THE CHARTER OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF NORTH CAROLINA

ARTICLE I: NAME AND AFFILIATIONS Section 1. Name. The name of this organization shall be The Young Democrats of North Carolina.

Section 2. Abbreviations. Throughout this Charter and any

associated Bylaws, Policies, and official documents, the Young Democrats of North Carolina may make use of the following

abbreviations and shorthand: A. YDNC. The Young Democrats of North Carolina, abbreviated, YDNC. B. Board. The Board of the Young Democrats of North Carolina, abbreviated, The Board. C. YDEC. The Executive Committee of the Young Democrats of North Carolina, abbreviated, YDEC.

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D. CDNC. The College Democrats of North Carolina, abbreviated, CDNC. E. NCATD. North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats, abbreviated, NCATD. F. NCDP. North Carolina Democratic Party, abbreviated, NCDP. G. YDA. Young Democrats of America, abbreviated YDA. H. CDA. College Democrats of America, abbreviated CDA. I. DNC. Democratic National Committee, abbreviated DNC.

Section 3. Affiliations. This organization shall be affiliated with the Young Democrats of America. YDNC shall, when choosing its actions, positions, and policies, consider, but not be bound by, the platforms and policies of the Democratic Party and its auxiliary organizations on the state and

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national levels including the NCDP, CDA, YDA, and the DNC.

Section 4. Scope. This organization shall not take any action which is in conflict with these Bylaws, with the Constitution of the United States, or with national, state, or local law.

ARTICLE II: OBJECT AND POLICY Section 1. Object & Vision. The object of YDNC shall be to advocate the goals and priorities of youth of the Democratic Party of North Carolina within the Democratic Party, and within the electoral system. Section 2. Charge. YDNC shall endeavor to fulfill its object by building a state-wide, youth-led, infrastructure committed to its priorities, and composed of a federation of high school, college, county and young professional

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clubs, each of which shall serve both as a social network and a grassroots political organizations in its own right.

Section 3. Incorporation. A. Historic Nature. As one of the oldest civic organizations in North Carolina, YDNC pre-dates most tax law restrictions on political activities. YDNC is older than any North Carolina campaign finance law, and older than the Federal Election Commission.

B. Complex History. YDNC has over the years operated in ways best described as a political campaign committee, as a social welfare organization, as a civic engagement organization, as a social club, and as a leadership development organization. At various times, each of these has been the primary purpose of YDNC.

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C. Choice of Organizational Status. Given the historic and complex nature of YDNC, a duly-called convention is authorized to incorporate this organization as it best sees fit, and as best reflects the activities of YDNC and the laws of the United States and North Carolina. The Convention may choose to, but is not limited to, incorporating as an NC political action committee (PAC), as a federal PAC, as a federal or nonfederal 527 organization, as a SuperPac, as a 501 (c)3, 501(c)4, or as any appropriate and legal combination thereof.

D. Process of Organizational Change. Any vote to change organizational status must pass with a three-fifths majority of the Convention, and must be accompanied by appropriate changes to the Bylaws outlining the new legal status and including rules ensuring legal compliance by both the officers and chapters of YDNC.

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ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Policy. The membership of the Young Democrats of North Carolina shall be open to all registered Democrats in North Carolina and to all Teen Democrats.

Section 2. Classifications of membership. There shall be the following classifications of membership in YDNC: A. Active. Any registered Democrat age eighteen (18) to thirty-five (35) shall be eligible for Active membership. B. At-large. Any registered Democrat age eighteen (18) to thirty-five (35) residing in a county where no county club exists shall be eligible for At-large membership, except that no county may have more than five (5) At-large members. C. Teen. Any North Carolina resident, having achieved the age of 13, but not yet having achieved the age of 19, who is a registered Democrat, or who, being unable to register, actively affiliates themselves with the principles

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of the Democratic Party and the Young Democrats of North Carolina, is eligible for Teen membership, provided they are a member of a chartered YDNC or NCATD chapter. D. Nonvoting. Other classes of membership may be provided for in the Bylaws, including but not limited to Associate and Honorary members, excepting that only Active and At-Large members shall be eligible to vote and to hold office in the Young Democrats of North Carolina.

Section 3. Membership Fee. A one-time or annual membership fee shall be paid to YDNC as prescribed in the Bylaws. The fee may be different for differing membership classifications.

