Constitution for the College Democrats

The College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University

Article I. Name

Section A: The name of this organization will be the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University College Democrats.

The College Democrats of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University will enhance the principles of the Democratic Party by promoting Democratic candidates of the local, state and national level, educating the campus community about progressive issues and legislation, and creating an environment of toleration and respect. We aim to establish a community of belonging for followers of the Democratic persuasion. We support the questioning of decisions, actions, and rules set forth by institutions that we believe are in conflict with the mission of our club.

Article II. Membership

Membership to the College Democrats shall be open to any student enrolled at CSB/SJU. This membership will be terminated upon graduation from CSB/SJU or at any time in which the individual student chooses to no longer be a member of the organization.

Article III. Officers

Section A: The governance system of the College Democrats shall be composed of an Executive Board of sixstudents. The board shall consist of a CSB Co-Chair, an SJU Co-Chair,Treasurer, Activities Director, Secretary, and a Media Coordinator.

Section B: Roles and Responsibilities

  1. Co-Chairs: The two Co-Chairs shall facilitate meetings. In coordination with the membership, they will facilitate the generation and accomplishment of goals, maintain focus and work to ensure the accomplishment of the club’s purpose, as well as coordinate with College Democrats of Minnesota. They will also ensure that the guidelines set forth by the Co-Funding Board and the Joint Club Board are followed.
  2. Treasurer: The treasurer will be responsible for all club finances. They are responsible for completing and forwarding audits to the appropriate auditor. They will maintain financial records for the College Democrats. The treasurer will draft a budget and be at all presentations to the Co-Funding Board.
  3. Activities Director: This position is responsible for bringing speakers to campus, organizing debates, speak outs and protests. They shall coordinate with the JEC the Senates, CAB and other campus organizations to incorporate the College Democrats purpose in events throughout the campus. They are responsible for College Democrats activity in events such as Involvement at the Mall.
  4. Media Coordinator: The Media Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining a web page for the club, maintaining contact with The Record to ensure the club’s voice is heard. The Media Coordinator will work with KJNB Radio to foster progressive dialogue, work with local media organizations, and work closely with the Secretary.

5. The Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping meeting minutes, keeping the student body notified of events, keep track of membership, be responsible for the email account, and also work closely with the Media Coordinator.

Article IV. Elections

Section A: New executive board members must be elected within the last two weeks of Fall Semester and submitted the JCB accordingly.

Section B: Individuals wishing to run for office should announce their intention and make a brief statement of why they would be appropriate for the position.

Section C: The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in an election shall win.

Section D: Vacancies occurring in the Executive Board shall be filled within one meeting of the time of vacancy. This will be done by special election following the same procedures as a normal election.

Article V. Honorarium

The College Democrats will offer no honorarium to any member of the organization.

Article VI. Meetings

The College Democrats shall meet no less than once a month. Meetings may be called at the discretion of either of the Co-Chairs. Meetings may be held off campus if members of the club agree to do so. There will be no penalties for absenteeism. Meetings are open to all members of the CSB/SJU community, as well as invited guests.

Article VII. Amendment Process

The constitution of the College Democrats may be amended by a vote of more than 50% of members attending an announced meeting.

Article VII. Impeachment

Section A: Any member of the College Democrats Executive Council may be impeached. Two members not on the Executive Board of the organization who have been active members of the club for at least one semester must initiate impeachment proceeding by informing one of the Co-Chairs of their intentions. Impeachment plans must be announced one meeting prior to impeachment.

Section B: Members bringing forth impeachment charges will state the case at the beginning of the meeting. TheCo-Chairs shall preside over the impeachment process, and if one of the Co-Chairs is the subject of impeachment, they may not preside. The Co-Chairs may not vote. The subject of impeachment will have an opportunity to reply to the charges as well as answer questions.

Article IX. Removal

Section A: Following the impeachment procedures, a vote of all members at the meeting shall be taken.

Section B: The member shall be removed from their position on the Executive Board by a two-thirds vote in favor of removal. The individual maintains membership in College Democrats if they so choose.

Article X. Inclusion

The College Democrats admit students without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and other activities, generally accorded or made available to members of the organization.

Article XI. Hazing

The College Democrats consider hazing to be a degrading and destructive activity which is inconsistent with the standards of this student organization. The College Democrats recognize the dignity of every person and opposes all forms of hazing.