Difference between revisions of "GPCA Bylaws Revision Spring 2012"

Revision as of 21:19, 12 March 2012

Article 1. Name

The name of this organization is the Green Party of California (GPCA).

Article 2. Purpose

The Green Party of California is guided by its Platform and the "Ten Key Values" of the Green Movement: Ecological Wisdom, Grassroots Democracy, Social Justice, Nonviolence, Decentralization, Community Based Economics, Feminism, Respect for Diversity, Personal and Global Responsibility, and Sustainability.

As the political expression of California's Green movement, we provide an electoral alternative competing directly with traditionally entrenched parties and others for elected office.

We engage in the electoral process in order to incorporate our values into the policies, laws and activities of local, state and national government, and into society as a whole. We affirm these electoral activities and act on this in coalition with other like-minded organizations as part of a larger social movement for world-wide peace, democracy, justice and environmental wisdom.

Article 3. Membership

Section 3-1 Members

GPCA members are those who are legally registered to vote in California as members of the Green Party. County Organizations may also extend GPCA membership to county residents who are not otherwise eligible to register to vote in California, but who affirm in writing the Ten Key Values and the GPCA's purpose, and meet other criteria established by the GPCA and/or the county organization. For such membership to be valid, the County Organization shall forward minutes to the Coordinating Committee of the meeting at which such membership was extended.

Section 3-2 Decision-Making

Only GPCA members may vote for or serve as General Assembly delegates, or members of GPCA Standing Committees or Working Groups. Only registered Green Party members may serve as members of the Coordinating Committee, Treasurer and/or Liaison to the Secretary of State. Only GPCA members may hold outstanding concerns or vote in party decision-making.

Article 4. Structure

Section 4-1 General Assembly

The General Assembly, consisting of delegates appointed from each active County Organization recognized by the GPCA, is the primary decision-making body of the GPCA.

Section 4-2 Coordinating Committee

The Coordinating Committee shall authorize and carry out decisions of the General Assembly and make executive decisions, but not set policy between General Assembly meetings, and shall be generally responsible for coordinating General Assemblies and other statewide meetings, internal communications and other Party administrative tasks as defined in these Bylaws.

Section 4-3 Committees and Working Groups

The General Assembly may establish additional Committees and Working Groups in the Bylaws and assign duties and authority to them. Committees are generally established to formulate and execute the tasks and policies needed to maintain and facilitate the internal functions of the GPCA. Committee members are to be appointed based upon their special expertise relating to the committee's duties and authority. Working Groups are generally established to formulate and execute the tasks and policies needed to conduct the party's electorally-related organizing and party-building. Working Group members become members by virtue of their participation in the working group, according to the bylaws that govern them.

Section 4-4 County Organizations

Green Party County Organizations recognized by the General Assembly are the official organizations of the GPCA at the county level and shall have the powers granted to them by GPCA Bylaws, including being generally responsible for organizing and coordinating Green Party activity within the county, including party building, internal and external communications, and representing the county Green Party level to the state Green Party level.

Section 4-5 County Councils

County Councils are elected and appointed according to the GPCA Bylaws and California law, and shall have the powers granted to them by GPCA Bylaws, and secondarily, by the bylaws of recognized County Organizations.

Section 4-6 Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have the duties and responsibilities as defined in the Fiscal Policy. The term of the Treasurer shall be two years, beginning in odd-numbered years. The Treasurer shall be nominated by the Coordinating Committee and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Coordinating Committee members are not eligible to serve as Treasurer. The Coordinating Committee shall immediately fill any vacancy in the office of the Treasurer, subject to confirmation by the next meeting of the General Assembly.

Section 4-7 Liaison to the Secretary of State

The Liaison to the Secretary of State is the official contact of the GPCA with the California Secretary of State. The term of the Liaison shall be two years, beginning in odd‑numbered years. The Liaison shall be nominated by the Coordinating Committee, and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Coordinating Committee members are not eligible to serve as Treasurer. The Coordinating Committee shall immediately fill any vacancy in the office of Liaison, subject to confirmation by the next meeting of the General Assembly.

Article 5 County Organizations

Section 5-1 Recognition

5-1.1 A County Organization is considered recognized by the General Assembly if it adopts and files organizational bylaws with the Coordinating Committee and Bylaws Committee that are consistent with GPCA bylaws and California law, that:

5-1.1(a) Describe the county's organizational structure, including membership and decision-making;

5-1.1(b) Describe the process for filling County Council vacancies;

5-1.1(c) Describe the process for selecting General Assembly delegates;

5-1.1(d) Establish the position of county treasurer and describe the process for selecting it.

5-1.2 The Coordinating Committee shall certify, based on this Article, whether a County Organization has initially satisfied 5-1.1 Once a County Organization becomes recognized via this process, it shall retain that status unless it amends its bylaws to become non-compliant. Any decision by the Coordinating Committee regarding certification may be appealed to the General Assembly. (BY WHOM)

Section 5-2 Active Status

5-2.1 A recognized County Organization shall be considered active for the purposes of seating General Assembly delegates and participating in County Polling, if it fulfills at least one of the following conditions:

5-2.1(a) The county has a County Council;

5-2.1(b) The County Organization has sent delegates to at least two of the last four General Assemblies;

5-2.1(c) The County Organization has held a General Membership Meeting within the last six months at which at least eight registered Greens from within the county were present, delegates to the General Assembly were chosen and the County Organization has forwarded minutes of the meeting to the Coordinating Committee.

5-2.2 No sooner than twelve weeks and no later than six weeks before the opening of each General Assembly, the Liaison to the Secretary of State, or another individual designated by the Coordinating Committee, shall obtain the most recent Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, and the Coordinating Committee shall determine, based on this Article, which county organizations are currently active. If after this determination has been made, but before the opening of the General Assembly, additional counties are found by the Coordinating Committee to be active, the newly active counties shall be allocated the number of seats they would otherwise be entitled to under 7-1.2.

Article 6. County Councils

Section 6-1 Members

6-1.1 Members of County Councils shall be those elected in the direct primary election and those appointed in between.

6-1.2 A County Organization’s bylaws must specify the number of members to be elected in the county.

6-1.3 If a county has less than 150 registered Green Party voters, the number of members to be elected shall be three;

6-1.4 If a county has between 150 and 500 registered Green Party voters, the number of members to be elected shall be five;

6-1.5 If a county has more than 500 registered Green Party voters, the number shall be either

6-1.5(a) The greater of the number seven or the integer nearest the resulting quotient obtained by dividing 100 times the number of Green Party registered voters in the county by the number of Green Party registered voters in the state; or

6-1.5(b) Recognized County Organizations may choose to modify the number of members to be elected by notifying the Coordinating Committee at least 165 days prior to the direct primary election, notification of which must include minutes of the decision that took place. In such cases the number of members to be elected may be no fewer than five. It shall be the responsibility of the Coordinating Committee to notify the Secretary of State of the modification no later than 135 days prior to the direct primary election.

Section 6-2 Elections

6-2.1 Members shall be elected in each county at each direct primary election. Elections shall be for two-year terms lasting until the results of the next direct primary election are legally certified.

6-2.2 Multi-Member Districts

6-2.2(a) Members shall be elected from one or more multi-member districts.

6-2.2(b) A County Organization’s bylaws shall specify that members shall be elected from either a single, countywide multi-member district or multiple, multi-member districts corresponding to the boundaries of the Congressional, State Assembly, State Senate or Supervisorial districts within that county.

