Archive - Bylaws of the Green Party of California (03-23-2013)
Table of Contents (as amended by the GPCA Standing General Assembly, January 18, 2013 and March 23, 2013)
Article 3. Membership (as amended 1/18/2013)
Only GPCA members may vote for or serve as General Assembly delegates, or members of GPCA Standing Committees or Working Groups. 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.
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.
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.
The General Assembly may establish additional Committees and Working Groups 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. Working Groups are generally established to formulate and execute the tasks and policies needed to conduct the party's electorally-related organizing and party-building. Committee members become members by appointment, based upon their special expertise relating to the committee's duties and authority. Working Group members become members by virtue of their participation in the working group, according to the bylaws that govern them.
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.
5-1.1 A County Organization is considered recognized by the General Assembly if it adopts and files organizational bylaws with the Coordinating Committee and Bylaws Committee that are consistent with GPCA bylaws and California law, that:
5-1.1(a) Describe the county's organizational structure, including membership and decision-making;
5-1.1(b) Describe the process for filling County Council vacancies;
5-1.1(c) Describe the process for selecting General Assembly delegates;
5-1.1(d) Establish the position of county treasurer and describe the process for selecting it.
5-1.2 The Coordinating Committee shall certify, based on this
Article, whether a County Organization has initially satisfied 5-1.1. Once a
County Organization becomes recognized via this process, it shall retain that
status unless it amends its bylaws to become non-compliant. Any decision by the
Coordinating Committee regarding certification may be appealed to the General
Assembly.
5-2.1 A recognized County Organization shall be considered active for the purposes of seating General Assembly delegates and participating in County Polling, if it fulfills at least one of the following conditions:
5-2.1(a) The county has a County Council;
5-2.1(b) The County Organization has sent delegates to at least two of the last four General Assemblies and/or has chosen at least one delegate to the Standing General Assembly in that GPCA Fiscal Year
5-2.1(c) The County Organization has held a General Membership Meeting within the last six months at which at least eight registered Greens from within the county were present, delegates to the General Assembly were chosen and the County Organization has forwarded minutes of the meeting to the Coordinating Committee.
5-2.2 No sooner than twelve weeks and no later than six weeks before the opening of each in-person General Assembly, the Liaison to the Secretary of State, or another individual designated by the Coordinating Committee, shall obtain the most recent Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, and the Coordinating Committee shall determine, based on this Article, which county organizations are currently active. If after this determination has been made, but before the opening of the General Assembly, additional counties are found by the Coordinating Committee to be active, the newly active counties shall be allocated the number of seats they would otherwise be entitled to under 7-1.2.
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:
6-1.5(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
6-1.5(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.
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
6-2.2(a) Members shall be elected from one or more multi-member districts.
6-2.2(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.
6-2.2(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.
NOTE: The following text 6-2.3 through 6-2.7 shall be considered part of the GPCA Bylaws, until such text or text similar to it is passed as part of a GPCA section of the California Elections Code:
6-2.3 Computation of members allotted
6-2.3(a) The Secretary of State, no later than the 125th day before the direct primary election, shall compute the number of members of County Councils to be elected in each county and shall mail a certificate to that effect to the county clerk of each county and to the Liaison to the Secretary of State.
6-2.3(b) The county clerk, no later than the 115th day before the direct primary election, shall compute the number of members of County Council members to be elected in each district if the election of the members is to be by district.
6-2.4 In each county, the name of each candidate for member of County Councils shall appear on the ballot only if she or he is registered in the Green Party and has filed a nomination paper pursuant to Division 6 (commencing with Section 6000) of the Elections Code signed in the candidate‘s behalf by Green Party voters of the County Council election district in which she or he is a candidate.