Section 4. State Convention Delegates. There shall be three (3) types of delegates to a State Convention. A. Active & Teen. Any Active member of a properly chartered club on a membership list submitted to the

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Young Democrats of North Carolina, upon being duly registered at a YDNC state convention, shall be considered a delegate and entitled to vote a proportionate share of said clubs vote. B. At-large. Any properly registered At-large member, having paid their membership fee, upon being duly registered at a YDNC state convention, shall be considered a delegate and entitled to a vote as prescribed in Article X of this Charter. C. Non-voting. Associate, Honorary, and other non-voting members shall be duly registered as non-voting delegates, seated with their respective delegations, and extended the courtesies of the convention.

Section 5. Membership in one club. No person shall be an Active member of more than one club; provided, however, that any person duly enrolled at an institution of higher learning in North Carolina may become a member of the duly organized club

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at that institution. No member shall be registered as both an Active and At-Large member. No member shall cast votes with more than one club during any state convention.

ARTICLE IV: ORGANIZATION Section 1. Clubs and their scope. Local units of this organization shall be known as clubs. Only one chapter or club may be organized in any county; with the following exceptions A. College Chapters. College chapters, consisting of students, faculty, staff, and their spouses, may be organized at any institution of higher learning. B. Teen Chapters. Teen chapters may be organized at individual high schools, a coalition of high schools, or on a county-wide basis.

Section 2. Minimum membership. A club must have at least five (5) Active members to charter.

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Section 3. Multi-County Clubs. Up to four counties may unite together in an effort to fruitfully organize, pursuant to the following conditions: A. Each county represented. All counties in juxtaposition must have representation by members from each county involved. B. Adjoining Borders. All counties associated must be connected by adjoining borders. C. Executive Committee Approval. Any Multi-County Club must have the approval of the YDNC Executive Committee. D. Maximum Size. If, at any point, more than one of the combined counties has a membership exceeding 20 members, the largest county must separate to form an independent chapter.

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Section 4. Other requirements. Other requirements for organizing and chartering chapters of YDNC shall be set for in the bylaws.

Section 5. Chartering of Colleges and Universities. Chartering and rechartering of institutions of higher learning with the Young Democrats of North Carolina shall be governed by Article V of this Charter and by applicable Bylaws.

Section 6. Rechartering. Clubs must apply to the Executive Committee for re-chartering annually. To be eligible for rechartering, a club must submit a membership list, remit a membership fee, and fulfill other rechartering requirements as outlined in the Bylaws. Otherwise, the application will be considered as a new charter request or may be denied.

ARTICLE V: College Democrats of North Carolina and North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats

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Section 1. Policy. A. The Executive Committee shall provide for the organization of Young Democrats clubs by the students, faculty, staff, and their spouses at any institution of higher learning. B. The Executive Committee shall provide for the organization of Young Democrats clubs by Teen Democrats as provided for in this Charter and Bylaws.

Section 2. Official Adjunct of YDNC. A. The College Democrats of North Carolina shall be the official college adjunct of the Young Democrats of North Carolina. B. The North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats shall be the official high school and teen adjunct of the Young Democrats of North Carolina.

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Section 3. Further Rules and Primacy. Further rules regarding the relationship between YDNC and CDNC, chartering of college and university clubs, CDNC dues, CDNC voting at state conventions, and related matters, may be enumerated in the Bylaws of YDNC and in the Bylaws, Constitution, or Charter of CDNC. When in conflict, the Charter and Bylaws of YDNC shall take precedence.

ARTICLE VI: CAUCUSES There shall be established caucuses of YDNC as provided for in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES Section 1. Permanent Committees. The permanent committees of the Young Democrats of North Carolina shall be the following: Charter & Bylaws, Convention, Finance, Membership, Platform/Resolutions, and Publicity/Newsletter. Each standing committee will meet at least two times per year.

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Section 2. Presidential Appointments. The President shall appoint the chairpersons of all permanent committees. All chairperson appointments require majority approval of the Executive Committee.

Section 3. Committee Charges. With the exception of the committee on Charter & Bylaws, the composition and charge of each standing committee shall be outlined in the Bylaws.