6-2.2(c) The number of seats to be elected for each district shall be proportional to the number of registered Green Party members in that district, compared to the number of registered Green Party members county wide.

6-2.3 Computation of members allotted (IF WE CAN GET THE ELECTION CODE PASSED THIS YEAR, SHOULD THIS TEXT 6-2.3 THROUGH 6-2.7 JUST GO INTO THE ELECTION CODE AND NOT IN THE BYLAWS?)

6-2.3(a) The Secretary of State, no later than the 125th day before the direct primary election, shall compute the number of members of County Councils to be elected in each county and shall mail a certificate to that effect to the county clerk of each county and to the Liaison to the Secretary of State.

6-2.3(b) The county clerk, no later than the 115th day before the direct primary election, shall compute the number of members of County Council members to be elected in each district if the election of the members is to be by district.

6-2.4 In each county, the name of each candidate for member of County Councils shall appear on the ballot only if she or he is registered in the Green Party and has filed a nomination paper pursuant to Division 6 (commencing with Section 6000) of the Elections Code signed in the candidate‘s behalf by Green Party voters of the County Council election district in which she or he is a candidate.

6-2.5 The number of sponsors which shall be required of a person to be a candidate for member of a County Council shall be either: (a) Not less than 20; or (b) Not less than 2 percent of the number of voters registered as affiliated with the Green Party in the County Council election district -- whichever is less. Each sponsor is entitled to sponsor as many candidates as there are seats in the district.

6-2.6 No write-in candidate for member of County Council shall be declared elected, however, unless that candidate has received a number of first choice votes equal to or greater than 2 percent of the number of party members voting in the County Council election district at the direct primary or 20 votes, whichever is less.

6-2.7 For the purposes of this Section, the registration figures used shall be those taken from the statement of voters and their political affiliations transmitted by the elections officials to the Secretary of State on the 135th day prior to the next direct primary election.

6-3 Appointments to Vacancies

6-3.1 At its first meeting following the direct primary election and at subsequent meetings, a County Council may appoint additional members to the County Council to fill any vacancy. Where no County Council exists, appointments may be made by the process described in 6-6.

6-3.2 No person shall be appointed to membership on a County Council who is registered with another party or registered as "Decline to State." Appointment of other persons who are not eligible to register to vote, but who become party members as described in 3-1, shall be allowed.

6-3.3 Whenever any person is appointed to a County Council, the County Council shall file notices of the appointment with the county elections official and the Coordinating Committee within 30 days after it is made. The notices shall contain the name and address of the person appointed and shall indicate the date of the appointment. (SHOULD WE SAY 'COUNTY CLERK' OR 'COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICIAL' IN THESE BYLAWS? RIGHT NOW WE SAY EITHER IN DIFFERENT PLACES)

6-4 Vacancy

A vacancy on the County Council shall be said to exist whenever any of the following has occurred:

6-4.1 A County Council seat was not filled in an election;

6-4.2 A County Council member has submitted a written statement of resignation to the County Council or the Coordinating Committee;

6-4.3 A County Council member is no longer registered in the county or district within the county from which she or he was elected;

6-4.4 A County Council member is no longer registered Green;

6-4.5 A County Council member fails to maintain an accurate current voter registration regarding place of residence;

6-4.6 A Councilmember dies or becomes incapacitated to act;

6-4.7 A Councilmember is removed for cause.

6-5 Removal for Cause

6-5.1 County Council members elected in the direct primary election may be removed from office only by a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly in response to a Removal for Cause petition from the County Council in question.

6-5.2 A Removal for Cause petition must contain the written basis for removal, must be approved by the County Council by a 2/3 vote, and must be received by the Coordinating Committee before it can be forwarded to the General Assembly for a vote. The written basis for removal must be based upon a substantial violation of the bylaws of the GPCA and/or the County Organization.

6-5.3 Upon receipt of such Removal for Cause petition, the Coordinating Committee shall schedule a vote of the General Assembly. If an in-person General Assembly is scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall place the vote on the draft agenda, and any agenda approved by the General Assembly must include the vote. If an in-person General Assembly is not scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall submit the petition for an on-line discussion period and vote at the next available starting date for on-line proposals, as defined in these bylaws.

6-5.4 County Council members not elected in the direct primary election, but who have been appointed by the processes described in 6-3 and 6-6, may be removed by the process described in 6-5.1 through 6-5.3, or alternatively, by a 4/5 vote of the County Council, in response to a Removal for Cause proposal containing the written basis for removal.

Section 6‑6 Appointments to Vacancies Where No County Council exists

In counties where there is not a recognized County Organization, or in counties with a recognized County Organization, but in which no County Council members were elected in the primary election, County Council members may be appointed as follows:

6‑6.1 The recognized or newly forming county organization must hold a General Meeting open to all registered Greens in the county. The meeting organizers shall work with the Coordinating committee to ensure that the meeting date, time and location is publicized as widely as possible to all Greens in the county, at least 21 days before the meeting. For decisions to be valid, the number of registered GPCA members in the county that must attend the meeting, must equal at least the number that would be necessary to sign nomination signatures to appear on the County Council ballot in that county.

6‑6.2 To make an appointment under this section, the County Organization must already have bylaws as specified in 5-1.1., or must them adopt at the General Meeting.

6‑6.3 The General Meeting must appoint at least one member to the County Council. Only registered Green Party members in the county are eligible for appointment. The county organization shall forward minutes of the meeting to the Coordinating Committee.

6‑6.4 Once the Coordinating Committee has certified that the County Organization is recognized under 5-1, it shall review the minutes of the County Council election and certify the new County Council, unless there is clear evidence that the Council was elected in conflict with that County Organization's bylaws. Any decision by the Coordinating Committee not to certify may be appealed by that County Organization to the General Assembly and shall require a 2/3 vote to certify. If an in-person General Assembly is scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall place the vote on the draft agenda, and any agenda approved by the General Assembly must include the vote. If an in-person General Assembly is not scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall submit the petition for an on-line discussion period and vote at the next available starting date for on-line proposals, as defined in these bylaws.

Article 7. General Assembly

Section 7-1. Delegates

7-1.1 The General Assembly shall consist of Delegates from active County Organizations. Delegates shall be elected by the County Council, unless the County Organization specifies an alternate process in its bylaws. The process by which delegates are elected must be defined in the bylaws of each county and a copy be on file with the Coordinating Committee and the Bylaws Committee.

7-1.2 The total number of delegates and the number of delegates per county shall be the total of two sums:

7-1.2(a) Each active County Organization shall have at least one delegate seat, for a total of 58 if County Organizations are active in all of California's counties.

7-1.2(b) Each active County Organization shall have an additional number of delegates seats out of an additional 100 seats, equal to its percentage of registered Greens from within the county, compared to the total number of registered Greens in all counties, with a minimum of 1% required for one seat.

7-1.3 Delegates shall be familiar with the Bylaws, the Rules and Procedures and the Fiscal Policy. First time delegates shall participate in the delegate orientation session at each General Assembly. Other delegates are encouraged to do so.

7-1.4 Delegates assume the responsibility to be familiar with the agenda and be prepared to participate in all General Assembly sessions.

Section 7-2. Proposals

7-2.1 Authority

Committees and Working Groups may submit proposals within the scope of their Duties and Authority as defined in these bylaws. County Organizations may submit proposals to amend the Bylaws, Rules & Procedures, Fiscal Policy and Platform.

