General Membership Meeting: Jul. 14, 2018

East Bay DSA General Membership Meeting, July 14, 2018

This is a general meeting of the East Bay DSA membership. Chairing the meeting is Graham D. The recording secretary is present and documenting the minutes.

The meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m.

Welcome Introduction

The meeting began with opening statements by Zach M., co-chair of East Bay DSA.

Committee Reports and Announcements

Following the opening statements were committee reports and announcements, as introduced by Graham D., who chaired the meeting. This included oral reports from the following committees: Electoral Campaigns, Medicare for All Campaign, Social Housing Campaign, Member Engagement, Political Engagement, Labor, and the Steering Committee.

Following the committee reports, an announcement was made by member Michael K. related to the upcoming "Rise for Climate, Jobs and Justice" action.

Ordering of Resolutions

Following the committee reports and announcements, the chair opened the floor for discussion and amendment to the ordering of resolutions on the agenda.

The ordering was contested, amended, and then approved by a majority vote. The resulting ordering was as follows.

Establishing an EBDSA Code of Conduct

Resolution to Prioritize the Campaigns to Repeal Costa-Hawkins and Elect Jovanka Beckles

Resolution Establishing an Electoral Endorsements Process

Resolution to Support Cat Brooks for Oakland Mayor 2018

Resolution for Monthly General Meetings

Resolution to Endorse the National Prison Strike

Bylaws: Switch from Robert’s Rules to Democracy 2.0

Bylaws: Transformative Justice and Justice Commission

Establishing an East Bay DSA Code of Conduct

Following the approval of ordering for resolutions, members Frances R. and Ashley P. motivated the following resolution.

Submitted by Frances R., Megan S., Jamie G., Ashley P., and Kara M.

Whereas, we should all treat each other well to create a safe, supportive and welcoming community of organizers,

Whereas, EBDSA members come from all walks of life, and stating our collective values is important to building shared trust and understanding,

Whereas, Resolution 33 of the 2017 DSA national convention requires us to adopt conflict resolution procedures by July 2018,

Therefore Be It Resolved, the general membership of EBDSA adopts the Guidelines for Comradely Behavior listed below to help model that supportive environment, and

Be it Further Resolved, EBDSA adopts the Code of Conduct below to explain the minimal acceptable standards to which members must adhere within EBDSA, and

Be it Further Resolved, future changes to this document may be made by a majority vote of the general membership, in keeping with standard use of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Code of Conduct

As comrades in struggle, we as DSA members must commit to actively dismantling the social structures of domination and oppression. Members may not in behavior or speech reinforce systems of oppression including but not limited to class, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, body size and physical appearance, dis/ability, race, ethnicity, caste, color, religion, immigration status or national origin, or age.

The following will not be tolerated:

Harassment in-person, online, or via any form of communication. Examples of harassment and abusive behavior can be physical or verbal. They include but are not limited to: slurs, hate speech, unwanted sexual advances, intimidation, stalking, and inappropriate physical contact.

Intentional and sustained disruptions of EBDSA conversations and events.

Recording or sharing EBDSA members’ personal information, including photos, video, personal communications or personally identifying information, without consent. The organizers of public chapter meetings will make reasonable accommodations for attendees who do not want to be photographed or recorded.

Misuse of chapter resources, such as misappropriation of funds or materials, misuse or unauthorized access or use of official chapter communications, or chapter data.

Misrepresenting EBDSA, such as by speaking as an official representative of the chapter without permission from the EBDSA steering committee or membership, using EBDSA membership to campaign for public office without the chapter’s endorsement, or misrepresenting the official positions of the chapter. Members are not limited in their ability to publicly identify themselves as DSA members or to articulate their own beliefs as socialists.

This code of conduct is enforced as described in the East Bay DSA Bylaws.

Appointed Grievance Officers work with the Steering Committee to hear and investigate formal complaints of member misconduct. You can place a complaint by contacting either a Grievance Officer [grievance@eastbaydsa.org] or a member of the Steering Committee.

Your complaint will be kept confidential.

After debate, the resolution PASSED by a majority vote.

