The Clackamas County Democratic Party carries out the goals of the national, state and county Democratic parties while developing, maintaining and electing Democrats to enact laws reflecting those values for the greater good.
Democratic Party of Clackamas County
BYLAWS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (Revised May 20, 2021)
ARTICLE I NAME
This organization shall be called the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County.
ARTICLE II STRUCTURE AND AUTHORITY
The Democratic Party of Clackamas County (DPCC) consists of all Democrats registered to vote in Clackamas County.
The governing body of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County is the Clackamas County Central Committee, consisting of Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) and others as specified elsewhere in these Bylaws. PCPs are elected by Democratic voters at the primary election or, when vacancies occur, appointed by the Central Committee. [ORS 248.015, 248.031]
The Central Committee is organized under the authority of Chapter 248 of the Oregon Revised Statutes and the Bylaws of the Democratic Party of Oregon and is the highest authority in county party matters in Clackamas County. It conducts its business in compliance with
Oregon Revised Statutes
Bylaws and Standing Rules of the Democratic Party of Oregon
Bylaws and Standing Rules of the Clackamas County Democratic Party Central Committee
Relevant provisions of the most recent version of Robert’s Rules of Order in procedural matters not otherwise specified
ARTICLE III PURPOSE
The Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County is responsible to
Carry out the goals of the national, state and county Democratic Party platforms
Strive to have the party goals enacted into law
Work to develop and maintain Democratic Party unity
Help elect Democratic candidates to partisan and non-partisan positions
Inform Clackamas County voters about the principles, issues, and candidates supported by the Democratic Party
The Central Committee of the DPCC shall conduct its activities in a fair and open manner so that all interested members of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County are encouraged to participate in party activities.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County consists of all elected and appointed precinct committee persons (PCPs) in Clackamas County, officers of the DPCC, members of the Executive Committee of the DPCC Central Committee.
In addition, any registered Democrat who holds elective public office within Clackamas County may become a member of the Central Committee by applying to the Central Committee.
Precinct committee persons are representatives of the Democratic Party in the precinct (ORS 248.015). Elected PCPs begin their terms upon formal notification of their election by the County Clerk following a primary election and serve until the next primary election unless they resign or are recalled. PCPs may resign by written notification to the county clerk (ORS 248.024) and may be recalled by the voters of the precinct they represent according to procedures described in ORS 248.029. (See Art. IX.A.)
Appointed PCPs serve from the time their appointment is recorded by the County Clerk until the next primary election unless they are removed by the Central Committee. (ORS 248.025.3) They have the same powers and responsibilities as elected PCPs except that they may not vote in the organizational election of county officers. They may vote in the election of delegates and alternates listed in Article V.C., as well as for House District Leaders. Appointed PCPs may also vote in elections to fill officer vacancies and all other business before the Central Committee. (ORS 248.026.4)
PCPs continue to represent the precinct to which they are elected or appointed and retain their membership in the Central Committee until the end of their term, even if precinct boundaries change during that time (ORS 248.027).
ARTICLE V ORGANIZATION
The Central Committee shall conduct the business of the DPCC at monthly meetings (except for December and August) open to the public except when meeting in executive session. Members of the Central Committee have a right to vote on all issues unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws.
The Central Committee shall be assisted in its management of the DPCC by the following:
Officers of the Central Committee, namely a Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer elected at the biennial organizational meeting or as vacancies occur
House district leaders (HDLs), PCPs who are elected by the PCPs in each House District at the biennial organizational meeting or as vacancies occur
An Executive Committee consisting of Central Committee officers, house district leaders, chairs of standing committees, and chairs of caucuses
Standing committees appointed by the Central Committee Chair with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee
Special committees appointed by the Central Committee Chair
Special interest caucuses comprised of Clackamas County Democrats supporting common interests, views, and/or identities within the Democratic Party
The Central Committee sends representatives to other Democratic Party of Oregon entities with the number of representatives determined by the rules of the DPO, including
Delegates and alternates to the State Central Committee—elected at the biennial organizational meeting or as vacancies occur
Delegates and alternates to each congressional district located within the county—elected at the biennial organizational meeting or as vacancies occur
Delegates and alternates to the biennial state platform convention—elected by the Central Committee
ARTICLE VI MEETINGS
Meetings of the Central Committee are generally open to the public; however, any portion of any meeting may be conducted in private or executive session with only members present when decisions affecting the internal workings of the Democratic Party are being discussed.