7-2.2 Format

Proposals shall include the name of the sponsoring committee, working group and/or County Organization; the presenter(s), title/subject, background/purpose, text of proposal, approval threshold, timeline, resources/budgetary implication, committee/working group/county decision, and references/attachments.

7-2.3 Approval Thresholds

The General Assembly shall seek consensus in its decision-making, utilizing the consensus-seeking process in 7-5 for in-person meetings. In the absence of consensus, the following proposals shall require 2/3 of all 'yes' and 'no' votes cast for passage.

7-2.3(a) Approval of the Annual Budget and mid-year budget amendments; Annual Strategic Plan

7-2.3(b) Amendments to the Bylaws, the Rules & Procedures and the Fiscal Policy;

7-2.3(c) Amendments to the Platform;

7-2.3(d) Endorsement of or opposition to statewide ballot measures;

7-2.3(e) Recall of Coordinating Committee Members; Removal for Cause of County Councilmembers;

7-2.3(f) Recognition of County Organizations upon appeal of Coordinating Committee non-recognition.

All other proposals shall require 3/5 of all 'yes' and 'no' votes cast for passage. Abstentions are not counted in calculating the percentage vote. The minimum number of affirmative votes required for passage shall be the voting threshold times the decision making quorum.

7-2.4 Voting Systems

7-2.4(a) Multi-Seat Elections: Ranked Choice Voting

Each delegate shall be provided a written or web-based or otherwise electronic secret ballot containing the names of the candidates in random order. The ballot shall also include a "No Other Candidate" (NOC) option. The delegates shall vote by ranking the candidates along with the NOC option in order of preference. The ballots shall be tabulated utilizing a Choice Voting system with fractional transfers and a Droop threshold, 1/(n+1) (1/3 threshold with two open seats). No candidate shall be seated who does not cross the threshold before NOC. Choice Voting is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) form of proportional representation described in the International IDEA Handbook of Electoral System Design. (Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). First published 1997. Second edition. Stockholm, Sweden).

For the purpose of calculations, n = open seats shall be adjusted, when necessary, so that the value of n shall not be higher than the number of candidates qualified for the ballot.

7-2.4(b) Single Seat Election: Instant Runoff Voting

When only one seat is open and two or more candidates seek election, an Instant Runoff Vote shall be held. The ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and a "No Other Candidate" (NOC) option. Delegates shall vote by ranking the candidates along with NOC in order of preference. The ballots shall be tabulated using Instant Runoff Voting.

7-2.4(c) Single Candidate Election: Approval Voting

When only one candidate seeks election or confirmation, an Approval Vote shall be held. The ballot shall allow the opportunity to indicate a "yes" or "no" preference. The candidate must receive a majority of"yes" votes to be seated.

Section 7-3 Elections and Confirmations

7-3.1 The following shall be conducted by instant run-off voting with a majority threshold:

7-3.1(a) Confirmation of the Treasurer and of the Liaison to the Secretary of State

7-3.1(b) Elections to fill a single vacancy on the Coordinating Committee or the GPUS Delegation.

7-3.2 The following shall be conducted by ranked choice voting:

Elections to fill multiple seats on the Coordinating Committee or the GPUS Delegation.

Section 7-4 Endorsements

General Assembly Delegates may rank the following choices and the result shall be calculated by instant run-off voting: 'Yes' (that the GPCA should support the measure or candidate), 'No' (that the GPCA should oppose the measure or candidate), "No Position" (that the GPCA should not take any position on the measure or candidate) or "Abstain" (that the delegate takes no position on what should be the GPCA position). A GPCA position to support, oppose, or have no position on a ballot measure shall require 2/3. Abstentions are counted to determine quorum, but not towards the approval/disapproval threshold. If quorum is not achieved, or the 2/3 threshold is not reached for Yes, No, or No Position, no GPCA position will result.

Section 7-5 Meetings

The General Assembly shall meet at least three times every two years.

7-5.1 Draft Agenda

7-5.1(a) The Coordinating Committee shall establish a Draft Agenda for all General Assembly meetings, distribute it at least 30 days in advance to each County Organization and submit it for ratification at the beginning of each General Assembly.

7-5.1(b) The Draft Agenda shall incorporate agenda items submitted by committees, working groups and County Organizations as provided for in these bylaws; shall distinguish among decision making items, reports and discussion items; shall distinguish among decision making items in the form of proposals, elections and confirmations; shall include facilitators and times for each item; and shall contain the full text and the sponsor(s) and presenter(s) of each item.

7-5.1(c) The Draft Agenda may contain a Consent Calendar consisting of proposals judged by their sponsors to be sufficiently non-controversial as to be considered and approved without presentations, clarifying questions, or debate. When the Consent Calendar is heard, any proposal for which there are outstanding concerns without stand asides shall be removed without approval. The sponsor(s) of the proposal shall make an effort to address the outstanding concerns, after which the proposal may be brought back for approval to the General Assembly at a later point.

7-5.2 Delegate Registration

Delegates shall register at the beginning of each day of a General Assembly, identifying their county. Delegates who permanently leave the General Assembly before it is adjourned shall notify the facilitators (or other appropriate officials) and shall be removed from the delegate registration count for the purposes of calculating quorum.

7-5.3 Quorum

7‑5.3(a) A quorum exists for the purpose of opening a General Assembly when 2/3 (rounding to the nearest whole number) of the regions containing active counties are represented.

7‑5.3(b) A quorum exists for the purpose of decision‑making when 80% of registered delegates are present and a minimum of 90% of the maximum number of delegates registered for that day are present.

7‑5.3(c) Facilitators shall conduct a roll call to establish a quorum at the beginning of each session of the General Assembly.

7-5.4 Facilitation

The Coordinating Committee shall designate at least one facilitator and preferably two co-facilitators for all General Assembly sessions. Approval of facilitators shall be included as part of the approval of the Draft Agenda. Facilitators must be GPCA members. Facilitators shall be chosen who can facilitate the General Assembly according to the consensus-seeking process in 7-5, who can provide non-directive leadership and process clarity, and who honor the agenda and promote good will. A facilitator shall not give her/his personal opinions unless clearly stepping out of her/his role as a facilitator. Facilitators should be familiar with the Ten Key Values and the GPCA's Purpose, Bylaws, and Rules and Procedures. The use of gender-stacking; where the order of the "stack" would alternate one woman, one man, shall be considered as first choice for use by the facilitators.

7-5.5 Consensus Seeking

Consensus shall be sought according to the following process:

7-5.5(a) Delegates shall be given priority in decision-making discussions. At the discretion of the facilitation team and time permitting, other GPCA members and guests may participate. Only delegates may hold outstanding concerns.

7-5.5(b) Presenters shall present their proposal, after which clarifying questions are taken from the delegates and responded to by the presenter(s).

7-5.5(c) Affirmations, concerns and proposed amendments follow from them delegates. Presenters attempt to address concerns and may amend their proposal, in which case clarifying questions may again be made and responded to by the presenters. The proposal is then restated, including as amended if amended by the presenters.

7-5.5(d) If there are no outstanding concerns, the proposal is considered approved by consensus.

7-5.5(e) If there remain outstanding concerns, the facilitators ask whether those holding outstanding concerns are willing to "stand aside" and have their concerns recorded in the minutes, along with the adopted proposal. If so, the proposal is considered approved by consensus, with the stand asides recorded.

7-5.5(f) If there is not consensus, the presenter(s) may request more time from the General Assembly, go to a vote or withdraw the proposal.

