Bylaws of the Green Party of California

Article 1. Name
The name of this organization is the Green Party of California (GPCA).

Article 1. Purpose
(as last amended 10/11/2009)
The Green Party of California is guided by its Platform and the "Ten Key Values" of the Green Movement: Ecological Wisdom, Grassroots Democracy, Social Justice, Nonviolence, Decentralization, Community Based Economics, Feminism, Respect for Diversity, Personal and Global Responsibility, and Sustainability.
As the political expression of California's Green movement, we provide an electoral alternative competing directly with traditionally entrenched parties and others for elected office.
We engage in the electoral process in order to incorporate our values into the policies, laws and activities of local, state and national government, and into society as a whole. We affirm these electoral activities and act on this in coalition with other like minded organizations as part of a larger social movement for world-wide peace, democracy, justice and environmental wisdom.

Article 3. Membership
(as last amended 1/18/2013)

Section 3-1. Members
GPCA members are those who are legally registered to vote in California as members of the Green Party. County Organizations may also extend GPCA membership to county residents who are not otherwise eligible to register to vote in California, but who affirm in writing the Ten Key Values and the GPCA's purpose, and meet other criteria established by the GPCA and/or the county organization. For such membership to be valid within the parameters defined in these bylaws, the County Organization must forward minutes to the Coordinating Committee of the meeting at which such membership was extended.

Section 3-2. Decision-Making
Only GPCA members may vote for or serve as General Assembly delegates, or members of GPCA Standing Committees. Only registered Green Party members may serve as members of the Coordinating Committee, Treasurer and/or Liaison to the Secretary of State. Only GPCA members may hold outstanding concerns or vote in party decision-making.

Article 4. Structure
(as last amended 1/18/2013)

Section 4-1. General Assembly
The General Assembly, consisting of delegates appointed from each active County Organization recognized by the GPCA, is the primary decision-making body of the GPCA.

Section 4-2. Coordinating Committee
The Coordinating Committee shall authorize and carry out decisions of the General Assembly and make executive decisions, but not set policy between General Assembly meetings, and shall be generally responsible for coordinating General Assemblies and other statewide meetings, internal communications and other Party administrative tasks as defined in these Bylaws.

Section 4-3. Committees
The General Assembly may establish additional Committees in the Bylaws and assign duties and authority to them. Committees are generally established to formulate and execute the tasks and policies needed to maintain and facilitate the internal functions of the GPCA. Committee members become members by appointment, based upon their special expertise relating to the committee's duties and authority.

Section 4-4. County Organizations
Green Party County Organizations recognized by the General Assembly are the official organizations of the GPCA at the county level and shall have the powers granted to them by GPCA Bylaws, including being generally responsible for organizing and coordinating Green Party activity within the county, including party building, internal and external communications, and representing the county Green Party level to the state Green Party level.

Section 4-5. County Councils
County Councils are elected and appointed according to the GPCA Bylaws and California law, and shall have the powers granted to them by GPCA Bylaws, and secondarily, by the bylaws of recognized County Organizations, where they don't conflict with GPCA Bylaws.

Section 4-6. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have the duties and responsibilities as defined in the Fiscal Policy. The term of the Treasurer shall be two years, beginning in odd-numbered years. The Treasurer shall be nominated by the Coordinating Committee and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Coordinating Committee members are not eligible to serve as Treasurer. The Coordinating Committee shall immediately fill any vacancy in the office of the Treasurer, subject to confirmation by the next meeting of the General Assembly.

Section 4-7. Liaison to the Secretary of State
The Liaison to the Secretary of State is the official contact of the GPCA with the California Secretary of State. The term of the Liaison shall be two years, beginning in odd numbered years. The Liaison shall be nominated by the Coordinating Committee, and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Coordinating Committee members are not eligible to serve as Liaison to the Secretary of State. The Coordinating Committee shall immediately fill any vacancy in the office of Liaison, subject to confirmation by the next meeting of the General Assembly.

Article 5. County Organization
(as last amended by the General Assembly, 3/12/2017)

Counties may organize in any way they choose that includes Consensus-Seeking Facilitation and horizontal organizing and is not in violation of the California Election Code Division 7 Part 6 Green Party and the Ten Key Values of the Green Party of the United States. Counties shall provide 21-day public notice of their first General Meeting.

Section 5-1. Recognition of County Green Parties
5-1.1 To be recognized by the Green Party of California, County Green Party Organizations shall make an application in writing (physical or digital) to the GPCA Coordinating Committee. The application shall include:
(a) Written (physical or digital) Bylaws;
(b) A list of the County Organization’s Officers and all County Organization Members also known as County Council Members for which the applying County Organization is requesting GPCA recognition and certification under California Elections Code Section 7927(a)(1);
(c) A list of appointed Delegates to the Standing General Assembly (SGA) and representatives to any upcoming General Assembly (GA).
5-1.2 The GPCA Coordinating Committee has the authority, in compliance with the California Elections Code, to accept, and shall approve, any application for membership that is in compliance with the California Elections Code.
5-1.3 Any decision by the Coordinating Committee may be appealed to the GPCA General Assembly.

Section 5-2. Active County Organizations
5-2.1 If no Active County Council exists, a new County Council may be organized as defined in 5-1.
5-2.2 A County does not have an Active County Council if the County Organization has not held a meeting for 6 consecutive months.

Section 5-3. Bylaws Interpretation
5-3.1 Any and all GPCA Bylaws not in compliance with 5-1 above must be interpreted in such a way as to preserve, allow and facilitate all of the rights and processes described above and shall not in any way be interpreted or otherwise used to limit the rights described therein in any way.

