Austin DSA Bylaws
Approved by membership on December 19, 2020
Approved by the Austin DSA Leadership Committee on November 17, 2020
Article 1. Name
The name of the organization will be the Austin Democratic Socialists of America, also referred to as Austin DSA, ATXDSA, or the Austin chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Article 2. Purpose
The purpose of Austin DSA will be consistent with that of the national organization of DSA.
We are socialists because we reject an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability status, age, religion, and national origin, and 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. 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 3. Membership
Section 3.1. Eligibility
Membership in Austin DSA is open to anyone who (i) subscribes to the principles of Austin DSA, (ii) is a member in good standing of DSA, and (iii) works or resides in the geographic jurisdiction of Austin DSA. Eligible individuals become a member once they are included on the membership list provided by DSA or confirmed as eligible by the Leadership Committee.
Section 3.2. Dues
In order to remain a member in good standing of Austin DSA, members must remain a member in good standing of DSA. Members of Austin DSA are also encouraged to participate in Austin DSA’s voluntary pledge system, but dues to Austin DSA shall be voluntary and shall not affect any member’s status in Austin DSA.
Section 3.3 Removal of Members
Any member who ceases to be a member of DSA for any reason shall cease to be a member of Austin DSA. Any member may resign from Austin DSA for any reason by sending written notice (including by email) to both the Leadership Committee and the DSA membership office. A member may be expelled from Austin DSA in accordance with the procedures set out in Article 8.
Article 4. Chapter Meetings
Section 4.1. Membership Convention
Austin DSA shall hold its membership convention annually in the month of either April or May, starting in 2022. Written notice of the membership convention shall be electronically or physically mailed to all members no less than twenty-one days in advance of the convention. The membership convention shall elect officers, and debate and pass resolutions. The Leadership Committee shall set the agenda for the Membership Convention. The Secretary shall cause to be published to the membership, electronically or physically, the agenda of the Membership Convention no less than ten days prior to the Convention.
Section 4.2. General Meeting
General meetings shall be held monthly, not inclusive of the Membership Convention, all to be scheduled by the Leadership Committee within fifteen days of taking office. The membership shall be notified of this schedule. This schedule may be altered at any time by the Leadership Committee.
Section 4.3. Special Meetings
A simple majority of the Leadership Committee, or of members at a General Meeting or Convention, may call for a Special Membership Meeting. The motion for such meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting, and any business conducted at the Special Meeting must be germane to this purpose. The date, time, and location of any special meeting shall be disseminated to the membership through all normal communication channels in use by the chapter at that time. At no time will a special meeting be held without 72 hours advance notice, and ten days notice is required if the purpose of the meeting relates to the fundamental existence and operation of the chapter.
Section 4.4. Quorum
Five percent of the members in good standing or 60 members, whichever is less, of the Chapter shall constitute a quorum and is required for the transaction of business at any Austin DSA General Body Meeting, Special Meeting, and Membership Convention. If a quorum is ever not present, votes may be taken by means of an online platform available for 24 hours. Should a meeting fail to meet quorum on three consecutive meetings with formal motions, the Leadership Committee shall be permitted to modify this formulation, subject to a majority vote of the members present at the next planned regular meeting.
Section 4.5. Accessibility and Class Consciousness
The Leadership Committee shall strive to ensure that the Membership Convention, General Meetings, and Special Meetings are held in facilities that are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act and shall strive to make all of its meetings, forums, and actions accessible and safe spaces for all. This consideration will extend to such matters as privacy for members, the accessibility and safety of the venue, type of food offered (if any), accommodations for differences in sight, hearing, mobility and stamina, child care offerings, and religious and other identity considerations. The Leadership Committee shall be considerate of the time constraints of Austin DSA members. Socialism is historically built on class consciousness, specifically on working class participation. Austin DSA will take care not to exclude or censor viewpoints of any traditionally disempowered group.
