GPCA Bylaws Revision Spring 2012 Article 4 Structure
Sponsor: Bylaws Committee
Background: This text revises the existing "Article 3. Structure" to include a more comprehensive overview of the party's structure.
The existing text speaks only of party membership, the general assembly and county organizations, whereas the proposed text this new Article 4 includes all of the basic structural building blocks of the party - the General Assembly, Coordinating Committee, County Organizations, County Councils and the party Treasurer and Liaison to the Secretary of State. Membership is addressed in the new proposed Article 3 Membership.
This text provides is a clear, single place in the bylaws to understand how the party is organized, including a clear definition of the areas of responsibility for each. Then elsewhere in the bylaws, in sections particular to each of the building blocks, there is greater detail about the operation of each of these building blocks, in sections devoted to each.
In the case of the text to be amended, the greater detail present in existing "3-2.2 County Organization and Recognition" would be contained in a new separate single section describing county organization, rather than remaining at that level of detail within the overall structure section, which is more of a view from 30,000 feet.
Proposal: That the following text be adopted
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. 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. Committee members become members by appointment, based upon their special expertise relating to the committee's duties and authority. 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, where they don't conflict with GPCA Bylaws.
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.
Reference: Existing bylaws Article 3
Article 3. Structure
Section 3-1. State Organization
3-1.1 General Assembly
The General Assembly, consisting of delegates from each active county organization recognized by the GPCA, is the primary decision-making body of the GPCA.
3-1.2 Membership
Members of the GPCA are those who are legally registered to vote in California as members of the Green Party.
County organizations may extend membership to persons not eligible to register to vote in California who meet specific criteria, including affirmation of the 10 Key Values.
Only members may vote for or serve as party office-holders or General Assembly delegates, or hold outstanding concerns or vote in party decision-making.
The party office-holders of Coordinating Committee representative, Treasurer, and Liaison to the Secretary of State must be registered to vote in the Green Party.
Section 3-2. County Organizations
3-2.1 Definition and Delegation of Authority
Green Party county organizations recognized by the General Assembly are the official organizations of the GPCA at the county level.
3-2.2 County Organization and Recognition
To be recognized by the General Assembly and to seat General Assembly delegates, a county organization must adopt organizational bylaws consistent with the ten key values, the GPCA bylaws, and California law, and must file a current copy of these bylaws with the GPCA Bylaws Committee (see also Paragraph 4-1.22 for recognition of a new county organization). These bylaws must:
a) Describe the organizational structure including the relationship between any local Green organizations and the County Council;
b) Define the membership of the organization;
c) Describe the decision-making process;
d) Describe the process for filling county council vacancies;
e) Describe the process for selecting General Assembly delegates;
f) Establish the office of treasurer.