Article 6. County Councils
(as last amended by the General Assembly, 3/12/2017)

Section 6-1. Members
6-1.1 Members of County Councils shall be those elected in the direct primary election and those appointed in between.
6-1.2 A County Organization's bylaws must specify the number of members to be elected in the county.
6-1.3 If a county has less than 150 registered Green Party voters, the number of members to be elected shall be three;
6-1.4 If a county has between 150 and 500 registered Green Party voters, the number of members to be elected shall be five;
6-1.5 If a county has more than 500 registered Green Party voters, the number shall be either:
(a) The greater of the number seven or the integer nearest the resulting quotient obtained by dividing 100 times the number of Green Party registered voters in the county by the number of Green Party registered voters in the state; or
(b) Recognized County Organizations may choose to modify the number of members to be elected by notifying the Coordinating Committee at least 165 days prior to the direct primary election, notification of which must include minutes of the decision that took place. In such cases the number of members to be elected may be no fewer than five. It shall be the responsibility of the Coordinating Committee to notify the Secretary of State of the modification no later than 135 days prior to the direct primary election.

Section 6-2. Elections
(as last adjusted on July 9, 2022 by removal of Sections 6-2.3 through 6-2.7 deferring to the California Election Code Division 7, Part 6, chapter 3)
6-2.1 Members shall be elected in each county at each direct primary election. Only those legally registered to vote in California as members of the Green Party are eligible to be elected. Elections shall be for two-year terms lasting until 30 days after the next direct primary election.
6-2.2 Multi-Member Districts
(a) Members shall be elected from one or more multi-member districts.
(b) A County Organization's bylaws shall specify that members shall be elected from either a single, countywide multi-member district or multiple, multi-member districts corresponding to the boundaries of the Congressional, State Assembly, State Senate or Supervisorial districts within that county.
(c) The number of seats to be elected for each district shall be proportional to the number of registered Green Party members in that district, compared to the number of registered Green Party members county wide.

Section 6-3. Vacancy
A vacancy on the County Council shall be said to exist whenever any of the following has occurred. Additional criteria may be enacted by a County Organization in its bylaws, like attendance requirements, that are not in conflict with these bylaws:
6-3.1 A County Council seat was not filled in an election;
6-3.2 A County Council member has submitted a written statement of resignation to the County Council or the Coordinating Committee;
6-3.3 A County Council member is no longer registered in the county or district within the county from which she or he was elected;
6-3.4 A County Council member is no longer registered Green;
6-3.5 A Councilmember dies or becomes incapacitated to act;
6-3.6 A Councilmember is removed for cause.

Section 6-4. Removal for Cause
6-4.1 County Council members elected in the direct primary election may be removed from office only by a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly in response to a Removal for Cause petition from the County Council in question. Before a Removal for Caucus petition is considered, mediation is encouraged to address outstanding issues and concerns.
6-4.2 A Removal for Cause petition must contain the written basis for removal, must be approved by the County Council by a 2/3 vote, and must be received by the Coordinating Committee before it can be forwarded to the General Assembly for a vote. The written basis for removal must be based upon a substantial violation of the bylaws of the GPCA and/or the County Organization.
6-4.3 Upon receipt of such Removal for Cause petition, the Coordinating Committee shall schedule a vote of the General Assembly. If an in-person General Assembly is scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall place the vote on the draft agenda, and any agenda approved by the General Assembly must include the vote. If an in-person General Assembly is not scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall submit the petition for a discussion and vote of the Standing General Assembly at the next available starting date for on-line proposals, as defined in these bylaws.
6-4.4 County Council members not elected in the direct primary election, but who have been appointed by the processes described in Article 5 and 6-5, may be removed by the process described in 6-4.1 through 6-4.3, or alternatively, by a 4/5 vote of the County Council, in response to a Removal for Cause proposal containing the written basis for removal.

Section 6-5. Appointments to vacancies in counties in which no County Council members were elected in the primary election
6-5.1 The General Meeting must appoint at least one member to the County Council. Only registered Green Party members in the county are eligible for appointment. The county organization shall forward minutes of the meeting to the Coordinating Committee.
6-5.2 Once the Coordinating Committee has certified that the County Organization is recognized under Article 5, it shall review the minutes of the County Council election and certify the new County Council, unless there is clear evidence that the Council was elected in conflict with that County Organization's bylaws. Any decision by the Coordinating Committee not to certify may be appealed by that County Organization to the General Assembly and shall require a 2/3 vote to certify. If an in-person General Assembly is scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall place the vote on the draft agenda, and any agenda approved by the General Assembly must include the vote. If an in-person General Assembly is not scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall submit the petition for a discussion and vote of the Standing General Assembly at the next available starting date for on-line proposals, as defined in these bylaws.

Article 7. General Assembly
(as last amended by the General Assembly, 12/4/2021)

Section 7-1. Delegates
7-1.1 The General Assembly shall consist of Delegates from active County Organizations.
7-1.2 The total number of delegates and the number of delegates per county shall be the total of two sums:
(a) Each active County Organization shall have at least one delegate seat, for a total of 58 if County Organizations are active in all of California's counties.
(b) Each active County Organization shall have an additional number of delegates seats out of an additional 100 seats, equal to its percentage of registered Greens from within the county, compared to the total number of registered Greens in all counties, with a minimum of 1% required for one seat, times 100. Delegate counts for active County Organizations shall be tallied annually based upon the most current Secretary of State Report of Registration, and shall be effective from July 1st to the following June 30th. Each active County Organization shall appoint delegates and an appropriate number of alternates to serve as General Assembly delegates for the next year. Each active County Organization may submit a list of their approved Alternate Delegates who can be at the ready to fill in as Delegates if their County's Delegates are not available to utilize up to the total number of that County's allotted Delegate votes for any specific in-person vote.
7-1.3 Delegates shall be familiar with the party's Governing Documents - the Bylaws, the Rules and Procedures and the Fiscal Policy. First time delegates shall participate in the delegate orientation session at each General Assembly. Other delegates are encouraged to do so.
7-1.4 Delegates assume the responsibility to be familiar with the agenda, read materials and where practicable, prepare clarifying questions in advance, and be prepared to participate in all General Assembly sessions. Where practicable, County Organizations are also encouraged to review agenda items and provide advance input to their delegates.