6-2.5 The number of sponsors which shall be required of a person to be a candidate for member of a County Council shall be either: (a) Not less than 20; or (b) Not less than 2 percent of the number of voters registered as affiliated with the Green Party in the County Council election district -- whichever is less. Each sponsor is entitled to sponsor as many candidates as there are seats in the district. Notwithstanding any provision of the Elections Code, as many candidates as there are seats in the district may have their names listed on a single sponsor's certificate, and the signatures thereon shall be counted toward the sponsor requirement of each and every candidate whose name is listed on the certificate. In no case shall the number of candidates having their names on a sponsor's certificate exceed the number of members of the county council to be elected in the district.
6-2.6 No write-in candidate for member of County Council shall be declared elected, however, unless that candidate has received a number of first choice votes equal to or greater than 2 percent of the number of party members voting in the County Council election district at the direct primary or 20 votes, whichever is less.
6-2.7 For the purposes of this Section, the registration figures used shall be those taken from the statement of voters and their political affiliations transmitted by the county clerk/registrar to the Secretary of State on the 135th day prior to the next direct primary election.
6-3 Appointments to Vacancies
6-3.1 At its first meeting following the direct primary election and at subsequent meetings, a County Council may appoint additional members to the County Council to fill any vacancy, unless the County Organization specifies an alternate process in its bylaws. Where no County Council exists, appointments may be made by the process described in 6-6.
6-3.2 No person shall be appointed to membership on a County Council who is registered with another party or registered as "Decline to State" or "No Party Preference." Appointment of other persons who are not eligible to register to vote, but who become party members as described in 3-1, shall be allowed.
6-3.3 Whenever any person is appointed to a County Council, the County Council shall file notices of the appointment with the county clerk/registrar and the Coordinating Committee within 30 days after it is made. The notices shall contain the name and address of the person appointed and shall indicate the date of the appointment.
6-4 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:
6-4.1 A County Council seat was not filled in an election;
6-4.2 A County Council member has submitted a written statement of resignation to the County Council or the Coordinating Committee;
6-4.3 A County Council member is no longer registered in the county or district within the county from which she or he was elected;
6-4.4 A County Council member is no longer registered Green;
6-4.5 A Councilmember dies or becomes incapacitated to act;
6-4.6 A Councilmember is removed for cause.
6-5 Removal for Cause
6-5.1 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.
6-5.2 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.
6-5.3 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.
6-5.4 County Council members not elected in the direct primary election, but who have been appointed by the processes described in 6-3 and 6-6, may be removed by the process described in 6-5.1 through 6-5.3, 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 6-6 Appointments to Vacancies in Counties In Which No County Council members were elected in the primary election
6-6.1 The recognized or newly forming county organization must hold a General Meeting open to all registered Greens in the county. The meeting organizers shall work with the Coordinating committee to ensure that the meeting date, time and location is publicized as widely as possible to all Greens in the county, at least 21 days before the meeting.
6-6.2 To make an appointment at this General Meeting, the County Organization must already have bylaws as specified in 5-1.1, or must them adopt at the General Meeting.
6-6.3 For decisions to be valid at this General Meeting, in counties in which where there is not a recognized County Organization, the number of registered GPCA members in the county that must attend the meeting, must be at least three.
6-6.4 For decisions to be valid at this General Meeting, in counties in which where there is a recognized County Organization, either the number shall be equal to the amount that would be necessary to sign nomination signatures to appear on the County Council ballot in that county; or at a meeting with less than that number, but with at least three, only those candidates would be eligible who present a nomination petition with a number of signatures from registered Greens in the county, equal to the amount that would be necessary to sign nomination signatures to appear on the County Council ballot in that county.
6-6.5 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.
6-6.6 Once the Coordinating Committee has certified that the County Organization is recognized under 5-1.1, 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 amended 3/22/2013)
7-1.1 The General Assembly shall consist of Delegates from active County Organizations. Delegates shall be elected by the County Council, unless the County Organization specifies an alternate process in its bylaws. The process by which delegates are elected must be defined in the bylaws of each county and a copy be on file with the Coordinating Committee and the Bylaws Committee.
7-1.2 The total number of delegates and the number of delegates per county shall be the total of two sums:
7-1.2(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.
