position, or action; and

  • Any Member in good standing or Alumni Member for any office within the Democratic Party structure.

The San Francisco Young Democrats may not endorse:

  • Any non-Democrat for any position;

  • Any candidate that does not comply with either SFYD’s or the California Democratic Party’s Code of Conduct;

  • Anyone who is a member or affiliated with any racist organization; or

  • Anyone who supports the violent overthrow of any level of government.

B. Methodology

  1. Candidates

The Political Action Committee (PAC) shall inform each eligible candidate, in writing or by electronic mail, of the endorsement procedures. All invited candidates will be instructed to fill out a questionnaire created by PAC and to attend an endorsement meeting with the general membership.

a. Single-Seat, Single-Choice Races

For all single-seat, single-choice races (such as President, Senator, Congressperson, Governor, and other statewide offices, State Senate, and State Assembly), all eligible candidates will appear on one ballot and voting members may score as many candidates as they desire by ranking any or all of the eligible candidates on a scale ranging from zero to five. All of the ballots will be counted, and that number will be multiplied by the maximum ranking of five, resulting in a maximum ballot score. Then each candidate will have his or her individual rankings summed.

If no candidate receives a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast, then no candidate will be endorsed. If only one candidate receives a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast, then that candidate will be endorsed. If more than one candidate receives a simple majority (50%+1), then the candidate with the highest number of ballots cast wins the endorsement. In the case of a tie, the Full Board is empowered to hold an emergency runoff in order for the general membership to determine one winner.

b. Single-Seat, Multi-Choice Races

For all single-seat, multi-choice races with more than one candidate (such as Mayor, District Attorney, City Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer, Assessor-Recorder, and Supervisor), all eligible candidates will appear on one ballot and voting members may score as many candidates as they desire.

If no candidate receives a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast, then no candidate will be endorsed. If only one candidate receives a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast, then that candidate will be endorsed. If a second candidate receives a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast but fewer votes than the first-place candidate, then that candidate will receive a second-place endorsement. If a third candidate receives a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast but fewer votes than the first-place and second-place candidate, then that candidate will receive a third-place endorsement. This process will continue until the maximum number of candidates to endorse is reached, or until there are no more candidates who’ve received a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast. In the case of a tie, the Full Board is empowered to hold an emergency runoff in order for the Membership to determine a winner. The club shall not endorse more candidates than allowable.

c. Multi-Seat, Multi-Choice Races

For all multi-seat, multi-choice races (such as Board of Education, Community College Board, and San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee), all eligible candidates will appear on one ballot and voting members may score as many candidates as they desire.

Any candidate must receive a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast to be endorsed. If the number of endorsed candidates exceeds the number of seats available, then the candidate or candidates with the fewest votes will be eliminated. In the case of a tie for last place, the Full Board is empowered to hold an emergency runoff in order for the general membership to determine a last-place winner. The club shall not endorse more candidates than seats available.

2. Ballot Measures

Endorsements of ballot initiatives at the local or state level can be made by this club at a general membership with prior notification. Members in good standing must vote in the affirmative by simple majority (50%+1) vote for the endorsement of a yes, no, or no recommendation vote to become official. If no position receives the sufficient number of votes for an endorsement, then this club’s official recommendation on such an initiative will be no position.

3. Other Non Ballot-Related Issues

Endorsements of non-ballot-related issues may be made by this club at any general membership meeting without prior notification. This is open but to, not limited to, endorsements of other clubs or organizations, pending votes by the local, state, or federal legislatures, military actions, executive orders, policy initiatives, and community or political events. Members in good standing must vote in the affirmative by at least a sixty percent (60%) supermajority for the endorsement to become official. If the issue, legislation, or event requires immediate action, a sixty percent (60%) supermajority vote of the Steering Committee may also be used to trigger an endorsement.

The Full Board is permitted to submit recommendations for any non-ballot related item under consideration for endorsement by this club. Such a recommendation must have the support of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Steering Committee to be presented to the Club’s Membership. The Steering Committee may only make ballot-related endorsement recommendations to the general membership if the Political Action Committee is unable to do so, or to override the decision of the Political Action Committee, which requires a two-thirds (66.7%+) supermajority vote.

C. The PAC Endorsement Recommendation Procedure

Two weeks prior to any membership meeting at which a ballot initiative or candidate for elected office will be considered for endorsement, the PAC will have made a recommendation of yes, no, or no position to the Full Board for each of the initiatives to be considered. A simple majority (50%+1) is needed for this Committee to make a recommendation to the Membership. If PAC does not submit recommendations two weeks prior to the meeting, then the PAC shall not make a recommendation to the Membership on that issue.