Section 7-2. Proposals
7-2.1 Authority
County Organizations and Committees are authorized to submit proposals. Committees may submit proposals within the scope of their Duties and Authority as defined in these bylaws.
7-2.2 Format
Proposals shall include the name of the sponsoring committee and/or County Organization; the presenter(s), title/subject, background/purpose, text of proposal, approval threshold, timeline, resources/budgetary implication, committee/county decision, and references/attachments.
7-2.3 Approval Thresholds
The General Assembly shall seek consensus in its decision-making, utilizing the consensus-seeking process in 7-5 for in-person meetings. In the absence of consensus, the following proposals shall require 2/3 of all 'yes' and 'no' votes cast for passage.
(a) Approval of the Annual Budget and mid-year budget amendments; Annual Strategic Plan;
(b) Amendments to the Bylaws, the Rules & Procedures and the Fiscal Policy;
(c) Amendments to the Platform;
(d) Endorsement of or opposition to statewide ballot measures;
(e) Recall of Coordinating Committee Members; Removal for Cause of County Councilmembers;
(f) Recognition of County Organizations upon appeal of Coordinating Committee non-recognition.
All other proposals shall require 3/5 of all 'yes' and 'no' votes cast for passage. Abstentions are not counted in calculating the percentage vote, but are counted towards quorum. The minimum number of affirmative votes required for passage shall be the voting threshold times the decision making quorum.
7-2.4 Voting Systems
(a) Multi-Seat Elections: Ranked Choice Voting Each delegate shall be provided a ballot containing the names of the candidates in alphabetical order. The ballot shall also include a No Other Candidate option. The delegates shall vote by ranking the candidates along with the No Other Candidate option in order of preference. The ballots shall be tabulated utilizing a Ranked Choice Voting system with fractional transfers and a Droop threshold, 1/(n+1) (1/3 threshold with two open seats). For the purpose of calculations, n = open seats shall be adjusted, when necessary, so that the value of n shall not be higher than the number of candidates qualified for the ballot.
(b) Single Seat Election: Instant Runoff Voting Each delegate shall be provided a ballot containing the names of the candidates in alphabetical order. The ballot shall also include a No Other Candidate option. The delegates shall vote by ranking the candidates along with the No Other Candidate option in order of preference. The ballots shall be tabulated utilizing a Ranked Choice Voting system and a majority threshold, 1/(n+1).

Section 7-3. Elections and Confirmations
7-3.1 The following shall be conducted by Ranked Choice Voting: to fill multiple seats on the Coordinating Committee or the GPUS Delegation.
7-3.2 The following shall be conducted by Instant Run-Off voting with a majority threshold:
(a) Confirmation of the Treasurer and of the Liaison to the Secretary of State
(b) Elections to fill a single vacancy on the Coordinating Committee or the GPUS Delegation.

Section 7-4. Endorsements
General Assembly Delegates may rank the following choices and the result shall be calculated by instant run-off voting: 'Endorse' (that the GPCA should support the measure or candidate), 'Oppose' (that the GPCA should oppose the measure or candidate), 'No Position' (that the GPCA should not take any position on the measure or candidate) or 'Abstain' (that the delegate takes no position on what should be the GPCA position). A GPCA position to endorse or oppose shall require 2/3. Abstentions are counted to determine quorum, but not towards the approval/disapproval threshold. If quorum is not achieved, or if the 2/3 threshold is not reached for a 'Endorse', 'Oppose', the GPCA's position will be 'No Position', as would it be if the 2/3 threshold is reached for 'No Position.'