Notice of the time and place of regular monthly meetings of the Central Committee shall be posted on the website; in addition, all members of the Central Committee shall be notified by mail or email sent no later than the sixth day before the meeting. By statute (ORS 248.012), actions taken at a meeting held without due notice are invalid.
Business of the Central Committee is normally discussed in advance by the Executive Committee, which may refer it to an appropriate standing committee for further consideration or seek further information before passing it on to the Central Committee, with or without a recommendation.
The Chair prepares the agenda of meetings of the Central Committee. Requests to place items on the agenda must be received by the Chair at least 10 days before a meeting and may be referred to the Executive Committee or a standing or special committee prior to inclusion on the Central Committee agenda.
The circulated agenda for a Central Committee meeting may be amended on a debatable motion by two-thirds of those present and voting or by unanimous consent.
Resolutions that express a position of the Central Committee on a public issue (as distinct from substantive motions or resolutions relating to the operations of the DPCC) and not already addressed in actions of the DPO shall be in order if they comply with guidelines provided in Standing Rule 7 (on submitting resolutions). Such resolutions shall be included in the agenda of the next Central Committee meeting
if they are submitted to the Chair at least ten days before the meeting, or
if the substance of the intended motion has been announced to the previous Central Committee meeting. Such announcements shall be included in the minutes of the meeting in which they are presented. In addition, the full text of the resolution shall be published in the notice of the meeting at which it will be considered.
Resolutions subject to this section that comply with the related standing rule but do not comply with items a. or b. of this section may nonetheless be taken up and considered on a debatable motion to do so. Approval of a resolution taken up in this manner shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote.
If a resolution is considered under VI.A. 5.c and fails to pass with a two-thirds majority, a motion by any member to reconsider no sooner than the next meeting is in order and must be recorded in the minutes. The motion to reconsider requires a simple majority for passage as does the motion being reconsidered. If the vote is taken at the next meeting or announced for a future time certain, no further notice is required.
If consideration of a resolution taken up under VI.A. 5.c is postponed to a future meeting due to issues of compliance with procedures or guidelines, the resolution may be approved by majority vote at the meeting to which it was postponed or at which it is taken from the table.
Special meetings of the Central Committee may be called by the Chair, the First Vice-Chair (in the absence of the Chair) or the Executive Committee and shall be announced to all members of the Central Committee by mail or email sent as soon as possible, and in no case less than six days prior to the special meeting.
Electronic meetings:
When extraordinary circumstances that prevent face to face meetings require it, the Chair or, in the absence of the Chair, the First Vice Chair or a majority of the Executive Committee, may authorize electronic meetings of the Executive Committee and the Central Committee that “provide, at a minimum, conditions of opportunity for simultaneous aural communication among all participating members equivalent to those of meetings held in one room or area. ” (RONR, 12th ed., p. 97) Normal quorum requirements will apply."
Standing Committees and Caucuses of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County are expected to follow the principles of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (2020) in ways that are consistent with the nature of the activities and responsibilities of the committee. Committees making formal recommendations to the Central Committee should follow the procedures outlined in Art. VI.A.7.1-4 of the bylaws. Electronic meetings are permitted as long as they meet the standards for “simultaneous aural communication” described in Art. VI.A.7.a.
Members shall provide up-to-date contact information to the Secretary of the Central Committee, including mail, phone, and email addresses. Members who cannot be reached by email must so indicate on the contact form and provide a mailing address and a phone number.
Notice of the cancellation of a meeting shall be made as soon as possible by email to all members and posted on the Central Committee website.
A quorum for Central Committee meetings shall be forty-five members.
No proxies shall be permitted to participate in any Central Committee meeting. (ORS 248.045) Voting shall be limited to members of the Central Committee.
Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held once a month or as needed.
Notification of meetings of the Executive Committee shall be mailed or emailed to all members of the committee no less than six days before a meeting.
The Chair prepares the agenda of meetings of the Executive Committee. Requests to place items on the agenda must be received by the Chair at least 10 days before a meeting and may be referred to a standing or special committee for consideration prior to being considered by the Executive Committee.
Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the Chair, the Vice Chair or any four members of the Executive Committee with six days prior notice sent to all members of the Committee.
A quorum of the Executive Committee shall consist of fifteen members.
No member of the Executive Committee may have more than one vote.
Organizational meeting of the Central Committee
Schedule and notice
Not later than the Executive Committee meeting prior to the primary election, the Executive Committee shall set the date and time for the biennial organizational meeting, which shall be held in November after general elections (even-numbered years).
