JOIN

Chapter Bylaws

Constitution & Bylaws of the Capital District Democratic Socialists of America

[Adopted 26 March 2017. Amended 24 March 2019, 6 December 2020, 20 February 2022, 23 April 2023, 28 February 2026.]

ARTICLE I. Purpose & Mission.

The purpose of Capital District DSA shall be to organize the activities of the members of the Democratic Socialists of America within the Albany region. These activities shall include, but not be limited to: advocacy and action for socialist causes, political education, and opportunities for members to build deeper camaraderie.

We are socialists because we reject an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, imperialism, discrimination such as that based on race, sexual orientation, physical or intellectual ability, and gender identity and expression. We reject brutality and violence in defense of the status quo. We are socialists because we share a vision of a humane social order based on popular control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, feminism, racial equality and non-oppressive relationships.

Furthermore, we are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision, for building a majority movement that will make democratic socialism a reality in America. We believe that such a strategy must acknowledge the class structure of American society and that 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.

ARTICLE II. Name, Territory.

Section 1. Name.

The name of the Local Chapter shall be the Capital District Local Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a not-for-profit corporation, hereinafter referred to as “the Chapter,” “CDDSA, “Capital District DSA”, or “Capital District DSA, Inc.”.

Section 2. Territory.

The Chapter shall conduct activities in the greater Albany area, defined as Albany, Schenectady, Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Greene, and Columbia Counties, by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America to the Capital District DSA.

Section 3. Certificate of Incorporation.

In its identity as a non-profit corporation (operating under the Democratic Socialists of America’s 501(c)4 tax exempt status), Capital District DSA, Inc. is subject to New York State law as well as these bylaws, and has a Certificate of Incorporation available for inspection upon the request of any member in good standing. Any amendments to this Certificate shall be included in these bylaws.

ARTICLE III. Membership.

Section 1. Definition.

Members of the Capital District DSA will be those individuals whose dues to National DSA are paid in full, are in good-standing and, who reside in the defined territory, unless otherwise approved by National DSA.

Section 2. Rights and Privileges.

All members in good standing of the Capital District DSA shall have a vote on the election of Capital District DSA delegates to National DSA bodies, Capital District DSA officers, Capital District DSA At-Large Steering Committee Representatives, and Capital District DSA committee co-chairs. All members in good standing may run for Capital District DSA office. All members shall have a vote on priority campaigns, approve policies and guidelines for the operation of the Capital District DSA, to elect delegates to the National Convention, to vote on matters related to national policy, and to make

Section 3. Voluntary Donations.

As mandated by the National Constitution and Bylaws, the Chapter 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 for holding Chapter office.

Section 4. Removal of Members.

If a member 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, the Capital District DSA may vote to expel the member from DSA. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member must formally submit written charges against the member in question to the Chapter Steering Committee, which shall review the charges to determine merit and, if necessary, set a date of a Chapter 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 weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds vote at Chapter Meeting. An expelled full member may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA.

Section 5. Chapter Rules.

Any action taken by a member of the Chapter on behalf of the Chapter in contravention of these Bylaws is null and void.

ARTICLE IV. Chapter Meetings.

Section 1. Chapter Convention.

The Capital District DSA will hold a minimum of one Chapter Convention annually, at a date, time, and location agreed upon by the Steering Committee within 1 month of the anniversary of the prior Chapter Convention. At least fourteen (14) days before the Chapter Convention, all members of the Chapter will be sent notice of the meeting along with a proposed agenda. Notice may be sent by electronic means, but individuals who have not provided an email address or other means of electronic communication must be sent a paper copy. The Convention will elect chapter and committee officers, receive reports of the activities of the chapter, set the political direction and policies of the chapter and its programming for the coming year, and may adopt an annual budget. It is the highest legislative and decision-making body of the Chapter. The Convention shall be considered the “Annual Meeting” where local or state law may require such and may coincide with a regular meeting of the Chapter.

Section 2. Chapter Meetings.