7-1.2(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.
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.
Committees and Working Groups may submit proposals within the scope of their Duties and Authority as defined in these bylaws. County Organizations may submit proposals to amend the Bylaws, Rules & Procedures and Fiscal Policy.
7-2.2 Format
Proposals shall include the name of the sponsoring committee, working group and/or County Organization; the presenter(s), title/subject, background/purpose, text of proposal, approval threshold, timeline, resources/budgetary implication, committee/working group/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.
7-2.3(a) Approval of the Annual Budget and mid-year budget amendments; Annual Strategic Plan;
7-2.3(b) Amendments to the Bylaws, the Rules & Procedures and the Fiscal Policy;
7-2.3(c) Amendments to the Platform;
7-2.3(d) Endorsement of or opposition to statewide ballot measures;
7-2.3(e) Recall of Coordinating Committee Members; Removal for Cause of County Councilmembers;
7-2.3(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
7-2.4(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). No candidate shall be seated who does not cross the threshold before No Other Candidate. 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.
7-2.4(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). No candidate shall be seated who does not cross the threshold before No Other Candidate.
7-3. The following shall be conducted by Ranked Choice Voting:
7-3.1(a) Elections 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:
7-3.2(a) Confirmation of the Treasurer and of the Liaison to the Secretary of State
7-3.2(b) Elections to fill a single vacancy on the Coordinating Committee or the GPUS Delegation.
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.'
7-5.1 Draft Agenda
7-5.1(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.
7-5.1(b) The Draft Agenda shall incorporate agenda items submitted
by committees, working groups 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
include facilitators, times and the full text of each item as described in 7-2.2.
7-5.1(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
7-5.3(a) A quorum exists for the purpose of opening a General Assembly when 2/3 (rounding to the nearest whole number) of the regions containing active counties are represented.
7-5.3(b) A quorum exists for the purpose of decision-making when 80% of registered delegates are present and a minimum of 90% of the maximum number of delegates registered for that day are present, if delegates earlier present have left and unregistered.
7-5.3(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
7-5.4(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.
7-5.4(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:
7-5.5(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.
7-5.5(b) Presenters shall present their proposal, after which clarifying questions are taken from the delegates and responded to by the presenter(s).
7-5.5(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.
7-5.5(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.
7-5.5(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.
7-5.5(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.
7-5.5(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
7-5.7(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.
7-5.7(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.
7-5.7(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. Standing Green Assembly
7-6.1 Standing Delegates and Alternates
7-6.1(a) Delegates to the Standing Green Assembly shall
be called Standing Delegates, shall be appointed by active County Organizations
and shall serve for one year terms, with no term limits. Terms shall run concurrent
with the GPCA's Fiscal Year.
7-6.1(b) Each active County Organization is entitled to as many Standing Delegates as it is entitled to General Assembly delegates under 7-1.2.
The number of Standing Delegates per active County Organization shall be based
upon the state of California's annual February voter registration count,
and be calculated by the Coordinating Committee and published to the active
County Organizations by the end of March following the annual February count,
which shall form the basis for the number of delegates chosen by each active
County Organization for the ensuing Fiscal Year.
7-6.2 Decision Items
The following decision items shall automatically be placed before the Standing General Assembly. Other decision items may be submitted to the Standing General Assembly by Standing Committees, Working Groups and/or active County Organizations as provided for in 7-2.1.
7-6.2(a) Endorsement/opposition of qualified statewide ballot measures;
7-6.2(b) Endorsements of statewide candidates;
7-6.2(c) General Assembly Minutes;
7-6.2(d) Election of the Coordinating Committee;
7-6.2(e) Election of the GPUS Delegation;
7-6.2(f) Removal for Cause petition for County Councilmembers;
7-6.2(g) Recall petition for Coordinating Committee and GPUS Delegation members.
7-6.3 Discussion and Voting Period
7-6.3(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.
7-6.3(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.