Resolution to Prioritize the Campaigns to Repeal Costa-Hawkins and Elect Jovanka Beckles

The following resolution was motivated by member Jack M, and the “Therefores” portion of the document were read aloud, following a successful motion asking the motivator to do so.

Submitted by Jack M, Keith B-B, Abigail G-G, Richard M, and Megan S

Whereas

East Bay DSA passed a Priorities Resolution at the April 2018 convention that commits to a strategic orientation grounded in class struggle and mass action; to prioritizing campaigns that mobilize the broadest possible segment of the working class and give socialists the opportunity to grow class consciousness, spread our ideas, and put DSA organizers in close collaboration with working people and their organizations; to joining the fight to repeal Costa-Hawkins through a ballot measure and demand social housing as the only way to end homelessness and displacement; and to engaging in electoral organizing that builds the power and militancy of the working class.

And whereas

Most Americans only pay attention to politics during election season, and as such we see electoral organizing as a key opportunity to engage tens of thousands of workers and:

(a) Develop the class consciousness of working people and their receptivity to

socialist ideas by waging open conflict with the forces, organizations, ideologies, and politicians of the capitalist class;

(b) Collaborate with other working-class forces and progressive organizations to build an organic social base for socialist politics;

(c) Elect progressive, working-class, anti-corporate, and, whenever possible, democratic socialist politicians to office such that they may use their offices as insurgent platforms to advance class-struggle and socialist politics and to organize a growing working-class movement; and

(d) Build the capacity of DSA and its members to wage effective political struggle.

And whereas

East Bay DSA overwhelmingly endorsed both Jovanka Beckles for Assembly District 15 on October 29th 2017, and the ballot measure to repeal Costa-Hawkins (the Affordable Housing Act) on February 25th 2018. Beckles, a union member, open democratic socialist and DSA member, and veteran of the Richmond Progressive Alliance, has fought against Chevron, real estate interests, and mass incarceration, alongside a diverse array of working-class and progressive organizations. The Bay Area housing crisis has galvanized workers; repealing Costa-Hawkins and instituting universal rent control and affordable housing a core planks of her campaign. Beckles used the primary campaign to build support for single-payer healthcare and SB562, taxing corporations to save public education, and empowering workers and their unions, while advancing socialist ideas.

Beckles’s opponent in the general election is Buffy Wicks, a former Hillary Clinton campaign strategist who is already backed by hundreds of thousands of dollars from Walmart investors, tech billionaire Ron Conway, and real estate and charter school interests. Likewise, landlords and developers will spend enormous sums of money to defeat the Costa-Hawkins repeal. And in both cases, the corporate media and the Democratic Party political establishment will oppose us viciously.

As with Medicare for All, the fight to repeal Costa-Hawkins and to elect Jovanka Beckles is a perfect opportunity to introduce class politics to millions: opposed by banks, fossil fuel companies, landlords, insurance companies, and charter school investors, workers and socialists must unite to fight and win a world that places the well-being of the many over the profits of the few.

These campaigns are particularly important at this moment because, while smaller city council or rent board races might be easier to win, the state government preempts the power of cities to institute rent control through Costa-Hawkins, and bleeds our cities’ public schools of funding by exempting corporations of billions in taxes.

And whereas

East Bay DSA played an essential role in getting Jovanka Beckles into the general election. We mobilized hundreds of volunteers who knocked thousands of doors and made thousands of phone calls. Beckles won second place in the June 5th primary with a narrow lead, thanks to DSA’s efforts. Through the primary campaign, we won over a mass audience to socialist politics while encouraging Beckles and Gayle McLaughlin to champion democratic socialist ideas throughout their campaigns.

And whereas

We have an unprecedented opportunity to repeal Costa-Hawkins and elect a democratic socialist legislator rooted in working-class movements. In these campaigns we can make a clear distinction between a new movement-based, working-class politics for the many and the profit-driven status quo that benefits only the few. However, these campaigns will be difficult to win. East Bay DSA has limited resources, and we must employ these in a strategic and focused fashion — by focusing on these two campaigns through the November election — if we are going to advance our political priorities and have a meaningful impact on the world.