The Chapter will hold monthly meetings with the date, time, and location voted on at the previous Chapter Meeting . Chapter Meetings will set Capital District DSA policy and work priorities , and will include reports of committee activity since the previous Chapter Meeting, presented by a representative of each Committee or compiled by the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meeting agenda shall be decided by the Chapter Co-chairs, the Steering Committee, or an agenda item may be added with the signatures of 10 chapter members . In general, the Chapter Meeting is the operating legislative body of the Chapter.

Section 3. Chapter Meetings: Voting Rights and Procedures.

(A) All Chapter members in good standing voting in a Chapter Meeting shall have one vote apiece. 

(B) Proxy votes may be given to any member in good standing at a Chapter Meeting. The most proxy votes any attending member can hold is one (1). Proxy votes must be submitted to the Steering Committee for approval and can be submitted either before the Chapter Meeting or on the floor of a meeting at any time where consistent with Roberts Rules of Order. Proxy voting does not apply to committee meeting motions.

(C) The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all Chapter Meetings to which they apply. If Robert’s Rules are inconsistent with these bylaws or standing rules, then these bylaws or standing rules will apply.

Section 4. Special Meetings.

The Steering Committee may call a Special Meeting of the Capital District DSA with at least five days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.

Section 5. Quorum.

A quorum of 10 percent of the members (but not fewer than 20 persons) is required for Chapter Convention, Chapter Meetings, or Special Meetings to transact business.

Section 6. Accessibility.

Meetings must be held in accessible locations. Participation via video or teleconference shall be facilitated at each meeting.

Section 7. Electronic Voting.

(A) If quorum is not achieved at a Chapter Meeting, Chapter Convention, or Special Meeting, then main motions, resolutions, and chapter officer elections that have been introduced and debated at that meeting shall, after the conclusion of that meeting, be voted on by chapter membership by means of an electronic voting platform that has been approved by the Steering Committee.

(B) Electronic votes shall remain open for at least 24 hours and no more than seven days. Time may be extended at the discretion of the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE V. Chapter Officers: Powers and Duties.

Section 1. Officers and Terms.

The officers of the Chapter will be the two Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, and Communications Coordinator. Each officer must be a member of the Chapter and be current in their dues by 30 days before the election and throughout the duration of their term. The term of office will be one year, from​ one Chapter Convention to the following Chapter Convention, ​or​ until their successors are elected. The officers shall not all be cisgender men. No Steering Committee member shall hold more than one Steering Committee seat at a time.

Section 2. Elections.

Elections for officers shall be held at the Chapter Convention unless otherwise stated in these bylaws. The Steering Committee shall open nominations no less than thirty (30) days prior to the election and call for nominations to the membership. No candidate may run their own election. Members must be in good standing for 30 days to vote in elections for chapter-wide leadership. Uncontested elections may be decided by acclamation without objection, otherwise elections will be determined by instant-runoff voting. Elections shall be governed by any rules and procedures under Article IV Section 3.

Section 3. Vacancies.

(A) In the event of a vacancy, an election will be held at the next Chapter Meeting. In the event of a vacancy less than three months prior to the Chapter Convention, the Steering Committee will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term.

(B) Should any Capital District DSA member holding an elected or appointed position within the chapter miss three (3) or more consecutive meetings for the body they preside over, exclusive of Special Meetings, the Steering Committee shall declare that position vacant, or excuse absences by majority vote.

Section 4. Co-Chairs.

(A) The Co-Chairs will preside over Chapter and Steering Committee meetings or will appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. The Co-Chairs will be the official public spokespersons for the Chapter and will initiate such actions and policies as the Chapter’s general welfare may demand.

(B) The Co-Chairs will be responsible also for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Chapter’s committees.

(C) The Co-Chairs will report to Chapter Meetings on the health of the Chapter, priority campaign updates, and other necessary business affecting the Chapter.

(D) The Co-Chairs will be responsible for updating and implementing bylaws and chapter policy approved by the chapter membership at a Chapter Meeting or proposals shared in Slack.