7-6.3(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 Green
Assembly no later than on a Monday at 12:01 am preceding the end of the discussion
period.
7-6.3(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.
7-6.4 Quorum
A quorum has been reached when the number of votes cast is equal to a majority of delegate seats allocated 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 amended 3/22/2013)
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 Green 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 and Working Groups, who is charged with facilitating communications between that Committee or Working Group and the Coordinating Committee and in the case of certain committees as specified in Article 9, to serve as one of its two Co-Coordinators.
8-1.7 Request and receive reports from Committees and Working Groups, 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 11-2.)
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.
8-2.1 The Coordinating Committee shall be composed of up to 24 voting members, with 12 men and 12 women. Six men and six women 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.
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.
8-4.1 Elections shall be conducted each year by the Standing Green Assembly 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 first Monday of March 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 Green Assembly shall include:
8-4.3(a) Each candidate's application;
8-4.3(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.
8-5.1 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 County Councils representing 35% of the total number of General Assembly delegate seats, and must be received by the Coordinating Committee before it can be forwarded to the 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 Green 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 of the General Assembly (as amended 1/18/2013)
9-1.1 The number of committee members, the requirements for their eligibility and the process by which they are appointed shall be defined in the Bylaws that govern each committee. Committee Coordinators shall post the names of all committee members and the start and end dates of each members' term on the committee's web page.
9-1.2 At least once a year and whenever vacancies exist, the Coordinating Committee shall widely advertise to the Party membership the openings on each Coordinating Committee-appointed committee. To be eligible, applicants shall submit an application to the Coordinating Committee stating their interest and qualifications.
9-1.3 Any committee member may be recalled by a 2/3 vote of the committee that appointed them.
Each committee shall have two co-coordinators who shall be responsible for preparing and announcing the draft agenda for committee meetings, to submit annual work plans and budgets on behalf of the committee and otherwise represent the committee in official communications with other committees, working groups and the General Assembly.
Section 9-3 Meetings
9-3.1 Committees shall meet during GPCA state meetings, on teleconferences and otherwise as necessary to achieve the objectives outlined in its work plan. Meetings must be called with a minimum of two weeks notice to committee members.
9-3.2 The decision-making process for committees shall follow that described for the General Assembly in 7-5.5. Quorum is a majority 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 Committee
9-5.1 Duties and Authority
The Bylaws Committee is charged with supporting the development of the GPCA's governing rules documents, including its Bylaws, Rules and Procedures and Fiscal Policy, including to:
9-5.1(a) Propose amendments to the General Assembly to the GPCA's governing rules documents;
9-5.1(b) Review proposed amendments to those documents submitted by others and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, meaning and terminology with existing documents, and to minimize ambiguity and promote clarity.
9-5.1(c) Compile, document and archive the governing rules documents of the GPCA as they have existed over time.
9-5.1(d) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.
9-5.2 Membership
The Bylaws Committee shall consist of eight members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Bylaws Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Bylaws Committee itself. Eligible appointees to the Bylaws Committee must have attended at least one in-person General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.
Section 9-6. Clearinghouse Committee
9-6.1 Duties and Authority
The Clearinghouse Committee is charged with facilitating specific external communications of the Party, including to
9-6.1(a) Return and/or redirect to the appropriate source within the Party, external communications received by phone, email, and postal mail;
Be responsible for merchandising, including budgeting, ordering, storage and shipping;
9-6.1(c) Oversee that information relating to this work on the GPCA website is accurate and up to date.
9-6.1(d) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.
9-6.2 Membership
The Clearinghouse Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Clearinghouse Committee co-coordinators. The other Clearinghouse Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Clearinghouse itself. Eligible appointees to the Clearinghouse Committee must have attended at least one in-person General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.
