Chapter Bylaws 

First Drafted

ARTICLE I. Name.

The name of the Local Chapter will be “THE PHOENIX METRO CHAPTER OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA” which may be shortened to “PHOENIX METRO DSA”, “DSA PHOENIX METRO”, “PHOENIX DSA”, or “DSA PHOENIX” as an informal reference. DSA is a not-for-profit corporation.

ARTICLE II. Purpose.

Phoenix DSA seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means/resources of production are democratically and socially controlled. DSA rejects an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination, brutality and violence in defense of the status quo. DSA envisions a humane society based on popular control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, gender and racial equality, and non-oppressive relationships.

ARTICLE III. Membership.

Section 1. Membership.

Members of Phoenix DSA will be those individuals whose dues to national DSA are paid in full and who live in zip codes associated with our chapter. Accommodations will be made for potential members who are unable to attend events due to a disability. It will be the responsibility of members to approve policies and guidelines for the operation of Phoenix DSA, to elect delegates to the national convention, to vote on matters related to national and local policy, and to make recommendations on issues and other matters to the National Political Committee of DSA.

Section 2. Removal of Members.

The Local Chapter may only remove a member through one of the two following ways:

1. By a two-thirds vote of the Local Chapter meeting after the following takes place:

1. The member is found to be in substantial disagreement with the central principles or policies of DSA National or Phoenix DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic or disruptive behavior, or if they are found to be under the discipline of any self-defined democratic centralist organization;

2. Another DSA member formally proffers written charges against the member in question to the Local Chapter Executive Committee, which then sets the date of a Local Chapter meeting for deliberation on the charges; and

3. The member in question receives a copy of the written charges against them and notice of the Local Chapter meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before said meeting to allow them the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges; or

1. Under special circumstances, by a two-thirds vote of the Local Chapter Executive Committee after the following takes place:

1. The Local Chapter Harassment and Grievance Officer (“HGO”) receives a complaint alleging that the member in question is in substantial disagreement with the central principles or policies of DSA National or Phoenix DSA, are consistently engaging in undemocratic or disruptive behavior, or are under the discipline of any self-defined democratic centralist organization;

2. The Local Chapter HGO completes an appropriate investigation and finds that the member in question is, in fact, in substantial disagreement with the central principles or policies of DSA National or Phoenix DSA, are consistently engaging in undemocratic or disruptive behavior, or are under the discipline of any self-defined democratic centralist organization after giving the member in question sufficient written notice and opportunity to defend themselves against the complaint;

3. The Local Chapter HGO submits their findings to a duly selected Steering Committee along with a recommendation of expulsion and a finding of “special circumstances” warranting expulsion pursuant to this subsection. “Special circumstances” include, but are not limited to, the presence of existing or potential collateral legal proceedings arising from the allegations in the complaint, reputational injury or defamation of a party, or compelling privacy interests of a party; and

4. After considering the Local Chapter HGO’s findings and recommendations, the Steering Committee further recommends to the Local Chapter Executive Committee that the member in question be expelled from Chapter membership. The Steering Committee’s recommendation for expulsion must be made by a two-thirds vote. 

Expulsion of a member need only occur if either subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this Section takes place, not both. An expelled member is not allowed to vote or attend Local Chapter meetings, but may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA. 

No member of the Local Chapter Executive Committee may be a member of any Steering Committee assembled pursuant to this Section. The procedures of any investigation conducted by the Local Chapter HGO pursuant to this Section shall mirror the procedures set out in Harassment Policy (Resolution 33) of DSA National and Phoenix DSA’s local Harassment and Grievance Policy.

Nothing in this Section is intended to abridge or modify Local or National harassment policies or procedures pursuant to Harassment Policy (Resolution 33) of DSA National or Phoenix DSA’s local Harassment and Grievance Policy. This Section applies retroactively to pending complaints made to the Local Chapter HGO and prospectively to all such complaints made in the future.

Section 3. Voluntary Donations.

The Phoenix DSA chapter shall have the authority to collect donations from members, supporters, and the general public to support its organizing efforts, events, and administrative needs. All funds received shall be managed in accordance with democratic socialist principles, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with the chapter’s mission. The Steering Committee, chapter treasurer or a designated finance committee, shall oversee the collection, allocation, and reporting of donations, maintaining accurate financial records and providing regular reports to the membership. The chapter may also engage in fundraising activities, including but not limited to online contributions, event-based fundraising, and recurring donations, provided that all such activities comply with applicable laws and DSA national guidelines.

Section 4. Privacy Concerns

Care will be taken to protect the privacy of each member’s contact information. No officer, member, supporter, or any other person shall be granted access to private member data, such as but not limited to names, addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses without first signing the chapter privacy agreement.

ARTICLE IV. Local Chapter Meetings.

