Charter and Bylaws of the
NATIVE AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS (NADC) OF NEW MEXICO
(Affiliation of DPNM)
Approved and Adopted February 7, 2018
ARTICLE I.
NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico (“Caucus”). The caucus is chartered as an affiliated organization of the Democratic Party of New Mexico (“DPNM”) in accordance with the Rules of the DPNM, Rule 23, and the elected Chairperson of the Caucus shall upon approval of this Charter and By Laws by the State Central Committee of the DPNM become a member of the State Central Committee.
Section 2. The purpose of the Caucus is as follows:
A. To facilitate New Mexico Native Americans to become a more effective voice within the DPNM to strengthen the Democratic Party's base in New Mexico's Native American communities through membership expansion, candidate recruitment, get-out-the-vote, voter registration, platform development, campaign assistance, and other activities.
B. To create a better understanding of and advocacy for issues of concern to New Mexico's Native American communities within the Democratic Party.
C. To increase involvement and improve communication between New Mexico's Native American Democrats and the Democratic Party.
D. To elect Native American Democrats (and non-Native supportive Democrats) to local, state, and federal offices.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. All members of the Caucus are registered democrats and committed to the DPNM. All members must be registered voters.
Section 2. The Caucus shall have the following classes of membership:
A. Voting Members: All voting members shall be from a Native American tribe.
B. Ally Members: Non-Native American Democrats who support the goals and principles of this Charter and By Laws may be non-voting members of the Caucus.
Section 3. All members of the Caucus shall be encouraged to be dues-paying members of the Caucus.
Section 4. The Executive Committee shall compile, update and maintain a list of all members of the Caucus.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers shall make up the members of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. The election of all officers shall be called for and elected for two year terms through non-secret ballot in accordance with Rule 18-6.B.1, at the first membership meeting of the Caucus held in the odd numbered year by a majority of Caucus membership, the Executive committee in order of rank are: (a) Chairperson, (b) Vice Chairperson, (c) Secretary and (d) Treasurer.
A. Chairperson
1. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Caucus and shall be the principle spokesperson for the Caucus.
2. Have the power to appoint any committee which the Chairperson deems necessary, in accordance with the rules of the DPNM.
3. Refrain from using his/her office to advance the cause of any candidates including himself/herself for office.
B. Vice Chairperson
1. In the absence of the President, or upon the departure or inability to act, the Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson. When so acting, the Vice Chair shall have all the powers of the Chair.
C. Secretary
1. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings and require that all notices are duly given in accordance with the requirements of this Charter and By Laws.
2. Ensure the Caucus's official records are maintained in good order and shall maintain a register of the mailing address and phone numbers of all members of the Caucus.
D. Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall assume responsibility for all funds and accounts of the Caucus.
2. Keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures subject to the supervision and control of the Chairperson and make accounts available for examination by all registered Democrats in the state.
Section 3. Solicit and oversee fund raising in the name of the Democratic Party consistent with the by-laws and purposes of the Democratic Party.
ARTICLE IV.
REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Reasons:
A. Intentional conduct in violation of these rules or the law.
B. Nonfeasance
C. Aiding or supporting any political party other than the Democratic Party.
D. Conviction of a felony.
Section 2. Procedure for removal. Any officer may be removed from office with or without cause by two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee or by two-thirds vote of those members present at a duly called Executive Committee meeting. The removed officer shall be provided written notice of such removal and be provided ten calendar days to appear before the Executive Committee to contest the removal.
ARTICLE V.
VACANCIES IN OFFICES
Section 1. Vacancies exist when a Caucus officer:
A. Is removed in accordance with Article IV, Section 1.
B. Ceases to reside in New Mexico.
C. Resigns or dies.
D. Or when the office in question had not been filled initially at the scheduled election.
Section 2. Filling vacancies. If a vacancy exists in the office of Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, the highest-ranking officer shall call a meeting of the Executive Committee to fill the vacancy. If a vacancy exists in the offices of Treasurer or Secretary, the Chairperson shall fill the position no more than 30 days preceding the vacancy or the remaining Executive officers shall fill the vacancy.