Section 4. Charter & Bylaws Committee. The committee on Charter & Bylaws shall consider and report on all proposed amendments to the Charter or Bylaws. A. Amendments at Convention. The committee Chair shall submit, in writing, all amendments reported favorably by their committee to the Executive Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to any YDNC state convention.

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B. Amendments by Executive Committee. The committee Chair shall submit Bylaws amendments reported favorably by their committee to the Executive Committee at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Executive Committee meeting at which they will be considered.

Section 5. Committee Agendas. YDNC Committee Chairs shall submit a written agenda for their upcoming term to the YDNC Executive Committee within 30 days of taking office. These Committee Chairs shall also submit a final report to the YDNC Secretary within 30 days of leaving office, to be submitted to the state archives.

Section 6. Select Committees. The President, with majority approval of the Executive Committee, may form select committees.

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Section 7. Board of Trustees. A Sustaining Advisory Council known as YDNC Board of Trustees shall be established as and maintained as prescribed in the Bylaws.

Section 8: Presidents Council. A Presidents Council shall be established and maintained as prescribe in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII: OFFICERS Section 1. Board. The elected officers of this organization shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a male representative to the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America (National Committeeman), and a female representative to the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America (National Committeewoman). Along with the elected Presidents of the College Democrats of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats, these elected officers shall collectively constitute

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the Board of YDNC. The Presidents of CDNC and NCATD shall serve only as ex officio nonvoting members of the Board.

Section 2. Duties of the President. The duties of the President shall be to uphold and enforce the provisions of the YDNC Charter, Bylaws, and adopted Rules; to organize and administer the organization; to appoint chairpersons of standing and select committees; to appoint a Historian; to represent the organization at official functions; and other duties as prescribed in the Bylaws. All appointments by the President shall be subject to majority approval of the Executive Committee.

Section 3. Duties of Vice-President. The duties of the VicePresident shall be to advise and assist the President in the administration of the organization and to assume the duties of the executive office in the temporary absence of the President; and other duties as prescribed in the Bylaws.

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Section 4. Duties of the Secretary. The duties of the Secretary shall be to record the minutes of all meetings; maintain an accurate membership list of the organization; and other duties as prescribed in the Bylaws.

Section 5. Duties of the Treasurer. The duties of the Treasurer shall be to keep an accurate account of all financial transactions; to compile periodic financial status reports; to file financial reports as required with the appropriate governmental agency or agencies; to furnish a bond in an amount determined by the Executive Committee; and other duties as prescribed in the Bylaws.

Section 6. Duties of the YDA representatives. The duties of the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman shall be to serve as liaisons between the Young Democrats of North Carolina and the Young Democrats of America, and other duties as prescribed in the Bylaws.

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Section 7. Eligibility for office; good standing. Any Active, Teen, or At-large member in good standing shall be eligible to hold elected office in this organization.

Section 8. Eligibility for state office. Any candidate for elected state office must have been a member of a chartered club, or a registered dues-paying At-large member, at least one year prior to the state convention at which elections are held.

Section 9. Election of state officers. All state officers shall be elected at a state convention to be held between March 1 and April 30.

Section 10. Term of state officers. State officers, with the exception of the two (2) representatives to the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America, shall serve for a period of one year from May 1 following their election until the

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next succeeding May 1 or until their successors are elected and installed. The male representative to the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America shall be elected in evennumbered years to serve for a period of two years from May 1 following his election until the second succeeding May 1 or until his successor is elected and installed. The female representative to the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America shall be elected in odd-numbered years to serve for a period of two years from May 1 following her election until the second succeeding May 1 or until her successor is elected and installed.

Section 11. Vacancies. Any vacancy among the officers shall be filled by the Executive Committee; provided, however, that the Vice-President shall succeed the President and the Executive Committee shall then select from its members a successor to the office of Vice-President.

ARTICLE IX: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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Section 1. Duties. The affairs of this organization shall be conducted between state conventions by the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Voting members. Voting members of the Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, District Chairs and Vice-Chairs; and the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the College Democrats of North Carolina; chairpersons of YDNC Permanent Committees; chairpersons of all approved Caucuses of YDNC, presidents of all chartered county clubs; and any voting member of the Young Democrats of America Executive Committee from North Carolina. If a member of the Executive Committee holds two or more positions on the Executive Committee, that member shall only have one vote on the Executive Committee.