Section 1. General Meeting.

The Local Chapter will hold a minimum of one (1) General Meeting annually, and all members of the Local Chapter will receive at least three (2) weeks written (or electronic mail) notice and an agenda of the General Meeting. The Local Chapter Steering Committee will set the agenda for General Meetings.

The General Meeting will elect Local Chapter officers, will decide priority campaigns, and may adopt an annual budget. In general, the General Meeting is the highest legislative body of the Local Chapter.

Section 2. Regular Meetings.

The Local Chapter will hold Regular Meetings at least once every other month, the time and place of which will be set in a schedule published and distributed by the Local Chapter Executive Committee. All chapter meetings may be conducted in person or virtually. The Regular Meetings will set Local Chapter policy, vote on member resolutions and determine implementation of priority campaigns.

The Local Chapter Executive Committee will set the agenda for Regular Meetings. In general, the Regular Meeting is the operating legislative body of the Local Chapter.

Section 3. Emergency Meetings.

The Local Chapter Executive Committee may call an Emergency Meeting of the Local Chapter on five (5) days notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.

Section 4. Quorum.

A quorum of 5 percent of the members in good standing (but not fewer than six (6) persons) is required for General, Regular, or Emergency Meetings to transact business.

ARTICLE V. Local Chapter Officers: Powers and Duties.

Section 1. Officers and Terms.

1. The officers of the Local Chapter will be the Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, Technology Administrator, two (2) At-large Officers, and the co-chairs of each existing chapter committee. The term of office will be one (1) year.

2. Officers may serve no more than two (2) consecutive full terms as a committee co-chair, or two (2) consecutive terms within the Executive Committee. For example, it is acceptable for an officer to serve up to two (2) consecutive full terms as a committee co-chair for a specific committee, followed by up to two (2) consecutive full terms on the Executive Committee, but it would be unacceptable to serve three (3) consecutive full terms within the Executive Committee. Term limits shall be waived for executive committee officers should no candidate emerge to replace them.

Section 2. Vacancies.

In the event of a vacancy in any Local Chapter office, the Local Chapter Steering Committee will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term. Where two or more willing volunteers cannot be identified to serve as committee Co-Chairs, a single Chair shall lead any given committee.

Section 3. Co-Chairs.

1. The Co-Chairs hold the chief executive positions of the Local Chapter. They will preside over Local Chapter,Executive Committee, and Steering Committee meetings or will appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. The Co-Chairs will be the official public spokespeople and contact points for media inquiries for the Local Chapter and will initiate such actions and policies as the Local Chapter’s general welfare may demand.

2. The Co-Chairs will also be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and political work between Local Chapter’s caucuses and committees.

3. The Co-Chairs will report to Local Chapter Regular Meetings on the business of the Executive Committee Meetings, at which time a copy of the minutes of those meetings will be available for inspection.

4. The Co-Chairs are responsible for engaging the Phoenix community on behalf of Phoenix DSA. The Co-Chairs will serve as the points of contact for interested new members and will remain a resource during their integration into the Chapter. The Co-Chairs are responsible for organizing outreach events and representing DSA at external events in an effort to recruit new members.

5. The Co-Chairs will assist each other in their governing responsibilities. One Co-Chair is to assume the position of Chair temporarily or permanently if the other Co-Chair is unable to serve. In the event that neither Co-Chair is able to preside over a meeting, the Secretary will appoint a member of the Executive Committee to serve as temporary replacement.

Section 4. Secretary.

1. The Secretary will be responsible for answering all non-recruitment related correspondence and queries of the Local Chapter, and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Local Chapter. They will ensure effective communication with the national DSA.

2. The Secretary will be responsible also for the taking of minutes of all Local Chapter and Executive Committee Meetings, and will have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports and other official records of the Local Chapter. They will transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Official records will include meeting minutes, member attendance, and member roster.

3. The Secretary will appoint a member of the Executive Committee to temporarily assume responsibilities of the Chair if neither Co-Chair is able to assume their Co-Chair duties.

Section 5. Treasurer.

The Treasurer will be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Local Chapter. All funds collected by the Local Chapter will be turned over to the Treasurer, who will deposit them in a bank or credit union account under the name of the Local Chapter. In cooperation with the Secretary, the Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are paid up-to-date. The Treasurer will prepare the annual Local Chapter budget and deliver the Local Chapter financial report to the General Meeting of the Local Chapter, as well as periodic progress reports as requested by the Executive Committee of the Local Chapter.

Section 6. Technology Administrator.

1. The Technology Administrator shall be responsible for the operation, maintenance, extension and creation of technological tools and assets.

2. The Technology Administrator shall be responsible for maintaining the integrity of data relating to all functions of the technological assets of the chapter and is entrusted with maintaining the security of sensitive and personally identifying data.