Section 7-5. Meetings
(as amended for 7-5.3(a,b) by the March 2019 General Assembly)
7-5.1 Draft Agenda
(a) The Coordinating Committee shall establish a Draft Agenda for all General Assembly meetings, distribute it at least 42 days in advance to each County Organization and submit it for approval at the beginning of each General Assembly.
(b) The Draft Agenda shall incorporate agenda items submitted by committees and County Organizations as provided for in these bylaws; shall distinguish among decision making items, reports and discussion items; shall distinguish among proposals, elections and confirmations; and shall when feasible include facilitators, times and the full text of each item as described in 7-2.2.
(c) The Draft Agenda may contain a Consent Calendar consisting of proposals that have been judged by their sponsors to be sufficiently non-controversial as to be considered and approved without the normal consensus-seeking process of presentations, clarifying questions, and affirmations and concerns. When the Consent Calendar is heard, any proposal for which there are outstanding concerns without stand asides shall be removed without approval. The sponsor(s) of the proposal shall make an effort to address the outstanding concerns, after which the proposal may be brought back to the General Assembly at a later point for approval.
7-5.2 Delegate Registration
Delegates shall register at the beginning of each day of a General Assembly, identifying their county. Delegates who permanently leave the General Assembly before it is adjourned shall notify the facilitators (or other appropriate officials) and shall be removed from the delegate registration count for the purposes of calculating quorum.
7-5.3 Quorum
(a) A quorum exists for the purpose of opening a General Assembly when a majority of active counties are represented.
(b) A quorum exists for the purpose of decision-making when a majority of active counties and 3/5 of registered delegates are present.
(c) Facilitators shall conduct a roll call to establish a quorum at the beginning of each session of the General Assembly.
7-5.4 Facilitation
(a) The Coordinating Committee shall designate at least one facilitator and preferably two co-facilitators for all General Assembly sessions. Approval of facilitators shall be included as part of the approval of the Draft Agenda. Facilitators must be GPCA members.
(b) Facilitators shall be chosen who can facilitate the General Assembly according to the consensus-seeking process in 7-5, who can provide non-directive leadership and process clarity, and who honor the agenda and promote good will. A facilitator shall not give her/his personal opinion unless clearly stepping out of her/his role as a facilitator. Facilitators should be familiar with the Ten Key Values and the GPCA's Purpose, Bylaws, and Rules and Procedures. The use of gender-stacking, where the order of the "stack" would alternate between one woman, one man, shall be considered as a first choice for use by the facilitators.
7-5.5 Consensus Seeking - Consensus shall be sought according to the following process:
(a) Delegates shall be given priority in decision-making discussions. At the discretion of the facilitation team and time permitting, other GPCA members and guests may participate. Only delegates may hold outstanding concerns.
(b) Presenters shall present their proposal, after which clarifying questions are taken from the delegates and responded to by the presenter(s).
(c) Affirmations, concerns and proposed amendments follow from the delegates only. Presenters attempt to address concerns and may amend their proposal, in which case clarifying questions may again be made and responded to by the presenters. The proposal is then restated, including as amended, if amended by the presenters.
(d) The facilitator(s) should ask if there are any more unresolved, outstanding concerns. If there are none, the proposal is considered approved by consensus.
(e) If there remain outstanding concerns, the facilitators ask whether those holding outstanding concerns are willing to "stand aside" and have their concerns recorded in the minutes, along with the adopted proposal. If so, the proposal is considered approved by consensus, with the stand asides recorded.
(f) If there is not consensus, the presenter(s) may request more time from the General Assembly, go to a vote or withdraw the proposal. 7-5.5(g) If the presenter(s) go to a vote, the facilitators shall conduct a roll call and record each delegate's vote as "yes", "no" or "abstain". Passage shall be according to the approval thresholds in 7-2.3.
(h) If more time is added by the General Assembly, the presenters may attempt to address the remaining outstanding concerns, and may amend their proposal, in which case clarifying questions may be made and responded to. The proposal is then restated, including as amended, if amended. The process is then repeated to identify any outstanding concerns and whether those holding them are willing to stand aside. If there are no outstanding concerns, or if those holding them are willing to stand aside, the proposal is considered approved by consensus. If outstanding concerns remain, the presenters may go to a vote or withdraw their proposal.
7-5.6 Minutes - The Coordinating Committee has the responsibility to ensure that minutes are taken at each General Assembly. Minutes shall include the date, time, location and list of delegates in attendance, the subject/title, sponsor(s) and presenter(s) of all agenda items heard, the decisions-taken (including whether by consensus or by roll-call vote) and the text of all proposals, including amendments.
7-5.7 Points of order
(a) Any delegate may signal the facilitator(s) by raising two hands on a Point of Clarification if they do not understand the process. The Point of Clarification shall be heard before moving on to other speakers.
(b) Any delegate may signal the facilitator(s) by raising two hands on a Point of Information to provide a critical piece of information otherwise missing in the discussion. Delegates are expected to utilize this option sparingly and judiciously.
(c) Any delegate may signal the facilitator(s) by raising two hands on a Point of Process, if they believe the process being followed violates GPCA Bylaws, Rules and Procedures, Fiscal Policy or other such procedures adopted by the General Assembly. Before moving on to other speakers, the Point of Process shall be heard and the facilitator(s) shall rule upon it.
7-5.8 Setting Next Meeting
The date and location for the General Assembly shall be determined by the close of each meeting. Should the General Assembly fail to make this determination, it shall become the responsibility of the Coordinating Committee to do so. The General Assembly may set more than one meeting date and location at a time.

Section 7-6. Online Voting
7-6.1. General Assembly delegates, throughout their year of service, shall be called upon from time to time to vote on decision items as described in 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4 between in-person General Assemblies, and as such shall constitute the Standing General Assembly (SGA). Decision items shall be placed before the SGA by the Coordinating Committee, and such votes shall be administered by Voting Administrators, according to procedures as set forth in these Bylaws and the Information Technology Protocol.
7-6.2 Discussion and Voting Period
(a) The discussion period for Proposals and Elections shall be six weeks, beginning on a Monday at 12:01 am and ending on a Sunday at 11:59pm. The discussion period for Coordinating Committee and GPUS Delegation elections shall begin on the first Monday of May.
(b) The purpose of the discussion period is to provide an opportunity to utilize the consensus-seeking process in 7-5 within the context of utilizing electronic means, teleconferences and other methods of communication other than an in-person General Assembly.
(c) Proposals may be amended at any time during the discussion period by the proposal's sponsor(s), except that the final amended version must be placed before the Standing General Assembly no later than on a Monday at 12:01 am preceding the end of the discussion period.
(d) The voting period for Proposals and Elections shall commence immediately at the close of the discussion period, and shall be for one week beginning on a Monday at 12:01 am and ending on a Sunday at 11:59pm.
7-6.3 Quorum - A quorum has been reached when the number of votes cast is equal to a majority of delegate seats appointed under 7-1.2, together with a majority of all active County Organizations having cast at least one vote. In such cases, abstentions count as a vote cast.