Therefore be it resolved

I. East Bay DSA shall make the Repeal Costa-Hawkins campaign and the campaign to elect Jovanka Beckles to the State Assembly a top political priority from now until November 6th. East Bay DSA’s Medicare for All Committee, Social Housing Committee, and Electoral Committee shall focus on these campaigns. East Bay DSA will continue its other major ongoing activities, such as our Socialist Night School, understanding that our primary objective is to educate our members and the public about socialism while ultimately building a majoritarian movement for democratic socialism.

II. East Bay DSA shall use these campaigns as vehicles to advance our political priorities, including using the Costa-Hawkins repeal campaign to educate renters, workers and the general public about the need for social housing. We will use Beckles’s campaign as an opportunity to fight for Medicare for All and strong unions, and fight against school privatization, deportations, fossil fuel infrastructure projects, and more.

III. This shall not preclude other urgent political activity that we may undertake, such as mobilizations in solidarity with immigrants or in support of worker organizing. Where possible, we shall connect those activities to the campaigns to repeal Costa-Hawkins and elect Jovanka Beckles.

After debate and amendment, the resolution PASSED by a majority vote.

Recess

Following a disruption to the meeting by two non-members, a five-minute recess was approved by vote of the membership. The meeting recessed at 2:40 p.m. and resumed at 2:45 p.m.

Resolution Establishing an Electoral Endorsements Process

The following resolution was motivated by members Sandy B and Jamie G.

Submitted by Sandy B., Jamie G., Melissa M., Matt B., Charlie H., and Richard M.

Whereas the Electoral Committee, per the Resolution to Disband and Establish Committees and Adopt Committee Guidelines and the Resolution Establishing and Electoral Endorsements Subcommittee, is responsible for initiating and overseeing endorsement processes the chapter undertakes through the November 2018 endorsement cycle;

Whereas the 2018 East Bay DSA chapter convention approved the chapter’s priorities for the year, including electoral organizing as a tactic to mobilize in favor of and win universal social programs and to build the power and militancy of the working class;

Whereas the 2018 elections present strategic opportunities to advance our work by supplementing the local healthcare, housing, and education campaign work that is already underway;

And whereas we seek to establish an endorsement process in time for membership to debate, deliberate and vote on endorsements for the November 2018 election.

Therefore be it resolved that

1. East Bay DSA shall form an Electoral Endorsements Subcommittee of the Electoral Committee, open to all members of the Electoral Committee;
2. In consideration of East Bay DSA’s April 2018 Priorities Resolution and the endorsement criteria established below, this subcommittee shall be empowered to evaluate the strategic potential for officially adopting or publicly advocating to our members any proposal related to electoral campaign work before the Nov 6, 2018 general election;
3. The subcommittee will develop a questionnaire and base its recommendations off of the candidate or ballot campaign’s answers. These answers along with the candidate’s or campaigns ability to secure a member sponsor will be included in the decision whether or not to propose endorsement to membership;

Therefore be it further resolved that

The Endorsements Subcommittee will recommend the chapter make an endorsement only if they meet the following criteria:

1. Candidates for office are vocal supporters of single-payer healthcare, the Costa-Hawkins repeal, progressive taxation, and are vocal opponents of school privatization;
2. The candidate, or ballot campaign committee, accept no corporate campaign donations nor financial support from corporate PACs, and are experienced in waging open struggle against capitalist interests;
3. They are rooted in and supported by significant working-class forces and by working-class and progressive organizations;
4. As such East Bay DSA can, through campaigning for these candidates or initiatives, collaborate with working-class and progressive organizations to spread class consciousness and socialist ideas to thousands or tens of thousands, growing an organic social base for our politics.
5. Ballot Initiatives will be evaluated by the direct impact they would have in advancing EBDSA’s priorities should they be enacted into law, and criteria 3 & 4 above.

And that the East Bay DSA Endorsements Subcommittee is more likely to recommend candidates who meet the following criteria:

1. They openly identify as socialists and employ anti-capitalist rhetoric, especially in campaign materials and public communications;
2. They are dues-paying members of DSA; and
3. They openly and regularly participate in DSA activities.

After debate, the resolution PASSED by a majority vote.

Resolution in Support of Cat Brooks for Oakland Mayor 2018

Extension of the meeting time by 30 minutes, to end at 4:00 p.m., was approved by vote of the membership. Following extension of time, member Michael K. motivated the following resolution.