Article 5. Local Officers: Powers and Duties
Section 5.1. Definition
The officers of Austin DSA shall be the two Co-Chairs, the Vice Chair, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Communications Coordinator, the Campaigns Coordinator, the Political Education Coordinator, the Electoral Coordinator, the Membership Engagement Coordinator, the Labor Coordinator, the Texas DSA Chapter Coordinator, and the YDSA Chapter Coordinator.
Section 5.2. Co-Chairs
There shall be two Co-Chairs, at least one of whom shall not identify as a cis-male. Co-Chairs shall be the executive officers of Austin DSA. They shall prepare agendas for and preside over General and Leadership Committee meetings, and shall assume the powers and duties of the presiding officers as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order. The Co-Chairs shall be the official public spokespersons for Austin DSA and shall initiate such actions and policies as the membership may demand.
Section 5.3. Vice Chair
The Vice Chair is responsible for assisting the Co-Chairs with all of their duties. If both Co-Chairs are unable to perform their duties, the Vice Chair shall perform all duties and assume all responsibilities of the Co-Chairs until such a time as one or both Co-Chairs are able to resume their posts.
Section 5.4. Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for the recording of minutes of the Membership Conventions, General Meetings, and the Leadership Committee Meetings, and shall maintain supervision over these minutes, resolutions, reports, and all other chapter documents, which shall be the property of Austin DSA. The Secretary is responsible for ensuring that adequate notice is given to the membership prior to Leadership Committee meetings, membership meetings and the membership convention. The Secretary shall assist the Co-Chairs in setting the agenda for General Meetings, and cause the agenda to be published no less than three days prior to the meeting. The Secretary shall also be responsible for the security and maintenance of Austin DSA’s membership roster and shall be an ex officio member of the Special Elections Committee.
Section 5.5. Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining the funds and financial records of Austin DSA. All funds collected shall be turned over to the Treasurer. The Treasurer delivers the annual financial report to the Membership Convention. The Treasurer prepares and submits financial statements to the Leadership Committee for their review at least quarterly.
Section 5.6. Political Education Coordinator
The Political Education Coordinator shall be responsible for the educational work of Austin DSA, including coordinating and assisting in the research needs of the Project and Standing Committees, and shall be a Co-Chair of the Political Education Committee. The Political Education Coordinator shall arrange Austin DSA formal political discussions, study groups (including night schools) within Austin DSA, and forums.
Section 5.7. Communications Coordinator
The Communications Coordinator shall be a Co-Chair of the Communications Committee, and shall be responsible, in cooperation with the Communications Committee, for coordinating the public and internal communications functions of the Chapter, including without limitation: (a) preparation of printed and digital materials; (b) production of newsletters, magazines, and other digital content; (c) management of the Chapter’s social media presence; (d) coordination of the Chapter’s relationships with the news media; and (e) promoting and publicizing the Chapter’s projects, campaigns, and events.
Section 5.8. Campaigns Coordinator
The Campaigns Coordinator shall be responsible for coordinating the activity of the Project Committees. They shall assist in the operations of the Project Committees, including assisting in the organizational structure, ensuring meetings of the committees operate according to principles of transparency, accessibility, and full participation, and reporting back to the Leadership Committee on the progress and operations of the Project Committees. The Leadership Committee may, by majority vote, appoint the Campaigns Coordinator to be one of two co-chairs of any Project Committee.
Section 5.9. Electoral Coordinator
The Electoral Coordinator shall be a Co-Chair of the Electoral Committee, and shall be responsible, in cooperation with the Electoral Committee, for coordinating the electoral activities and campaigns of the Chapter, including without limitation: (a) proactive electoral research for future electoral races led by Austin DSA; (b) creating endorsement procedures to be voted on by the Leadership Committee (including the creation and dissemination of endorsement questionnaires, candidate interviews, and producing endorsement recommendations to the chapter membership); (c) organizing canvasses and other campaign activities for endorsed candidates.