Article 8. Coordinating Committee
(as last amended 4/2/2018)

Section 8-1. Duties and Authority
The Coordinating Committee shall authorize and carry out decisions of the General Assembly and make executive decisions, but not set policy between General Assembly meetings, and shall be generally responsible for coordinating General Assemblies and other statewide meetings, internal communications and other Party administrative tasks as defined in these Bylaws, including to
8-1.1 Establish draft agendas and select facilitators for General Assembly meetings.
8-1.2 Forward proposals to the Standing General Assembly.
8-1.3 Certify County Council members (as described in 6-6) in counties in which no County Council candidates qualified for the ballot in the preceding direct primary election, or in counties in which all members of the County Council have resigned and/or become disqualified from holding office.
8-1.4 Determine active County Organizations (as described in 5-1)
8-1.5 Appoint members to the Committees of the General Assembly (as described in Article 9)
8-1.6 Appoint a Coordinating Committee Liaison to Committees who is charged with facilitating communications between that Committee and the Coordinating Committee and as specified in Article 9, to serve as one of its two Co-Coordinators.
8-1.7 Request and receive reports from Committees, refer matters to them, and monitor and assist their work.
8-1.8 Authorize and ratify specific expenditures.
8-1.9 Make statements in the name of the Party.
8-1.10 Retain legal counsel on behalf of the GPCA and make decisions based upon that counsel consistent with the Coordinating Committee's duties under the other provisions of these bylaws.
8-1.11 Propose a Strategic Plan to the General Assembly (as defined in 10-2.)
8-1.12 Establish Sub-Committees of the Coordinating Committee as necessary to accomplish these and other tasks of the Coordinating Committee as defined in these Bylaws.
8-1.13 Establish Internal Procedures of the Coordinating Committee as necessary, that are not in conflict with these Bylaws, to facilitate these tasks.

Section 8-2. Membership
8-2.1 The Coordinating Committee shall be composed of up to 24 voting members, with 12 being female and 12 being of any gender, whether male, female, or non-binary. Six women and six of any gender shall be elected each year to serve staggered, two-year terms.
8-2.2 If a Coordinating Committee member misses three consecutive regular monthly meetings, the individual shall lose their seat and a vacancy shall occur.

Section 8-3. Meetings
8-3.1 Regular Coordinating Committee meetings shall be held at least once a month. On an annual basis, the Coordinating Committee shall establish a regular monthly meeting date, with exceptions to that date made for national holidays, elections or other special circumstances. During the course of the year, the Coordinating Committee may amend this schedule, as long as the date and time are set at least 20 days in advance; and additional regular meetings in a given month may be scheduled with at least 20 days notice by a majority vote of the Coordinating Committee, or by a determination of the Coordinating Committee Co-coordinators. A quorum for all regular Coordinating Committee meetings shall be a majority of the currently seated members.
8-3.2 Special/emergency Coordinating Committee meetings may be scheduled for items of a particularly urgent and/or unexpected nature, with at least seven days notice by the Co-Coordinators or a majority vote of the committee. A quorum for all special/emergency Coordinating Committee meetings shall be 2/3 of the currently seated members.

Section 8-4. Elections
8-4.1 Elections shall be conducted each year by the Standing General Assembly by secret ballot, using Ranked Choice Voting with a No Other Candidate option, with the six week discussion period beginning on the first Monday of May and the one week voting period commencing immediately thereafter.
8-4.2 Candidates must submit an application to the Coordinating Committee by the last Monday of April to be eligible. Applications must include a biography and what they wish to accomplish on the Coordinating Committee.
8-4.3 The election as it is posted to the Standing General Assembly shall include:
(a) Each candidate's application;
(b) A full and detailed explanation of Ranked Choice Voting, an explanation of the No Other Candidate option, and an encouragement that delegates make their choices seriously and a reminder that they do not have to fill all seats unless they feel there are enough qualified candidates.
8-4.4 Candidates shall be given time to present themselves and respond to questions on a Standing General Assembly teleconference during the Standing General Assembly discussion period in 7-6.3. Where General Assemblies or Gatherings occur after the close of the submission date in 8-4.2, and before the close of the voting period in 7-6.3, candidates shall be given time to present themselves to any General Assembly or Gathering occurring this period.
8-4.5 (As last amended March, 2019 by SGA vote ID#177) Upon five (5) mid-term vacancies occurring on the Coordinating Committee (but not a vacancy occurring as a result of any seats not being filled during an annual regular election), or if due to a mid-term vacancy occurring the membership on the Coordinating Committee drops to below fifteen (15) members, the Coordinating Committee shall publish a Notice of Vacancy and Call for Candidate Submissions to the active County Organizations, for candidates seeking election to the Coordinating Committee. An election will be held to fill the remainder of the vacated terms and any unfilled Coordinating Committee seats (such as seats remaining unfilled from past Coordinating Committee elections). At any time the Coordinating Committee may, by a majority vote, call for an election to fill any Coordinating Committee vacancy and/or unfilled seat.
The Coordinating Committee Election Notice shall contain the timing of the submission, discussion and election process, and the time remaining in the terms for which vacancies have occurred. The Notice shall be published within a month of the fifth vacancy occurring. The submission deadline shall be 21 days from the publishing of the Notice. The discussion period shall begin on the first Monday after the close of the submission period. No vacancy shall be noticed to be filled if from the resultant timeline above, the seat would be filled after the first Monday of the April before the end of the vacated term. The top vote getter(s) will fill the two-year seats and the others will fill the one-year seats.
8-4.6 Unfilled vacant Coordinating Committee seats previously held by females are to be filled only by female candidates, other vacancies can be filled by candidates of any gender.

Section 8-5. Recall
8-5.1 Any person elected to the Coordinating Committee may be removed from office by the General Assembly upon a 2/3 vote in response to a Recall Petition.
8-5.2 A Recall Petition must contain the written basis for removal, be approved by 35% of the total number of General Assembly or Standing General Assembly delegates, and must be received by the Coordinating Committee before it can be forwarded to the General Assembly or Standing General Assembly for a vote. The written basis for recall must be based upon substantial malperformance of the duties of the Coordinating Committee as defined in these Bylaws.
8-5.3 Upon receipt of such Recall petition, the Coordinating Committee shall schedule a vote of the General Assembly. If an in-person General Assembly is scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall place the vote on the draft agenda and any agenda approved by the General Assembly must include the vote. If an in-person General Assembly is not scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall submit the petition to the Standing General Assembly at the next regular starting date. The individual subject to a Recall Petition shall have the right to submit a written response to the petition for inclusion with the agenda item, when the agenda item is released.