Submitted by Michael K., Dan E., Emily C., Khawer K., Susan C., Susan S., and William O.

Whereas, the economic, political, educational, housing, homeless, health and public safety crises in Oakland are continuing to grow with no decrease in sight, and

Whereas, these crises require an organized political response to make any progress on solving them, and

Whereas, the political and economic ruling class of Oakland have ignored the voices and needs of the working class, people of color, and people living in Oakland’s lowest-income communities, and

Whereas, Cat Brooks is running for Mayor of Oakland (www.catbrooksforoakland.com) as a champion for those ignored communities, and

Whereas, a coalition of forces from the labor movement, the faith community, the housing activist community, the educational community, and the anti-police terror activist community, the environmental justice community, and the organized homeless community have come out in support of Cat Brooks, and

Whereas, the recent primary, showing the strength of Pamela Price for District Attorney in Oakland's flatland neighborhoods, demonstrates that a progressive Black candidate can carry Oakland, and

Whereas, Cat Brooks is well-known in Oakland as cofounder of the Anti Police-Terror Project, has led the National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, has led Oakland’s Black Lives Matter movement, has been arrested for civil disobedience in response to Mayor Schaaf’s repression of the 2015 street demonstrations, all while Cat has starred in theatrical productions, and been a KPFA journalist, and

Whereas, her positions cover many of the important issues that EB DSA is concerned about including health care, housing, homelessness public safety, police accountability, anti-racism, support of sanctuary for all, and protecting public education against the onslaught of private charter school money, and

Whereas, Cat Brooks publicly supported, donated to, and worked for Jovanka Beckles during her primary election for AD 15, and is supporting Jovanka in her campaign against Buffy Wicks, and

Whereas, Cat Brooks’ goal is to "organize the masses of Oakland who can’t afford to purchase power in city hall" by bringing to Oakland a platform that lifts up the voices and needs of our most marginalized communities. She say that all along the way we’ll be registering voters - those in traditional housing and those whose homes are on the streets, transporting un-housed people to the polls, making sure that the people inside North County and Santa Rita jail who are eligible to vote have ballots, thus guaranteeing that this election will be determined by the organized masses.

Therefore Be It Resolved, that the EB DSA membership endorses Cat Brooks for Mayor of Oakland in 2018, and

Be It Further Resolved, that the EB DSA membership urges the Steering Committee and Electoral Committee to encourage EB DSA members in Oakland to work for Cat Brooks for Mayor, and

Be It Further Resolved, that EB DSA will endeavor to forge lasting links and relationships with the many individuals and organizations forming in coalition to elect Cat Brooks for Mayor in 2018.

During debate, an amendment was made and the resolution was TABLED by a majority vote of the membership.

Resolution to Establish Monthly General Membership Meetings

The following resolution was motivated by members Aaron H. and Dominic D.

Submitted by Aaron H., Dominic D., Maia A., Andy C., and David G.

WHEREAS transparency and democratic governance are fundamental and indispensable principles of democratic socialism and of DSA in particular;

WHEREAS our chapter’s Priority Resolution recognizes that “In order to continue growing, East Bay DSA must become more diverse, continue to cultivate our members' political capabilities, and engage a higher percentage of our membership in political and democratic participation.”;

WHEREAS General Membership Meetings (GMMs) are a cornerstone of internal democracy in EBDSA, allowing members to oversee the work of the chapter as a whole, join in informed debate on our policies and strategy, build solidarity across our complex and diverse organization, and ensure open communication and accountability from elected leaders;

WHEREAS our membership has grown familiar with the form and function of general meetings, and has effectively deliberated and ruled on major questions facing the organization in the past year;

WHEREAS bi-monthly meetings have been inadequate for providing sufficient time to discuss, deliberate, and decide on the wide scope of activity affecting the diverse body of the chapter and the communities in which it resides;

WHEREAS monthly meetings at a regular place and predictable time can substantially reduce the burdens of turnout and organizing, simplify advertising and flyering, offer a reliable, low-stakes entry point for new or prospective members, and help to establish the chapter as a visible community institution;