Section 5.10. Membership Engagement Coordinator
The Membership Engagement Coordinator shall be a Co-Chair of the Membership Engagement Committee, and shall be responsible, in cooperation with the Membership Engagement Committee, for coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of the Chapter, including without limitation: (a) running new member orientations; (b) recruiting new members; and (c) holding social events (e.g., potlucks, happy hours, meet-and-greets).
Section 5.11. Labor Coordinator
The Labor Coordinator shall be a Co-Chair of the Labor Committee, and shall be responsible, in cooperation with the Labor Committee, for coordinating the labor activities and campaigns of the Chapter, including without limitation: (a) the efforts of the Labor Branch, Restaurant Organizing Project, and the local branch of Emergency Worker Organizing Committee; (b) fostering rank-and-file recruiting pipelines into existing unions; (c) support for local labor branch radical groups; and (d) creating or disseminating labor-related political education and trainings for workplace militants.
Section 5.12. Texas DSA Chapter Coordinator
The Texas Chapter Coordinator shall be responsible for coordinating activities and campaigns of the Chapter with other DSA chapters in Texas, including without limitation: (a) statewide political education including lectures, book talks, and organizer trainings; (b) the distribution and exchange of events, literature, and other materials between chapters; (c) electoral efforts for state-level offices; and (d) the development of chapter leadership across the state.
Section 5.13. YDSA Chapter Coordinator
The YDSA Chapter Coordinator shall be responsible for coordinating activities and campaigns of the Chapter with Young Democratic Socialists of America chapters in and near Central Texas, including without limitations: (a) supporting existing YDSA organizing committees and chapters in their organizing efforts; (b) facilitating tabling and other direct recruitment at university, community college, and high school campuses; and (c) fostering leadership and orderly transitions of leadership in local YDSA groups.
Section 5.14
No person shall hold multiple officer positions on the Leadership Committee or hold any officer position on the Leadership Committee if they are also serving on the National Political Committee (“NPC”) of the national DSA.
Section 5.15. Term of Office
All chapter officers shall each be directly elected according to the procedures defined in these Bylaws to a one-year term. Elected officers’ terms of office begin on the first day of the month following the Membership Convention and end on the last day of the month of the following year’s Membership Convention.
Article 6. Leadership Committee
Section 6.1. Composition
The Leadership Committee shall consist of the ten elected officers of Austin DSA as defined in Article V above and three at-large Leadership Committee representatives directly elected by the membership at the same time as the officers.
Section 6.2. Function, Powers, and Duties
The Leadership Committee shall operate as the governing board of the Chapter and shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Chapter between General Meetings, set the time and place of the regular meetings, make recommendations to the Chapter, and perform such other duties that are specified in these bylaws.
Section 6.3. Leadership Committee Meetings
The Leadership Committee shall meet at least once each month, or more frequently if determined by a prior Leadership Committee meeting or the call of the Chairs upon consultation with any three other members of the Leadership Committee. The Co-Chairs of the Chapter shall set the time and place of each Leadership Committee meeting.
Section 6.4. Quorum
A majority of the members of the Leadership Committee shall constitute a quorum of the Leadership Committee.
Section 6.5. Removal and Vacancies
Any member of the Leadership Committee may be removed by the Leadership Committee for violation of the articles or bylaws of the Organization, or for conduct prejudicial to the best interests of DSA or Austin DSA, including malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, chronic absence, or undemocratic behavior.
The Leadership Committee must notify said member of its intention to vacate their position no less than five business days prior to the meeting at which such action will be voted on. The removal of the officer shall be made by motion and require a two-thirds majority of the Leadership Committee members present at the meeting. The motion shall state with particularity the reason for removal, with reference to specific acts.
Should any member of the Leadership Committee miss three or more consecutive Leadership Committee meetings, exclusive of Extraordinary Meetings, the Leadership Committee shall declare that position vacant, or excuse one or more absence by majority vote.