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Section 3. Non-voting, ex-officio members. As prescribed in the Bylaws, other members may be eligible to serve automatically as ex-officio non-voting members of the Executive Committee, or may do so by virtue of certain types of Presidential appointment.

Section 4. Frequency, time, place of meetings. The Executive Committee shall meet at least four (4) times a year. Such meetings may be called in one of four (4) ways. A. President. Executive Committee meetings may be called by the President, the time and place for such meetings shall be set by the President. B. Petition. Executive Committee meetings may be called upon written request of one-third (1/3) of the members of the Executive Committee; the time and place of such meetings shall be set forth in the request.

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C. Board. Executive Committee meetings may be called by a majority vote of the YDNC Board. The time and place for such meetings shall be set by the Board. D. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, while in session, may designate the time and place of its next meeting.

Section 5. Geographic Diversity. Successive physical meetings of the Executive Committee must be held with geographically diversity as prescribed in the Bylaws.

Section 6. Quorum. Quorum shall exist at any meeting of the Executive Committee when one-fifth (1/5) of the members of the Executive Committee are present.

Section 7. Removal of members. Members of the Executive Committee may be removed from office under the following provisions:

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A. Inactive. The member is no longer an Active, Teen, or At-large member of the Young Democrats of North Carolina; or, B. Presidential removal. The President may recommend to the Executive Committee that any member be removed from office. The President shall state the nature of the charges in writing to the Executive Committee at least twenty (20) days prior to any Executive Committee meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present at the Executive Committee shall be necessary to remove any member from officer; or, C. Truant. The member misses two (2) Executive Committee meetings without sending a proxy vote. D. Put Up or Shut Up. The Executive Committee on a twothirds (2/3) vote may remove any member of who does not have verifiable results in relation to commitments made by the member and recorded by the Secretary of

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the YNDC for a period of two (2) consecutive Executive Committee meetings.

Section 8. Proxy Votes. Any member may designate an Active or Teen Young Democrat from the group he or she represents to serve as his or her alternate for a Executive Committee meeting by notifying, in writing, the presiding officer prior to the call to order or during such meeting. If a member of the Executive Committee does not represent a group, he or she many designate any Active, Teen, or At-Large member as his or her alternate, provided, however, that no person may serve as an alternate for more than one member at any meeting, and no one may cast more than one vote.

ARTICLE X: STATE CONVENTIONS Section 1. Frequency; Time; Place. This organization shall assemble as a state convention at least once each year at a time and place to be determined by the Executive Committee.

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Section 2. Participation. A club may participate in a state convention if it holds a current charter and has paid chartering fees for the fiscal year in accordance with Article IV, and other applicable sections of the Charter and Bylaws.

Section 3. Voting: YDNC conventions. Clubs that have chartered shall have convention votes based on the following formula: A. County clubs. Each club, upon chartering and registering at a state convention, shall have a maximum of five (5) votes per member present. If only one person from a club attends, then that person has ten (10) votes, subject to sub-section 3(D) below; B. CDNC. The College Democrats of North Carolina, upon chartering and registering at a state convention, shall have a maximum of three (3) votes per member present.

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C. NCATD. The North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats, upon chartering and registering at a state convention, shall have a maximum of three (3) votes per member present. D. Maximum club votes. The number of votes for a club or the College Democrats of North Carolina shall not exceed the number of Active members of the club or the College Democrats of North Carolina. E. Maximum individual vote. No single delegate at a state convention shall cast more than ten (10) votes.

Section 4. Fees. There shall be no fee required of a delegate at YDNC conventions in order for that delegate to vote at Convention.

Section 5. Quorum. A quorum shall exist at any state convention when a majority of local clubs holding current charters are represented by one or more duly registered delegates.

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Section 6. Calling of state convention. A state convention may be called by the President upon the recommendation of twothirds (2/3) of the Executive Committee, or by the adoption of resolutions calling for a state convention by a majority of chartered clubs.

Section 7. Credentials Committee. A Credentials Committee shall meet prior to any state convention and certify the list of chartered clubs, the number of votes allocated to each club, and the duly authorized delegates. The President shall have the option of appointing up to twelve (12) members of the Credentials Committee. Each candidate for state office may appoint one (1) member of the Credentials Committee, provided they first turn in a nominating petition signed by ten registered delegates, and that no delegates name appears on more than one candidates nominating petition.