When the official results of the primary election are available, the Chair shall obtain a list of elected PCPs from the County Clerk’s office.
Not later than the 40th day before the organizational meeting, the retiring county Central Committee Chair shall file a written notice of the time, date and place of the organizational meeting with the county clerk and mail a copy of the notice to the State Central Committee. (ORS 248.033-2)
The Chair of the retiring county Central Committee shall send a mail or email copy of the notice to all members of the Central Committee not later than 10 days prior to the organizational meeting. (ORS 248.033-4)
Procedure
Officers of the retiring Central Committee shall make available to the Committee at the beginning of the organizational meeting all property, records, and funds owned or controlled by the retiring Committee. (ORS 248.035-a)
The following county officer positions shall be filled at the organizational meeting: Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Central Committee. The First Vice-Chair must be of a different gender from the Chair. Positions shall be open to any registered Democrat in Clackamas County with all newly elected PCPs eligible to vote. (ORS 248.035.b)
A slate of nominees shall be presented by the Nominations Sub-committee. However, any voting member of the Central Committee may propose additional nominees for any position, including self-nomination. Nominees shall indicate willingness to serve by providing their name and gender (male, female, or non-binary) on a signed form or in oral communication with the Chair.
The Nominations Subcommittee shall select a temporary chair who has previously served as an officer of the Central Committee. The temporary chair shall preside over the election of the Chair and First Vice-Chair of the Central Committee. The newly elected Chair shall then preside over the remainder of the meeting.
Only newly elected precinct committee persons whose names are on the list of PCPs provided by the county clerk may vote for officers at the organizational meeting. However, at an election to fill a vacancy in a county committee office, the list of current appointed and elected PCPs obtained from the county clerk by the chair shall determine eligibility to vote (ORS 248.026.4) and be counted as part of a quorum (forty-five members) for the meeting.
Incoming officers shall assume the duties of their new offices as soon as practically possible after their election, and no later than January 1 of the next year.
The Rules Committee shall organize the election.
In votes with more than one nominee, voters shall place ballots in a ballot box. Ballots shall be counted and totals reported to the Chair by tellers selected by the Rules Committee. If only a single candidate is nominated for an office, voice vote is permitted.
The newly elected Chair, within 48 hours of the Chair’s election, shall send a list of the officers of the county central committee to the county elections official and to the DPO state central committee.
Following the election of county officers, the following positions shall be filled by election, with all elected and appointed PCPs eligible to vote.
Delegates and alternates to the State Central Committee. Members of the Central Committee shall elect the delegates and alternates. The total number of positions to be filled (delegates + alternates) shall be listed on each ballot. All candidates shall be listed on each ballot and identified as either male, female, or non-binary. Names and genders of those nominated at the meeting will be added to ballots by the voter. Central Committee members must limit voting for any one gender to no more than fifty percent of the total positions to be filled (rounded up in the case of any partial number). Non-binary delegate positions shall reduce the male and female delegate positions as evenly as possible. Replacement preference for alternate delegates will utilize gender category first, number of votes received second. The top vote getter willing to serve shall chair the delegation. Subject to the conditions above higher vote-getters shall be delegates; those with fewer votes shall be alternates. Votes cast by each voter shall equal the number of delegates to be selected.
Delegates and alternates to congressional district committees. Positions shall be filled by members of the Central Committee elected using the same procedure as described for delegates and alternates to the State Central Committee.
House District Leaders. HDLs shall be elected by majority vote of PCPs in each house district following election of delegates and alternates. For election of house district leaders, a quorum shall consist of PCPs representing at least one-third of the district’s precincts. For house districts that lack a quorum, the Chair shall appoint a house district leader with the concurrence of the county Central Committee at the next regular meeting.
Elected positions that are not filled at the organizational meeting or that become vacant between organizational meetings shall be filled by majority vote at a regular Central Committee meeting or, in the case of house district leaders, at the next house district meeting.
After formal announcement of the date of the organizational election, postponement of any part of the election for reasons other than lack of candidates must be approved by two-thirds majority vote of the Central Committee at least one month before the newly-announced date of the election.
ARTICLE VII TENURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PCPs, OFFICERS AND DELEGATES
Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs)
The tenure of elected precinct committee persons begins on the 24th day following their election and certification by the county clerk and lasts until the end of the biennium or their resignation or removal from office.