Section 9-7. Campaign Fund Support Committee
9-7.1 Duties and Authority
The Campaign Support Fund Committee is charged with the responsibility to decide what campaign committees shall receive funds designated in the annual GPCA budget approved for the financial support of GPCA members running for elected office, including to:
9-7.1(a) Establish procedures for candidates to apply for funding, including an application form or questionnaire and application deadlines, that shall be generally communicated to all candidates known to the Campaign Support Fund Committee and posted on the Campaign Support Fund Committee webpage;
9-7.1(b) Establish general principles for prioritizing the designation of funds, where drafts of those principles are published to the Coordinating Committee and Campaigns and Candidates Working Group at least 15 days in advance to allow comments before adoption.
9-7.1(c) Designate funding and communicate such designations to the GPCA Treasurer;
9-7.1(d) Provide a written report of its funding deliberations and decisions to the Coordinating Committee and Campaigns and Candidates Working Group, within 60 days following any election in which it designates funding.
9-7.2 Membership.
9-7.2(a) The Campaign Financial Support Committee shall consist of six members: two appointed each by the Coordinating Committee, Finance Committee and the Campaigns and Candidates Working Group, each using its own internal procedures for making such appointments. Eligibility is open to all GPCA members, except that Co-coordinators of Committees, Working Groups or the GPUS Delegation are not eligible, nor is any person who is, or who has announced their intention to be, a candidate for elected office (not including County Council), or anyone serving as a campaign manager, treasurer or consultant for such a candidate. Quorum shall be at least three members.
9-7.2(b) Members shall be appointed not later than the General Assembly at which the GPCA annual budget is submitted for adoption, and shall serve a one year term. Members may not serve more than three consecutive terms. In the event of a vacancy, the Committee or Working Group that appointed the person shall appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term .
Section 9-8. Finance Committee
The Finance Committee shall have the duties, authority and membership as defined in the Fiscal Policy.
Section 9-9. Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee shall have the duties, authority and membership as defined in the Fiscal Policy.
Section 9-10. Information Technology Committee
9-10.1 Duties and Authority
The Information Technology Committee is charged with providing technical support for GPCA web sites, data bases and email lists, including
9-10.1(a) Managing their permissions and access according to approved GPCA policies and procedures and provide assistance in their use to GPCA personnel
9-10.1(b) Recommending policies and procedures that facilitate this work.
9-10.1(c) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.
9-10.2 Membership
The Information Technology Committee shall consist of eight voting members appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, with no term limits, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Information Technology Committee co-coordinators. The other Information Technology Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Information Technology Committee itself. Any GPCA member is eligible for appointment and members shall be appointed based upon their abilities and qualifications to carry out, the duties and authority of this committee.
Section 9-11 Media Committee
9-11.1 Duties and Authority
The Media Committee is charged with facilitating all GPCA communications with media outlets, including to
9-11.1(a) Develop and distribute media releases that publicize official GPCA positions, positions taken by GPCA Spokespersons and other party members in accordance with the GPCA Platform, the successes and achievements in office of GPCA members who are elected and appointed officials, and other newsworthy events about GPCA growth and development;
9-11.1(b) Coordinate Party press conferences;
9-11.1(c) Respond to press inquiries.
9-11.1(c) Assist County Green organizations in their media work.
9-11.2 Membership
The Media Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Media Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Media Committee itself. In addition, GPCA spokespersons shall be ex-officio non-voting members, who may participate in the deliberations of the committee, but not vote. Eligible appointees to the Media Committee must have attended at least one in-person General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.
Section 9-12. Platform Committee
9-12.1 Duties and Authority
The Platform Committee is charged with supporting the development of the GPCA's Platform, including to
9-12.1(a) Propose Platform amendments to the General Assembly
9-12.1(b) Review proposed Platform amendments submitted by others and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, meaning and terminology with the existing Platform, and to minimize ambiguity and promote clarity.
9-12.1(c) Seek input and feedback on the Platform from experts in the field
9-12.1(d) Assist the Campaigns and Candidates Working Group and the General Assembly with formulating positions on statewide ballot measures.
9-12.1(e) Assist the Media Committee and GPCA spokespeople with press releases and other public statements that reference the Platform.
