Constitution

Constitution
Eleanor & Franklin Roosevelt Democratic Club
Greenbelt, Maryland
Amended December 15, 1995

ARTICLE 1 - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Eleanor & Franklin Roosevelt Democratic Club of the Twenty-First (21st) Election District of Prince George's County (Greenbelt), Maryland. Hereinafter referred to as "the Club."

ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this Club shall be to further the principles of the Democratic Party and to elect its candidates in general elections.

The Club shall provide a means:

a) To encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote by becoming
    registered voters.
b) To study the views of the electorate in order to initiate action and/or make     recommendations regarding legislation, governmental programs, and/or
    policies of the Democratic Party at the national, state, and county levels.
c) To provide a forum for the elected Democratic officials of the state and
    county.
d) To engage in a supportive and productive relationship with the elected
    Democratic Central Committee of Prince George's County.
e) To strengthen the position of Greenbelt-area Democrats in county and
    state decision-making.
f)  For registered Democrats to participate in and work for the promotion of
    civic and governmental improvements relevant to the Greenbelt area, i.e.,
    Precincts 21-3 21-6, 21-8, and 21-13.

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this Club shall be limited to individuals who have registered to vote in the Democratic Party and interested individuals who are too young to vote.

ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of this Club shall be President, four Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, and Sergeant-at-Arms. No two Vice-Presidents shall come from the same precinct.

Section 2. The four Vice-Presidents shall serve as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Vice-President, the order to be drawn by lot. In the absence of the President, the 1st Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President. Should the President be unable to complete a term, the duties shall pass to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Vice-Presidents respectively.

Section 3. The elected officers of the Club must support the Democratic Party, and its platform.

Any elected officer who openly supports or endorses a candidate of another political party, or an independent candidate, who is opposed by a Democratic candidate for the same public office, will be subject to removal by a vote of the membership.

Section 4. If a vacancy occurs in any other office, the President shall appoint a successor, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 5. The officers of the Club shall be elected to their respective offices for a term of one year.

Section 6. All officers of the Club shall be elected by ballot at the Annual (November) Meeting.

Section 7. After the original organizational election, all elected officers of the Club shall be members who are in good standing.

Section 8. "Good standing" is defined to describe any member whose dues are current.

ARTICLE 5 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall manage the affairs of the Club subject to the Bylaws that may from time to time be amended by the Club. The President or five members of the Board of Directors may call a special session of the Board.

Section 2. The Board of Directors, all of whom must be members in good standing, shall be comprised of the nine officers, the two immediate past Presidents, the Chairs of the Standing Committees, and the Club Historian.

ARTICLE 6 - COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Standing Committees shall be Membership, Legislative, Voting and Elections, Ways and Means, Publicity, Program, Hospitality, and any other which the Board of Directors deems necessary.

Section 2. The President shall appoint the Chairs of all committees with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors. These Chairs shall serve at the pleasure of the President.

ARTICLE 7 - ELECTIONS

Section 1. An election of officers shall be held every year at the regular November meeting. The officers elected shall enter upon their duties immediately upon their election and hold office until their successors are elected or appointed.

Section 2. Recommendations of a Nominating Committee shall be presented to the membership at the October meeting. Nominations shall be open from the floor at the October and November meetings provided that the consent of the nominee is obtained.

ARTICLE 8 - AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of the Club called for the purpose of amending the Constitution, provided that at least a quorum shall be present at said meeting and further provided that the proposed amendment(s) shall have been mailed to all members at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meeting.