(E) The Co-Chairs will oversee Chapter communication materials produced by the Secretary and Communications Coordinator.

Section 5. Secretary.

(A) The Secretary will be responsible for answering correspondence and queries within the Chapter, and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Chapter. They will ensure effective communication with National DSA. They will ensure effective internal communication with chapter membership regarding upcoming votes and chapter campaigns.

(B) The Secretary will be responsible for the sorting and management of Chapter documents, including meeting minutes, an archive of all approved proposals, resolutions, reports and other official records of the Chapter. They shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Minutes shall be available for members to review, and draft minutes shall be available for review within two weeks of a meeting. The Secretary shall be responsible for providing chapter meeting minutes to National DSA.

Section 6. Treasurer.

(A) The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Chapter. All funds collected by the Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer, who shall deposit them in a bank account under the name of Capital District DSA. The Treasurer shall prepare budgets and financial reports for consideration at Chapter Meetings and as requested by the Steering Committee, and ensure the Chapter’s regulatory compliance. In cooperation with the Membership Coordinator, the Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are current.

(B) The Treasurer shall create and document policies and procedures for carrying out their duties and for maintaining healthy Chapter finances. The Treasurer shall transfer to their successor the documented policies and procedures, financial records and reports, and access to financial accounts securely.

Section 7. Membership Coordinator.

(A) The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for the overall health and growth of the Chapter membership by coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of the Chapter.  The Membership Coordinator shall oversee initiatives concerning membership growth, retention, engagement, participation, and leadership development.

(B) The Membership Coordinator shall organize their activities to be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive to marginalized groups.  Special attention shall be devoted to the recruitment of members from marginalized groups.

Section 8. Communications Coordinator.

(A) The Communications Coordinator shall be responsible for managing the flow of information externally, and ensuring effective and efficient communication to achieve the chapter’s goals and objectives.

(B) The Communication Coordinator’s responsibilities pertain to, but are not limited to managing external email and mass text communications, maintaining a web presence,  maintaining relationships with local media, preparing digital and printed media, newsletters, and promoting Chapter projects, campaigns, and events.

Section 9. Additional Duties.

The Chapter Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Chapter, 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 10. Resignation, Suspension, and Recall.

(A) Any officer of the Chapter may electronically or physically submit their resignation to either the Steering Committee or membership during a Chapter Meeting. Upon resignation, the Steering Committee shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term either by scheduling an election no less than thirty (30) days away from a Chapter Meeting or by appointment via simple majority vote of the Steering Committee.

(B) Any officer of the Chapter may be temporarily suspended for thirty (30) days at a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. Any member may motion to recall and shall state with particularity the acts of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, or undemocratic or uncomradely behavior comprising the grounds for removal and must be seconded. The Chapter Meeting may adopt such a motion by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.

(C) Any officer of the Chapter may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer.

  1. Recall by Vote of the Membership: In order to recall or remove an officer, a member in good standing must formally refer a request to the Steering Committee to remove said officer, which will set a date of a Chapter Meeting for deliberations on the accused officer’s removal.  The officer in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before the meeting takes place.  The accused officer will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting.  Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the membership at the Chapter Meeting.
  2. Recall by Vote of the Steering Committee: An officer may be recalled by vote of the Steering Committee only under narrow circumstances for failure to do their duty. If an officer misses three consecutive Steering Committee meetings without excuse and fails to respond to attempts by Steering Committee members to communicate, that officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Steering Committee. This action must be reported at the next Chapter Meeting, at which time members in good standing may overturn the vote.

ARTICLE VI. Steering Committee.

Section 1. Composition.

The Chapter Steering Committee will be composed of the six officers and 2 at-large Steering Committee members. The Committee shall strive for a balance of identities reflective of the working class of the Capital District.

Section 2. Purpose.