ARTICLE VI
FINANCES AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. Donations and Contributions, Dues and Fees, Handling of Funds
A. The DPNM shall establish a bank account at a chartered financial institution for use by the NADC referred to as the “DPNM-NADC account”.
B. The DPNM shall establish a specific line-item in its budget for funds received by and/or for the NADC.
C. Any and all contributions, donations, dues, or fees in the form of a check shall be made to “DPNM-NADC.”
D. NADC funds may be raised in ways including, but not limited to, soliciting donations and contributions, receiving dues and fees set by the membership, direct mail, raffles, fund raising dinners, golf tournaments, other events, and sales of NADC merchandise.
E. The NADC treasurer will take custody of all donations, contributions, dues and/or fees to the NADC when received at events or meetings. In the event that the Treasurer is not present the Chair, Vice-Chair or Secretary, in that order, shall take custody of said funds. All such funds shall be counted on site, logged, and attested to by a second executive committee member.
F. If any donations, contributions, dues and/or fees are received by the DPNM for the NADC, DPNM shall notify an NADC executive committee member within 48 hours and shall provide the funds to the NADC treasurer as soon a feasible.
G. Within five business days, the treasurer or other executive committee member shall deposit any and all such funds received into the DPNM-NADC account.
Section 2. Expenditures
A. The DPNM shall establish a specific line item in its budget for expenditures made on behalf of/by the NADC.
B. Funds in the DPNM-NADC account can only be expended for activities that advance the NADC's purpose, goals and/or objectives.
C. All expenditures must be documented using NADC approved forms, and be made by check, co-signed by the NADC Chair or Vice-Chair and the Treasurer and must have supporting documentation attached.
D. All receipts related to the expenditure of funds from the DPNM- NADC account shall be provided to the NADC Treasurer within 48 hours, and the NADC Treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures, subject to the supervision and control at all times of the NADC Chair.
E. The NADC Treasurer shall review the transaction on the DPNM- NADC account statements and reconcile the statements to the accounting records each month in a timely manner.
F. The DPNM will be responsible for all reporting required by law related to the DPNM-NADC account.
Section 3. Budget
A. An annual budget shall be prepared by the Executive Committee and submitted to the NADC for approval each fiscal year.
B. The budget vs. actual expenses shall be reconciled each quarter, and a report submitted to the NADC membership, documenting deviations and reasons.
C. A monthly Treasurer's Report of Income and Expenses, Balances, and other related items shall be provided to the NADC for review and approval at monthly meetings.
ARTICLE VII.
COMMITTEES
Section 1. The caucus shall create standing committees, sub-committees, or special committees as required or deemed necessary to achieve the objectives and purposes of the charter.
ARTICLE VIII.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Executive Committee (EC) Meetings. The EC may meet by conference call or at a specified location. Such meetings shall be held as needed and notice of the meeting shall be provided to all members of the EC, respectively, at least ten days prior to the meeting. Such notice may be waived by the consent of the members of the EC at the meeting.
Section 2. Calling General Meetings. The Chairperson or three members of the Executive meeting may call for a general meeting. Individual EC members and the membership may participate by conference call.
Section 3. Rotation of Meetings. To the extent possible, general meetings shall be rotated around the state so as to share the burden of traveling to meetings.
Section 4. Minutes. Minutes shall be kept and made available for all general meetings.
Section 5 Quorum. A quorum for general meetings shall consist of three EC members and a majority of those members present must vote in favor of any act or measure for it to constitute an official action of the NADC.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments to this charter and bylaws may be proposed by the officers or by Caucus membership at a membership meeting.
Section 2. Amendments to the charter and bylaws must be approved by fifty-one (51%) affirmative vote of Caucus membership present at said meeting and will become effective immediately upon a due pass vote.
Section 3. This charter and bylaws are authorized by and subservient to the Rules of the DPNM and no amendments shall make this charter and bylaws conflict with the DPNM rules.
ARTICLE X.
ENACTMENT
This Charter and Bylaws of the Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico was duly enacted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on the 7th day of February, 2018 by Native American's registered Democrats on the above mentioned day with the duly elected officers of NADCNM.
_________________________________________
Chairperson
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
_________________________________________
Vice-Chairperson
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
_________________________________________
Secretary
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
_________________________________________
Treasurer
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
NATIVE AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS (NADC) OF NEW MEXICO
(Affiliation of DPNM)
Approved and Adopted February 7, 2018
ARTICLE I.
NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico (“Caucus”). The caucus is chartered as an affiliated organization of the Democratic Party of New Mexico (“DPNM”) in accordance with the Rules of the DPNM, Rule 23, and the elected Chairperson of the Caucus shall upon approval of this Charter and By Laws by the State Central Committee of the DPNM become a member of the State Central Committee.
Section 2. The purpose of the Caucus is as follows:
A. To facilitate New Mexico Native Americans to become a more effective voice within the DPNM to strengthen the Democratic Party's base in New Mexico's Native American communities through membership expansion, candidate recruitment, get-out-the-vote, voter registration, platform development, campaign assistance, and other activities.
B. To create a better understanding of and advocacy for issues of concern to New Mexico's Native American communities within the Democratic Party.
C. To increase involvement and improve communication between New Mexico's Native American Democrats and the Democratic Party.
D. To elect Native American Democrats (and non-Native supportive Democrats) to local, state, and federal offices.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. All members of the Caucus are registered democrats and committed to the DPNM. All members must be registered voters.
Section 2. The Caucus shall have the following classes of membership:
A. Voting Members: All voting members shall be from a Native American tribe.
B. Ally Members: Non-Native American Democrats who support the goals and principles of this Charter and By Laws may be non-voting members of the Caucus.
Section 3. All members of the Caucus shall be encouraged to be dues-paying members of the Caucus.
Section 4. The Executive Committee shall compile, update and maintain a list of all members of the Caucus.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers shall make up the members of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. The election of all officers shall be called for and elected for two year terms through non-secret ballot in accordance with Rule 18-6.B.1, at the first membership meeting of the Caucus held in the odd numbered year by a majority of Caucus membership, the Executive committee in order of rank are: (a) Chairperson, (b) Vice Chairperson, (c) Secretary and (d) Treasurer.
A. Chairperson
1. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Caucus and shall be the principle spokesperson for the Caucus.
2. Have the power to appoint any committee which the Chairperson deems necessary, in accordance with the rules of the DPNM.
3. Refrain from using his/her office to advance the cause of any candidates including himself/herself for office.
B. Vice Chairperson
1. In the absence of the President, or upon the departure or inability to act, the Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson. When so acting, the Vice Chair shall have all the powers of the Chair.
C. Secretary
1. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings and require that all notices are duly given in accordance with the requirements of this Charter and By Laws.
2. Ensure the Caucus's official records are maintained in good order and shall maintain a register of the mailing address and phone numbers of all members of the Caucus.
D. Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall assume responsibility for all funds and accounts of the Caucus.
2. Keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures subject to the supervision and control of the Chairperson and make accounts available for examination by all registered Democrats in the state.
Section 3. Solicit and oversee fund raising in the name of the Democratic Party consistent with the by-laws and purposes of the Democratic Party.
ARTICLE IV.
REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Reasons:
A. Intentional conduct in violation of these rules or the law.
B. Nonfeasance
C. Aiding or supporting any political party other than the Democratic Party.
D. Conviction of a felony.
Section 2. Procedure for removal. Any officer may be removed from office with or without cause by two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee or by two-thirds vote of those members present at a duly called Executive Committee meeting. The removed officer shall be provided written notice of such removal and be provided ten calendar days to appear before the Executive Committee to contest the removal.
ARTICLE V.
VACANCIES IN OFFICES
Section 1. Vacancies exist when a Caucus officer:
A. Is removed in accordance with Article IV, Section 1.
B. Ceases to reside in New Mexico.
C. Resigns or dies.
D. Or when the office in question had not been filled initially at the scheduled election.
Section 2. Filling vacancies. If a vacancy exists in the office of Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, the highest-ranking officer shall call a meeting of the Executive Committee to fill the vacancy. If a vacancy exists in the offices of Treasurer or Secretary, the Chairperson shall fill the position no more than 30 days preceding the vacancy or the remaining Executive officers shall fill the vacancy.
ARTICLE VI
FINANCES AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. Donations and Contributions, Dues and Fees, Handling of Funds
A. The DPNM shall establish a bank account at a chartered financial institution for use by the NADC referred to as the “DPNM-NADC account”.