Qualified Democrats (ORS 248.015.4) may be appointed to vacant PCP positions by vote of the Central Committee. The tenure of an appointed PCP shall begin on the first meeting following certification by the county clerk and, unless the PCP resigns or is removed by the Central Committee, continues until the certification of new PCPs following the next primary election. (ORS 248.025.4)
Precinct Committee Persons shall
Represent the party at the precinct level and represent their precinct voters at the Central Committee
Work with other PCPs to rally support for the party
Participate in the meetings and activities of the Central Committee and its standing and special committees
Participate as delegate or alternate to congressional district committees and the State Central Committee
Promote the interests of the party as identified in the national, state and county platforms
Work to elect Democratic Party nominees
Provide the Secretary with a current mailing and email address
Notify the Secretary of changes in mailing or email address and of resignation from the position of PCP
Notify the county elections office of any change in residence and of intention to resign from the position of PCP
House District Leaders
Up to two house district leaders shall be elected for each house district, or portion thereof, in Clackamas County by the PCPs of that house district. House districts with fewer than ten PCPs at the time of the organizational meeting shall have one vote in the Executive Committee. In such cases, when both HDLs are present, each shall have one-half vote.
House district leaders shall serve as members of the Executive Committee and may serve on other standing and special committees.
House district leaders shall
Attend meetings of the Central Committee and Executive Committee
Provide leadership and encouragement to the PCPs of their district, including recruitment of volunteers and PCPs
Notify PCPs in their districts via phone or email whenever a meeting of the Central Committee has been cancelled
The tenure of house district leaders shall begin upon formal announcement of their election by the DPCC Chair and continue until the next reorganization election.
Vacancies in the position of house district leader shall be filled by majority vote of the PCPs of the district where the vacancy exists after notification of all PCPs in that district by mail, email, or telephone six or more days before the election.
Duties of Officers
The Chair shall
Preside at all meetings of the Central Committee and the Executive Committee
Be the administrative officer of the County Central Committee
Provide a written description of duties to the First Vice-Chair and the Second Vice-Chair within one month of their election
Provide a written agenda at all meetings and direct all officers and committee chairs to report on activities within their respective jurisdictions
Provide email notice of all Central Committee and Executive Committee meetings or cancellation of meetings to members at least six days prior to the meeting
Oversee all external correspondence activities and be the chief spokesperson of the County Central Committee
Appoint all committee members
With the advice and consent of the Executive Committee appoint committee chairs and caucus chairs.
Serve as delegate to the State Central Committee
Serve as an ex-officio member of all standing committees, caucuses and special committees
Perform other duties as assigned by the Central or Executive Committee
Notify the county clerk in writing not later than the 40th day before the date of the county biennial organizational meeting of the time, date, and place of the meeting and provide a copy of the notice to the State Central Committee. (ORS 248.033-2)
Obtain a list of elected PCPs from the county clerk to serve as the official list of voters at the biennial organizational meeting and provide each PCP on the list with notice of the biennial organizational meeting by mail or email at least ten days before the meeting (ORS 248.033-4).
Obtain from the county clerk just prior to any election to fill a vacancy in a Central Committee office a list of all appointed and elected PCPs and provide the list to the Central Committee to establish the official list of eligible voters. (ORS 248.035-3)
The First Vice-Chair shall
Assume the necessary duties of the Chair in the latter’s absence or incapacitation and succeed to the office of Chair if a vacancy occurs
Serve as delegate to the State Central Committee
Assist with the oversight and management of committees as assigned by the Chair
Perform other duties as assigned by the Chair
Succeed to the position of Chair if that position becomes vacant
The Second Vice-Chair shall
Assist with the oversight and management of committees as assigned by the Chair
Perform other duties as assigned by the Chair
Succeed to the position of First Vice-Chair if that position becomes vacant, and be replaced by majority vote election of a new Second Vice-Chair at the next Central Committee meeting, in accordance with Art. VII.D.2 and Article VIII.B.8 of these bylaws.
The Secretary shall
Record and maintain the minutes of all Central and Executive Committee meetings
Maintain the official roster of precinct committee persons
Be the custodian of all county Central Committee written records and provide true copies as needed
Notify the county clerk of resignations and appointments of PCPs
The Treasurer shall
Be the custodian of all funds of the county Central Committee
Maintain financial records
Each month provide to the Executive Committee and Central Committee written status reports on the financial position of the organization, forecasting any financial/budgetary issues requiring the attention of the organization and recommending actions to address any financial/budgetary issues identified
Upon request provide detail for contributions and expenditures to the Executive and/or Central Committees
Complete and file accurate and timely reports of contributions and expenditures required by Oregon Revised Statutes
Establish and maintain a reserve Fund to equal six months of operating expense (based on the current annual budget)
Oversee facility leases and related contracts
Resignation of officers of the Central Committee
No person who files for election to a county, Metro, legislative or state office shall be eligible to hold the office of Chair, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary or Treasurer of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County Central Committee. The position of any of the aforementioned officers who files for a county, Metro, legislative or state office shall be declared vacant.