All vacancies, whether from removal, voluntary resignation, or otherwise, will be filled by majority vote of the Leadership Committee within 45 days.
Section 6.6. Recall of Officers
Elected and appointed officers of the Leadership Committee may be recalled by the membership at a membership meeting or membership convention. Recall shall be by motion and second, and a two-thirds vote of the membership at a meeting at which quorum has been established.
Article 7. Committees
Section 7.1. Project Committees
The Leadership Committee may establish and appoint members of temporary committees for the purpose of operating specific projects, campaigns, or other functions (“Project Committees”) at its discretion and by majority vote of the Leadership Committee at any Leadership Committee meeting at which there is a quorum. The Campaigns Coordinator shall be a member of all Project Committees. The Leadership Committee may by majority vote appoint the Campaigns Coordinator to be one of two co-chairs of any Project Committee to fill vacancies or address capacity needs. Project Committees shall abide to the extent possible by feminist process in their operations, as defined in Addendum 1 of these Bylaws.
Section 7.1.1. Project Committee Initial Membership
The Leadership Committee shall appoint the initial membership of a Project Committee from amongst its own membership, or volunteers of the general membership, or both, by majority vote. There shall be no fewer than one member of the Leadership Committee, exclusive of the Campaign(s) Coordinator, on a Project Committee. After this initial appointment, the Project Committee shall solicit volunteers from amongst the membership.
Section 7.1.2. Project Committee Purpose
The Leadership Committee shall define the purpose of the Project Committee in the motion by which the Project Committee is created.
Section 7.1.3. Project Committee Duration
The Leadership Committee shall define the duration of the Project Committee in the motion by which the Project Committee is created, and may extend the duration of the Project Committee by majority vote at any time prior to the expiration of that duration.
Section 7.1.4. Project Committee Standards
The Leadership Committee shall create standards and criteria for the creation of a Project Committee, with criteria for a Project Committee and instructions for the form of proposals for their creation
Section 7.1.5. Membership Initiation or Dissolution of a Project Committee
Members may initiate the creation or dissolution of a project committee for a specific purpose and duration by presenting a petition of twenty-five members at least ten days in advance of a membership meeting or convention, at which point the resolution will be considered for a vote.
Section 7.2. Standing Committees
The Standing Committees defined in these bylaws are permanent subcommittees of the Leadership Committee. The Committees shall be comprised of member volunteers and operate according to democratic principles and elect their leadership. Where applicable, certain Leadership Committee officers shall hold seats. The Standing Committees shall have no fewer than three members, except where otherwise indicated. Standing Committees shall abide to the fullest extent possible by feminist process in their operations, as defined in Addendum 1 of these Bylaws.
Section 7.2.1. Communications, Art, and Media Committee
The purpose of the Communications, Art, and Media Committee is to build and maintain the various lines of communication, both external and internal, of Austin DSA. In addition, the Communications, Art, and Media Committee will provide support for members to develop their artistic and rhetorical skills to serve the socialist movement. The Communications Committee shall have two co-chairs, at least one of whom shall be the Communications Coordinator.
Section 7.2.3. Internal Elections Committee
The Internal Elections Committee shall consist of no fewer than two members. One member of the Internal Elections Committee shall be the Secretary of the Chapter. The Internal Elections Committee shall manage the elections of the Leadership Committee, and for votes on the repeal or adoption of the Chapter Bylaws. It may manage the elections of Special Delegations, e.g., to the national Convention or to such regional DSA bodies or conventions that may be formally constituted. The Committee shall include in its operations provisions for election timelines, security, privacy, and certification of results.
Section 7.2.4. Political Education Committee
The Political Education Committee shall be comprised of no fewer than two members, and shall be responsible for the political education and policy research of the Chapter, including, without limitation, organizing education events and developing educational processes for use by the Project Committees and working groups. This Committee shall have two co-chairs, at least one of whom shall be the Political Education Coordinator of the Chapter.