Article 9. Other Committees
(as last amended by the General Assembly, 7/9/2022)

Section 9-1. Membership
9-1.1 Appointments: Committees consist of voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve two-year terms, including a Coordinating Committee liaison, who serves as one of two committee Coordinators. The other committee Coordinator is elected by the committee members, and shall take office upon confirmation by the General Assembly.
9-1.2 Eligibility: To be eligible for appointment, an individual must:
(a) Provide evidence of being registered with GPCA or attests they would be registered, but are ineligible under federal or state law.
(b) Attend Committee meetings and serve as a volunteer for the Committee prior to being appointed.
(c) Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Committee’s work.
9-1.3 Eligible individuals may submit an application in writing to the Coordinating Committee stating their interest, qualifications, and evidence of registration with the GPCA.
9-1.4 Vacancies:
(a) If a committee member misses three consecutive meetings, the individual cycles out of the committee and a vacancy shall occur.
(b) The Coordinating Committee shall regularly publish a call for appointments to committees.
(c) Any committee member or coordinator may be dismissed from coordinator role membership, by at least a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly, Coordinating Committee, or the committee membership.

Section 9-2. Coordinators
Coordinators represent the committee and shall be responsible to:
(a) Prepare and distribute draft monthly meeting agendas.
(b) Submit annual work plans, budgets, and monthly reports to the Coordinating Committee.
(c) Coordinate guest and volunteer participation in meetings and provide onboarding and training as necessary.
(d) Represent the committee in all communications and in the General Assembly.

Section 9-3. Meetings
9-3.1 Committees shall meet monthly and during GPCA state meetings, in-person, by phone or online to achieve the objectives outlined in their work plans. Meetings outside any regularly scheduled meetings shall be called only with a minimum of one-weeks’ notice to committee members.
9-3.2 The decision-making process for committees shall be based on consensus seeking as described for the General Assembly in 7-5.5. Quorum shall be at least 50% of the committee's voting membership.

Section 9-4. Internal Procedures
Committees may establish additional Internal Procedures as necessary, that are not in conflict with the GPCA's governing rules documents, to facilitate the duties and authority of the committee.

Section 9-5. Bylaws and Rules Committee
The Bylaws and Rules Committee is charged with supporting the development of the GPCA's governing rules documents, including its Bylaws, Rules and Procedures, Fiscal Policy, and others, including to:
9-5.1 Propose amendments to the General Assembly and issue written interpretations of the GPCA's governing rules documents.
9-5.2 Review proposed amendments to governing documents submitted by others and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in meaning, terminology, and format with existing documents.
9-5.3 Review bylaws annually to identify outdated or inconsistent content and to ensure approved amendments are accurately represented in GPCA documentations.
9-5.4 Propose reforms to internal processes and administration that enhance effectiveness and realize efficiencies; such as advise GPCA on internal party voting mechanisms.
9-5.5 Review Committee Internal Procedures to ensure compliance with GPCA governing documents.
9-5.6 Compile, document and archive the governing rules documents of the GPCA as they have existed over time.

Section 9-6. Candidates Committee
The Candidates Committee is charged with facilitating the electoral work of the GPCA related to candidates and elections, including to:
9-6.1 Develop and implement a GPCA electoral strategy for candidates and elections, including to identify key campaigns for elected office.
9-6.2 Identify, recruit, educate, train and support credible Green candidates who uphold Party values, vet requests for endorsements and submit recommendations to the General Assembly.
9-6.3 Establish procedures for candidates to apply for funding, including application forms, questionnaires and other processes and communicate these procedures publicly as well as individually to all candidates known to the Committee.
9-6.4 Designate funding and communicate such designations to the GPCA Treasurer.
9-6.5 Develop educational tools and materials for GPCA members on the California electoral process, GPCA platform, campaign skills and organizing.
9-6.6 Facilitate post-election reporting and analysis from campaigns.

Section 9-7. Communications Committee
The Communications Committee is charged with facilitating all GPCA external communications such as broadcast, media, press, social media and inquiries, including working to:
9-7.1 Develop and distribute communication and materials including media releases, social media posts, webpages, flyers, branding and graphics to publicize official GPCA positions, successes, endorsements, GPCA officeholders and appointed officials, and other newsworthy events about GPCA growth and development.
9-7.2 Respond to all external inquiries to GPCA and when necessary, refer inquiries to appropriate Committees or individuals.
9-7.3 Manage GPCA merchandising and collateral, including budgeting, ordering, storage and shipping;
9-7.4 Oversee the GPCA website content and ensure its accuracy.
9-7.5 Coordinate Party press conferences, and respond to press inquiries.
9-7.6 Support and assist County Green organizations in their media work.
9-7.7 Appoint GPCA spokespersons. Spokespersons are not required to be appointed members of this Committee.
9-7.8 Designate and train Committee members or volunteers to post to social media and manage platform permissions.
9-7.9 Administer, manage, and maintain GPCA websites, databases, and online assets.
9-7.10 Manage permissions and access to GPCA online tools and assets and provide training and support according to approved GPCA policies and procedures.

Section 9-8. Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is charged with administering all GPCA’s Fiscal responsibilities as provided for in these bylaws and in fiscal Policy, including:
9-8.1 Develop and present the annual GPCA budget to the General Assembly for approval; including expense and income projections for the annual budget.
9-8.2 Submit timely filings of required documents to federal, state, and local election officials where appropriate.
9-8.3 Support and oversee the work of the Treasurer to carry out the required duties and responsibilities.
9-8.4 Compile, review, revise, and approve or reject budget requests from Committees for appropriation from the GPCA budget.
9-8.5 Develop and execute fundraising strategies for ensuring fiscal solvency.
9-8.6 Establish general principles for prioritizing the designation of campaign funds. File draft principles with the Coordinating Committee and Candidates Committee for comments at least 15 days prior to adoption.
9-8.7 Establish and maintain the GPCA Fiscal policy, and all necessary forms and processes for finance and budget related work.
9-8.8 Collect funds owed to the GPCA.

