Bylaws

Bylaws of the Quad Cities Local Chapter
of Democratic Socialists of America
Adopted 2025-05-31

ARTICLE I. Name and Jurisdiction

Section 1. Name
The name of the Chapter will be the Quad Cities Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America, hereinafter referred to as “QCDSA” or “Quad Cities DSA.” Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a not-for-profit corporation.

Section 2. Jurisdiction
QCDSA shall be composed of individuals (“Members” or “Membership”) who reside in and/or work in the Quad Cities greater metropolitan area in the States of Illinois and Iowa. Each member must be a resident and have a primary mailing address on file in the Quad Cities area as defined by the list of zip codes provided by DSA.

ARTICLE II. Purpose.

The QCDSA strives to establish a radical democracy that places people’s lives under their own control, in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community. QCDSA rejects an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race and sex, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo. QCDSA works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in all its forms. We recognize the right of self-defense in the face of attacks; we also support non-violent direct action in combating oppression.

No oppressed group has ever been liberated except by its own organized efforts to overthrow its oppressors. A society based on radical democracy, with power exercised through people’s organizations, requires a socialist transformation from below. People’s organizations cannot be created by legislation, nor can they spring into being only on the eve of a revolution. They can grow only in the course of popular struggles, especially those of women, labor, and minority groups. QCDSA works to build and support these organizations democratically.

We are committed to developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision throughout the Quad Cities region. In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the local, democratic left. In the long term, we aim to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States. Our strategy acknowledges that true revolutions come from below. The working class will never be liberated except by its own organized grassroots efforts to overthrow the ruling capitalist class. The current class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population. QCDSA is committed to fighting injustices in our society, while standing in solidarity with the global working class.

ARTICLE III. Membership

Section 1. Membership
Individuals may not be members of the Chapter without being members of DSA. Members of the QCDSA will be those individuals who are members in good standing with DSA, who reside and/or work in the Quad Cities area. It will be the responsibility of members to approve policies, guidelines, and work priorities for the operation of the Chapter, to elect delegates to the national convention.

The Membership is the highest decision-making body of the QCDSA. All formal decisions made by the Membership at monthly Chapter Meetings or by some other manner as authorized by these Bylaws are binding upon all committees and officers of the Chapter including the Steering Committee.

Section 2. Expectations and Responsibilities

a. Inclusion
No person may be excluded from voting membership in QCDSA based on race; social or economic status; national origin; age; sex; gender; gender identity or presentation; disability; sexual orientation; religious affiliation, religious belief, or lack thereof; citizenship; or criminal record, including current incarceration.

b. Dues
Dues are paid to DSA, and therefore membership status is handled by DSA. DSA may remove a member from DSA if dues are lapsed. Members removed due to lapsed dues retain the right to reapply for membership of DSA at a later time. There are also dues options available with DSA to make membership affordable.

c. Voluntary Donations
As mandated by the National Constitution and Bylaws, the Chapter may establish a Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a Chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or for holding Chapter office.

d. Resignation
A member will be removed from the membership list per member’s request to membership@dsausa.org.

e. Removal by Local Chapter
Any member found to be operating in a way that runs counter to the plans and goals of the Chapter, its committees, and/or its working groups, found to be engaging in abusive and/or undemocratic behavior, found to repeatedly violate the DSA Code of Conduct for Members, or found to be under the discipline of any democratic centralist organization can be removed from the organization by a ¾ vote of the Membership. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member shall formally submit written charges against the member in question to the Chapter Steering Committee, who will set the date of a Chapter meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of 2 weeks before that meeting takes place. An expelled member in good standing must appeal first to the National Political Committee of DSA. Decisions on expulsion by either the Chapter or National Organization may be appealed to the National Convention.

Section 3. Member Orientation
We cannot be neutral on the issues we stand for, and this political education program is the starting point that leads to continuing education within QCDSA. New members are encouraged to participate in an orientation program to learn about organizing and leftist politics. Some of the goals of the program are to share a common vocabulary and set of conceptual foundations. We will also draw on theory, history, and praxis that can be applied to the world we currently live in, gain confidence and competence for engaging in political work, communicating ideas in our community, and organizing around the Chapter’s goals. Finally, members will gain the ability to confidently seek out related educational material and ideas beyond this program. The Membership Steward is responsible for orientation of new members. The Membership Steward will design the orientation to meet these goals.

Section 4. Data Security
The Steering Committee shall create and maintain policy and procedures to secure all member data, including but not limited to contact and billing information.