WHEREAS EBDSA’s Resolutions Committee and Meetings Committee can provide a stable, sustainable apparatus for planning and executing GMMs;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Steering Committee shall schedule monthly GMMs beginning in September 2018 which, barring holiday or exceptional event, shall take place at a fixed time and weekend of each month, and at a fixed location, all of which shall be recommended by the Meetings Committee, and which shall be superseded on the calendar only by the annual Convention;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that monthly meetings shall include reports to the membership from the Steering Committee and standing committees, deliberation and voting on resolutions, announcements from members, and may include presentations from coalition allies and other guests, and formalized debates on issues of particular importance;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Meetings Committee shall develop the procedures and processes necessary for implementing meetings on a monthly basis, including but not limited to budgets, logistics and turnout, and shall collaborate with relevant committees whenever responsibilities overlap;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resolutions Committee shall develop a process for crafting monthly agendas capable of incorporating a variety of programming;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution supersedes the Member Meetings Proposal of September 17, 2017.

After debate, the resolution PASSED by a majority vote.

Adjourment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Unfinished Business

The following resolution and proposed amendments to the bylaws remain as unfinished business.

Resolution to Endorse the National Prison Strike

Submitted by Emily C., Rosa A., Derek R., Noah K.-R., Olivia M.-G., Graham C., Kelsey J., Hasan A., Dominic D., Maia A., Liz C., Kate G., Liz F., and Will O.

Whereas, as socialists, the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America are committed to supporting working class struggle and recognize the ways mass incarceration and militarized policing allows capitalism to absorb the poor and working class without the consequence of political destabilization that mass poverty can bring;

Whereas, as socialists, we are committed to the struggle against racism in all its forms as part of the project of unifying the diverse working class and winning the fight to end capitalism. We are committed to fighting for concrete gains in the lives of all working people and reject the racist and patriarchal capitalism of our current society;

Whereas, as socialists, we recognize the centrality and importance of struggles within the prison system in not only improving the lives of oppressed people, but in building their power;

Whereas, incarcerated prison organizers have called from behind the walls for a “National Prison Strike” from August 21 to Sept 9, 2018, issued a set of demands and guidelines and requested outside support (1).

Whereas, the national demands set forth by incarcerated prison organizers include both the abolition of prison slavery, and the enfranchisement of voting rights for all confined citizens serving prison sentences, pretrial detainees, and so-called “ex-felons” (1).

Whereas, the DSA has previously resolved to call for the total abolition of police and prisons, and the East Bay DSA has previously resolved to support both labor struggles and electoral organizing which build the power and militancy of the working class (2).

Let it be resolved, that the East Bay DSA endorses the National Prison Strike, and that it's name should be added to the list of endorsing organizations.

Let it be further resolved, that the East Bay DSA pledges support for the National Prison Strike, and will encourage members and caucuses to engage in material support work, including but not limited to the formation of anti-repression phone trees to engage in campaigns against facilities retaliating against inside organizers and strike participants.

Bylaws: Switch from Robert’s Rules to Democracy 2.0

Tabled from Convention, motivated by Sergio G. and Kate M.

The proposed bylaws are more than 1,000 words shorter than the current ones, but introduce a 700+ page book of extra rules and content from the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. At 700+ pages, Robert’s Rules is far too formal, rigid and complex to be practical for everyday use. Those who dive into the tome rarely understand it. Certainly no one but a professional parliamentarian can be expected to master it.

The latest edition of Democracy 2.0 Rules of Order contains only 37 pages. It is pragmatic and simple. It keeps what works and throws out the rest. It’s the accessible, user-friendly rules of order system that anyone can navigate and empower our members to have an active participation in our meetings.

Additionally, they are online freely available for everyone to download https://goo.gl/MkWkLV, which is a easy to read and searchable pdf. For more details see http://solonacademy.com/ democracy20/

We shouldn’t assume that Robert’s Rules are good or useful for our Chapter without good understanding of them, and just using them because many organizations (like the Democratic Party or the Republican Party) do shouldn’t be a good enough reason for a our Chapter to use them.

Amending the ByLaws should follow the same simple requirements and allow the Chapter to adapt its ByLaws as needed.

“The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” Audre Lorde

Article VI. Meetings

Section 5. Rules

All rules covering the conduct of Chapter meetings that are not detailed in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be set by the Steering Committee or a committee it appoints for that purpose.