Officer vacancies shall be filled by majority vote at any regular meeting of the Central Committee. An announcement of the vacancy shall be sent by mail or email six or more days before any regular meeting and may be posted to the website prior to the regular meeting. Nominations and election shall be made at the meeting. Only elected and appointed PCPs shall be eligible to vote.
Standing Committee Chairs
Standing committee chairs and co-chairs are appointed by the Central Committee Chair with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee and may be removed by the Chair with the consent of the Executive Committee.
In addition to serving as members of the Executive Committee, standing committee chairs shall convene their committees and organize their work under the direction of the Central Committee Chair and the Executive and Central Committees. They shall cooperate with other committees in areas of overlapping responsibility and shall report to the Executive and Central Committees as needed.
Caucus Chairs
Caucus chairs are appointed by the Chair of the Central Committee with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee and may be removed by the Chair with the consent of the Executive Committee.
Caucus chairs shall serve as members of the Executive Committee. Each caucus may have one representative on the Executive Committee.
Delegates and alternates
Members of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County who are elected or appointed as delegates and/or alternates to the State Central Committee or to a congressional district committee are required to attend the meetings of those organizations and report back to the county Central Committee.
Any delegate who has two consecutive avoidable absences shall be subject to removal, and the vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.
The delegation chair shall oversee the attendance and credentialing of delegates and alternates and ensure that alternates are assigned voting delegate status in place of absent delegates. Alternates shall replace absent delegates according to (a) gender (to the extent possible) and (b) votes received at the time of election. If vacant voting slots remain after all delegates and alternates present have been assigned voting status, any PCP from Clackamas County present may be assigned voting status, keeping gender balance in the delegation to the extent possible.
The county Chair, or the county First Vice-Chair if the Chair is not available, in coordination with the delegation chair, will appoint and approve temporary delegates. Any issues relating to credentialing of delegates will be referred to the county Chair for decision.
ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Committee
Officers of the county Central Committee, house district leaders, chairs of the standing committees, and chairs of caucuses shall be known as the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee shall be the administrative unit of the Central Committee and shall have the following duties:
Suggest policy and programs to the Central Committee and assist in implementation of Central Committee programs and activities
Coordinate the work of the committees
Allocate budgeted campaign funds to candidates with notification to the Central Committee
Hire office personnel as authorized and budgeted by the Central Committee
Perform other duties as may be authorized by these Bylaws or assigned by the Central Committee
Authorize non-budget expenditures limited to $200 without approval of the Central Committee. Such expenditures must be reported to the Central Committee at the earliest opportunity.
Authorize use of Reserve Funds in emergency circumstances without prior approval of the Central Committee for budgeted expenditures or for non-budgeted expenditures not exceeding $500. Use of the Reserve Fund for any reason must be approved by the Central Committee or by a majority of the membership of the Executive Committee with notification to the Central Committee at the earliest opportunity.
Standing Committees
The Events and Facilities Committee shall oversee staffing, facilities, and other arrangements necessary for the party office, regular and special meetings of the Executive Committee and Central Committee, and special activities such as operating booths at the state and county fairs. Working with the Treasurer, the committee shall investigate and recommend appropriate lease arrangements for the county office.
The Campaign Committee shall coordinate efforts to identify, recruit, vet, train and support potential and existing candidates throughout the county. The overall purpose of the committee is to recruit Democrats to fill both partisan and non-partisan elective and appointive offices at every level of the county. Committee membership shall reflect a diverse demographic of racial, gender, ethnic, age, sexual orientation and county location.
The Communications Committee, under the supervision of the DPCC Chair and First Vice Chair or Second Vice-Chair, shall manage and maintain the internal and external communications and public relations of the DPCC, including messaging and communications with news media and affinity groups; an online newsletter, website, Facebook site; and other electronic outreach sites. The committee chair shall be assisted by members with appropriate technical and messaging skills.