ARTICLE IV. Chapter Meetings

Section 1. Membership Assembly
The Chapter will hold a minimum of 1 Membership Assembly annually, and all members of the Chapter will receive 3 weeks written (or electronic) notice and an agenda of the Membership Assembly. The Membership Assembly will elect officers and may adopt an annual budget. In general, it is the highest legislative body of the Chapter.

Section 2. Chapter Meetings
The Chapter will hold Chapter Meetings at least once a month, and all current members of the Chapter will receive 1 week written (or electronic) notice and an agenda of each Chapter Meeting. The time and place of Chapter Meetings shall be set in a schedule published and distributed by the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meetings will set chapter policy and work priorities, and will include political education sessions. The Steering Committee will set the agenda for Meetings. In general, the Chapter Meeting is the operating legislative body of the chapter. The Membership can designate a facilitator during the Chapter Meeting.

Section 3. Emergency Meetings
The Steering Committee may call an Emergency Meeting of the Chapter on 24 hours’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.

Section 4. Quorum
A quorum of 15% of the members (no fewer than 9 persons) is required for Membership Assembly, Chapter, or Emergency Meetings to transact business.

ARTICLE V. Chapter Officers

Section 1. Officers and Terms
The officers of the Chapter will be the 2 Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Steward. The term of each office will be 1 year, and shall run from February 1 to January 31 or until their successors are elected. Each officer must be a member of the Chapter and be current in their dues at the time of election and throughout the duration of their term. No officer shall hold more than 1 office, or serve as an officer of more than 1 Committee or Working Group at any given time.

Section 2. Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy of an officer, the Steering Committee shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term either by scheduling an election at an upcoming Chapter Meeting or by appointment of the Steering Committee. If it is deemed necessary, an interim officer could be appointed by the Steering Committee until an election can be held.

Section 3. Co-Chairs

a. Co-Chairs will preside over Steering Committee Meetings or will appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order. Co-Chairs will serve as one of the spokespeople for the Membership and will initiate such actions and policies as the Membership’s general welfare may demand. Co-Chairs will oversee the execution of the messaging strategy across all internal and external communications platforms and work with coalition members to maintain the message of the chapter.

b. The Co-Chairs will report to Chapter Meetings on the business of the Steering Committee Meetings, at which time a copy of the minutes of those meetings will be available for inspection.

Section 4. Secretary

a. The Secretary will be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Chapter, and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Chapter. They will ensure effective communication with the DSA. They will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Chair, if one the Co-Chairs is not able to do so.

b. The Secretary will be responsible also for the taking of minutes of all membership and Steering Committee Meetings, and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports and other official records of the chapter. They shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Official records shall include meeting minutes and member lists.

Section 5. Treasurer

a. The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the chapter. All funds collected by the Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer, who shall deposit them in a bank account under the name of the chapter.

b. In cooperation with the Secretary, the Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are paid up-to-date.

c. The Treasurer may prepare an annual Chapter budget, and deliver the Chapter financial report to the Chapter Meeting of the chapter, as well as periodic progress reports as requested by the Steering Committee of the Chapter.

d. The Treasurer will prepare and present income and expenditure reports to members of the chapter in writing at the Chapter Meeting.

Section 6. Membership Steward
The Steward shall be responsible for maintaining accurate rolls of QCDSA members, including but not limited to the following:

a. Confirmation of member addresses and contact information, and outreach to members for new/updated information where needed,

b. Outreach to new members to confirm their location and direct them to their Chapter (if any) and the relevant officers/staff, and

c. Confirmation of Chapter membership for all voters at Chapter Meetings,

d. Maintain relationships with current members and engage their level of activity in the Chapter

Section 7. Additional Duties
The Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws.

Section 8. Nominations
The Steering Committee shall solicit, receive, and confirm nominations for the offices to be elected no later than 21 days before the election. A call for nominations must be communicated to Membership no later than 21 days before the election. Nominees may submit prepared candidate statements before the election.

Section 9. Elections
Officers must be elected by secret ballot, conducted by Scottish-style Single Transferable Vote. A transparent, internet-based voting platform for elections should be used whenever possible, such as OpaVote. If any office is uncontested, the nominee will be declared elected by acclamation.

Section 10. Resignation
Any officer of the Chapter may electronically or physically submit their resignation to either the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting. Upon resignation, the Steering Committee shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term either by scheduling an election no less than 30 days away from a Chapter Meeting or by appointment via simple majority vote of the Steering Committee.