Section 7.2.5. Logistics and Planning Committee
The Logistics and Planning Committee shall be responsible for managing Chapter supplies and planning logistics of Membership Meetings and the Membership Convention. At least one of the two Co-Chairs shall serve on this Committee. The membership of the Committee shall be comprised of volunteers from amongst the Leadership Committee and the general membership. The Committee shall have two co-chairs.
Section 7.2.6. Membership Engagement Committee
The Membership Engagement Committee shall be responsible for the oversight and implementation of a mobilizer system for purposes of recruiting, and onboarding new members, and further engaging existing members membership with the campaigns, projects, and general activity of Austin DSA in its striving to build socialist organization and power. The Membership Engagement Committee shall have two co-chairs, elected by the membership of the Committee, one of whom will be the Membership Engagement Coordinator.
Section 7.2.7. Electoral Committee
The Electoral Committee shall be responsible for coordinating the electoral activities and campaigns of the Chapter, including without limitation: (a) proactive electoral research for potential electoral campaigns led by Austin DSA; (b) creating endorsement procedures to be voted on by the Leadership Committee (including the creation and dissemination of endorsement questionnaires, candidate interviews, and producing endorsement recommendations to the chapter membership); and (c) organizing canvasses and other campaign activities for endorsed candidates. The Electoral Committee shall have two co-chairs, elected by the membership of the Committee, one of whom will be the Electoral Coordinator.
Section 7.3. Ad Hoc Committees
The Leadership Committee or the Co-Chairs may create and appoint members to ad hoc committees to handle specific administrative tasks or priorities of the Leadership Committee. The Leadership Committee shall define the specific purpose and duration of an ad hoc committee in writing at the time of creation.
Section 7.4. Caucuses
Caucuses are independent, self-organized formations of members of Austin DSA. Austin DSA encourages members to form caucuses to promote a vibrant democratic culture within the organization. Members may self-organize into temporary or permanent caucuses according to their shared interests, identities, or affinities for any purpose which is consistent with the values of the Democratic Socialists of America. Identity-based caucuses shall have access to chapter resources.
Article 8. Rules and Prohibited Activity
Section 8.1. Additional Governing Rules
In addition to Austin DSA’s certificate of formation and bylaws, the Leadership Committee may propose standing rules, special rules of order, and any other procedures governing Austin DSA which shall be effective upon their ratification by a majority of the members at any General Meeting, Special Meeting, or Membership Convention. The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern Austin DSA in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws, special rules of order, and any procedures approved by the members of this Chapter.
Section 8.2. Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when a matter to be acted upon by Austin DSA or the Leadership Committee confers a direct, substantial benefit to any Leadership Committee member. The Leadership Committee Member shall disclose the conflict in writing and it will be made public to the Chapter Members before the matter is discussed or voted on at a meeting. If the matter is before the Leadership Committee only it shall be made known to the Leadership Committee there before any discussion or vote may proceed. Chairpeople of committees will be subject to the same Conflict of Interest disclosure requirements.
Section 8.3. Conflict Resolution and Harassment Policy
Section 8.3.1. Form
Austin DSA adopts the Grievance and Harassment Policy adopted by DSA at the 2017 National Membership Convention (Resolution #33), attached as Addendum 2.
Section 8.3.2. Conduct of Members.
All members of Austin DSA have a right to participation and enjoyment of the rights and privileges of membership without interference, harassment, bullying, or uncomradely behavior. No member may engage in behavior that either in its purpose or effect creates a hostile environment that interferes with an individual’s capacity to organize within DSA; or, through its severity or persistence is intimidating, hostile, or offensive. Any code of conduct adopted by the national organization is in effect within Austin DSA.
Section 8.3.3. Mediation and Conflict Resolution.
Members may request, and where possible the Leadership Committee may facilitate, mediation for conflict resolution between members or groups of members. Where feasible professional mediation may be sought.