7-5.5(g) If the presenter(s) go to a vote, the facilitators shall conduct a roll call and record each delegate's vote as "yes", "no" or "abstain". Passage shall be according to the approval thresholds in 7-2.3

7-5.5(h) If more time is added by the General Assembly, the presenters may again attempt to address the outstanding concerns, and may amend their proposal, in which case clarifying questions may again be made and responded to. The proposal is then restated, including as amended, if amended. The process is then repeated to identify any outstanding concerns and whether those holding them are willing to stand aside. If there are no outstanding concerns, or if those holding them are willing to stand aside, the proposal is considered approved by consensus. If outstanding concerns remain, the presenters may go to a vote or withdraw their proposal.

7-5.6 Minutes

The Coordinating Committee has the responsibility to ensure that minutes are taken at each General Assembly. Minutes shall include the date, time, location and list of delegates in attendance, the subject/title and the sponsor(s) and presenter(s) of all agenda items heard, the decisions-taken (including whether by consensus or roll-call votes) and the text of all proposals.

7-5.7 Points of order

7-5.7(a) Any delegate may signal the facilitator(s) by raising two hands on a Point of Clarification if they do not understand the process. The Point of Clarification shall be heard before moving on to other speakers.

7-5.7(b) Any delegate may signal the facilitator(s) by raising two hands on a Point of Information to provide a critical piece of information otherwise missing in the discussion and delegates are expected to utilize this option sparingly and judiciously.

7-5.7(c) Any delegate may signal the facilitator(s) by raising two hands on a Point of Process, if they believe the process being followed violates GPCA Bylaws, Rules and Procedures, Fiscal Policy or other procedures adopted by the General Assembly. Before moving on to other speakers, the Point of Process shall be heard and the facilitator(s) shall rule upon it.

7-5.8 Setting Next Meeting

The date and location for the General Assembly shall be determined by the close of each meeting. Should the General Assembly fail to make this determination, it shall become the responsibility of the Coordinating Committee to do so. The General Assembly may set more than one meeting date and location at a time.

Section 7-6 Standing Green Assembly

7-6.1 Standing Delegates and Alternates

7-6.1(a) Delegates to the Standing Green Assembly shall be called Standing Delegates, shall be appointed by active County Organizations and shall serve for one year terms, with no term limits. Terms shall run concurrent with the GPCA's Fiscal Year.

7-6.1(b) Each active County Organization is entitled to as many Standing Delegates as it is entitled to delegates under 7-1.2. The number of standing delegates per active County Organization shall be based upon the state of California's annual February voter registration count, and be calculated by the Coordinating Committee and published to the active County Organizations by the end of March following that annual February count.

7-6.2 Decision Items

The following decision items shall automatically be placed before the Standing Green Assembly. Other decision items may be submitted by Standing Committees, Working Groups and/or active County Organizations as provided for in 7-2.1.

7-6.2(a) Endorsement/opposition of statewide ballot measures;

7-6.2(b) Endorsements of statewide candidates;

7-6.2(c) General Assembly Minutes;

7-6.2(d) Election of the Coordinating Committee;

7-6.2(e) Election of the GPUS Delegation;

7-6.2(f) Removal for Cause petition for County Councilmembers;

7-6.2(g) Recall petition for Coordinating Committee members.

7-6.3 Discussion and Voting Period

7-6.3(a) The discussion period for Proposals and Elections shall be six weeks, beginning on a Monday at 12:01 am and ending on a Sunday at 11:59pm. The discussion period for Coordinating Committee and GPUS Delegation elections shall begin two weeks before the annual General Assembly at which the GPCA budget is considered and continue for four weeks afterward.

7-6.3(b) The purpose of the discussion period is to provide an opportunity to utilize the consensus-seeking process in 7-5 within the content of an on-line environment.

7-6.3(c) Proposals may be amended at any time by the proposal’s sponsor(s), except that the final amended version must be placed before the Standing Green Assembly no later than the Monday preceding the end of the discussion period.

7-6.3(d) The voting period for Proposals and Elections shall commence immediately at the close of the discussion period, and shall be for one week beginning on a Monday at 12:01 am and ending on a Sunday at 11:59pm.

7-6.4 Quorum

A quorum has been reached when the number of votes cast is equal to a majority of delegate seats allocated under 7-1.2, together with a majority of all active County Organizations having cast at least one vote. In such cases, abstentions and stand-asides count as a vote cast.

Article 8. Coordinating Committee

Section 8-1 Duties and Authority

The Coordinating Committee shall authorize and carry out decisions of the General Assembly and make executive decisions, but not set policy between General Assembly meetings, and shall be generally responsible for coordinating General Assemblies and other statewide meetings, internal communications and other Party administrative tasks as defined in these Bylaws, including to

8-1.1 Establish draft agendas and select facilitators for General Assembly meetings

8-1.2 Forward proposals to the Standing Green Assembly.

8-1.3 Certify County Council members (as described in 6-6) in counties in which no County Council candidates qualified for the ballot in the preceding direct primary election, or counties in which all members of the County Council have resigned and/or become disqualified from holding office.

8-1.4 Appoint members to the Committees of the General Assembly (as provided for in Article 9)

8-1.5 Appoint a Coordinating Committee Liaison to Committees and Working Groups

8-1.6 Request and receive reports from Committees and Working Groups, refer matters to them, and monitor and assist their work

8-1.7 Authorize and ratify specific expenditures

8-1.8 Make statements in the name of the Party

8-1.9 Retain legal counsel on behalf of the GPCA and make decisions based upon that counsel

8-1.10 Propose a Strategic Plan to the General Assembly (as defined in xxx)

8-1.11 Establish Sub-Committees of the Coordinating Committee as necessary to accomplish these and other tasks of the Coordinating Committee as defined in these bylaws

8-1.12 Establish Internal Procedures of the Coordinating Committee as necessary that are not in conflict with these Bylaws to facilitate these and other tasks of the Coordinating Committee as defined in these bylaws

8.2 Membership

8-2.1 The Coordinating Committee shall be composed of up to 24 voting members, with 12 men and 12 women. Six men and six women shall be elected each year to serve staggered, two year terms.

(OR 8-2.1 The Coordinating Committee shall be composed of up to 24 voting members, with 12 men and 12 women. Six men and six women shall be elected from a North Region and six men and six women shall be elected from a South Region. The boundaries of the North Region and the South Region for the purposes of Coordinating Committee membership shall be that the North Region shall be considered to be all counties north of San Luis Obispo, Kern and Inyo Counties, and South Region shall be considered to be all counties south of Monterrey and Kings counties, or south and east of Tulare County.)

8-2.2 If a Coordinating Committee member misses three consecutive regular monthly meetings, the individual shall lose their seat and cease to be a member, and a vacancy shall occur.

8.3 Meetings

8-3.1 Regular Coordinating Committee meetings shall be held at least once a month. On an annual basis, the Coordinating Committee shall establish a regular monthly meeting date, with exceptions to that date made for national holidays, elections or other special circumstances. During the course of the year, the Coordinating Committee may amend this schedule, as long as the date and time are set at least 20 days in advance; and additional regular meetings in a given month may be scheduled with at least 20 days notice by a majority vote of the Coordinating Committee, or by a determination of the Coordinating Committee Co-coordinators. A quorum for all regular Coordinating Committee meetings shall be a majority of the currently seated members.