The Finance-Fundraising Committee shall oversee the finances and fundraising activities of the Central Committee. The committee shall study the financial needs of the DPCC and oversee preparation of the annual budget. Membership of the committee, in addition to the Chair, shall include the Treasurer, Chair and First Vice Chair or Second Vice-Chair, of the DPCC, and at least one member who is not a member of the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall be primarily responsible for overseeing the preparation and management of the DPCC budget.
The Neighborhood Leader Program Committee shall oversee the organization and management of the Neighborhood Leader Program (NLP). The purpose of the committee is to recruit Neighborhood Leaders to encourage county Democrats to “Get Out the Vote” (GOTV), focusing primarily on encouraging Democrats in the county to vote during primary, special, and general elections. The chair shall be assisted by two NLP co-coordinators, one responsible for recruiting and training NL’s and one responsible for overseeing data management, in addition to committee members who will assist with cutting turf and data analysis.
The Platform and Resolutions Committee shall consider proposals for submission to the DPO Platform/Resolutions Committee in preparation for the biennial DPO platform convention and shall facilitate Clackamas County participation in that convention. It shall also consider and facilitate discussion of issues and positions to be taken by the Central Committee on ad hoc issues and work with the Social Justice Committee to facilitate the development of resolutions emanating from discussions and issues raised by that committee. The committee shall periodically provide information about legislation related to legislative action items in the DPO Platform. In addition to the chair, the committee shall include a member from the Executive Committee, a member from the Social Justice Committee, and members familiar with various areas of concern.
The Program Committee shall recommend speakers, presentations, and activities to the Executive Committee for the program at the monthly Central Committee meeting. The committee shall assist as needed in planning party events in conjunction with fundraising and other party activities. Membership of the committee shall include the DPCC First Vice Chair or Second Vice-Chair, who will serve as committee chair, a member of the Social Justice Committee, and a member of the Youth Action Committee.
The Rules Committee shall provide guidance on matters relating to the Bylaws, Standing Rules, and parliamentary procedure. The Committee shall supervise the conduct of elections, including the election of a Nominations Sub-Committee at least six weeks prior to a Central Committee election meeting. The Nominations Sub-Committee shall provide a list of all nominees for Central Committee offices at the biennial organizational election and recommend at least one qualified candidate for any interim vacancy among elected officers of the DPCC. The committee chair shall serve as the chief parliamentarian for the organization and be assisted by additional members familiar with parliamentary procedure.
The Justice Committee shall focus on four justice areas: economic justice, environmental justice, racial justice, and social justice. The committee shall investigate issues of importance to Democrats, including analysis of different perspectives. The committee may make its findings available to the Program Committee for potential presentations, to the Communications Committee in written form for potential articles on the website and other electronic outreach venues, and to the Platform and Resolutions Committee for the development of possible resolutions for consideration by the Central Committee. The Committee may also report to the Executive Committee and the Central Committee regarding opportunities for action related to justice issues. Membership of the Committee will include, in addition to the committee chair and DPCC Chair, a DPCC Vice Chair and members with analysis and writing skills who represent diverse viewpoints.
The Labor Committee shall focus on the rights and concerns of workers. The purpose of the committee is to 1) address issues and concerns relating to the rights and well-being of workers in Clackamas County, including the right of all workers to a family wage and to safe, reasonable conditions of work, as well as to join unions and to engage in collective bargaining; 2) establish lasting and meaningful connections with organized labor affiliates and members that live and work in Clackamas County; 3) assist in articulating the needs and concerns of laborers in policy positions taken by the Democratic Party of Clackamas County and the Democratic Party of Oregon; and 4) facilitate awareness at all levels of the importance of workers and organized labor in the economic well-being of our society. The Committee shall be comprised of a Chair; a vice-chair who shall reach out to labor unions, support the efforts of the Chair, and substitute for the Chair as needed; and at least five members selected by the county chair in consultation with the committee co-chairs.
The Technical Operations Committee shall provide information and assistance to the DPCC Chair, Officers and Executive Committee members in the selection and use of electronic communications devices, including means of conducting electronic meetings, the use of communications systems such as the DPO Votebuilder (VAN) system, and to assist in troubleshooting hardware and software issues. The Technical Operations Chair will work closely with the Communications Committee, the Neighborhood Leader Committee and other committees and caucuses as needed. Responsibilities will include administration and support of digital file storage and workflow systems including website, email and data backup platforms, protocols and process; and management of internal VAN accounts, related software systems, communication with DPO staff on technical issues relating to VAN. Members of the committee will be selected from those with the technical background necessary to handle the responsibilities of the committee. A primary role of Technical Operations Committee members is to remain up to date* on technological systems and hardware and to provide Executive Committee members and local campaigns training in use of programs including VAN and Zoom or other approved electronic meeting and technical support programs
Caucuses
Caucuses consist of groups of Clackamas County Democrats who serve as advocacy groups for common interests, views, or identities in the Democratic Party of Clackamas County, the Democratic Party of Oregon, and the broader community, including support for Democratic candidates in partisan races.