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ARTICLE XI: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised; Bylaws; Special rules. The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this Charter, the YDNC Bylaws, and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS Section 1. Charter. This Charter shall be the ultimate governing document of YDNC. No Officer, Member, or action by the Executive Committee or Board may supersede the authority of this Charter.

Section 2. Bylaws. In all matters not explicitly addressed by the Charter, but addressed in the Bylaws, the Bylaws are authoritative. No Officer, Member, or action by the Executive

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Committee or Board may supersede the authority of the Bylaws, except when in conflict with the Charter.

Section 3. Amendments. A. Charter. The YDNC Charter may be amended by a twothirds majority vote at any duly called and properly convened YDNC State Convention. i. Committee on Charter & Bylaws. The convention shall consider properly reported Charter Amendments from the committee on Charter & Bylaws before all others, as prescribed in Article VII, Section 4 of this Charter. ii. Amendments from the floor. Amendments to the Charter may be considered from the floor at a state convention by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the convention. B. Bylaws. The Bylaws of YDNC may be amended by a threefifths vote of the YDNC Executive Committee, or by a

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majority vote of any duly called and properly convened YDNC State Convention in the following manner: i. Committee on Charter & Bylaws. Any YDNC Convention shall consider properly reported Bylaws Amendments from the committee on Charter & Bylaws before all others, as prescribed in Article VII, Section 4 of this Charter. ii. Amendments from the floor. Bylaws amendments may be considered from the floor at a state convention by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the convention. iii. Amendments By the Executive Committee. Proposed amendments to the Bylaws must be submitted, in writing, and distributed to the members of the Executive Committee no less than 14 days before the meeting.

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Section 10. Interpretation. The Charter and Bylaws of YDNC should be interpreted with a broad construction. Any actions of YDNC not specifically disallowed in the Charter, Bylaws, or adopted Rules of the Executive Committee are, by definition, allowed.

Article XIII. Adoption. This Charter adopted by a properly called and convened convention of the Young Democrats of North Carolina on November 20th, 2011 in Montreat, NC.

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THE BYLAWS OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF NORTH CAROLINA

1. Policy. 1-1 NCDP Plan of Organization. A primary mission of YDNC is the promotion of the Democratic Party, its nominees for elective office, and its elected officials, as prescribed in the NCDP Plan of Organization 4.08-7. 1-2 Party Nominees. No club endorsements prior to nomination. This organization and its members shall support actively and by appropriate means the nominees of the Democratic Party in national, state, and local elections. This organization shall not endorse or support the candidacy or any person for public office prior to nomination by the Democratic Party; however, individual members may support candidates prior to nomination.

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1-3 North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee. This organization shall seek in all of its operations the advice and cooperation of the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee.

2. Membership. 2-1 Nonvoting Members. Membership classifications that preclude Active membership in a club, voting in YDNC affairs, or holding office in YDNC are as follows: 2-1 (A) Associate. Any registered Democrat who has attained the age of thirty-six (36) shall be eligible for Associate membership. 2-1 (B) Honorary. Any person who is not an Active, Teen, or At-large member of this organization, who professes and demonstrates allegiance with the principles of the Democratic Party, shall be eligible for honorary membership.

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2-2 Rights and Privileges. Associate and Honorary membership shall carry all of the rights and privileges of Active membership except that no Associate or Honorary member shall be eligible to vote or to hold office in the Young Democrats of North Carolina. 2-3 Membership Fee. A membership fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be forwarded to the Young Democrats of North Carolina for each Active, Associate, and At-large member.

3. Organizing and Chartering 3-1 Official name of each club. The official name of each county club shall be the Young Democrats of the county in which the club exists, for example, the Young Democrats of Wake County. Multi-county clubs should follow the same rule, but with the combined county names, such as, the Young Democrats of Lee and Chatham Counties.

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3-2 Chartering. The state President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall have the authority to approve and issue charters. A club may apply for a charter completing all of the following:

3-2 (A) Submitting a copy of its Bylaws to the YDNC Secretary for the approval of the Executive Committee; and, 3-2 (B) Demonstrating that an open and publicized election was held during the year in which the request was made; 3-2 (C) Submitting a membership list to the YDNC Secretary; 3-2 (D) Remitting a membership fee for each Active and Associate member to the YDNC Secretary, as prescribed in Bylaws Section 2

3-3 Yearly Charting Fees. Any chartering fees paid by a club shall be credited to that club at other State conventions during the year in which fees were paid; provided, however, that additional membership fees may be due to

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reflect an increase in membership between state conventions.