8-3.2 Special/emergency Coordinating Committee meetings may be scheduled for items of a particularly urgent and/or unexpected nature, with at least seven days notice by the Co-Coordinators or a majority vote of the committee. A quorum for all special/emergency Coordinating Committee meetings shall be 2/3 of the currently seated members.

8.4 Elections

8-4.1 Elections shall be conducted each year by the Standing Green Assembly using Ranked Choice Voting with a No Other Candidate option, with the discussion period beginning on the first Monday of May and the vote commences six weeks later.

8-4.2 Candidates must submit an application to the Coordinating Committee by March 15 in order to be eligible. Applications must include a biography and what they wish to accomplish as on the Coordinating Committee.

8-4.3 The election as it is posted to the Standing Green Assembly shall include

8-4.3(a) Each candidate's application;

8-4.3(b) A full and detailed explanation of Ranked Choice Voting, an explanation of the No Other Candidate option, and an encouragement that delegates make their choices seriously and a reminder that they do not have to fill all seats unless they feel there are enough qualified candidates.

8-4.4 At the General Assembly where the GPCA's annual budget is considered, candidates will be given an opportunity to present themselves and receive and respond to questions.

8.5 Removal for Cause

8-5.1 Any person elected to the Coordinating Committee may be removed from office by the General Assembly upon a 2/3 vote in response to a Removal for Cause Petition.

8-5.2 A Removal for Cause Petition must contain the written basis for removal, be approved by County Councils representing 35% of the total number of General Assembly delegate seats, and must be received by the Coordinating Committee before it can be forwarded to the General Assembly for a vote.

8-5.3 Upon receipt of such Removal for Cause petition, the Coordinating Committee shall schedule a vote of the General Assembly. If an in-person General Assembly is scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall place the vote on the draft agenda and any agenda approved by the General Assembly must include the vote. If an in-person General Assembly is not scheduled to occur within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the Coordinating Committee shall submit the petition for an on-line discussion period and vote at the next available starting state for on-line proposals as defined in these bylaws. The individual subject to a Recall Petition shall have the right to submit a written response to the petition for inclusion with the agenda item, when the agenda item is released.

8.6 Liaison to Committees and Working Groups

Appoint a Coordinating Committee Liaison to Committees and Working Groups, who is charged with facilitating communications between the standing group and the Coordinating Committee and in the case of certain committees, to serve as one of its two Co-Coordinators.

Article 9. Other Committees of the General Assembly

Section 9-1 Membership

9-1.1 The number of committee members, the requirements for their eligibility and the process by which they are chosen shall be defined in the bylaws that govern each committee. Committee coordinators shall post the names of all committee members, and the start and end dates of each members' term on the committee's web page. Any committee member may be recalled by a 2/3 vote of the committee that appointed them.

9-1.2 At least once a year and whenever vacancies exist, the Coordinating Committee shall widely advertise to the Party membership the openings on each Coordinating Committee-appointed committee and to be eligible, applicants shall submit an application to the Coordinating Committee stating their interest and qualifications.

Section 9-2 Co-coordinators

Each committee shall have two co-coordinators who shall be responsible for preparing and announcing the draft agenda for committee meetings, to submit annual work plans and budgets on behalf of the committee and otherwise represent the committee in official communications with other committees, working groups and the General Assembly.

Section 9-3 Meetings

9-3.1 Committees shall meet during GPCA state meetings, on teleconferences and otherwise as necessary to achieve the objectives outlined in its work plan. Meetings must be called with a minimum of two weeks notice to committee members.

9-3.2 The decision-making process for committees shall follow that described for the General Assembly in 7-5.5. Quorum is a majority of the committee's voting membership.

Section 9-4 Internal Procedures

Committees may establish additional Internal Procedures as necessary, that are not in conflict with the GPCA's governing rules documents, to facilitate the duties and authority of the committee.

Section 9-2. Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall have the duties, authority and membership as defined in the Fiscal Policy.

Section 9-2. Fundraising Committee

The Finance Committee shall have the duties, authority and membership as defined in the Fiscal Policy.

Section 9-3. Bylaws Committee

9-3.1 Duties and Authority

The Bylaws Committee is charged with supporting the development of the GPCA's governing rules documents, including its Bylaws, Rules and Procedures and Fiscal Policy, including to:

9-3.1 Propose amendments to the General Assembly to the GPCA's governing rules documents;

9-3.2 Review proposed amendments to those documents submitted by others and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, meaning and terminology with existing documents, and to minimize ambiguity and promote clarity.

9-3.3 Compile, document and archive the governing rules documents of the GPCA as they have existed over time.

9-3.2 Membership

The Bylaws Committee shall consist of eight members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Bylaws Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Bylaws Committee itself. Eligible appointees to the Bylaws Committee must have attended at least one General Assembly within the last five, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Section 9-4. Platform Committee

9-4.1 Duties and Authority

The Platform Committee is charged with supporting the development of the GPCA's Platform, including to

9-4.1 Propose Platform amendments to the General Assembly

9-4.2 Review proposed Platform amendments submitted by others and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, meaning and terminology with the existing Platform, and to minimize ambiguity and promote clarity.

9-4.3 Seek input and feedback on the Platform from experts in the field

9-4.3 Assist the Campaigns and Candidates Working Group and the General Assembly with formulating positions on statewide ballot measures.

9-4.4 Assist the Media Committee and GPCA spokespeople with press releases and other public statements that reference the Platform.

9-4.4 Compile, document and archive the Platform as it has existed over time.

9-4.2 Membership

The Bylaws Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Bylaws Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Bylaws Committee itself. Eligible appointees to the Platform Committee must have attended at least one General Assembly within the last five, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Section 9-5. International Protocol Committee

9-5.1 Duties

The International Protocol Committee (IPC) is charged with five principal functions:

a) Hosting. The IPC shall be responsible for working with international Greens to facilitate their visits, to assist with housing arrangements, communications, publicity, media contacts, and speaking events.

b) GPUS International Committee. In collaboration with other GPCA committees and working groups, the IPC shall develop draft platform planks, policy proposals, resolutions, and projects pertaining to international relations for submission to the GPUS/International Committee (GPUS/IC).

c) Proposals and Projects. In active consultation with the GPUS/IC, the IPC may also develop proposals or projects pertaining to international matters that are unique to the State of California, and that are not otherwise reserved to the GPUS/IC.

d) Alliance Building. The IPC may initiate and develop working relationships with organizations, groups and individuals pertaining to international policy and relations for the State of California, and to support IP work with the GPUS/IC.

e) Liaison with GPCA Committees and Working Groups. The IPC shall maintain timely communications with other GPCA standing groups in the development and approval of IPC drafts and actions which substantially or visibly involve the GPCA in the adoption of policies, positions, resolutions, alliances or other international initiatives.

9-5.2 Authority

The authority of the IPC is not intended to replace or otherwise conflict with other Green Party powers, efforts or activities in other state, national, or international committees or organizations. The IPC shall complement existing structures and activities in a manner that is supportive, collaborative, and synergistic.

a) The IPC shall act only in matters appropriate for a state-level party with relation to other individuals, groups or state-level international entities outside of California, or those appropriately deputized to California by their national bodies. All nation-to-nation, nation-to-region and nation-to-global relationships shall be managed through GPUS committees, plans and decisions.

b) The GPCA delegates to the GPUS/IC shall be the primary channel of communication, consultation, and authorization between the IPC and the GPUS/IC.

c) When issues or opportunities arise requiring action between General Assemblies, the IPC may make decisions with the concurrence of the GPUS/IC, and in consultation with GPCA standing group coordinators.

d) The IPC shall ensure that any disputes about authorized representation from Green Parties outside the United States be resolved through consultation with the GPUS/IC.