Section 8.3.4. Incorporation
Resolution #33 of the 2017 National DSA Membership Convention is incorporated fully to this Section as the policy of Austin DSA (Addendum 2), with the Leadership Committee serving the role of the Steering Committee referred to in the policy. The Leadership Committee will:
Vet and appoint at least two members to serve as the designated Harassment Grievance Officers (“HGOs”);
Determine term limits for HGOs and develop methods for removing an HGO for cause;
Establish an email address to function as a confidential reporting “hotline” that is only accessible by the HGOs;
Develop template forms both for reporting and responding to accusations of harassment in the form required by the Resolution; and
Handle complaints in the manner prescribed by the Resolution.
Article 9. Elections Process
Section 9.1. Score Voting
The membership shall use score voting for any election using a 0-2 scale. For each candidate, a voter may choose 0 to indicate disapproval, 1 to indicate neutral, or 2 to indicate approval of that candidate. The winner of an election conducted with score voting is the candidate with the highest score. A voter who casts an incomplete ballot (does not indicate a score for every candidate) will be assumed to have voted 0 for any unmarked candidates. When counting ballots which contain all votes not clearly indicating a 1 or 2 (e.g., a check or X), votes for a candidate shall be counted as the highest score on the scale.
Article 10. Amendments
Section 10.1. Notice of Proposed Amendments
Members wishing to amend these bylaws must submit such draft amendments (a “Draft Amendment Petition”) to the Co-Chairs and Secretary twenty-one days in advance of regularly scheduled General Meetings or the Membership Convention. The Draft Amendment Petition shall be signed by a Proponent plus thirty-five members of the Chapter. Discussion and a vote upon such amendments shall be listed on the membership meeting or membership convention agenda which is communicated to the membership ten days in advance of the meeting. The Co-Chairs and Secretary, or an ad hoc committee convened for this purpose, may consolidate substantively similar draft amendments. To ensure robust debate and economy of time, no more than five proposed amendments, chosen by the Co-Chairs and Secretary or the ad hoc committee created for this purpose, may be considered in one meeting.
Section 10.2. Bylaw Changes
These bylaws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a two-thirds vote of the meeting of the membership at which there is a quorum, and where proposed amendments meet criteria in Section 1 above.
With unanimous approval the Leadership Committee may make non-substantive edits to the bylaws to address issues relating to formatting, readability, spelling, grammar, etc.
Section 10.2.1. Notification of Changes to Bylaws
Austin DSA members must be notified within thirty days of any changes to these bylaws.
Article 11. Jurisdiction
The Austin DSA area shall be Austin, Texas and Central Texas from Waco to San Marcos. The core area of Austin DSA will include Austin/Travis County, Bastrop County, Williamson County, Burnet County, Blanco County, Hays County, and Caldwell County. Austin DSA will accept members from the Waco, Temple, and Killeen areas until such time as DSA members in those locations form DSA Organizing Committees.
Article 12. Indemnification and Insurance.
The Leadership Committee may indemnify and hold harmless any officer of the organization to the maximum extent allowed by [Charitable Liability and Immunity Act, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem Code Sec 84]. If it elects to provide indemnification under this Article, the organization shall follow the procedures described in [Charitable Liability and Immunity Act, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem Code Sec 84]. Further, the organization shall indemnify and advance expenses to an officer who is party to a proceeding because they are or were an officer of the organization, except for:
(i) Liability in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the organization other than for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding; or
(ii) Liability arising out of conduct that constitutes:
Receipt by the officer of a financial benefit to which the officer is not entitled;
an intentional infliction of harm on the organization or the members; or
an intentional violation of criminal law.
ADDENDUM 1. FEMINIST PROCESS
The principles of feminist process for holding decision-making meetings and discussions includes the following principles:
Respect the Facilitator(s). Members should be aware of the facilitator(s) and their responsibility to ensure a comradely and productive meeting.