3. Outgoing Technology Administrators shall be responsible for ensuring the seamless and timely transfer of control of the above contemplated technological assets to the incoming Technology Administrator.

Section 7. At-large Officers.

The At-large Officers will assist with the executive functions of the chapter and have the same voting power as the other Executive Committee officers. The Local Chapter Executive Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Local Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these Bylaws.

ARTICLE VI. Executive Committee.

Section 1. Composition.

The Local Chapter Executive Committee will be composed of six (7) specific officers of the Local Chapter: the two chapter Co-Chairs, the chapter Secretary, the chapter Treasurer, the chapter technology administrator, and the two At-large Officers.

Section 2. Duties.

The Executive Committee manages the administrative needs of the Local Chapter by maintaining the chapter's nonprofit status, bank account, tech infrastructure, member data, and all other work necessary to keep the chapter active and in good legal standing. It will have the power to receive reports of any Subcommittee or Caucus, and advise thereon, to call emergency meetings of the steering committee or Local Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Executive Committee is the regular executive body of the Local Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Steering Committee and its Legislative bodies, the General and Regular Meetings.

Members of the Executive Committee shall be permitted to serve as co-chairs of any Chapter Committee, provided that they are properly appointed or elected to such roles.

Section 3. Meetings.

The meetings of the Executive Committee will be held at the call of the Co-Chairs at such intervals as may be determined by a prior Executive Committee Meeting or by consultation with any four (4) members of the Executive Committee. All members of the Executive Committee must (ordinarily) be given four (4) days oral, written, or electronic notice of regular Executive Committee Meetings; a 24-hour notice may be given under emergency circumstances.

Section 4. Quorum.

A quorum of four (4) members of the Executive Committee is required for the transaction of Executive Committee business.

ARTICLE VII. Steering Committee.

Section 1. Composition.

The Local Chapter Steering Committee will be composed of every member of the executive committee and every committee co-chair.

Section 2. Duties.

The Steering Committee of the Phoenix Democratic Socialists of America (Phx Metro DSA) serves as the central governing body responsible for guiding the organization's strategic direction and operational decisions. The Local Chapter Steering Committee will also be responsible for establishing program activities for the Local Chapter, for proposing guidelines and policies that will subsequently be voted on by members of Phoenix DSA, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Local Chapter meetings.The committee facilitates coordination among various working groups, oversees budgeting and resource allocation, and ensures alignment with the organization's democratic socialist principles. It plays a crucial role in fostering internal cohesion, promoting community outreach efforts, and advocating for progressive policies that advance social, economic, and environmental justice in Phoenix and beyond.

Section 3. Meetings.

The meetings of the Steering Committee will be held at the call of the Co-Chairs at such intervals as may be determined by a prior steering committee meeting or by consultation with any four (4) members of the steering Committee. All members of the Steering Committee must (ordinarily) be given four (4) days oral, written, or electronic notice of regular committee Meetings; a 24-hour notice may be given under emergency circumstances.

Section 4. Quorum.

A quorum of two thirds (2/3rds) members of the Steering Committee is required for the transaction of Committee business.

ARTICLE VIII. Committees.

Section 1. Definition.

A Committee is tasked with specific responsibilities and functions as decided at Regular or General Meetings of the Chapter or Executive Committee meetings. A Committee is either a Standing Committee or a Special Committee. A Standing Committee is a more permanent committee that is essential to the mission of the Chapter. A Special Committee is more temporary and defined by a task or set of tasks. Committee co-chairs shall be named to the Steering committee whereas subcommittee chairs shall not.

Section 2. Formation.

A Committee proposal must be submitted to the Executive Committee and must state a) whether the proposed Committee is a Standing or a Special Committee and b) the duration of the proposed Committee’s existence. There must be three members willing to serve on the committee. 

Committees are established by a majority vote at a Regular or General Meeting of the Chapter or an Executive Committee meeting; they are dissolved by a ⅔ majority vote at a Regular or General Meeting of the Chapter or an Executive Committee meeting. Upon formation, the committee co-chairs will be appointed by the EC to fill the position until the next general chapter meeting, at which point all committee co-chair positions will be filled by elections.

 A committee may be dissolved by the following mechanisms: a majority vote of its members, failure to maintain three active members of the Local Chapter over a three month period, inactivity for 3 consecutive steering committee meetings, a 2/3rds majority vote of the steering committee, or a simple majority vote of the membership at a regular meeting,

Section 3. Duties.

Co-Chairs of the Committees will keep the Executive Committee and the Chapter membership informed of the activities of the committee. Co-Chairs shall serve on the chapter Steering Committee.

ARTICLE IX. Working Groups.

Section 1. Definition.

