BYLAWS NEXT GENERATION BAY AREA

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1: Name The name of this Organization shall be Next Generation Bay Area, also referred to as Next Gen or NGBA. Section 2: Organization The purpose of Next Gen is to educate, mobilize, train and connect young workers and union members for worker and economic justice, civil rights and education. To this end we propose to: a) Educate young unorganized workers, students and union members about unions and social justice issues, and expose the labor community to young workers, our issues and interests; Mobilize to defend human, civil and employment rights; Encourage young workers to take part in community service; Engage young workers and union members to join union actions and the political process; Train by providing political, organizing, and leadership opportunities; Provide young workers with mentorship from current union and community leaders; Connect young workers without discrimination; Develop solidarity among young workers; Support the work of other progressive organizations and build alliances to achieve common objectives; Create a space for young workers to meet their peers, network and build community;

b)

c)

d)

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP & DUES

Section 1: Structure a) The membership of Next Gen shall be generally composed of individuals in the San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Clara counties of California; however, membership shall be open to anyone who supports the goals of the Organization. Next Gen shall be fully autonomous from the national AFLCIO and regional Central Labor Council (CLC), consistent with National AFL-CIO and CLC bylaws and resolutions. Next Gen shall designate representatives to regional CLC bodies, with the goal of addressing common concerns. Next Gen shall assist in organizing new chapters where appropriate.

b)

c) d)

Section 2: Dues a) b) Next Gen shall collect yearly dues from each member. The annual dues of this Organization shall be determined by the Officers. If dues are to be adjusted, such proposed changes will be included in an advance announcement of the regular membership meeting, and will be subject to approval by the members in attendance at said meeting. The dues amount shall provide sufficient funds to carry out the functions of the Chapter. No one will be refused membership in Next Gen for lack of funds.

c) d)

Section 3: Signatories

Next Gen shall authorize all elected Officers as signatories on Chapter financial accounts. Two signatures shall be required on a check or financial transaction. One of the two required signatures shall always be either that of the Treasurer or the President.

ARTICLE III: LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

The goal of this structure is to create maximum empowerment and leadership development of Next Gen members, and foster an environment of work efficiency. The leadership of Next Gen shall be elected by all members present at a regular membership meeting. Section 1: Officers The Officers of this Organization shall be: President Vice President, Internal Vice President, External Secretary Treasurer a) President, This position shall: Preside at all membership meetings, be responsible for coordinating Chapter working groups/committees and Chapter administration and may serve as, or designate someone to serve as, spokesperson for the Organization. Vice President, Internal, This position shall: Be responsible for member retention, internal organizing, education, event planning, social media, and member engagement. Also, this Office will preside at all meetings in the absence of the President. He/she shall immediately assume the duties of the President, should the President, during his/her term of office, be disabled, resign, or for some reason be unable or unwilling to carry out his/her duties under these Bylaws. Vice President, External, This position shall: Be responsible for external organizing and outreach, political outreach,
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b)

c)

contacting and connecting with allies and organizations, fundraising, assisting in event planning for sponsored events, and mobilization actions. d) Secretary, This position shall: Record minutes of all meetings of Next Gen. The Secretary will also maintain membership records, handle correspondence of the Chapter unless another Officer is given a specific part of this duty, and be responsible for notifying members of meetings and other pertinent information. He/she shall be custodian of the members contact information. Treasurer, This position shall: Collect all dues, be custodian of all monies and property not specifically in the charge of another Officer, keep a complete financial record of receipts and disbursements and render a monthly financial report to the outgoing and incoming Officers. This report shall be submitted in writing.

e)

Section 2: Terms and Requirements a) b) Each Officer shall serve for a term of one (1) year. The President must be a union member in good standing.

ARTICLE IV: ELECTIONS

Section 1: Process a) Nominations for Officers will be announced at the June regular membership meeting. Those nominated must be in good standing and be present at said meeting unless written acceptance of the nomination has been received. Elections will take place at the July monthly membership meeting.

b)

c)

If there is a contest for any Office, it will be settled by a secret ballot vote conducted among those members in good standing who are present at said meeting. The Officers shall be installed at the conclusion of the election.

d)

Section 2: Representatives Representatives to any regional or national body are to be appointed by the President and approved by the membership at a regularly scheduled meeting.

ARTICLE V: COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

Section 1: Goals Program goals and projects shall be carried out by working groups/committees. Members shall be encouraged to participate in and develop projects for committee work. Committees shall elect chairs who will report to the general membership and coordinate with the President or his/her designee. All committees will report to the President. Any action recommended by committees will be approved by the President, and if the action requires a membership vote, it will follow Article VI, Section 1. Section 2: Standing Committees a) Organizing Committee, This committee will be formed immediately. The Organizing Committee will be responsible for planning events, scheduling all activities, reviewing financial reports, brainstorming on organizing and member development, and planning the focus and direction of Next Gen. This committee will meet on a regular basis and a report
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from this committee will be reviewed at every regular membership meeting. The chair of this committee cannot be an Officer. Any member is welcome to attend Organizing Committee meetings; there will be no appointment process. b) Legislative/Political Committee, This committee will plan events around legislative and political actions, coordinate voter registration, research bills and laws that will affect young workers, and define actions that Next Gen will do to fight or support them. This committee will meet when needed.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS AND QUORUM

Section 1: Rules a) All meetings of the membership must be announced at least ten (10) days in advance and include in the notice the time and place of said meeting. A quorum for the transaction of business at any membership meeting shall consist of those present, but not less than five (5). The President shall determine the agenda. Based on importance and business to be conducted, either Roberts Rules or Standard Parliamentary Procedure shall be used at the discretion of the President. At least five (5) members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of all business with the exception of amending Bylaws. All business shall be conducted at the meetings. Any timesensitive business not able to be conducted at a regular meeting shall be conducted by a meeting of the Officers. A report of business conducted outside of a regular meeting shall be given at the next membership meeting.

b)

c)

Section 2: Formal Agenda Meetings shall be conducted in the following order:

i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Approval of Organizing Committee Minutes Approval of Financial Report Old Business New Business Announcements Good and Welfare

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

Any individual member may propose amendments to these Bylaws which must be submitted to the membership in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. Amendments to the Bylaws may be made only at a regularly scheduled Chapter membership meeting and may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of those members present. For the purposes of convening a quorum for amending Bylaws, at least 15 percent of members in good standing must be present.