The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the Chapter Meetings; it may also propose policy to the General Meetings. It will have the power to receive reports of any committee, and advise thereon, to call Special Meetings of the Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the executive body of the Chapter, and thus subordinate to its legislative body, the Chapter Meeting.

The Steering Committee will be responsible for establishing and coordinating program activities for the Chapter, including but not limited to political education and outreach, socials, organizer training, coalition building, and helping members start new projects and campaigns. The Committee is also responsible for proposing guidelines and policies that will subsequently be voted on by members in good standing of DSA, for enacting policies and enforcing guidelines passed by membership, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Chapter meetings.

Section 3. Scope.

(A) Time-sensitive decisions which cannot wait for a Chapter Meeting shall be decided by the Steering Committee. A Steering Committee member must bring forward any proposal for approval.

(B) The Steering Committee may authorize the co-sponsorship or agreed participation in events that are in accordance with DSA’s political platform and principles, and are in alignment with prior Chapter-wide decisions and priorities.

(C) All official Chapter statements are approved by the Steering Committee.

(D) The Steering Committee may allocate funds from a budgeted pool decided by the approved yearly budget.

(E) The Steering Committee may appoint all non-elected positions.

(F) The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of the Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative bodies, the Chapter Convention and Chapter Meetings.

Section 4. Decision Process.

(A) Two types of decisions may be reached by the Steering Committee: unanimous and majority. Any decision without a Steering Committee Meeting requires unanimous consent. If unanimous consent fails, then the Steering Committee must meet to discuss and then commence a final vote by majority.

(B) Proposals for unanimous consent must be posted in the SC Proposals slack channel for members to see. Any member may voice their opinion, but the Steering Committee ultimately votes on it. Steering Committee decisions may be challenged and overturned during Chapter Meetings.

(C) For a unanimous decision to carry, it must have the approval of every Steering Committee member, or wait 48 hours after proposal without objection by a Steering Committee member. Any Steering Committee member who did not vote shall be counted as abstaining from the decision. Chapter Co-Chairs must reach out to all Steering Committee members by their preferred form of contact after a proposal is made, as soon as reasonably possible.

(D) Chapter Co-Chairs will be responsible for assuring the completion of proposals.

(E) Chapter Secretary will be responsible for archiving each proposal that is completed.

Section 5. Meetings.

(A) The Steering Committee shall meet monthly, before that month’s Chapter Meeting.

(B) Steering Committee Meetings shall give notice of its meeting schedule and agenda to Chapter members. Meeting minutes shall be recorded and accessible to the membership.

(C) Any member in good standing of the Chapter may observe Steering Committee Meetings.  The Steering Committee shall allow for a question and answer period and a comment period if capacity permits.

(D) The Steering Committee may call a discussion session exclusive to the Steering Committee only by simple majority vote in order to discuss any sensitive matters.

(E) Any chair shall have the right to either speak at or provide written comments in advance of the meeting on how any item to be voted on relates to or impacts the current or anticipated future organizing of the chair’s committee.

Section 6. Quorum.

A quorum of 60% (rounding up) of the Steering Committee is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business. At least one Co-Chair must be present.

Section 7. Multiple Offices.

No person shall hold multiple officer positions on the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE VII. Committees.

Section 1. Definition.

A committee is a group of Chapter members tasked with specific functions and authority related to the work and administration of the committee.

Section 2. Committee Requirements.

(A) A quorum of 5 members is required for a committee meeting to be held. The Chair may designate a proxy Chair in case of absence.

(B) An active member is defined as one who has attended at least one official committee meeting in the past 3 months, or attended a committee sponsored event or action.

(C) Committee meetings will occur at least once a month.

(D) All Committee Chairs or designated alternates must give regular committee reports to both the Steering Committee and membership at Chapter Meetings.

Section 3. Creation.