3-4 Chapter Manual. Upon Chartering and Re-chartering of county organizations, each county President will receive a YDNC Chapter manual from the YDNC Executive Committee within 30 days of charter approval.

3-5 Annual Re-Chartering. Clubs must apply to the Executive Committee for re-chartering annually. To be eligible for re-chartering, a club must submit a membership list and remit a membership fee for each Active and Associate member, as prescribed in the Bylaws Section 2; and provide proof of active and compliant status with the North Carolina Board of Elections prior to the first state convention held after the election of officers or November 30th, whichever is earlier. Otherwise, the application will be considered as a new charter request or may be denied.

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3-6 Requirements to maintain a charter. 3-6 (A) A club must formally meet a minimum of six times per year. Within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the fiscal year, a club must submit a detailed written report to the YDNC Secretary describing the clubs activities and club officers. 3-6 (B) Each club must submit in a timely manner all required financial reports to the State Board of Elections; and provide a copy of all financial reports and correspondence to and/or from the North Carolina State Board of Elections within ten (10) days of either filing the report or receiving any correspondence to the Treasurer of the Young Democrats of North Carolina 3-6 (C) Each club must maintain as one of its primary missions the promotion of the Democratic Party, its nominees for elective office, and its elected officials, as prescribed by the NCDP Plan of Organization 4.08-7.

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4. District organizations. The Executive Committee may provide for the creation and maintenance of a district organization in each congressional district, as prescribed by the NCDP Plan of Organization 3.01-3. Such district organizations shall be composed of representatives from all clubs representing counties and institutions of higher learning within that district.

4-1 Officers of district organizations. The officers of a district organization shall consist of a Chair and a Vice-Chair.

4-2 Duties of district officers. 4-2 (A) District officers shall represent their districts on the YDNC Executive Committee. 4-2 (B) District officers shall promote the organization of Young Democrats clubs in counties in their districts, and facilitate the activities of clubs already in existence.

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4-2 (C) District officers shall act as a liaison and conduit of information between the state organization and county clubs in their districts.

4-3 Counties Split by Congressional Districts. Where congressional district lines do not follow county lines, the Executive Committee, or the district officers themselves, shall distribute responsibility for split counties among district officers in such a way that each county elects and is represented by only one district chair/vice-chair team.

4-4 Election of district officer; caucus. The elected officers of a district organization shall be nominated at a district caucus held not more than one month prior to the election of the officers of the Young Democrats of North Carolina. All nominees for district office must be approved by the state convention at which the officers of the Young Democrats of North Carolina are elected.

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4-5 Vacancy of district office. In the event that a district officer takes up residence in a county outside of the district which they represent, the office shall be considered vacant and filled in accordance with the YDNC Charter.

5. Further Duties of the Board of YDNC. 5-1 Further Duties of the President. To preside over all meetings; to serve on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council; to submit a final report to the Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party at the conclusion of each year; and to chair the Executive Committee.

5-2 Further Duties of Vice-President. The Vice President will chair the Membership Committee, actively recruit and assist in the development of new clubs, and oversee the district organizations and officers.

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5-3 Further Duties of the Secretary. To maintain the files of the organization; to transfer chartering dues to the YDNC Treasurer; verify chartering and memberships; send bylaws copies of the county and affiliate organization to the bylaws committee chair; to submit all official records to the state archives; and with the approval of the President to conduct the official correspondence of the organization. Persons, as specified by the Executive Committee, will be sent notice of each Young Democrats Executive Committee meeting. The YDNC Secretary should send notice at least four weeks in advance of the meeting.

5-4 Further Duties of the Treasurer. The duties of the Treasurer shall also be to conduct all financial affairs of the organization. The treasurer will forward a copy of State Board of Elections financial reports to the State Party staff for their records.

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5-5 Further Duties of the YDA representatives. The YDA representatives shall represent the organization at all meetings of the National Committee of the Young Democrats of America and to serve on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council.

6. YDNC Archives, Agenda, and Reports. 6-1 Officer Agendas. Officers shall submit a written agenda for their upcoming term within 30 days of taking office to the YDNC Executive Committee. These officers shall also submit a final report to the YDNC Secretary within 30 days of leaving office to be submitted to the state archives.