B. The DPNM shall establish a specific line-item in its budget for funds received by and/or for the NADC.
C. Any and all contributions, donations, dues, or fees in the form of a check shall be made to “DPNM-NADC.”
D. NADC funds may be raised in ways including, but not limited to, soliciting donations and contributions, receiving dues and fees set by the membership, direct mail, raffles, fund raising dinners, golf tournaments, other events, and sales of NADC merchandise.
E. The NADC treasurer will take custody of all donations, contributions, dues and/or fees to the NADC when received at events or meetings. In the event that the Treasurer is not present the Chair, Vice-Chair or Secretary, in that order, shall take custody of said funds. All such funds shall be counted on site, logged, and attested to by a second executive committee member.
F. If any donations, contributions, dues and/or fees are received by the DPNM for the NADC, DPNM shall notify an NADC executive committee member within 48 hours and shall provide the funds to the NADC treasurer as soon a feasible.
G. Within five business days, the treasurer or other executive committee member shall deposit any and all such funds received into the DPNM-NADC account.
Section 2. Expenditures
A. The DPNM shall establish a specific line item in its budget for expenditures made on behalf of/by the NADC.
B. Funds in the DPNM-NADC account can only be expended for activities that advance the NADC's purpose, goals and/or objectives.
C. All expenditures must be documented using NADC approved forms, and be made by check, co-signed by the NADC Chair or Vice-Chair and the Treasurer and must have supporting documentation attached.
D. All receipts related to the expenditure of funds from the DPNM- NADC account shall be provided to the NADC Treasurer within 48 hours, and the NADC Treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures, subject to the supervision and control at all times of the NADC Chair.
E. The NADC Treasurer shall review the transaction on the DPNM- NADC account statements and reconcile the statements to the accounting records each month in a timely manner.
F. The DPNM will be responsible for all reporting required by law related to the DPNM-NADC account.
Section 3. Budget
A. An annual budget shall be prepared by the Executive Committee and submitted to the NADC for approval each fiscal year.
B. The budget vs. actual expenses shall be reconciled each quarter, and a report submitted to the NADC membership, documenting deviations and reasons.
C. A monthly Treasurer's Report of Income and Expenses, Balances, and other related items shall be provided to the NADC for review and approval at monthly meetings.
ARTICLE VII.
COMMITTEES
Section 1. The caucus shall create standing committees, sub-committees, or special committees as required or deemed necessary to achieve the objectives and purposes of the charter.
ARTICLE VIII.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Executive Committee (EC) Meetings. The EC may meet by conference call or at a specified location. Such meetings shall be held as needed and notice of the meeting shall be provided to all members of the EC, respectively, at least ten days prior to the meeting. Such notice may be waived by the consent of the members of the EC at the meeting.
Section 2. Calling General Meetings. The Chairperson or three members of the Executive meeting may call for a general meeting. Individual EC members and the membership may participate by conference call.
Section 3. Rotation of Meetings. To the extent possible, general meetings shall be rotated around the state so as to share the burden of traveling to meetings.
Section 4. Minutes. Minutes shall be kept and made available for all general meetings.
Section 5 Quorum. A quorum for general meetings shall consist of three EC members and a majority of those members present must vote in favor of any act or measure for it to constitute an official action of the NADC.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments to this charter and bylaws may be proposed by the officers or by Caucus membership at a membership meeting.
Section 2. Amendments to the charter and bylaws must be approved by fifty-one (51%) affirmative vote of Caucus membership present at said meeting and will become effective immediately upon a due pass vote.
Section 3. This charter and bylaws are authorized by and subservient to the Rules of the DPNM and no amendments shall make this charter and bylaws conflict with the DPNM rules.
ARTICLE X.
ENACTMENT
This Charter and Bylaws of the Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico was duly enacted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on the 7th day of February, 2018 by Native American's registered Democrats on the above mentioned day with the duly elected officers of NADCNM.
_________________________________________
Chairperson
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
_________________________________________
Vice-Chairperson
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
_________________________________________
Secretary
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
_________________________________________
Treasurer
Native American Democratic Caucus of New Mexico