Section 9-9. Membership and Outreach Committee
The Membership and Outreach Committee is charged with supporting County Organizations, membership development and organizing outreach and events.
9-9.1 Develop and promote resources in support of growing active County Organizations and to assist the activation of new County Organizations by providing education, training and resources for outreach and events, including:
9-9.2 Coordinate County Organizations into statewide efforts to register GPCA voters, engage in public voter outreach, and increase diversity in the party.
9-9.3 Develop, provide, and support training materials and programs on skills building grassroots organizing activities for individual volunteers and County Organizations.
9-9.4 Engage, onboard and train volunteers for membership in GPCA Committees and campaigns.
9-9.5 Maintain a current database of General Assembly delegates, Active County Organizations, County Council members, volunteers, and other entities relevant to GPCA efforts.
9-9.6 Develop training materials and engage, onboard and train volunteers for membership in GPCA Committees and campaigns.
9-9.7 Organize and promote GPCA and County Organization events.
9-9.8 Support and liaise with other Committees on their projects that require outreach and external communications.
9-9.9 Assist the Coordinating Committee as appropriate in the coordination, organizing, and outreach for General Assembly events and online votes.

Section 9-10. Policy and Platform Committee
The Policy and Platform Committee is charged with developing and implementing strategies for GPCA legislative campaigns and the development of the GPCA's Platform, including to:
9-10.1 Track legislative, executive, and judicial policymaking of interest to GPCA and convey summaries with recommended courses of action to the General Assembly and Coordinating Committee.
9-10.2 Analyze ballot measures and convey summaries with recommended courses of action to the General Assembly and Coordinating Committee.
9-10.3 Draft and submit position letters on policymaking to the Coordinating Committee.
9-10.4 Propose platform amendments to the General Assembly, review proposed Platform amendments submitted by other sponsors and provide recommendations to promote clarity and the existing Platform.
9-10.5 Review the Platform annually to identify outdated or inconsistent language and to ensure all approved amendments are accurately represented in GPCA documentations.
9-10.6 Seek input and feedback on the platform from experts in the field.
9-10.7 Organize advocacy actions at the State Capitol and support County Organizations advocating before local policymakers.
9-10.8 Build coalitions with other organizations working on Green issues, engage in discussions, and prepare proposals on issues and events that should be addressed by GPCA.
9-10.9 Establish and implement internal procedures to invite and compile analyses and recommendations from Greens and others on statewide ballot measures and analyze ballot measures in relation to the GPCA Platform, resolutions and Ten Key Values, and make proposals to the General Assembly for GPCA positions.
9-10.10 Compile, document, and archive the platform as it has existed over time.
9-10.11 Facilitate post-election reporting and analysis from legislative and initiative campaigns.

Article 10. Strategic Planning
(as last amended 1/18/2013)

Section 10-1. Work Plans
Where it is specified in the bylaws that govern them, each Committee shall prepare a yearly Work Plan. The Work Plan shall identify the objectives of that Committee for the upcoming fiscal year, any proposals it foresees bringing before the General Assembly during that period, and a projected timeline of its activities. The Work Plan objectives must be congruent with duties and authority of the Committee.

Section 10-2. Strategic Plan
The Coordinating Committee shall present a draft Two-Year Strategic Plan to the General Assembly for approval along with the annual budget, using input from a brainstorming session of the General Assembly and the Work Plans of the Committees. The Two-Year Strategic Plan shall include a two-year General Assembly schedule, including potential agenda items, based upon the requirements for General Assembly decisions in these bylaws and the projected agenda items in the Work Plans of the Committees. The two-year General Assembly schedule shall be revised annually, with scheduling remaining flexible and final agenda approval for each General Assembly up to each General Assembly.

Article 11. Delegates to the Green Party of the United States
(as last amended June 2021)

Section 11-1. Purpose
The Green Party of California (GPCA) is affiliated with the Green Party of the United States (GPUS). No decision of the GPUS is binding upon the GPCA without its consent. The GPCA elects delegates as voting members of the GPUS National Committee (NC). These delegates are authorized by the GPCA and recognized by the GPUS to cast the full number of votes allocated to the GPCA to represent GPCA positions on matters before the GPUS.

Section 11-2. Number, Eligibility and Alternates
The number of delegates is established by the GPUS and each may cast one vote. Any member of the GPCA as defined in 3-1 is eligible to be a delegate to the GPUS. The number of Alternates shall be equal to the number of delegates.

Section 11-3. Responsibilities and Expectations
11-3.1 Representing GPCA to the GPUS
Members of the delegation shall take part in the discussion of, and vote on, proposals before the GPUS NC. Votes shall be submitted in accordance with the process established by the GPUS and the delegation’s internal procedure. Delegates shall participate in monthly teleconferences. Members of the delegation are encouraged to attend delegation meetings at GPCA General Assemblies and in person meetings of the GPUS NC. They are encouraged to serve on GPUS committees.
11-3.2 Serving the GPCA General Assembly
(a) Members of the delegation, individually and collectively, serve at the pleasure of and are responsible to the GPCA General Assembly (GA) and the Standing General Assembly (SGA). Delegates are authorized to represent the GPCA as best they can and cast votes as they think represent the interests of the GPCA and GPUS. As a whole, the delegation shall make a good faith effort to collectively discuss GPUS matters before voting.
(b) The GA/SGA may bind the delegation to represent a particular position. When bound in this manner, the delegation shall modify its positions to reflect this intent. Between General Assemblies the delegation shall report to the GPCA Coordinating Committee (CC) and the CC may bind it on behalf of the GA. If it does so, the CC shall report upon its actions to the next GA.