Section 11. Suspension
Any officer of the Chapter may be temporarily suspended for 30 days at a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. Any member may motion to recall and must state with specificity the acts of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, undemocratic, or uncomradely behavior comprising the grounds for removal and must be seconded. The Chapter Meeting may adopt such a motion by a simple majority vote.

Section 12. Recall
Any officer of the Chapter may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer. To start the recall process, a member in good standing must formally refer a request to the Steering Committee. The request may, but is not required to, state a reason for the recall. Membership must be made aware that a recall vote is happening. The recall vote shall occur at the next available Chapter Meeting. Removal of an officer requires a ⅔ majority vote of the Chapter Meeting.

ARTICLE VI. Steering Committee

Section 1. Composition
The Steering Committee will be composed of the Chapter officers.

Section 2. Duties

a. The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of the Chapter Meetings; it may also propose policy to the Chapter Meetings. It shall have the power to receive reports of any Committee or Working Group, and advise thereon, to call Emergency Meetings of the chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of the Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative bodies, the Chapter Meetings and Membership Assembly.

b. The Steering Committee may recommend program activities for the Chapter, and propose guidelines and policies that will subsequently be voted on by members of DSA, and will be responsible for acting on the organization’s behalf between Chapter Meetings.

c. Time-sensitive decisions which cannot wait for a Chapter Meeting shall be decided by the Steering Committee.

d. The Steering Committee may authorize the co-sponsorship or agreed participation in events or coalitions that are in accordance with DSA’s political platform and principles, and are in alignment with prior Chapter decisions.

Section 3. Meetings
The meetings of the Steering Committee will be held at the call of at least 1 of the Co-Chairs at such intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with any 2 members of the Steering Committee. All members of the Steering Committee must be given 4 days oral or written notice of regular Steering Committee Meetings; a 24-hour notice may be given under special emergency circumstances. Members must be made aware of all Steering Committee meetings in advance and must be allowed to attend them in a non-voting capacity.

Section 4. Quorum
A quorum of half the members of the Steering Committee is required for the transaction of business.

Section 5. Urgent Disbursement of Finances
In the event of an urgent need, the Steering Committee may approve spending Chapter funds no greater than $100.00 per month by a ⅔ majority vote. The Steering Committee must inform the Membership electronically within 24 hours of this vote detailing the justification for such a use of Chapter funds.

Section 5. Board of Directors
For the purposes of meeting the requirements of local and state incorporation laws, the Chapter shall have a “Board of Directors” consisting of members of the Steering Committee assigned for the purpose as logical and required by law.

Section 6. Asynchronous Decision Making
The Steering Committee may maintain a process for making decisions outside of meetings to decide on urgent or routine matters. Any decisions made through this process must be recorded and communicated to Membership.

ARTICLE VII. Branches

Section 1. Definition
The Chapter may subdivide its jurisdiction into Branches for the purpose of creating smaller membership bodies that meet regularly to carry out the Chapter’s activities. A Branch can define itself by geographical area or Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapter. As a subgroup, Branches are largely autonomous within their own constituency, but are subject to the policies of the Chapter; their jurisdiction is limited by their territory and/or constituency, but they may recommend and propose policies to the Chapter, and review and comment on proposed Chapter policies. YDSA chapters within the geographical territory of the Chapter may affiliate as a Branch.

Section 2. Creation
Any group of at least 7 members may request to be recognized as a Branch; they must apply by written resolution at a Chapter Meeting. Their application must include the names of its members; a set of Branch bylaws which include a description of its purpose, structure, functions, and membership criteria; and any other information deemed necessary by the Steering Committee. A Branch thus proposed must be chartered by a ⅔ vote of the Chapter.

YDSA chapters need only show proof of being an officially recognized chapter of YDSA as part of a generic request to be recognized as a Branch of the Chapter, subject to approval by simple majority vote of a Chapter Meeting. Sections 3 and 4 below shall not be required of YDSA chapter-Branches.

Section 3. Dissolution
A Branch is considered inactive and may be dissolved by ⅔ vote at a Chapter Meeting if it has not met for at least 6 months. The Chapter Meeting may also revoke Branch status for cause, such as for promoting policies contrary to those of the Chapter or DSA. The officers of said Branch must be informed that dissolution is on the agenda when notified of the Chapter Meeting. Upon dissolution, all property and records of a Branch must be surrendered to the Steering Committee.

