BYLAWS (Articles I thru IV)

Articles V thru XI

PREAMBLE

The Committees of Correspondence (CofC) is an organization of women and men of all ages who seek a society based on community, human equality, economic and social rights, and respect for the natural environment. We believe that a society of social justice is inseparable from a world in which relations between peoples are governed by the principles of peace and disarmament, economic development and the equality and sovereignty of nations, and striving to live in harmony with nature. We believe that to achieve such a society and world requires a joint struggle to democratically transform our present society, to end the existing vast inequalities of wealth, power and conditions. We welcome and join with all people involved in day-to-day efforts to enhance the quality of life. We view socialism as the struggle for democracy carried to its logical conclusion. We commit ourselves to an open dialogue with others about the way forward and to joint action on all shared goals. Toward these ends, we establish an organization based on openness, effective rule by membership, pluralism of opinion, mutual respect and support, and solidarity in the struggle for justice.

ARTICLE I. ASSOCIATION

The Committees of Correspondence is an unincorporated association whose purposes are set forth in its Statement of Principles adopted by convention. These By-Laws govern the Committees of Correspondence and its state and local organizations. State and local organizations of the CofC may adopt local by-laws, provided they do not conflict with the By-Laws of the national organization. Such state and local by-laws shall be forwarded to the national office within 30 days after adoption.

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Democracy and Inclusion:

The Committees of Correspondence is based on the democratic principle that the will of the membership determines its policies, program, leadership and activities. It fosters the fullest discussion among the members and provides means by which the members may effectively govern their organization. Membership is both national and local, and entitles each member to equal rights in all activity of the organization.

Section 2. Eligibility:

Individuals may become members in the CCDS by completing a national membership application form and submitting it, along with the first payment of dues, to the national organization. Membership is open, without regard to race, gender, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, age or physical ability.

Section 3. Dues:

The CCDS shall have a single national dues structure. Annual dues shall be not less than $36 for individuals, $18 for limited income, or $48 for a household membership, to cover two persons living at the same address. Members wishing to contribute to the CCDS above the normal $36 rate ($48 for a household) shall be deemed sustaining members, and may make payments of a fixed amount (pledge) on any regular basis - monthly, every three months, etc. Such pledge amounts must be greater than $3.00 per month ($4.00 per month for a household sustaining pledge). Subscription to the Newsletter of the Committees of Correspondence is included with membership.

Section 4. Renewal:

Renewal of non-sustaining memberships falls due each year on the first day of the month following the month in which the member joined. Sustaining memberships shall be considered in good standing as long as the pledge is paid up to date. Sustaining members may request at any time that their membership become a regular or household membership. Their normal annual dues would then be due on the first of the month following the period for which they last paid a sustainer. Members shall be given timely notice of the need to renew.

Section 5. Rights:

All members have equal rights, including the right to be informed about, discuss and participate in deciding important questions before the organization, to attend all regular and special meetings, to vote and stand for office, to offer proposals, to receive membership publications and materials, and to participate in referenda and surveys. Members are entitled to regular membership and financial reports.

Section 6. Local membership:

All national members of the CofC are automatically members of the state organization in the area in which they reside or work, and shall enjoy equal rights there.

ARTICLE III. STATE AND LOCAL ORGANIZATION

Section 1. State Organization:

1. The CofC considers active state and local organizations essential to the rights of members and to the implementation of its program. State organizations may cover a single state, an area within a state or contiguous areas within two or more states. "State" as used in these by- laws, includes the District of Columbia. The CofC seeks to form organizations in every state in which it has 10 or more members.



2. The State organizations of the CofC, in existence as of the founding national Convention, are recognized as chartered units of the organization. They are: Northern California, Southern California, Connecticut, District of Columbia/Virginia, Delaware Valley (Eastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, Delaware), Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York Metropolitan Area, Upstate New York, Ohio, Oregon, Western Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Madison/Wisconsin.



3. CofC members in an area where no state organization exists may apply to the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) for a charter. A charter shall be granted upon application.



4. State organiations may, within the framework of the By-Laws and Statement of Principles, establish their structure, decide their activities and elect their leadership.

Section 2. Local Organization:

Local organizations of the CofC may be based on city, neighborhood or electoral subdivision; workplace, industry or occupation; campus; common field of political or social activity; or shared desire to explore a particular theoretical or ideological question.

Section 3. Coordination:

State and local organizations of the CofC are encouraged to communicate ideas and to coordinate their activities. Regional meetings may be held to facilitate communication and cooperation. Regions shall be defined by the National Coordinating Committee in consultation with the state organizations.

ARTICLE IV. CONVENTIONS

Section 1. Biennial Convention:

1. There shall be a biennial (every two years), delegated convention of the Committees of Correspondence.



2. The convention decisions shall set the policies and guide the activities of the organization during the period between conventions.



3. The time, place, purposes (to be included in the Convention Call) and rules for representation at a national convention shall be set by the NCC, and notice of it shall be given to each member no less than four months prior to a convention. During a period of preparation, of at least four months, materials presenting issues to come before the convention shall be distributed to all members for their consideration.



4. The convention shall elect national officers and/or at large members of the National Coordinating Committee, hear a report of the NCC and of standing committees, amend the Statement of Principles, By-Laws and policy documents, and attend to other business.



5. All members may attend and stand for election to leadership positions at the convention.

Section 2. Special Conventions:

1. A special convention may be called at any time by majority vote of the National Coordinating Committee. The NCC shall call a special convention at the written request of one-third (1/3) of the members stating the purpose of the convention.
2. Notice of the time, place and purposes of a special convention shall be given to each member no less than two months prior to its convening.

Section 3. Quorum:


A majority of the registered delegates to a convention shall constitute a quorum. All questions, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws or the Convention Rules, shall be decided by majority vote. In the absence of a quorum, the convention may be adjourned until a specified time without notice to any absent delegate.

Section 4. Alternates and Proxies:


In the absence of an elected delegate, a properly elected alternate may serve. Proxy voting shall not be permitted.

Section 5. Action Without Meeting:

The convention may act without meeting, if a majority of the members entitled to vote consent to the action by a written statement filed with the record of the meeting. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.

Articles V thru XI