6-2 Minutes of YDNC Executive Committee. During each YDNC Executive Committee Meeting, a written report of action taken must be submitted by each officer to the Secretary. These reports shall be included in the official minutes.

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7. Caucuses 7-1 Original Caucuses. There shall be established caucuses representing Women, Minorities, and Labor.

7-2 Additional Caucuses There may be additional caucuses created at the pleasure of the Executive Committee.

7-3 Caucus Bylaws. Each caucus shall establish rules necessary for operation, not in conflict with the Charter or these Bylaws, and subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

8. North Carolina Association Of Teen Democrats 8-1 Election of Officers. Officers of the North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats shall be elected by the Convention of the Teen Democrats of NC.

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8-2 Chartering with YDNC for the purpose of voting. The NCATD may charter at Conventions with the Young Democrats of North Carolina in the following way: 8-2 (A) Submitting a copy of its Charter and/or Bylaws to the YDNC Secretary for the approval of the Executive Committee; and 8-2 (B) Demonstrating that an open and publicized election was held during the year in which the request was made; 8-2 (C) Submitting a membership list to the YDNC Secretary; 8-2 (D) Remitting a membership fee of $3.00 per each member to the YDNC Secretary.

9. College Democrats of North Carolina 9-1 Election of Officers. Officers of the College Democrats of North Carolina shall be elected by the Convention of the College Democrats of North Carolina.

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9-2 Chartering with YDNC. The College Democrats of North Carolina may charter with the Young Democrats of North Carolina in the following way: 9-2 (A) Submitting a copy of its Charter and/or Bylaws to the YDNC Secretary for the approval of the Executive Committee; and 9-2 (B) Demonstrating that an open and publicized election was held during the year in which the request was made; 9-2 (C) Submitting a membership list to the YDNC Secretary; 9-2 (D) Remitting a membership fee of $3.00 per each member to the YDNC Secretary.

10. Committees. 10-1 Awards Committee. The Awards Committee shall be a subcommittee of the Executive Committee. It shall consider and select, from all nominees, the recipient of the annual YDNC awards. The annual YDNC Awards consist of the following:

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10-1 (A) Five Outstanding Young Democrats 10-1 (B) Tyre Taylor Award the most outstanding Young Democrat of North Carolina (current officers are ineligible) 10-1 (C) Outstanding Club 10-1 (D) Best Project 10-1 (E) Best Resolution

10-2 Additional Awards Subcommittee. The F. O. Max Gardner Award shall be given to the person who is not a Young Democrat who has been most supportive to the organization. A subcommittee of the awards committee shall select the recipient. The Subcommittee shall consist of a chair, the YDNC President, the CDNC President, the Minorities Caucus Chair, the National Committee Woman, and the most recent Tyre Taylor recipient.

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10-3 Convention Committee. The Convention Committee shall be responsible for soliciting, collecting, and reporting on all convention bids from chartered clubs. Bids must be awarded by the fall meeting of the YDNC Executive Committee. County chapters should submit bids for the following state convention up to one year in advance. The Convention Committee shall establish a good working relationship with the host of a convention. The Convention Committee Chair will serve as a liaison between the YDNC and the host club. The Convention Committee will be responsible for agenda guidelines, profit/loss ratio, and promotion of the convention within the Young Democrats of North Carolina and the Democratic Party of North Carolina, and assist in the solicitation of a keynote speaker.

10-4 Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for raising funds for the Young Democrats of

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North Carolina treasury. The Treasurer shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee.

10-5 Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall be in charge of promoting the formation of new clubs and strengthening existing chartered clubs. The YDNC Vice President shall chair the membership committee.

10-6 Platform/Resolutions Committee. The Platform/Resolutions Committee shall propose and publicize a platform that reflects the positions and principles of the Young Democrats of North Carolina. The committee shall also consider and report on all proposed resolutions and platform amendments, except that a resolution or amendment may be considered from the floor at a state convention following all resolutions from the Platform/Resolutions Committee by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the state convention. The Platform/Resolutions

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Chair shall submit in writing all resolutions or platform amendments proposed by the Platform/Resolutions committee to the YDNC Executive Committee 30 days prior to any YDNC state convention.