Section 9-6. Clearinghouse Committee

9-6.1 Duties and Authority

The Clearinghouse Committee is charged facilitating external communications of the Party, including to

Be responsible for merchandising, including budgeting, ordering, storage and shipping

Return/redirect communications received by phone, email, and postal mail.

Oversee that information on the GPCA website is accurate and up-to-date

9-4.2 Membership

The Clearinghouse Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Bylaws Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Bylaws Committee itself. Eligible appointees to the Clearinghouse Committee must have attended at least one General Assembly within the last five, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Section 9-7. Media Standing Committee

9-7.1 Duties and Authority

The Media Committee is charged with facilitating all GPCA communications with media outlets, including to

Develop and distribute media releases that express appropriate GPCA positions in accordance with the GPCA platform;

coordinate press conferences around significant party figures and issues;

draft and distribute notifications of significant, newsworthy events relevant to party figures, platforms and growth. The Media Standing Committee serves under the direction of the General Assembly of the GPCA and the Coordinating Committee.

Assist County Green organizations of the GPCA to develop media resources.

9-7.2 Membership

The Media Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Media Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Media Committee itself. In addition, GPCA spokespersons shall be ex-officio non-voting members, who may participate in the deliberations of the committee, but not vote. Eligible appointees to the Media Committee must have attended at least one General Assembly within the last five, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Section 7-8. Information Technology Committee

7-8.1 Duties and Authority

The Information Technology Committee is charged with providing technical support for GPCA web sites, data bases and email lists, for managing their permissions and access according to approved GPCA policies and procedures, for providing assistance in their use to GPCA personnel and for recommending policies and procedures that facilitate this work.

7-8.2 Membership

The Information Technology Committee is a standing committee of eight members, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who serves an ex-officio voting member. The other seven members shall be appointed by the Coordinating Committee to staggered two year terms, with no term limits. Members shall be appointed based upon their abilities and qualifications to carry out the duties and authority of this committee. Members need not meet any General Assembly attendance requirements to be eligible for appointment.

Article 10. Working Groups of the General Assembly

Each Working Group shall elect two coordinators from among its membership. Elected coordinators shall take office upon confirmation by the General Assembly and shall serve for two years in staggered terms.

Section 8-4 Working Group Membership

Working Group membership shall be open to any Green Party member willing to participate. Voting privileges are reserved for those members who have attended at least two Working Group meetings within the previous 24 months.

Each Working Group shall elect two coordinators from among its membership. Elected coordinators shall take office upon confirmation by the General Assembly and shall serve for two years in staggered terms.

Section 8-7 Co-Coordinators

6‑2.6 Coordinator Duties

The responsibilities of the Committee and Working Group coordinators shall include:

a) Preparing and announcing the proposed agenda for a group meeting;

b) Facilitating and coordinating the activities of the group;

c) Submitting group work plans and budgets to the Coordinating Committee;

d) Presenting group proposals or other official communications to the General Assembly;

6‑2.2 Meetings and Deliberations

Each Committee and Working Group shall determine how many meetings are necessary to achieve the objectives outlined in its work plan. Each group shall also prepare and announce the proposed meeting agenda at least two weeks in advance of the meeting date.

6‑2.3 Quorum

A Committee or Working Group quorum is more than 1/2 of a group's voting membership. For Working Group meetings properly announced in the agenda distributed prior to a regular meeting of the General Assembly, a quorum is more than 1/2 of the voting membership OR one group coordinator and at least four additional voting members, whichever is fewer.

6-2.4 Decision-Making

The decision-making process in Committees and Working Groups may be informal but must be consistent where feasible with the process described in Section 5-8. Proxy votes are not allowed.

Section 10-1. Grassroots Organizing Working Group

10-1.1 Duties and Authority

The Grassroots Organizing Working Group (GROW) is charged with facilitating voter registration activities and organizing County Organization. This includes working to:

10-1.1(a) Coordinate County Organization into statewide efforts to register Green Party voters, do public outreach, and increase diversity in the party;

10-1.1(b) Provide training for County Organization in tabling and other grassroots organizing activities;

10-1.1(c) Develop, maintain, and provide resources for tabling efforts and organization of County Organization;

10-1.1(d) Maintain lists of registered Green Party voters.

Section 10-2. Campaigns & Candidates Working Group

10-2.1 Duties and Authority

The Campaigns & Candidates Working Group is charged with facilitating the electoral work of the party, including to:

10-2.1(a) Develop and implement a GPCA electoral strategy;

10-2.1(b) Coordinate a process of inviting, receiving and compiling analysis and recommendations from Greens and others on statewide ballot measures, perform an analysis of each ballot measure in relation to the GPCA Platform, resolutions and Ten Key Values, and make proposals to the General Assembly for GPCA positions,

Educate and train Green Party candidates and others members in campaign skills, organization and electoral strategy;

10-2.1(c) Identify, recruit and support credible Green candidates;

10-2.1(d) Promote and facilitate effective strategies for winning campaigns;

10-2.1(d) Identify key campaigns in which Green Party members can play a pivotal role;

10-2.1(e) Facilitate fundraising operations for GPCA-endorsed candidates and campaigns, through the Campaign Support Fund Committee.

10-2.1(f) Facilitate post-election reporting and analysis from candidates and campaigns

10-2.1(g) Coordinate a process of inviting, receiving and compiling analysis and recommendations from Greens and others on statewide ballot measures, and then make proposals to the General Assembly for GPCA positions, including an analysis of each ballot measure in relation to the GPCA Platform, resolutions and Ten Key Values.

Promptly after the close of the ballot certification date and announcement by the California Secretary of State of measures certified for inclusion in the next statewide ballot, the County Polling Committee shall invite any GPCA member to participate in summarizing and evaluating ballot measures. To the extent possible, this invitation will precede the close of the certification period. The County Polling Committee Co-Coordinators shall promptly form teams from volunteers to complete the applicable reports within approximately one month following the close of the certification date.

The CPC will be led by two Co-Coordinators appointed by the CCWG (Co)Cordinator(s) not later than the end of the first state meeting held in odd numbered years. The GPCA Coordinating Committee (CC) Liaison to the CCWG shall promptly inform the CC Co-Coordinators of the names and contact information for those persons.

Except as otherwise provided below, the term of office for CPC Coordinators shall be two years from date of appointment. In the event of a vacancy, the CCWG (Co)Coordinator(s) shall appoint a replacement to complete the term of office. In the event the term of office of a CPC Co-Coordinator expires and there has not been a re-appointment or replacement appointed, the term of office of the current Co-Coordinators shall continue until new appointments are made or until the current Co-Coordinators resign or become disqualified (i.e., by change of residence or party affiliation).

Section 10-3. Electoral Reform Working Group

10-3.1 Duties and Authority

The Electoral Reform Working Group is charged with promoting the electoral reform objectives of the party. This includes working to:

10-3.1(a) Educate Green Party members, the public, and the media about proportional representation (PR), instant runoff voting (IRV), and other electoral reforms as directed by the General Assembly;

10-3.1(b) Identify strategies for enacting these reforms including use of PR and IRV in primary and County Council elections;

10-3.1(c) Encourage Greens to initiate and support successful campaigns for electoral reform;

10-3.1(d) Advise GPCA on internal party voting mechanisms and electoral policy.