In the case that the PAC is unable to make an endorsement recommendation, for the reasons of conflicts of interest or the lack of eligible voting committee members, the power to make an endorsement recommendation will refer to the Full Board until the aforementioned reasons that are at issue are resolved, at which this power will be reverted back to PAC effective immediately. The Full Board can override a PAC endorsement recommendation with a two-thirds (2/3) supermajority vote.


A conflict of interest can consist of an individual doing paid work for a campaign or candidate, or what PAC deems to be a conflict of interest.


In the event of an electronic vote, the Chair or Chairs of the PAC may facilitate a process in which Full Board Members shall cast their votes in an online repository. The electronic vote tally and results shall be accessible to all Full Board Members throughout the entire voting process.

D. Ballot Tabulation Process

Endorsement ballots shall be counted in a secure way to ensure all ballots are counted fairly and by secret ballot, such as through ElectionRunner. All members in good standing are allowed to vote on any club endorsement ballot, whether they are present or not at the voting meeting. Voting shall take place over a 24-hour period, to ensure all members in good standing have adequate time to participate in the endorsement vote.

E. Selection for representatives at California Democratic Party Pre-Endorsement Conferences
The San Francisco Young Democrats Elected Board shall choose the representatives for pre-endorsement conferences. Any representative chosen must be a "member in good standing.” The San Francisco Young Democrats shall provide a roster of only “members in good standing” to the Chartering Authority and the Regional Director.


As a chartered organization of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, the San Francisco Young Democrats adhere to the Code of Conduct as set forth by the California Democratic Party.

F. Endorsed Candidates

Candidates endorsed by SFYD are expected to:

  1. Use the name of the San Francisco Young Democrats and to include it with all candidate literature which lists club or organizational endorsements;

  2. Refrain from giving financial support to slate cards or other campaign materials that endorse propositions seeking to deny rights to any person on the basis of age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion; or that oppose propositions seeking to secure basic rights for such groups. Candidates endorsed by the club shall be reminded that the club is a Democratic Club and that candidates are expected to refrain from giving financial support to any slate cards or other campaign materials that are produced or distributed by the Republican Party or Republican organizations;

  3. Refrain from taking public positions in favor of legislation or policies that deny rights to any person on the basis of age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion; or that oppose propositions seeking to secure basic rights for such groups. A list of such legislation and policies shall be compiled by the PAC and approved by the club for distribution to candidates;

  4. Refrain from hiring campaign consultants known to have worked on campaigns that have used tactics appealing to prejudice against any person on the basis of age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion. A list of such consultants shall be compiled by the Political Action Committee and approved by the club for distribution to candidates;

  5. Refrain from engaging in tactics appealing to prejudice against any person on the basis of age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, national origin, or religion;

  6. Refrain from sexually harassing any person. Sexual harassment will be defined the CADEM Code of Conduct and within these Bylaws;

  7. Refrain from making disparaging remarks about any other person based on a person’s status, identity, age, class, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, immigration status, language, or religion;

  8. Refrain from mistreating their staff. Mistreatment can be defined as failing to properly follow labor law,making disparaging, threatening, insulting, or derogatory remarks towards staff, withholding wages or benefits, failing to pay a liveable wage, or any other action that can lead to a toxic work environment as decided upon by the club.

The general membership has the power to revoke an endorsement for any reason with a simple majority vote (50%+1).

ARTICLE IX. CODE OF CONDUCT & SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

A. Code of Conduct

As a chartered organization of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, the San Francisco Young Democrats adhere to the Code of Conduct as set forth by the California Democratic Party. As a chartered organization All members and board members of this Club must abide by this Code of Conduct to retain their membership.

Members are strongly encouraged to report any and all violations of this Bylaw’s Code of Conduct to the Co-Presidents and Vice President of the Club, unless the violation involves one of these officers. Reporting of and procedurally addressing any violation of the Code of Conduct is up to the discretion of the accuser. However, Club members may report violations of the Code of Conduct to the Co-Presidents and Vice President of the Club, and they will follow-up with affected members to address the situation.

Any conversation relating to a Club member’s accusation of sexual harrassment, sexual assault, act of violence, or unsafe behavior or aggression, will be kept private between the full Board and that Club member. Any Board member who shares private information with any non-Board member, will be removed from the process and could be removed from the Board.