10-7 Publicity/Newsletter Committee. The Publicity/Newsletter Committee shall be responsible for making the activities of the Young Democrats of North Carolina known to the public through issuance of press releases, the soliciting of media coverage, and the publishing of a periodic newsletter.

11. Board of Trustees. There shall be a fifteen-member (minimum of, not limited to) Sustaining Advisory Council known as YDNC Board of Trustees. The appointment of Board of Trustees shall be made by the Executive Committee.

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12. Presidents Council. There shall be established an autonomous representative Council consisting of the Presidents of the County Young Democrats Chapters. Its purpose shall be to aide in the building and strengthening of the local chapters through education and collaborative events.

12-1 The organization of such body shall consist an elected chair, and (2) co-chairs, (13) appointed district leaders and the current presidents of all chartered county Young Democrats chapters. All officers shall serve a (1) year term starting from the date of election.

12-2 The body shall meet two (2) times per year, at a minimum. All meetings shall be closed sessions and open only to the membership of the body, invited guests and speakers.

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12-3 The council shall be a permanent autonomous body and may not be suspended by any member of the Executive Committee or Board.

13. Executive Committee. 13-1 Designated Officer of the North Carolina Democratic Party. The designated office of the North Carolina Democratic Party shall be a duly elected officer of the North Carolina Democratic Party who is under the age of thirty-six (36). This person shall be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Executive Committee and will serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Executive Committee.

13-2 Non-voting, ex-officio members. Past Presidents shall serve as non-voting ex-officio members of the Executive Committee. The President may appoint a Legal Counsel, Newsletter Editor, NCDP Designated Officer, and three (3)

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Regional Coordinators as non-voting ex-officio members of the Executive Committee.

13-3 In-Person Executive Committee meetings. Executive Committee meetings of YDNC, during the YDNC fiscal year, must meet in each of the four regions. The four regions are: West west of Davie County, East, east of Nash County, Northern Piedmont north of Randolph County, and Southern Piedmont south of Randolph County (including the county of reference).

13-4 Removal of Officers, Procedure. 13-4 (A) The President shall inform the removed party of their removal and their appeal rights within three (3) business days by certified letter. 13-4 (B) All documentation of removal of officers shall be forwarded to the YDNC Secretary for safekeeping and a copy sent to the North Carolina Democratic Party Chair.

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13-4 (C) An individual who has been removed from office may appeal to the Executive Committee for reinstatement. A vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present at the Committee meeting shall be necessary for reinstatement.

14. YDA Biennial Conventions. 14-1 Delegates. Any Active or At-large member of the Young Democrats of North Carolina shall be entitled to be a delegate to the Young Democrats of America National Convention; provided that the name and address of any potential delegate is submitted to the President at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the convening of the National Convention. 14-2 Delegate Approval. Any delegates to the National Convention must be approved by the Executive Committee.

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15. Standardized Fundraising. YDNC State Officers, the Treasurer and an appointed Fundraising Chair shall seek to raise YDNC annual operating and campaign funds through a series of three annual statewide fundraising events;

15-1 YDNC Board of Trustees and Alumni Reception. The Board of Trustees and Alumni Reception shall honor the 15+ member Board of Trustees for their financial and strategic advice to the organization. This event shall also seek to bring together current and past members of the organization. This annual event shall occur in the city of Raleigh, Wake County, no earlier than Nov 1st of any year and no later than Feb 1st of the following year.

15-2 Gantt Watt. The Gantt Watt Reception/Dinner honors the accomplishments of Former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt and North Carolina Congressman Melvin Watt, as well as the statewide contributions of African Americans in the

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Democratic Party. This annual event shall take place in the city of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, no earlier than July 1 and no later than October 15 of any given year.

15-3 Legacy Dinner. The Legacy Dinner honors female trailblazers and honors the contributions of women to the state of North Carolina and the Democratic Party. In consultation with the chair of the NC Democratic Women, Lillians List of NC, and the YDNC Womens Caucus Chair, a maximum of three female honorees shall be chosen by the YDNC Board to be honored. The YDNC Womens Caucus Chair will also serve on the host committee. This annual event shall take place in conjunction with the YDNC annual State Convention.

16. These Bylaws adopted by a properly called and convened convention of the Young Democrats of North Carolina on November 20th, 2011 in Montreat, NC.