10-3.2 Ex Officio Member

The Liaison to the Secretary of State is a ex-officio voting member of the Electoral Reform Working Group.

Section 10-4. Green Issues Working Group

10-4.1 Duties and Authority

The Green Issues Working Group is charged with identifying and facilitating GPCA action on external Green issues not already delegated to another Committee or Working Group. This includes working to:

10-4.1(a) Identify, facilitate discussion, and prepare proposals on issues and events that should be addressed by the GPCA;

10-4.1(b) Advise the Platform Committee on the development of platform proposals on issues identified by the Working Group;

10-4.1(c) Promote and provide support for Green issues to candidates running for office;

10-4.1(d) Build coalitions with other organizations working on Green issues.

Article 11 Strategic Plan

The CC shall establish a two-year strategic plan annually, using input from a brainstorming plenary session and draft work plans from the standing committees and working groups. The proposed plan shall be presented and affirmed at the subsequent General Assembly. The two-year strategic plan shall be reviewed and refocused by the CC and presented to the General Assembly annually. As part of the strategic plan, the CC shall develop a two-year schedule, including potential agenda items, for the General Assemblies and Gatherings, with input from each standing committee and working group work plan. The two-year schedule shall be revised annually, with General Assembly agenda and scheduling remaining flexible.

Each Committee and Working Group shall prepare a yearly work plan to be submitted to the Coordinating Committee along with any budget requests. The work plan must identify the objectives of the group for that fiscal year, any proposals it foresees bringing before the General Assembly, and a projected timeline for the group’s activities. The stated objectives must be congruent with the group's charge as defined in these bylaws and the goals and strategies of the GPCA.

6‑2.1 Work Plan

Each Committee and Working Group shall prepare a yearly work plan to be submitted to the Coordinating Committee along with any budget requests. The work plan must identify the objectives of the group for that fiscal year, any proposals it foresees bringing before the General Assembly, and a projected timeline for the group’s activities. The stated objectives must be congruent with the group's charge as defined in these bylaws and the goals and strategies of the GPCA.

Article 13. Delegates to the Green Party of the United States

Section 12-1 Purpose

The GPCA is affiliated with the Green Party of the United States (GPUS). No decision of the GPUS is binding upon the GPCA without its consent. The GPCA selects delegates who are voting members of the GPUS National Committee. These delegates are authorized by the GPCA and recognized by the GPUS to cast the full number of votes allocated to the GPCA to represent GPCA positions on matters before the GPUS.

Section 12-2 Number, Eligibility and Alternates

The number of delegates is established by the GPUS and each may cast one vote. Any member of the GPCA as defined in 3-1.3 is eligible to be a delegate to the GPUS. Alternates may be elected equal in number to the number of delegates.

Section 12-3 Responsibilities and Expectations

12-3.1 Representing GPCA to the GPUS

GPCA delegates shall take part in the discussion and votes upon proposals before the GPUS National Committee. Votes shall be submitted to the process established by the GPUS.

Delegates shall participate in monthly teleconferences and are encouraged to attend delegation meetings at General Assemblies and in person meetings of the GPUS National Committee They are encouraged to serve on GPUS committees. Alternate delegates are encouraged to participate in the same activities as delegates and vote according to the delegation’s procedures for alternates.

12-3.2 Serving the GPCA General Assembly

a) GPCA delegates, individually and collectively, serve at the pleasure of and are responsible to the General Assembly. Delegates are authorized to represent the GPCA as best they can and cast votes as they think represent the interests of the GPCA and GPUS. As a whole, the delegation shall make a good faith effort to collectively discuss GPUS matters before voting.

b) The General Assembly may bind the delegation to represent a particular position. When bound in this manner, the delegation shall modify its positions to reflect this intent. Between General Assemblies the delegation shall report to the Coordinating Committee and the Coordinating Committee may bind it on behalf of the General Assembly. If it does so, the CC shall report upon its actions to the next General Assembly.

Section 12-4. Elections

12-4.1 Regular Elections

At each General Assembly, delegates and alternates shall be elected for two-year terms. Elections shall be by 7-1.8 Choice Voting. The delegation may recommend candidates to the General Assembly. Recommendations shall be made with attention to gender, ethnic, and geographic balance.

12-4.2 Filling Unscheduled Vacancies

If delegate and alternate seats become vacant in the middle of a term the General Assembly may elect replacements at its first meeting following the vacancy and at subsequent meetings until the end of the term. Elections shall be by 7-1.8 Choice Voting and those elected in this manner shall serve the remainder of the term.

Section 12-5 Resignations and removals

The Coordinating Committee may remove a delegate by an 80% vote. The only reasons for removal are failure to perform the duties of a delegate as defined in this Article and the GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures, and malfeasance. When delegates habitually fail to perform their duties, the delegation co-coordinators shall discuss the situation with those delegates. If it continues or recurs without the delegates resigning, the Co-coordinators shall bring the matter to the delegation to decide whether to ask for resignations and refer the matter to the Coordinating Committee.

Section 12-6 Coordinators

12-6.1 Role

There shall be two co-coordinators of the delegation, with ethnic, geographic and gender balance preferred. Co-coordinators shall be selected by and serve at the pleasure of the delegation.

12-6.2 Responsibilities

The coordinators shall facilitate the delegation, coordinate its activities and communicate on its behalf with the Coordinating Committee and General Assembly and the GPUS Steering Committee and National Committee.

12-6-3 Elections

Co-coordinators shall be elected by the delegation to staggered two-year terms at the first General Assembly after the annual national meeting of the GPUS NC. Delegates and alternates are eligible to be elected. Elections shall be by 7-1.9 Single Seat Election: Instant Run-Off Voting.

Section 12-7. Meetings, policies, and procedures.

12-7.1 Meetings

The delegation shall establish a meeting schedule so that it may address GPUS business in a timely manner. For any delegation meeting including teleconferences, a quorum shall be equal to 50% plus one of the number of elected delegates, but participation by both delegates and alternates shall count towards achieving quorum.

12-7.2 Policies and procedures

The delegation shall create whatever policies and procedures are necessary, that are not in conflict with this Article, to fulfill its responsibilities as defined in this Article and in the GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures. The delegation shall provide written report of these policies and procedures to the next GA as they are created or amended.

Section 12-8. GPUS Committees

Where GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures provide for state party-appointed membership, the delegation shall determine who shall be the GPCA’s representatives on GPUS committees, or shall otherwise make recommendations or nominations for GPUS committee eligibility as provided for by GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures. Any GPCA member as defined in 3-1.3 is eligible to be on a GPUS committee, unless GPUS Bylaws and Rules and Procedures state otherwise.

Article 13. Status and Amendment of GPCA governing rules

11-1 Authority

The Bylaws shall be the highest governing document of the GPCA. They shall describe the Party's basic structure, jurisdiction of power and the duties and responsibilities of its constituent parts. The Party's other governing documents shall implement the structure described in the Bylaws. Where there is ambiguity, the Bylaws shall take precedence. The other governing documents shall be the Rules and Procedures and the Fiscal Policy.

11-2 Amendment

11-2.1 The governing documents may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly. An amendment may be initiated by the Bylaws Committee, Coordinating Committee or an active County Organization; or also by a Committee or Working Group, buy only to that specific section of the governing documents that govern them.

11-2.2 Each proposed amendment must be submitted to the Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws Committee shall review the Review proposed amendments to those documents by others, and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, terminology and meaning with existing documents, to minimize ambiguity and to promote clarify.