Section 4. Structure, Membership, and Elections
The Branch shall have its own bylaws explicitly defining its purpose, functions, and membership criteria in detail. Branch bylaws may establish the Branch’s methods and structures as long as they do not violate the Chapter’s Bylaws. Branch bylaws and minutes shall be filed with the Chapter Secretary. Any amendments to Branch bylaws must be approved at a Chapter Meeting.

Each Branch shall be responsible for electing its officers. Branch officers shall be responsible for scheduling and organizing meetings and actions of their Branch. Branches are eligible to receive funding in the annual budget

Section 5. Branch Organizing Committees
Prior to being chartered, a Branch Organizing Committee (BOC), organizing in Chapter territory not currently part of an extant Branch, of at least 3 members may be recognized by the Steering Committee by filing a petition stating their territory, naming the membership of the committee and officers. A BOC shall have access to a record of Members that belong to their jurisdiction.

ARTICLE VIII. Committees

Section 1. Definition
A committee is a group of Chapter members tasked with specific functions and authority related to the long-term organizing work and/or administration of the Chapter. Members are encouraged to identify and/or self-organize committees and propose them to the Chapter.

Section 2. Creation
A committee may be established by a Chapter Meeting by a simple majority vote. The motion to establish a committee must be made by written resolution, which must define:

a. a committee name;

b. a mission statement and objectives;

c. if necessary, a proposed budget;

d. a list of at least 3 members who support the creation and are willing to participate in the committee;

e. the leadership structure, including number of officers and length of their terms;

f. the initial leadership of the committee.

Section 3. Dissolution
Any committee created under this article may be dissolved by a Chapter Meeting at any time by a simple majority vote.

Section 4. Membership
Committee membership must be open to all Chapter members.

Section 5. Structure
Officers of each committee must include at least 2 Co-Chairs. Officers may be elected at committee meetings or appointed at Chapter Meetings.

Section 6. Duties
Members of a committee are empowered to pursue the stated objectives of the committee. Co-Chairs are responsible for organizing their respective body’s members, facilitating meetings, and serving as the committee’s points of contact to the Membership. Committees must keep records of meeting dates, attendance, and meeting notes, which must be filed with the Secretary and made available to the Membership; any financial records must be filed with the Treasurer. Committees shall report on their activities to the Membership at the Chapter Meeting.

ARTICLE IX. Working Groups

Section 1. Definition
A working group is a group of Chapter members organized to focus on specific issues, campaigns, or projects of the Chapter. Working groups are meant to be temporary bodies with clear goals and objectives. Members are encouraged to identify and/or self-organize working groups and propose them to the Chapter.

Section 2. Creation
A working group may be established by a Chapter Meeting or by the Steering Committee by a simple majority vote. The motion to establish a working group must be made by written resolution, which must define:

a. a working group name;

b. a mission statement and objectives;

c. if necessary, a proposed budget;

d. a list of at least 3 members who support the creation and are willing to participate in the working group;

e. the leadership structure, including number of officers;

f. the leadership of the working group.

Section 3. Dissolution
Any working group created under this article may be dissolved by a Chapter Meeting at any time by a simple majority vote.

Section 4. Membership
Working group membership must be open to all Chapter members.

Section 5. Structure
Officers of each working group must include at least a Chair. Officers may be appointed at Chapter Meetings or by the Steering Committee.

Section 6. Duties
Members of a working group are empowered to pursue the stated objectives of the working group. Chairs are responsible for organizing their respective body’s members, facilitating meetings, and serving as the working group’s points of contact to the Membership. Working Groups must keep records of meeting dates, attendance, and meeting notes, which must be filed with the Secretary and made available to the Membership; any financial records must be filed with the Treasurer. Working Groups shall report on their activities to the Membership at the Chapter Meeting.

ARTICLE X. Sections and Associations

Section 1. Sections
A Section is a group of Members that associate due to a shared identity. The Secretary will keep a regularly-updated list of recognized Sections. A Section is created when a group of at least 3 Members notify the Steering Committee of their intent to create the Section based on shared identity. Members of the Section will designate at least one Section Contact and create a charter for the Section that include qualifications for membership in the Section. The Section Contact will be responsible for communicating with the Steering Committee about the activities and business of the Section. Sections may be dissolved by vote at a Chapter Meeting if Membership finds the Section to be defunct, to have failed to conduct its internal affairs according to the Bylaws, or to have acted in violation of formally adopted resolutions or policies of QCDSA.