Identify Goals and Objectives for the Meeting. Friction is more likely where meetings do not have clear purposes and outcomes, so agendas should state what the objectives and goals of a particular meeting are.
“Share the Air.” Members should be aware of how often they are speaking or interjecting, and make an effort to save their comments or questions if they are interrupting or dominating the conversation.
Make “I” Statements. Rather than objective assertions, statements framed as “I think…” and “I feel….” and “In my experience…” should be used in political discussions.
Address Behavior, Not Individuals. If the course of a conversation or discussion has become contentious, address the behavior causing the problem rather than attack the individual(s) involved.
Do Not Be Afraid to Apologize or Ask for an Apology. Comrades should be comfortable asking for resolution through apology, and comrades should freely offer apologies with the understanding that cooperation is built through mutual understanding and trust.
Do Not Assign Motives. Assuming good faith includes not assuming you understand other people’s motives for taking or supporting a particular position.
Mindfulness of Jargon. Everyone should feel comfortable expressing themselves- try to avoid use of jargon or in-group speak.
ADDENDUM 2 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA: HARASSMENT POLICY
Democratic Socialists of America is committed to creating a space that is welcoming and inclusive to members of all genders, races, and classes. The following policy provides guidelines to ensure that everyone is able to organize without fear of harassment, abuse, or harm.
Scope
Prohibited behavior. Members shall not engage in harassment on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical appearance, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, class, age, or profession. Harassing or abusive behavior, such as unwelcome attention, inappropriate or offensive remarks, slurs, or jokes, physical or verbal intimidation, stalking, inappropriate physical contact or proximity, and other verbal and physical conduct constitute harassment when:
Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a member’s continued affiliation with DSA;
Submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for organizational decisions affecting such individual; or
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile environment interfering with an individual’s capacity to organize within DSA.
Other protected classes. Harassment based on categories not encompassed by those listed in section (a) will be evaluated at the discretion of the HGO and Steering Committee representatives.
Reporting Harassment
Complaints. Members may follow the standard DSA complaint process as set out in the following sections if they believe they have been harassed by another member. There will be no time limits requiring the accuser to file a report within any amount of time after the alleged harassment has occurred.
Harassment Grievance Officers. Members filing a formal complaint must contact a DSA harassment grievance officer (“HGO”).
Each DSA chapter with over one hundred members will:
Vet and appoint at least two members to serve as the designated HGO(s); and
Determine term limits for HGO(s) and develop methods for removing HGO(s) for cause.
Chapters with one hundred or fewer members will direct all grievance complaints through the national HGO.
DSA National will:
Vet and appoint at least one staff member to serve as the designated national HGO;
Determine appropriate training requirements for HGOs;
Determine term limits for HGO(s) and develop methods for removing HGO(s) for cause.
Each DSA chapter with over one hundred members and DSA National will:
Establish an email address to function as a confidential reporting “hotline” that is only accessible by the HGO(s); and
Develop template forms both for reporting and responding to accusations of harassment that include:
The parties’ contact information
The names of the parties involved
A description of reported incident
Develop template forms for appealing the form of relief determined by Steering Committee that include the grounds of the appeal.
Each DSA chapter and DSA National will have these structures in place no later than July 1, 2018.
Reporting procedure and timeline.
After a written report has been submitted--whether through the email hotline or otherwise:
The HGO(s) responsible for the reporting channel used by the accuser will contact the accused member within seven days to notify them that a report has been filed against them and request a written response to the report either affirming or denying its substance;
The accused will submit their written response within seven days of being notified. If the accused does not meet this deadline, the HGO will recommend the Steering Committee move to take appropriate disciplinary action;
If the accused denies the substance of the report, the HGO overseeing the dispute will have the option to investigate the report by:
interviewing other members with direct knowledge of the substance of the report;
requesting documentation from either the accuser or accused or any other parties directly involved; or
employing any and all other means deemed necessary, with the utmost respect for the confidentiality of the parties, within a time period not to exceed ten days.