The Chapter establishes committees to perform specific functions, and/or organize the working class in the capital region around major ongoing issues. To form a committee, members must submit a proposal to the Steering Committee that includes six items:

  1. a committee  name;
  2. the goals and tasks of the committee;
  3. a proposed budget;
  4. a list of at least ten prospective members;
  5. whether the duration of the committee is until the next Chapter Convention or until a specified event or date;
  6. a proposed slate of nominations for chair and other leadership roles.

A committee thus proposed shall be chartered by a ⅔ majority vote of the Chapter. Charters for proposed committees shall be presented  to the membership at a Chapter Meeting, and then brought forward for a vote at the following Chapter Meeting.

Section 4. Scope.

(A) No committee shall have authority to take action on behalf of the Chapter, except when authorized to do so by the Steering Committee in those cases specified in Article VI, Section 3B. Any authorization by the Steering Committee in these cases must comply with the procedure outlined in Article VI, Section 7.

(B) Committee charters and activities may not conflict with these Bylaws or with the charters of other active Committees.

Section 5. Renewal.

At each Chapter Convention, each committee that wishes to continue must renew its goals and purpose through an updated proposal. This can draw on the original proposal language, and for each goal, the committee will report back on status (completed, partially completed, or discontinued) and a brief explanation of barriers if partially completed or discontinued. The committee can also add new goals for the coming year, so that the proposal becomes a living document that evolves along with the committee and reflects ongoing work.

Section 6. Membership and Election of Committee Leadership.

(A) Membership in a committee shall be open to all Chapter members in good standing. Committees must maintain agendas which include minutes, and attendance for each Committee Meeting.

(B) The Chair shall be elected by the membership at the Chapter Convention, or when there is a vacancy. Nominations shall be open for committee positions at least 4 weeks before the election and close 1 week before the Chapter Convention.

(C) Any and all other elected committee leadership, as applicable, will be decided by committee members and then approved by chapter membership vote.

(D) The Chair is responsible for ensuring the core Committee functions are carried out, either by the Chair or by another member of the Committee. Core Committee functions include keeping the Steering Committee informed of Committee activity, making sure Committee activities, actions, and decisions are communicated through all appropriate channels, and onboarding Chapter members seeking active involvement.

Section 8. Dissolution of Committees.

(A) A committee may be dissolved at any time by a proposal made a minimum of 2 weeks before a Chapter Meeting. Successful dissolution of a committee must pass a simple majority vote at the Chapter Meeting.

(B) A committee is considered defunct if it meets any of the following conditions: it has less than 5 active members recorded, has not held a committee meeting in a period of 3 months or more, or if the committee chair position is unfilled for 3 months or more.

(C) Should a committee be found defunct or in violation of these bylaws, the Committee may be dissolved by the Steering Committee by simple majority vote.

(D) If a committee either cannot or chooses not to recharter, then the original charter expires and the committee is considered dissolved with no further action required.

ARTICLE VIII. Delegates to National, Regional, and State Bodies.

Section 1. Election of Delegates.

Members in good standing of the Chapter as of 30 days prior to the election shall elect Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention, as well as to any regional or state organizations.

Section 2. Schedule of Elections to National, Regional, or State Organizations.

Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by National DSA.  Elections to regional or state organizations will be held on the schedule announced by those organizations.

Section 3. Method of Voting.

Following Article V, Section 5 of 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.”

ARTICLE IX. Prohibited Activity.

Capital District DSA, Inc. shall not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)4 organizations or similar rules established by the state of New York. Nor shall the Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.

ARTICLE X. Amendments.

Proposed​ amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by fifteen members of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The proposed amendment shall be on the agenda for Chapter Meeting discussion, and then on the next month’s Chapter Meeting agenda for a vote. Adoption of amendments to these bylaws requires two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.

ARTICLE XI. General Provisions.

Section 1. Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall run from July 1st to June 30th .

Section 2. Books and Records.

The Chapter shall keep in the secure and confidential possession of the chapter Secretary correct and complete books and records of the activities and transactions of the Chapter, including the minute book, which shall contain a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of these bylaws, all resolutions of the Chapter, and all minutes of meetings of the Members and meetings of the Steering Committee and committees thereof.

