DM Constituiton

CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS OF THEDemocracy Matters Marygrove College

ChapterAT MARYGROVE COLLEGE

Article I – NameThe name of the organization shall be the Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter, hereafter known as the organization.

Article II – PurposeDemocracy Matters is a non-partisan, non-profit, national organization that strives to reinvigorate and further democratize our American political system. As members of Democracy Matters, we strive to make politicians more accountable to the people by getting big money out of politics. The Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter is particularly committed to meaningful campaign finance reform to insure that all Americans, regardless of wealth, have an audible voice in our political system and that viable political candidates are not discouraged from running because they do not have sufficient access to wealth.

The goals of Democracy Matters are to inform the general student body and the broader Detroit community about the downfalls of the current campaign finance system and how to rectify them.

We plan to achieve these goals through educational campaigns and events, leading rallies, and talking to high school students, civic organizations and others Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter: Last Updated Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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about bettering our democracy.

Article III – MembershipAny student at Marygrove College and in good academic standing, as defined by the institution, is eligible for membership. The Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter, an equal opportunity student organization, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or military service in educational programs and activities.

Article IV – Election/Officers

Section 1 – Time of Election

The time of the elections for Executive positions will be every Spring Semester on the third week.

Section 2 – Executive Officers Nomination Procedures

Nominations for any of the organization’s positions must be made by one of the members and seconded by another member.

Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter: Last Updated Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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Section 3 – Voting

When all the nominations are received for all positions, the voting process can begin. It is to be purely democratic, with all votes of equal measure. The Advisor and two selected Democracy Matters members who are not connected to the ballot will conduct the vote. Only nominated candidates can be voted upon; write-in votes will not be accepted. The ballots will then be counted on that same day. The candidates with the most votes will assume the position immediately.

The Executive Officers include:

President-The President is official spokesperson for the organization. The President presides over all meetings and is responsible for: preparing the agenda for each meeting, opening and closing the meeting, calling on members to speak, keeping order and keeping the meeting topic being discussed, acting as a mediator when necessary, making the final decision in the case of a tie vote. The President is responsible for keeping the Advisor informed of all upcoming events. The President shall also stand as a liaison between the organization and the officers and officials of Marygrove College. The President helps the organization to set goals. The President encourages the members to achieve their goals. The President recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of members.

Vice President-Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter: Last Updated Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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The Vice President is responsible for creating and updating the organizational calendar. The Vice President ensures that the organization has submitted its yearly Student Organization Registration Form. The Vice President presides over all committees and is responsible for: appointing committees needed to carry our functions, appointing committee chairpersons, assisting committee chairpersons when necessary. The Vice President shall assist the President in all matters of organization business and should the President be unable to fulfill an obligation to the organization, s/he shall assume the President’s position.

Secretary-The Secretary shall post notice of meetings, record all business conducted at meetings, and post minutes of the meetings. The Secretary will ensure all deadlines are met. The Secretary works with the President to determine the agenda and ensure that the agenda is followed during meetings. The Secretary maintains accurate records and files of all organization business.

Treasurer-The Treasurer shall keep all copies of financial correspondence and financial records of the organization. The Treasurer is responsible for regular treasury reports: a statement of how much was spent at each program since the last meeting, a statement of the bills paid and


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unpaid, and an accurate record of how much money is in the account. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping an accurate record of income and debts in the ledger. The Treasurer acts as chairperson of fundraising activities. The Treasurer is responsible for debt collection. The Treasurer helps the officers develop the organization budget.

Article V – AdvisorThe Advisor shall be selected amongst the staff and faculty of Marygrove College. The Advisor shall serve has a point of communication and information for the organization. The Advisor shall be apprised within two (2) business days of all organization activity.

Article VI – MeetingsThe Democracy Matters Marygrove College Chapter will hold weekly meetings during the Fall and Winter Terms. Meeting times during the Fall and Winter Terms shall be decided by the newly elected officers. Additional meetings may be scheduled by the President as needed. Quorum is required to conduct any official business.

Article VII – By-Laws and AmendmentsAmendments to this Constitution require the affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the active membership, and be subject to review by the Coordinator for Student Involvement, Leadership and Greek Affairs, for said amendment(s) to be adopted. By-laws of the organization shall be established by the Executive Board. These by-laws shall be the policies and procedures of this organization. By-laws


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of the organization may not in any way conflict, or diminish the authority of this Constitution.

Article VIII – RatificationThis constitution must receive a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the membership to be adopted.


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Documents

DM Constituiton