11-4 Bylaws Interpretation

In cases of ambiguity or procedural disagreement, the General Assembly shall decide for itself the meaning of its governing documents, what is the appropriate procedure to be followed and what amendments are necessary to resolve any ambiguity or procedural disagreement. Between General Assembly meetings, the Coordinating Committee shall decide these questions, and such questions shall be put to a 2/3 vote at the next General Assembly meeting. The Bylaws Committee is charged with assisting with the Coordinating Committee in this process by providing analysis.

11-4 Abbreviations

The name 'Green Party of California' shall be spelled out the first time it is used in each of the party's governing documents and thereafter referred to as the GPCA or the Party. The name 'Green Party of the United States' shall be spelled out the first time it is used in each of the party's governing documents and thereafter be referred to as the GPUS. The names for other party entities such as committees and working groups shall be spelled out each time.

Appendix A: Method of Equal Proportions

(referenced in bylaws, paragraph 4-2.2, delegate allocation formula)

Definition of Method of Equal Proportions

The Method of Equal Proportions is a method adopted by the U.S. Congress to fairly allocate the House of Representatives seats among the states which is easily adapted to fairly allocate GPCA General Assembly delegate seats among the active counties.

To fairly allocate the 100 delegate seats, we must first decide on a good measure of "unfairness" and adopt an allocation method which minimizes this measure.

The Method of Equal Proportions is based on minimizing the "relative difference" between the "representation" of any two counties, where "representation" is the number you get by dividing the county's registered Greens by the number of seats allocated to the county. The seats are allocated such that transferring a seat from any county with more than one seat to any other county does not reduce the ratio of the higher representation to the lower representation.

There are two different ways to perform this method. Both are equivalent and will yield the same results. We'll call one the "ranking method" and the other the "rounding method". Computer software is available to assist with the actual calculations (see the bylaws committee coordinators).

The Ranking Method:

In this method, a series of "priority values" are calculated for each county. First each county is allocated one seat then the priority values are ranked in order and the remaining seats allocated one by one to the counties from the highest priority value to the lowest until all seats are allocated.

To calculate the priority values, first a series of "multipliers" are obtained by calculating the reciprocal of the geometric mean for the integers 2 through 20.

1 / [square root of n(n-1)]

where n is an integer from 2 to 20

The priority values are obtained by multiplying the number of registered Greens in each county by these "multipliers." Each county should have now have a series of priority values which determines the order in which seats are allocated.

The Rounding Method:

In this method, each county's allocation is determined by dividing the number of registered Greens in each county by a special "divisor" and rounding any fractions by using the geometric mean (rather than the usual arithmetic mean or average).

The geometric mean is calculated by obtaining the square root of the product of the two whole numbers on either side of the fractional number obtained above. If the fractional number is less than the geometric mean, round down to the nearest whole number. Otherwise, round up.

The divisor will be equal to or near the number obtained by dividing the total number of registered Greens (in active counties) by 100 (the total number of seats). This divisor is adjusted until the total number of seats allocated using this rounding method is exactly equal to 100.

Article 4: Candidate Support Fund

Section 4-1 Funding Eligibility

4-1.1(a) To be eligible for Campaign Support Funds, candidates for non-partisan municipal, county and special district races, California state legislature and U.S. House of Representative must obtain the endorsement of any active Green Party county organization operating within the boundaries of the district for the applicable office. Endorsements must be communicated directly to the CFSC by a County Council member of the County GP or a designated officer of an applicable GP County Local.

4-1.1(b) To be eligible for Campaign Support Funds, candidates for partisan statewide constitutional offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer and State Comptroller); Non-Partisan statewide constitutional offices (Superintendent of Education); State Board of Equalization and U.S. Senate must obtain GPCA endorsement by a General Assembly of Delegates or County Polling. [The text of this subsection shall automatically be amended in the event the California Secretary of State is amended to become a nonpartisan office.]

4-1.1(c) In special circumstances (e.g., large voting districts with multiple county organizations; special elections), the CFSC may waive the endorsement requirement on a case-by-case basis. However, in such cases, a candidate will need to demonstrate local support by endorsement of at least one active County GP, or endorsement by one or more Locals, or endorsement by the CCWG, or some other form of internal GPCA organizational endorsement, as a funding eligibility requirement.

4-1.1(d) Candidates for partisan office shall not receive GPCA financial support unless they are the GPCA nominee following the GPCA Primary Election. Notwithstanding the foregoing, until such time as the Proposition 14 election structure is suspended or voided, the CFSC may authorize distribution of GPCA donations to candidates for office upon the certification by the Secretary of State of the candidate's qualification to appear on the "Primary" ballot.

4-1.1(e) An elected official subject to a recall election, or a replacement candidate in a recall election, shall be considered a candidate in a special election.

4-1.1(f) Committees related to issue campaigns are not eligible for funding under these procedures.

Section 4-2 Campaign Support Fund Committee

4-2.1 Duties and Responsibilities

The Campaign Support Fund Committee shall have the have the responsibility to decide what campaign committees shall receive funds from the part of the annual GPCA budget approved for the financial support of GPCA candidates for elected office.

4-2.2 Membership.

The Campaign Financial Support Committee (CFSC) shall consist of two GPCA members from each of the GPCA Coordinating Committee (CC), Finance Committee and Campaigns and Candidates Working Group (CCWG). Each SC/WG shall use its own ordinary processes for making such appointments. A current SC/WG/GPUS Delegates Coordinator shall not be eligible to be a CFSC member. Any person who is, or who has announced an intention to be, a candidate for elected office, or anyone serving as a campaign manager, treasurer or consultant for such a candidate, is ineligible to be a CFSC member. Quorum for the CFSC shall be at least three CFSC members.

4-2.3 Term of Office.

CFSC members shall be appointed not later than the General Assembly at which the GPCA annual budget is submitted for adoption, and shall serve a one year term. CFSC members may not serve more than three consecutive terms. In the event a vacancy occurs in any CFSC position, the SC/WG that appointed the person who has resigned or become disqualified shall appoint the replacement to serve the remainder of the applicable term of appointment as soon as practicable after the vacancy occurs.

3. Responsibilities.

The CFSC shall establish procedures for candidates to apply for funding, including an application form or questionnaire and application deadlines, that shall be generally communicated via GPCA email lists and publications and posted on the CCWG webpage(s). Drafts of those procedures and forms also shall be published to the CC, CCWG and County Contacts email lists for at least 15 days to allow comments before adoption.

Procedures adopted by the CFSC shall continue until modified. The CFSC shall internally establish general principles for prioritizing the distribution of limited funds in each GPCA fiscal year. Within 60 days following any election in which the CFSC designates funding for candidates, the CFSC shall provide a written report of its funding deliberations and decisions to the CC and CCWG (Co)Coordinators.

4. Authority.

CFSC funding decisions shall be communicated directly to the GPCA Treasurer for transmittal of funds as decided by the CFSC. Any funding decision shall require agreement by a minimum of three CFSC members. The GPCA Treasurer shall promptly issue funds as designated by the CFSC except where either (a) the donation would result in the candidate's committee receiving more cumulative donations than allowed by statute or regulation or (b) where the candidate declines all or part of the donation.

The GPCA Treasurer shall promptly report either such circumstance to the CFSC which may amend its previous determinations upon receipt of such information. The CFSC may request the assistance of the CCWG or any other GPCA committee, working group or county organization in its processes for evaluating candidates' applications for GPCA financial support.