Section 3. Whistleblower Policy.

In any instance where the Chapter faces issues related to serious violations of law or adopted policies of the Corporation, it shall follow the procedures and rules set out in the Whistleblower Policy attached hereto and incorporated into these bylaws by reference.

Section 4. Electronic Signatures.

Wherever a written instrument is required to be executed hereunder, an electronic signature, to the extent permitted by applicable law, shall be deemed to be a written signature.

ARTICLE XII. Grievance Procedure.

The Chapter will follow the Harassment Policy of National DSA. The chapter shall have 2 Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGO), who shall be elected for one (1) year terms at the Chapter Convention. HGO shall not hold a position on the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE XIII. Interested Party Transactions.

Section 1. Definition.

(A) For purposes of these bylaws, an “interested party transaction” is any contract or other transaction between the Chapter and (a) any present Steering Committee member or any individual who has served on the Steering Committee in the five years preceding the transaction (“past Steering”), (b) any family member of a present or past Steering, (c) any corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity in which a present or past Steering is a director, officer, or holder of a financial interest, (d) any present officer or any individual who has served as an officer in the five years preceding the transaction (“past officer”), (e) any family member of a present or past officer, or (f) any corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity in which a present or past officer is a director, officer, or holder of a financial interest.

(B) In any instance where the Chapter proposes to enter into an interested party transaction it shall follow the procedures and rules set forth in the Chapter’s Conflict of Interest Policy adopted by the Members and as amended from time to time (which is attached hereto and incorporated into these bylaws by reference).

ARTICLE XIV. Execution of Instruments.

Section 1. Contracts and Instruments.

Subject to provision of Article V, Section 3(d) and the provisions of the Conflict of Interest Policy, the Steering Committee may authorize any officer or agent of the Chapter to enter into any contract, to execute and deliver any instrument, or to sign checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in the name of and on behalf of the Chapter. Such authority may be general or may be confined to specific instances. No instrument required to be signed by more than one officer may be signed by one person in more than one capacity.

Section 2. Deposits.

The funds of the Chapter shall be deposited in its name with such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Chapter, or officers to whom such power has been delegated by the Chapter, may from time to time designate.

ARTICLE XV. Chapter Dissolution.

A proposal to dissolve the Chapter must be made by written resolution, endorsed by ten (10) members in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of this resolution. The Chapter Meeting may adopt a resolution to dissolve the Chapter under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.

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

NOTICE. Bylaw Adoption Deferral.

The most recent amendment to these bylaws was passed on February 28th, 2026 alongside the following motion:

The following bylaws are not to go into effect until the next Chapter Convention. Additionally, until then, within our bylaws, references to the “Executive Committee” are understood to be referring to the “Steering Committee”, and, in the most recent bylaw amendments, references to a “Committee Chair” are understood to be referring to our currently standing “Executive Committee Co-chair.”

Article V. Chapter Officers and Duties.

Section 1. adds language around new elected chapter roles

section 4.(E) references the communications coordinator

Section 7. introduces membership coordinator

Section 8. introduces communications coordinator

Article VI. Steering Committee.

Section 1. Updates the steering committee composition

The pre-amended language can be found below.

ARTICLE V. Chapter Officers: Powers and Duties.

Section 1. Officers and Terms.
The officers of the Chapter will be the two Co-Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer. The term of office will be one year, from​ the May Chapter Assembly to the following Chapter Assembly, ​or​ until their successors are elected. Officers may be removed from office at the pleasure of the membership as provided in the parliamentary authority.

Section 4. Co-Chairs.
(E) Does not exist

Section 7. Membership Coordinator.
Does not exist

Section 8. Communications Coordinator.
Does not exist

ARTICLE VI. Executive Committee.

Section 1. Composition.
The Chapter Executive Committee will be composed of the four officers of the Chapter, and one co-chair from each issue committee. The Committee shall strive for a balance of identities reflective of the working class of the Capital District.