9-12.1(f) Compile, document and archive the Platform as it has existed over time.
9-12.1(g) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.
9-12.2 Membership
The Platform Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Bylaws Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Bylaws Committee itself. Eligible appointees to the Platform Committee must have attended at least one General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.
Article 10. Working Groups of the General Assembly (as amended 1/18/2013)
Working Group Membership shall be open to any GPCA member willing to participate. Membership with voting privileges are for those members who have attended at least two Working Group meetings within the previous 24 months. Committee Coordinators shall post the names of all committee members on the committee's web page.
Each Working Group shall elect two coordinators from among its membership. Elected coordinators shall take office upon confirmation by the General Assembly and shall serve for two years in staggered terms. Co-coordinators who shall be responsible for preparing and announcing the draft agenda for committee meetings, to submit annual work plans and budgets on behalf of the working group and otherwise represent the working group in official communications with other committees, working groups and the General Assembly.
Section 10-3 Meetings
10-3.1 Working Groups shall meet during GPCA state meetings, on teleconferences and otherwise as necessary to achieve the objectives outlined in its work plan. Meetings must be called with a minimum of two weeks notice to committee members.
10-3.2 The decision-making process for committees shall follow that described for the General Assembly in 7-5.5. Quorum is a majority of the committee's voting membership.
Section 10-4 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 10-5. Campaigns & Candidates Working Group
10-5.1 Duties and Authority
The Campaigns & Candidates Working Group is charged with facilitating the electoral work of the party, including to:
10-5.1(a) Develop and implement a GPCA electoral strategy;
10-5.1(b) Establish internal procedures for and coordinate a process of inviting, receiving and compiling analysis and recommendations from Greens and others on statewide ballot measures, perform an analysis of each ballot measure in relation to the GPCA Platform, resolutions and Ten Key Values, and make proposals to the General Assembly for GPCA positions;
10-5.1(c) Identify, recruit and support credible Green candidates, and educate and train them and other GPCA members in campaign skills, organization and electoral strategy;
10-5.1(d) Promote and facilitate effective strategies for winning campaigns;
10-5.1(e) Identify key campaigns in which Green Party members can play a pivotal role;
10-5.1(f) Make appointments to the Campaign Funding Support Committee;
10-5.1(g) Facilitate post-election reporting and analysis from candidates and campaigns.
Section 10-6. Electoral Reform Working Group
10-6.1 Duties and Authority
The Electoral Reform Working Group is charged with promoting the electoral reform objectives of the party. This includes working to:
10-6.1(a) Educate Green Party members, the public, and the media about proportional representation (PR), instant runoff voting (IRV), and other electoral reforms as directed by the General Assembly;
10-6.1(b) Identify strategies for enacting these reforms including use of PR and IRV in primary and County Council elections;
10-6.1(c) Encourage Greens to initiate and support successful campaigns for electoral reform;
10-6.1(d) Advise GPCA on internal party voting mechanisms and electoral policy.
10-6.2 Ex-Officio Member
The Liaison to the Secretary of State is a ex-officio voting member of the Electoral Reform Working Group.
Section 10-7. Green Issues Working Group
10-7.1 Duties and Authority
The Green Issues Working Group is charged with identifying and facilitating GPCA action on external Green issues not already delegated to another Committee or Working Group. This includes working to:
10-7.1(a) Identify, facilitate discussion, and prepare proposals on issues and events that should be addressed by the GPCA;
10-7.1(b) Advise the Platform Committee on the development of platform proposals on issues identified by the Working Group;
10-7.1(c) Promote and provide support for Green issues to candidates running for office;
10-7.1(d) Build coalitions with other organizations working on Green issues.