B. Process of Removal for Members in Violation of the Code of Conduct

In the situation that a member is reported for being in violation of the Code of Conduct, the Full Board will investigate to confirm that a violation has occurred and come to a conclusion on what the outcome shall be. The Full Board may request additional information from affected Club members to help understand all perspectives, but acknowledges that all members have the right to privacy on personal matters.

Members who have violated the Code of Conduct in these Bylaws, and/or the Code of Conduct of the California Democratic Party (CADEM), can have their membership revoked by a two-thirds supermajority vote by the Full Board. This process should only be used in the most extreme and sensitive situations, when the safety of members and the general membership as a whole, are at stake or in harm’s way.

If a board member of the Club is directly impacted by a violation of the Code of Conduct with this banned member, they will be excluded from the removal process and their vote shall not count towards any action or for quorum, in relation to the relevant situation.

If a member refuses to accept the decision of the Full Board, and/or continues to violate the Code of Conduct, the Full Board of SFYD may take further action in coordination with the San Francisco Democratic Party (SFDCCC), the California Young Democrats (CYD), and the Young Democrats of America (YDA).

To summarize, here is an example of the process:

  1. Member A makes an unwanted & inappropriate physical advance on Member B;

  2. Member B reports the inappropriate advance as a violation of SFYD’s Code of Conduct to the Co-Presidents and Vice President of the Club;

  3. The Co-Presidents and Vice President shall gather further details from affected Club members to present to the Full Board;

  4. The Co-Presidents and Vice President shall schedule a special meeting to discuss the violation in closed session, and based on the information presented to the Full Board from the affected Club members, the Board can:

    1. Vote to remove Member A from the Club based on the violation of the Code of Conduct with a two-thirds supermajority, if deemed significant enough that it endangers the safety of the Club and our Members;

    2. Take no official action, but provide support to the affected Club members.

  5. If Member A is voted to be removed from SFYD, then the Co-Presidents and Vice President will inform all parties involved of the outcome of the Board’s decision, as well as explain the appeal process to Member A.


C. Appeal Process for Removed Members

Members who have violated the Code of Conduct, and were banned as a result of a vote by the Full Board, have the right to appeal their case to regain their membership in a special meeting with the full Board. If the full Board unanimously decides to accept the appeal and reverse the previous decision of the board, then the member will have their membership reinstated for the remainder of the year the member has paid dues for.
If a board member of the Club is directly impacted by a violation of the Code of Conduct with this banned member, they will be excluded from the appeal process and their vote shall not count towards any action or for quorum, in relation to the relevant situation.


Unless the appeal process has been decided and the member has been redeclared as a member of this Club, the banned member shall not be permitted or allowed to attend any Club-sponsored meetings, events, social media space, or any other scenario that is deemed to be a “Club space”. Board members of this Club will ask the member to leave, in order to protect the conduct and safety of the membership.

As restorative justice is a critical part to addressing the harm caused by these violations of the Code of Conduct, SFYD shall provide resources and information for all affected members on request and on the SFYD website. SFYD shall also connect all affected members with additional support from other bodies with the capacity to assist (i.e. SF DCCC).


ARTICLE X. AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS

A. Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Membership at any regularly-scheduled membership meeting. Any such amendments shall take effect on the first Monday after the adjournment of such a meeting, unless a specific exception is stated in the motion to amend.

Any Bylaws amendment must be presented to the full Membership in writing by its sponsor the day of the vote.

B. Notice

Notice to amend these Bylaws shall be given seven (7) days prior to any Membership meeting at which such a change is to be voted upon.


ARTICLE XI. SUSPENSION OF THE BYLAWS 

A. Suspension of the Bylaws

Any section of these Bylaws may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the Membership at any regularly-scheduled Membership meeting. A motion to suspend must identify the Article and Sections being suspended and may not suspend more than one article. This Article may not be suspended.


ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION

A. Dissolution

Dissolution of this Organization requires the unanimous approval of the Full Board and approval of three-fourths of the Members in good standing at two consecutive General Meetings of San Francisco Young Democrats. Upon dissolution, all unspent funds (after expenses and liabilities are accounted for) will be donated to the California Young Democrats. Any privately-obtained funds that remain may be donated to another nonprofit organization with prior approval of the Full Board. It is hoped that the organization that receives these funds will return it to any new Young Democratic organization that comes into existence in the City and County of San Francisco.