Section 2. Associations
An Association is a group of Members that associate due to a shared interest. The Secretary will keep a regularly-updated list of recognized Associations. An Association is created when a group of at least 3 Members notify the Steering Committee of their intent to create the Association. Members of the Association will designate at least one Association Contact. The Association Contact will be responsible for communicating with the Steering Committee about the activities and business of the Association. Associations may be dissolved by vote at a Chapter Meeting if Membership finds the Section to be defunct, to have failed to conduct its internal affairs according to the Bylaws, or to have acted in violation of formally adopted resolutions or policies of QCDSA.

ARTICLE XI. Delegates to National, Regional, and State Bodies

Section 1. Convention
Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention will be elected by members of QCDSA. Elections for the National Convention delegation shall be held on the schedule announced by the national organization.

ARTICLE XII. Political Activity

Section 1. Electoral Action
The political system, as it exists, is hostile to socialism and not fruitful as a primary avenue of change. We are open to pursuing socialist policies and supporting socialist candidates in the electoral process insofar as they work to establish an alternative and expand the political imagination. We are specifically aiming to move away from corporatocracy and towards public ownership. We advocate electoral action independent of the capitalist-controlled two-party system.

Section 2. Endorsements
Any endorsements of a political candidate must be communicated and coordinated by the membership, as voted on in Chapter Meetings. QCDSA will only endorse members of DSA. The Chapter may vote to endorse a candidate by ⅔ majority at a Chapter Meeting.

Section 3. Prohibited Activities
The Quad Cities Chapter shall not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Illinois or Iowa. Nor shall the Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.

ARTICLE XIII. Amendments

Section 1. Amendments
Proposed amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by 5 members of the Chapter of DSA, and submitted to the Steering Committee 30 days in advance of a Chapter Meeting. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Membership with 14 days’ written notice of the proposed amendments. The amendment must be approved by a ⅔ majority vote at the Chapter Meeting, with the endorsing members present at the Chapter Meeting.

ARTICLE XIV. Decision-Making Process

Section 1. Rules
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, shall govern this Chapter as they are applicable and unless they are inconsistent with these Bylaws or standing rules, then these Bylaws or standing rules will apply.

Section 2. Action Out of Order
Any action taken by an officer or member of the Chapter in contravention of these Bylaws is null and void.

ARTICLE XV. Chapter Dissolution

Section 1. Dissolution
A proposal to dissolve the Chapter must be made by written resolution, endorsed by 10% of members of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least 30 days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter Membership with at least 14 days physical or electronic notice of this resolution. The Chapter Meeting may adopt a resolution to dissolve the Chapter under this article by a ¾ vote, with the endorsing members present at the Chapter Meeting. Upon dissolution of the Chapter, any residual assets shall become property of DSA.

ARTICLE XVI. Grievance Procedure

Section 1. Dissolution
A proposal to dissolve the Local Chapter must be made by written resolution, endorsed by 5 members of the Local Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least 30 days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least 14 days physical or electronic notice of this resolution. The Chapter Meeting may adopt a resolution to dissolve the Local Chapter under this article by a ¾ vote, with the endorsing members present at the Chapter Meeting. Upon dissolution of the Local Chapter, any residual assets shall become property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.

ARTICLE XVII. Grievance Procedure.

Section 1. Grievance Procedure
The Chapter will follow the Harassment Policy of DSA (Resolution 33).

Section 2. Harassment Grievance Officers
The Chapter shall elect two Harassment Grievance Officers (HGOs) at the Membership Assembly. The term of office will be 1 year and shall run from February 1 to January 31 or until their successors are elected. Each HGO must be a member of the Local Chapter and be current in their dues at the time of election and throughout the duration of their term. No HGO shall hold an office on the Steering Committee during their term. Elections for the HGOs shall follow the procedures of Article V, Section 9.

Section 3. Nominations
Nominations for HGO positions shall follow the same procedures as nominations for Steering Committee positions as outlined in Article V, Section 9.

Section 4. Resignation and Vacancies
An HGO may electronically or physically submit their resignation to either the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting. Upon resignation or vacancy, the Steering Committee shall seek to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term by election at a Chapter Meeting.

Section 5. Suspension and Recall
Suspension or recall of an HGO shall follow the procedures of Article V, Sections 11-12.

Section 6. Duties
The duties of HGOs and the Steering Committee in the harassment grievance process shall be those defined within the Harassment Policy of DSA (Resolution 33).