Article VI - Meetings: We shall delete “Section 5. Rules” in its entirety.

Article VI. Meetings.

[Section 5 is deleted]

Article VII. Parliamentary Authority.

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order which the Chapter may adopt.

We shall replace Article VII in its entirety: Article VII. Rules of the Local Chapter. All meetings of East Bay DSA shall be conducted according to the latest edition of the Democracy 2.0 Rules of Order for Everyday Democrats (the Rules of Order), except in specific cases where the Rules of Order are inconsistent with and thereby superseded by these Bylaws, the Bylaws of the National DSA, or any special rules of order which the Chapter may adopt.

Article VII. Rules of the Local Chapter.

All meetings of East Bay DSA shall be conducted according to the latest edition of the Democracy 2.0 Rules of Order for Everyday Democrats (the Rules of Order), except in specific cases where the Rules of Order are inconsistent with and thereby superseded by these Bylaws, the Bylaws of the National DSA, or any special rules of order which the Chapter may adopt.

Article VIII. Amendments.

These bylaws shall be amended at any regular meeting of the Chapter by a two-thirds vote, provided that they are agendized on no less than two general or special meetings and that notice to the membership of the amendment has been given fourteen days in advance.

We shall add replace the following provision from Article VIII as follows:

Replace

These bylaws shall be amended at any regular meeting of the Chapter by a two thirds vote, provided that they are agendized on no less than two general or special meetings and that notice to the membership of the amendment has been given fourteen days in advance.

With

These bylaws shall be amended at any regular meeting of the Chapter by a majority vote, provided that they are agendized on no less than one general or special meeting and that notice to the membership of the amendment has been given fourteen days in advance.

Article VIII. Amendments.

These bylaws shall be amended at any regular meeting of the Chapter by a majority vote, provided that they are agendized on no less than one general or special meeting and that notice to the membership of the amendment has been given fourteen days in advance.

Bylaws: Transformative Justice and Justice Commission

Postponed from Convention, motivated by Antonio B.-H.

We seek to reaffirm and move beyond the commitment to restorative justice in our current bylaws and move toward transformative justice. Transformative justice looks at not just the individual, but also relies on a systems approach in treating offenses. It is a good model for our chapter because of the emphasis on ending current harm and the prevention of harmful patterns.

We create an elected independent body to handle conflict resolution and member discipline. The current bylaws committee proposal assigns the Steering Committee the role of prosecutor, judge and jury. To minimize conflicts of interest, we separate these roles with a member outside of the Commission needing to begin proceedings, and the Commission managing the process.

In a survey conducted of chapters, we note that the majority of DSA chapters put disciplinary measures to the general membership instead of the Steering Committee. Out of concern for the privacy for any aggrieved parties, however, we believe that an independent elected body better balances competing objectives.

Article II, Section 2: Member Discipline, Suspension or Expulsion

Delete Article II, Section 2 in its entirety.

Text in next row deleted

Pursuant to Article III, Section 4 of the National DSA constitution, the Steering Committee shall have the power to suspend or expel members from the Chapter. Members can be disciplined, suspended or expelled if they:

• are found to have harassed or acted violently against another member;
• are found to have taken action in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of the organization;
• consistently engage in undemocratic, disruptive behavior or behavior in violation of the member code of conduct (with a membership code of conduct to be determined by a membership vote; or
• are found to be engaged in coordinated and destructive entryist behavior on behalf of an outside organization.

Members facing suspension or expulsion must receive written notice of charges against them, and be given an opportunity to respond to the charges, at least seven days before the Steering Committee makes a decision regarding discipline. A two-thirds vote is required to suspend or expel a member. Only the Steering Committee will have the power to suspend or expel a member from the Chapter.

Article III: Officers

Section 1. Officers and Duties

Replace the name of Article III with “Elected Members.”

Replace the name of Section 1 with “Elected Members and Duties.”

Article III: Elected Members

Section 1. Elected Members and Duties

Article III: Officers

Section 1. Officers and Duties

Add text to create a new paragraph. Subject to Article [XI], there shall be five members (collectively, the “Justice Commission”) responsible for wholly managing the Chapter’s discipline and transformative justice processes, including fairly adjudicating disagreements between members, groups of members and Committees within the Chapter.

