CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I – NAME AND AFFILIATIONS

1. The name of this organization is “Metropolitan Greater Oakland Democratic Club”.

2. It will recharter annually with the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee.

3. It may affiliate with other organizations to co-sponsor meetings, events and activities when the Executive Board believes that such actions will promote the purposes of this club.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSES

1. It is an organization of individuals who are concerned with promoting the growth and influence of the Democratic Party at all levels of government.

2. As a Democratic Club it shall:

a) Perpetuate the ideals and principles of the Democratic Party;

b) Disseminate knowledge of candidates, legislation, issues, trends, influences, and other matters of Democratic Party interest to its members and the public;

c) Stimulate interest in governmental affairs;

d) Identify Democratic candidates and promote and support them, and consider issues including endorsements, contributions and personal involvement;

e) Provide a forum for Democratic candidates and officials.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership in this Club is open to all registered Democrats interested in furthering its purposes.

2. The membership year is January 1 through December 31 and the program year is July 1 through June 30. (amended May, 2006)

3. New members joining the Club for the first time shall acquire voting rights 20 days from the date of their joining. Lapsed members of the MGO whose dues are not more than two years in arrears shall acquire voting rights immediately upon payment of the current years dues.

4. All policy-making powers are vested in the membership.

5. Annual dues shall be determined by the membership.

6. The membership shall elect the officers of this Club and the members of its Executive Board at its June membership meeting by a majority vote of the members present and voting for given office. The term of all officer and executive board members shall be for a period of one year, and such terms of office shall coincide with the club’s program year. (amended May, 2006)

7. The membership may exercise its policy-making powers at any duly convened membership meeting.

8. Members shall be given prior written notice of all meetings mailed at least 10 days prior to the meeting.

9. A quorum for the general membership meetings is defined as 10 club members who are up-to-date on their club dues.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

1. The four elected officers shall be the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Recording Secretary.

2. Duties of Officers:

a) The President shall:

1. Plan and call the regular and special meetings of the Club and the Executive Board;

2. Preside at all meetings called;

3. Be an ex-officio member of all committee;

4. Represent the Club at Democratic functions. Any cost incurred by the President while representing MGO may be reimbursed subject to approval by the Executive Board;

5. Appoint the chairpersons of each committee subject to approval of the Executive Board.

b) The Vice-President shall:

1. Serve as an assistant to the President;

2. Assume the duties of the President upon request, or in the absence, of the President;

3. Supervise the planning of the monthly programs.

c) The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the minutes, including a list of those present, of each membership and executive Board meeting.

d) The Treasurer shall:

1. Receive and disburse funds subject to the limitations set by the Executive Board and the membership;

2. Provide a financial report at each Board meeting;

3. Comply with all State and Federal laws regarding the political financial disclosure and reporting requirements.

ARTICLE V – EXECUTIVE BOARD

1. The Executive Board shall carry out the policies set forth by the membership. The Executive Board shall:

a) Be responsible for the financial affairs of the Club;

b) Recommend policies to the membership. Such recommendations shall be circulated to the membership in writing together with the prior written notice of the general membership meeting at which it shall be voted upon mailed at least 10 days prior to the meeting;

c) Carry on the affairs of the club between general meetings;

d) Report its actions to the membership of the next general meeting;

e) Prepare Bylaws as needed to implement the Constitution. These Bylaws shall be approved by the membership.

2. The Executive Board shall be composed as follows:

a) The elected offices;

b) The committee chairs;

c) At least seven at large members;

d) The immediate past President.

3.  If there is a vacancy in a club officer position, the Executive Board shall appoint an acting officer or member of the Executive Board to fill the unexpired term subject to ratification by the membership at its next meeting. Appointments to other vacancies on the executive board shall be made by the nominating committee. Ratification shall not be required if there is less than sixty days remaining in the term of office.

4. A majority of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VI – BYLAWS

The Executive Board shall prepare bylaws as needed. The Bylaws shall be approved by a majority vote of the membership taken at least 10 days after the notice of the vote, including the text of the proposed bylaw, is mailed to the membership.

ARTICLE VII – PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Membership and Executive Board Meetings shall be conducted under the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

This document may be amended at a general membership meeting by a 2/3 majority vote. The notice of this meeting shall contain the proposed amendment and shall be deposited in the mail not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.