Section 11-4. Elections
11-4.1 Regular Elections
Delegates and alternates shall be elected by the SGA for two-year terms. The number of delegates to be elected each year shall be equal to the number of those delegates whose term is ending plus any vacant seats. The number of alternates shall be calculated in the same manner. These elections shall be timed to coincide with elections for the CC.
Applicants shall nominate themselves to be elected to the delegation. Those receiving the highest rankings shall be seated as delegates until all those seats are filled, after that the alternate seats are filled.
If one or more of the candidates who were elected as delegates prefer to be alternates, they can change their position during the week immediately following the announcement of the results. The elected delegate in question would be made an alternate and the highest ranked willing alternate would be made a delegate.
Elections shall be by 7-2.4(a) Ranked Choice Voting. The delegation may recommend candidates to the GA/SGA. Recommendations shall be made with attention to gender, ethnic, and geographic balance.
11-4.2 Filling Unscheduled Vacancies
Elections to fill midterm vacancies shall occur only if the number of delegates plus the number of alternates falls below five more than the allotted number of delegates. Elections shall be by 7-2.4(a) Ranked Choice Voting and those elected in this manner shall serve the remainder of the terms, with the highest ranked candidates filling the longer terms.

Section 11-5. Resignations and Removals
The CC may remove a delegate by an 80% vote. The only reasons for removal are failure to perform the duties of a delegate as defined in this Article and the GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures, and malfeasance. When delegates habitually fail to perform their duties, the delegation co-coordinators shall discuss the situation with those delegates. If it continues or recurs without the delegates resigning, the Co-coordinators shall bring the matter to the delegation to decide whether to ask for resignations and refer the matter to the CC.

Section 11-6. Coordinators
11-6.1 Role
There shall be two co-coordinators of the delegation, with ethnic, geographic and gender balance preferred. Co-coordinators shall be selected by and serve at the pleasure of the delegation.
11-6.2 Responsibilities
The coordinators shall facilitate the delegation, coordinate its activities and communicate on its behalf with the CC and GA/SGA and the GPUS Steering Committee and National Committee.
11-6.3 Elections
Co-coordinators shall be elected by the delegation to staggered two-year terms at the August monthly meeting of the delegation with the term starting in September. Only delegation members are eligible to be elected. Elections shall be by 7-2.4(b) Instant Run-Off Voting.

Section 11-7. Meetings, policies, and procedures
11-7.1 Meetings
The delegation shall establish a meeting schedule so that it may address GPUS business in a timely manner. For any delegation meeting including teleconferences, a quorum shall be a majority of elected delegates, with both delegates and alternates counting towards quorum.
11-7.2 Policies and procedures
The delegation shall create whatever policies and procedures are necessary, that are not in conflict with the bylaws of the GPCA or of the GPUS, to fulfill its responsibilities as defined in this Article and in the GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures. The delegation shall provide a copy of these policies and procedures to the CC as they are created or amended.

Section 11-8. GPUS Committees
Where the GPUS Bylaws or Rules and Procedures provide for state party-appointed membership, the delegation shall make these appointments, and shall otherwise make recommendations or nominations for GPUS committee eligibility as provided for by GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures. Any GPCA member as defined in 3-1 is eligible to be on a GPUS committee, unless GPUS Bylaws or Rules and Procedures state otherwise.

Article 12. Status and Amendment of GPCA Governing Rules
(as last amended 4/2/2018)

Section 12-1. Authority
The Bylaws shall be the highest governing document of the GPCA. They shall describe the Party's basic structure, jurisdiction of power and the duties and responsibilities of its constituent parts. The Party's other governing documents shall implement the structure described in the Bylaws. Where there is ambiguity, the Bylaws shall take precedence. The other governing documents shall be the Rules and Procedures and the Fiscal Policy.

Section 12-2. Amendment
12-2.1 The governing documents may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly. An amendment may be initiated by the Bylaws Committee, Coordinating Committee or an active County Organization; or by a Committee or the GPUS Delegation, but only to that specific section of the governing documents that govern them.
12-2.2 Each proposed amendment must be submitted to the Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws Committee shall review the proposed amendments and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, terminology and meaning with existing documents, to minimize ambiguity and to promote clarity.

Section 12-3. Bylaws Interpretation
In cases of ambiguity or procedural disagreement, the General Assembly shall decide for itself the meaning of its governing documents, the appropriate procedure to be followed and what amendments are necessary to resolve any further ambiguity or disagreement. Between General Assembly meetings, the Coordinating Committee shall decide these questions and the Bylaws Committee is charged with assisting with the Coordinating Committee in this process by providing analysis. Such Coordinating Committee determinations are subject to a 2/3 confirmation by the General Assembly. If the Coordinating Committee makes such a determination within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall place the vote on the draft agenda, and any agenda approved by the General Assembly must include the vote. If an in-person General Assembly is not scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall submit the decision for confirmation by the Standing General Assembly for an on-line discussion and vote at the next available starting date for on-line proposals, as defined in these bylaws.

Section 12-4. Abbreviations
The name 'Green Party of California' shall be spelled out the first time it is used in each of the party's governing documents and thereafter referred to as the GPCA or the Party. The name 'Green Party of the United States' shall be spelled out the first time it is used in each of the party's governing documents and thereafter be referred to as the GPUS. The names for other party entities such as committees shall be spelled out each time.

Article 13. Liaison to the Secretary of State
(as last amended on 6/23/2019)

The Liaison to the Secretary of State shall be authorized to act in accordance with the GPCA Liaison to the California Secretary of State Protocol. The GPCA Liaison to the California Secretary of State Protocol may be amended by the General Assembly and/or Standing General Assembly by a 2/3 vote.