Current standing committees that may fit the definition of a caucus (Education, Justice, Labor, Young Democrats) may be automatically designated as a caucus upon their request and approval of the Executive Committee and the Central Committee.
New caucuses shall be formed by completing the following process:
Submission by a Clackamas County Democrat, in consultation with the county Chair, of a proposal to the Executive Committee describing the mission of the caucus accompanied by signatures endorsing the proposal of at least five Clackamas County Democrats from at least three house districts.
With approval by the Executive Committee, the caucus organizer may begin recruitment of members and initiate meetings of the caucus which will include producing a proposed set of bylaws in consultation with the Rules Committee.
The proposed bylaws and a list of members must be submitted to the Executive Committee to initiate the process of approval of the caucus by the Central Committee.
Upon approval of the caucus by the Central Committee, the chair of the caucus will become a member of the Executive Committee.
Caucuses must have at least five active members and must meet at least twice a year. Each June, caucuses must provide the county chair with a list of members who have attended at least two meetings or other activities of the caucus and a list of meetings and activities conducted during the previous calendar year.
Groups listed as of January, 2020 as standing committees in the DPCC wishing to become caucuses shall be recognized as caucuses upon request of the committee, with existing chairs continuing in office. In subsequent years, they will follow normal procedures for caucuses.
Caucuses shall maintain a membership list consisting of those who attend two or more meetings or activities of the caucus per year. Membership with voting rights in the caucus is open to all Democrats registered to vote in Clackamas County.
Caucuses who fail to submit reports and/or fail to meet at least twice in a calendar year for two years shall be declared inactive. They will not have representation on the Executive Committee until they provide a record of at least two meetings attended by five or more members and otherwise comply with the requirements set forth in the DPCC bylaws. Caucuses that become inactive over a period of four years may be removed from the list of caucuses by vote of the Central Committee.
Caucuses:
The Young Democrats Caucus shall seek to attract to the DPCC young people (focusing on those under the age of 36) from diverse backgrounds who are committed to Democratic values. In addition to involving youth in Party programs and activities, the Young Democrats will provide encouragement and support to young Democrats willing to run for political office and to seek appointments to local and district committees and boards. In addition to the committee chair and DPCC Chair, membership shall include the First Vice Chair or Second Vice-Chair, a representative of the Campaign Committee, young people, and others committed to helping increase youth involvement in the Democratic Party.
The Education Caucus shall focus on public education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12; post-secondary schools; and vocational/technical training. By facilitating outreach to stakeholders in the educational community interested in advocating and promoting public education issues, the Committee will help build understanding of challenges currently faced by public education at all levels, as well as innovative and best practices current in the field of education. This will assist the Central Committee in contributing constructively to supporting improvements in education in accordance with Democratic Party principles such as equal opportunity for all. The Committee will be comprised of a Chair, at least five members with interest in educational issues, and the DPCC Chair or designee.
The purpose of the Latinx Caucus of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County is to build and sustain relationships of the Latinx Community within Clackamas County in support of electing Democratic candidates. The Latinx Caucus of Clackamas County will work to register to vote and empower Latino voters to actively participate in the political process. The Latinx Caucus will recruit, train and help elect qualified Latinx at every level of Oregon government. The Latinx Caucus will coordinate projects supporting the Democratic Party of Oregon Platform.
Special Committees
Special Committees may be formed by the Chair, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, for any purpose that will advance the functions of the national, state or county Party, the Central Committee or the Executive Committee.
The Chair shall choose a chair and members of special committees appropriate to the responsibilities of the committee.
Special Committees shall be disbanded once they have performed their functions.
ARTICLE IX RECALL AND REMOVAL OF PCPS AND OFFICERS
An elected PCP may be recalled only by a petition signed by not less than 25% of the number of party members who voted in the precinct as it was constituted at the preceding primary election. The petition must state the reasons for the recall in 200 words or less. The PCP may resign before the fifth day after the petition is filed with the county clerk. If the PCP does not resign, a recall election is held within twenty-five days after the petition was filed at the cost of the county central committee. The ballot shall contain the 200-word explanation filed in support of the recall and a 200-word response by the PCP being recalled, with the recall being sustained if a majority of voters support the petition. The PCP shall continue to perform duties until the results of the election are announced.