Section 2. Nomination Procedure

All officers of the Chapter shall be elected at the Chapter’s annual Convention. Nominations for all officers must be submitted to the outgoing Steering Committee in advance of the Convention. Any member in good standing may nominate another member in good standing, but not themselves, for elected position in the Chapter.

We shall add the following words to Section 2:

“and members of the Justice Commission”

All officers of the Chapter and members of the Justice Commission shall be elected at the Chapter’s annual Convention. Nominations for all officers and members of the Justice Commission must be submitted to the outgoing Steering Committee in advance of the Convention. Any member in good standing may nominate another member in good standing, but not themselves, for elected position in the Chapter.

Section 3. Ballot election, Term of Office, Removal from Office

The officers of the Chapter shall be elected at the annual Chapter convention to serve for one year or until their successors are elected, and their term of office shall begin one month after the close of the convention at which they are elected. Elections shall be organized by an Election Committee appointed by the Steering Committee. Members of the Election Committee shall be ineligible in these elections. There shall be a vote by secret ballot for each contested office using a system of ranked-choice voting, also called preferential voting, as described in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. Officers may be removed from office at the pleasure of the membership by a two-thirds vote.

We shall add the following words to Section 3:

“and members of the Justice Commission”

“separated by categories for officers, on the one hand, and members of the Justice Commission, on the other”

The officers of the Chapter and members of the Justice Commission shall be elected at the annual Chapter convention to serve for one year or until their successors are elected, and their term of office shall begin one month after the close of the convention at which they are elected. Elections shall be organized by an Election Committee appointed by the Steering Committee. Members of the Election Committee shall be ineligible in these elections. There shall be a vote by secret ballot for each contested office using a system of ranked-choice voting, also called preferential voting, as described in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, separated by categories for officers, on the one hand, and members of the Justice Commission, on the other. Officers and members of the Justice Commission may be removed from office at the pleasure of the membership by a two-thirds vote.

Section 4. Term Limits

No member shall hold more than one office at a time, and no member shall be eligible to serve more than three consecutive terms in any combination of elected offices on the Steering Committee.

We shall add the following words to Section 4:

“or Justice Commission”

No member shall hold more than one office at a time, and no member shall be eligible to serve more than three consecutive terms in any combination of elected offices on the Steering Committee or Justice Commission.

ARTICLE [XI]. Transformative Justice.

Section 2. Conflict Resolution.

The Justice Commission is responsible for fairly adjudicating disagreements between members, groups of members and Committees within the Chapter. This shall include developing and overseeing an accountable and fair mechanism of conflict resolution. Such resolutions shall be guided by the principles, values, and practices of transformative justice, such as those outlined by the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective.

Section 3. Member Discipline.

i. The discipline of a member may only be initiated through a request of another member not on the Justice Commission. Such initiation must include written charges against the member in question.

ii. Pursuant to Article III, Section 4 of the National DSA Constitution, and subject to Resolution #33, passed at the DSA 2017 National Convention; this Section 2; and this Section 3(iii)-(v), the Justice Commission shall be responsible for wholly managing the Chapter’s discipline and transformative justice processes.

a. In the case of a potential suspension or expulsion, the Justice Commission must set a date of a meeting for deliberation of the written charges.

b. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two weeks before such meeting takes place.

c. A majority of the Justice Commission shall constitute a quorum. Suspension of a member shall require at least a 60% supermajority vote and expulsion of a member shall require at least a 75% supermajority vote of the Justice Commission present at such meeting.

d. Care shall be taken to protect the privacy of all parties, with heightened care taken

for aggrieved parties, especially in the case of sensitive matters.

e. Decisions on discipline may be appealed to the National Political Committee of DSA.

iii. In all cases, prior to any discipline, the Justice Commission must determine that all avenues of transformative justice have been exhausted, and throughout, shall consider and abide by the principles of privacy and accountability.

iv. Members may be disciplined only if they are found to have violated the Local Chapter’s

Code of Conduct.

v. If the person being disciplined is on the Justice Commission, such person shall recuse themselves from debates or votes on the matter.