Section 10-8. Grassroots Organizing Working Group
10-8.1 Duties and Authority
The Grassroots Organizing Working Group is charged with facilitating voter registration activities and supporting the growth of active County Organizations. This includes working to:
10-8.1(a) Coordinate County Organizations into statewide efforts to register Green Party voters, do public outreach, and increase diversity in the party;
10-8.1(b) Provide training for County Organizations in tabling and other grassroots organizing activities;
10-8.1(c) Develop, maintain, and provide resources for tabling efforts and organization of County Organization>
Article 11. Strategic Planning (as amended 1/18/2013)
Where it is specified in the bylaws that govern them, each Committee and Working Group shall prepare a yearly Work Plan. The Work Plan shall identify the objectives of that Committee or Working Group 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 or Working Group.
Section 11-2 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 and Working Groups. 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 and Working Groups. 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.
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 selects delegates who are voting members of the GPUS National Committee (GPUS 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 12-2 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 3-1.3 is eligible to be a delegate to the GPUS. Alternates may be elected equal in number to the number of delegates.
Section 12-3 Responsibilities and Expectations
12-3.1 Representing GPCA to the GPUS
GPCA delegates shall take part in the discussion and votes upon proposals before the GPUS NC. Votes shall be submitted to the process established by the GPUS.
Delegates shall participate in monthly teleconferences and 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. Alternate delegates are encouraged to participate in the same activities as delegates and vote according to the delegation’s procedures for alternates.
12-3.2 Serving the GPCA General Assembly
a) GPCA delegates, individually and collectively, serve at the pleasure of and are responsible to the GPCA General Assembly (GA). 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 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 12-4. Elections
12-4.1 Regular Elections
At each GA, delegates and alternates shall be elected for two-year terms. Elections shall be by 7-1.8 Choice Voting. The delegation may recommend candidates to the GA. Recommendations shall be made with attention to gender, ethnic, and geographic balance.
12-4.2 Filling Unscheduled Vacancies
If delegate and alternate seats become vacant in the middle of a term the GA may elect replacements at its first meeting following the vacancy and at subsequent meetings until the end of the term. Elections shall be by 7-1.8 Choice Voting and those elected in this manner shall serve the remainder of the term.
Section 12-5 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 12-6 Coordinators
12-6.1 Role
There shall be two co-coordinators of the delegation, with ethnic, geographic and gender balance preferred. Cocoordinators shall be selected by and serve at the pleasure of the delegation.
12-6.2 Responsibilities
The coordinators shall facilitate the delegation, coordinate its activities and communicate on its behalf with the CC and GA and the GPUS Steering Committee and National Committee.
12-6-3 Elections
Co-coordinators shall be elected by the delegation to staggered two-year terms at the first GPCA General Assembly after the annual national meeting of the GPUS NC. Delegates and alternates are eligible to be elected. Elections shall be by 7-1.9 Single Seat Election: Instant Run-Off Voting.
Section 12-7. Meetings, policies, and procedures.
12-7.1 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 equal to 50% plus one of the number of elected delegates, but participation by both delegates and alternates shall count towards achieving quorum.
12-7.2 Policies and procedures
The delegation shall create whatever policies and procedures are necessary, that are not in conflict with this Article, to fulfill its responsibilities as defined in this Article and in the GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures. The delegation shall provide written report of these policies and procedures to the next GA as they are created or amended.
Section 12-8. GPUS Committees
Where GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures provide for state party-appointed membership, the delegation shall determine who shall be the GPCA’s representatives on GPUS committees, or 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 3-1.3 is eligible to be on a GPUS committee, unless GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures state otherwise.
Article 13. Status and Amendment of GPCA Governing Rules (as amended 1/18/2013)
13-1 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.
13-2 Amendment
13-2.1 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 Working Group, but only to that specific section of the governing documents that govern them.
13-2.2 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 clarify.
13-3 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 Green Assembly for an on-line discussion and vote at the next available starting date for on-line proposals, as defined in these bylaws.
13-4 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 and working groups shall be spelled out each time.
We welcome all Californians who share our Green vision to join us.
GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
PO Box 485
San Francisco, CA 94104
(916) 448-3437