Appointed PCPs serve at the pleasure of the Central Committee and may be removed for nonperformance of duties by a two-thirds vote of the Central Committee.
House district leaders may be removed for failure to perform their duties upon petition to the Executive Committee of 25% of the PCPs in the house district or, pursuant to a motion for removal by the county Chair. In either case, the motion for removal shall state the grounds for removal, and the house district leader shall have the opportunity to resign without contesting the charges or to present a defense to the adjudicating body prior to a removal vote. Removal requires a two-thirds majority of votes cast.
Every elected officer of the County Central Committee is subject, as herein provided, to recall by the precinct committee persons of the Clackamas County Democratic Central Committee.
If an officer has three consecutive unexcused absences from Central Committee meetings, the Executive Committee shall declare the office vacant. Absences may be excused in advance or, in the case of emergency, after the fact, by the Chair or First Vice-Chair.
The Central Committee shall consider the recall of an elected officer if 25% of the PCPs petition for such recall. The officer who is the subject of the petition may present his/her case prior to balloting, and shall be given the option of resigning the office prior to any such recall balloting. An affirmative two-thirds vote of the members present and voting is required for recall. All such actions shall be conducted in closed session.
Should the Executive Committee conclude that any elected officer is negligent of his/her duties or unable to perform them, it shall give such elected officer the option of resigning the office rather than face a recall decision. If a resignation is tendered, it shall be accepted and take effect upon the day it is offered, and the vacancy filled as provided in these Bylaws. If a resignation is not tendered, the Executive Committee shall publish its conclusions thirty days prior to any Central Committee meeting and call for a vote of recall at that time. The officer may present his/her case before a vote is taken. An affirmative two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting is required for recall. All such actions shall be conducted in a closed meeting.
ARTICLE X PROHIBITIONS
The following acts now and forever shall be prohibited:
Use of the name of this organization in connection with any office, group or campaign where the county Central Committee, the Executive Committee or their designated representative has not given its permission.
Authorizing the use of this organization’s name or any of its property or permits in violation of these Bylaws.
No member may speak or write on behalf of the DPCC without the explicit permission of the Central Committee Chair.
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws shall be subject to amendment at any meeting of the Central Committee provided that
The proposed amendment has been reviewed and given a positive recommendation by the Rules committee and the Executive Committee
A copy of the proposed amendment, together with the portion of the Bylaws it would change and the recommendation for its disposition by the Rules Committee has been submitted by the Executive Committee and sent by mail or email to the members of the Central Committee six or more days before any regular meeting
If an amendment is presented more than 30 days after publication at a regular meeting of the Central Committee a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting shall be required for approval.
ARTICLE XII STANDING RULES
These Bylaws shall be supplemented by a set of Standing Rules dealing with details of implementation and administration.
The Standing Rules shall be subsidiary to these Bylaws and shall be subject to change by the Central Committee following a motion, a second and an affirmative majority vote by those PCPs present and voting.
ARTICLE XIII SEVERANCE CLAUSE
If any portion of these Bylaws or the Standing Rules propagated by authority hereof is found to be unlawful only that portion of the Bylaws or Standing Rules shall be null and void.
Such nullification shall be without effect upon the remaining portion of this document.
ADOPTED BY THE MEMBERSHIP at the regular meeting of the Democratic Central Committee of Clackamas County this date: January 16, 2020. PCPs in attendance 87. By time of vote, standing vote: 62 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain. Revised by the Central Committee on May 21, 2020: Yes: 58, No: 0, Abstain: 1. Further revised September 18, 2020, by unanimous voice vote. PCPs in attendance 98; at the time of the vote, 86. Revised again on October 15, 2020 (Art VI.C.3 and 4) by unanimous voice vote; PCPs in attendance were 101. Further revised on April 15, 2021. This document supersedes all previous bylaws of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County.
[Sept. 20, 2018, PCPs in attendance 118, Standing vote: 113 Yes, 0 No, 5 Abstain. Amended Jan. 17, 2019: Unanimous voice vote, 89 PCPs present. Amended June 20, 2019. Unanimous voice vote, 76 PCPs present. Amended May 20, 2021. Unanimous voice vote, 60 PCPs present].
