OHIO NURSES DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS BYLAWS

ARTICLE I. NAME AND MEMBERSHIP

This organization shall be known as the Nurses Democratic Caucus (NDC) of the Ohio Democratic Party. Its membership shall consist of RNs, LPNs, and students attending approved schools of nursing, who remit membership dues.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purposes of the NDC are to: (1) promote the interests and concerns of nurses within the Democratic Party, (2) inform nurses about the positions of democratic party candidates on nursing and health care issues, (3) recruit nurses to seek public office, and (4) elect Democrats.

ARTICLE III. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Section 1. All public meetings of the NDC shall be open to attendance by all members of the Democratic Party regardless of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance or disability.

Section 2. No tests for membership in, nor any oaths of loyalty to, the NDC shall be required or used which as the effect of requiring prospective or current NDC members to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination on the grounds of actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical appearance or disability.

Section 3. The time and place for all public meetings of the NDC shall be publicized fully and in such a manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Such meetings must be held in places accessible to all NDC members and large enough to accommodate all interested persons.

Section 4. The NDC shall publicize fully and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a full description of the legal and practical procedures for selection of NDC officers and representatives. Publications of these procedures shall be done in such a fashion that all prospective and current members of the NDC will be fully and adequately informed of the pertinent procedure in time to participate in each selection procedure of the NDC.

Section 5. The NDC shall publicize fully and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a complete description of the legal and practical qualifications for all officers and representatives of the NDC. Such publication shall be done in a timely fashion so that all prospective candidates or applicants for any elected or appointed position within the NDC will have full and adequate opportunity to compete for office.

Section 6. All rules and bylaws of the NDC shall be consistent with the Rules of the Ohio Democratic Party and shall be available on request in writing to any member of the NDC.

Section 7. Each paid member of the NDC is entitled to one vote per issue or candidate. There shall be no proxy voting.

Section 8. Votes shall not be taken by secret ballot at any meeting of the NDC at any level.

Section 9. No rule shall be adopted at any level of the NDC which would require a person to cast a vote or be recorded as voting contrary to that person’s judgment.

Section 10. Membership dues shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 11. On all questions of procedure not resolved by the Rules of the Ohio Democratic Party or these bylaws, the latest edition of the Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The Officers shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. They shall have 1 year terms and be elected by a majority of those present and voting at the full caucus meeting. Vacancies among the Officers shall be filled by the Executive Committee.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers and at least 3 Regional Directors. The Regional Directors shall serve 1 year and be appointed by the Officers. Vacancies among the Regional Directors shall be filled by the Executive Committee.

Section 3. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings and have such other duties as are usual to the office of Chairperson, or that may be required by this organization.

Section 4. The Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in the discharge of duties, and shall temporarily, in absence of the Chairperson, assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson.

Section 5. The Secretary of this organization shall keep an accurate record and minutes of the proceedings of all meetings, see that proper notification is given of NDC meetings, and preserve all the books, documents, correspondence, records, minutes, effects, and any other property of this organization. At the end of the term in office, the Secretary shall forthwith deliver to the newly elected Secretary all the aforesaid items kept and preserved during the tenure of office.

Section 6. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all income and expenses, develop policies related to financial issues, communicate information about the organization’s finances, and assure that all statutory requirements are met related to the organization’s designation as a political action committee (PAC). The Treasurer shall keep and preserve all financial records and effects and at the end of the term in office, shall forthwith deliver to the newly elected Treasurer all aforesaid items kept and preserved during the tenure in office.

Section 7. The Regional Directors shall serve as the contact person for nurses in their region, establish connections within the local Democratic Party in their region, serve as a resource on nursing issues for candidates who are democrats, serve as a member of the Executive Committee, recruit nurses to join the caucus, and coordinate local political action by nurses in their region.

ARTICLE V. MEETINGS

Section 1. The regular meetings of the NDC Executive Committee shall be on the date and at the location and time set forth in the meeting notice. Regular meetings may be held via conference call, video conferencing, or other electronic means that facilitate real time communication between committee members. At least five (5) days notice shall be given of the date, time, and place of the meeting. Notice may be given by mail, telegram, fax, or email. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Executive Committee.

Section 2. There shall be an anuual meeting of the full membership of the NDC where the Officers and Executive Committee shall report on Caucus activities and new officers elected. At least five (5) days notice shall be given of the date, time, and place of the meeting. Notice may be given by mail, telegram, fax, or email.

Section 3. Special meetings of the Executive Committee or full membership may be called by a majority of the Executive Committee or full membership, respectively. At least five (5) days notice shall be given of the date, place, time, and purpose of the special meeting. Meetings may be held via conference call, video conferencing, or other electronic means that facilitate real time communication between committee members. Notice may be given by mail, telegram, fax, or email.

Section 4. The full membership of the NDC shall meet in conjunction with the Ohio Democratic Party State Convention at the date, time, and place established by the Executive Committee.

Section 5. Subject to the Rules of the Ohio Democratic Party and these bylaws, all meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order (latest edition).

ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Executive Committee may appoint committees, task forces, or work groups as necessary for the work of the organization. Committees, task forces, and work groups shall report to the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Proposals for changes or amendments to these bylaws shall first be referred to the Executive Committee which shall report its recommendations to the next regular Caucus meeting or special meeting called for that purpose.

Section 2. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members of the NDC present at a meeting, provided that written notice setting forth the proposed amendment has been given to all Caucus members at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 3. These bylaws shall be in full force and effect upon their adoption and shall supercede all bylaws, rules, motions, and policies of a contrary nature with the exception of the Rules of the Ohio Democratic Party.

Adopted September 16, 2006