The HGO(s) responsible for adjudicating the dispute will determine whether the report is credible and, if necessary, make a recommendation to Steering Committee of appropriate disciplinary action as soon as practicable, but ultimately within thirty days of the report being filed. This is to ensure the timely, efficient, accurate, and discreet adjudication of all reports. The HGO(s) may notify Steering of the accuser’s report and its substance at any time after the report is filed, but must give written notice to both the accuser and the accused member before doing so.
HGO responsibilities. The HGO(s) will:
Receive, acknowledge receipt of, and archive accuser reports;
Contact the accused to notify them of the accusations, request their written response, and archive any written response;
Conduct any necessary investigation of the claim; and
Present their findings to the Steering Committee with a written report and, if necessary, a recommendation for disciplinary action.
If necessary, HGO(s) may recommend that parties do not contact each other for the duration of the investigative process.
Compile a yearly report that details:
How many reports were made
How many were taken to the disciplinary process
How many disciplinary actions were taken
Any recommended changes for making the reporting system more effective
This report will not include personally identifying information of any parties in any dispute. The local HGO(s) will send the yearly report to the national HGO(s) no later than January 1 of the new year.
Remedies and penalties
Determinations
All reports will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the HGO(s) and Steering Committee associated with the accuser’s reporting channel. The ultimate disposition of each report will be made by the chapter’s Steering Committee or, in the case of DSA National, the NPC, after that body reviews the written report and recommendation of the HGO(s).
Standard for Determining if a Report is Credible.
The chapter’s Steering Committee or, in the case of DSA National, the NPC will find the factual allegation in a report is "credible" if it more-likely-than-not occurred.
Remedies and Penalties.
If a chapter’s Steering Committee or, in the case of DSA National, the NPC finds the report to be credible, they are authorized to carry out the following remedies and penalties:
A formal discussion between the accused and the Steering Committee to develop a plan to change the harassing behavior(s);
Suspension from committee meetings and other chapter or organizational events;
Removal from chapter committee(s);
Removal from DSA; and
Any and all other relief deemed necessary and just by the chapter or national leadership.
If a local chapter has established suspension or expulsion procedures, Steering Committee is authorized to enforce these remedies and penalties in accordance with those procedures.
If the local chapter does not have established suspension or expulsion procedures, they will adopt the procedures outlined in Article III, Section 4 of the DSA Constitution and Article I, Section 3 of DSA bylaws.
The NPC majority required in these procedures will instead by a Steering Committee majority
Local chapters that lack these procedures shall have suspension and expulsion procedures in place by July 1, 2018.
DSA national is authorized to enforce certain remedies and penalties in accordance with Article III, Section 4 of the DSA Constitution and Article I, Section 3 of DSA Bylaws
Removal from DSA; and
Any and all other relief deemed necessary and just by the chapter or national leadership.
The appropriate form of relief will be determined by, among other things:
The request of the accuser;
The severity of the offense;
The response of the accused; and
The accused’s relevant behavioral histories.
Appeals process. Either party may appeal the form of relief determined by Steering Committee by filling out appellate form created by the accuser’s reporting channel. Appeals must be filed within thirty days of receiving written notice of the Steering Committee’s decision. The limited grounds for appeal are:
Either party believes the behavior was not interpreted using the standards for harassment set out in Section 1a;
Procedural errors, misconduct, or conflicts of interest affected the fairness of the outcome; and
The remedy or penalty determined by Steering was grossly disproportionate to the violation committed
Retaliation. This policy prohibits retaliation against any member for bringing a complaint of harassment pursuant to this policy. This policy also prohibits retaliation against a person who assists someone with a complaint of harassment, or participates in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Retaliatory behaviors includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse actions related to organizing. If any party to the complaint believes there has been retaliation, they may inform the HGO who will determine whether to factor the retaliation into the original complaint, or treat it as an individual incident.