A Working Group is a formation of 3 or more Local Chapter members who come together around a shared vision of work. Working Groups may be issue- or campaign-based, and their activities and goals must align with the Purpose of the Local Chapter as expressed in Article II. No member of a working group shall serve on the Steering Committee unless otherwise entitled to by a chapter office.

Section 2. Formation.

A Working Group shall be formed via a proposal submitted to and approved by the Executive Committee. It may be dissolved by the following mechanisms: a majority vote of its members, failure to maintain three  active members of the Local Chapter, inactivity for more than one year, or a two-thirds vote of the members present at a Regular or General Meeting of the Chapter or an Executive Committee meeting.

Section 3. Duties.

A Working Group shall establish its own internal democratic structure, including the election or appointment of two stewards — subject to approval by the EC — who will be the official points of contact for internal chapter bodies and Officers. Stewards are responsible for keeping the Executive Committee and the Regular Meetings of the Local Chapter informed on the Working Group’s activities.

ARTICLE X. Caucuses.

Section 1. Definition.

A Caucus is a subgroup of the Local Chapter consisting of at least five (5) members in good standing with national DSA. New caucuses will be approved by the Executive Committee, after which they will be self-governed. The Executive Committee may vote to dissolve a Caucus if it is found to be in violation of the principles of the Local Chapter or DSA National. Caucuses may be defined by geography, work site, constituency (e.g., labor, minority, feminist), function, or area of political work (e.g., peace action, environmental movement).

Section 2. Youth Sections.

Caucuses established on college campuses or consisting of students will be called Local Chapter Youth Sections. Youth Sections must have at least three (3) members in good standing with national DSA.

ARTICLE XI. Immediate Action Group.

Section 1. Duration.

The Local Chapter will have Immediate Action Groups, which will exist for a limited and explicit duration. Immediate Actions Groups may be established by a vote of members at a Regular Meeting of the Local Chapter.

Section 2. Duties.

Co-Chairs of Immediate Action Groups will keep the Executive Committee and the Regular Meetings of the Local Chapter informed on the activities of the Immediate Action Group. They will not serve on the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE XII. Delegates to National, Regional, and State Bodies.

Section 1. Convention.

Local Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention will be elected by members of Phoenix DSA. Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by the national organization.

ARTICLE XIII. Prohibited Activity

Phoenix DSA will not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Arizona. Nor will Phoenix DSA engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.

ARTICLE XIV. Priority Campaigns.

Section 1. Definition.

Priority campaigns are where the Local Chapter intends to prioritize its time and resources for the upcoming year in order to further its mission. Phoenix DSA, including its Executive Committee and its standing committees, shall give these initiatives priority including but not limited to the following: setting aside time at Local Chapter meetings, displaying prominently on the website, amplifying on communication channels, deploying monetary resources, putting together political education events, and mobilizing members and supporters.

Section 2. Priority Campaign Resolutions.

1. At the annual General Meeting, members will decide upon the Local Chapter’s priority campaigns for the upcoming year using a single transferable vote (STV) ranked-choice voting system on priority campaign resolutions. The top priority campaigns will become the chapter’s priority business for the year. All previous priority campaign resolutions expire at the annual General Meeting.

2. All priority campaign resolutions must state the scope, objectives, estimated required time and resources, as well as reasons why the chapter should make this campaign a priority. The Executive Committee may provide a template for those wishing to submit priority campaign resolutions.

3. The maximum number of priority campaigns the chapter may take on is determined by a function of the number of members in good standing: if membership is less than 1000, the maximum is 2; if it exceeds 1000, the maximum is 3; and for every increase of 500 members after that, the maximum is raised by 1 (e.g. 1000 members = 3 campaigns, 1500 = 4, 2000 = 5, and so on).

Section 3. Amending Priorities Between Annual General Meetings.

In any Regular Meeting, Phoenix DSA may amend, repeal, or add to the priority campaign resolutions adopted at the General Meeting only by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members of Phoenix DSA, and submitted to the Executive Committee two (2) weeks in advance of a Regular Meeting. The resolution must be approved by a vote of two-thirds at a single meeting or fifty percent plus one (1) at two (2) consecutive meetings.

Section 4. Priority Campaign Formation, Administration, and Management.

1. Priority campaigns are membership driven, wherein Phoenix DSA members, at any Local Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV, may enact resolutions to dictate objectives, maintenance, direction, and execution of the campaign.

2. The Executive Committee shall appoint one or more steward(s) to facilitate each priority campaign. Stewards administer the campaigns and carry out the democratic will of the Local Chapter consistent with the priority campaign resolution and any additional motions passed and resolutions adopted by the Local Chapter throughout the duration and execution of the priority campaign. A steward for each priority campaign shall provide a report for the chapter membership at each Regular or General Meeting.

ARTICLE XV. Chapter Resolutions.

Section 1. Right to Submit Resolutions

Any member in good standing with the Phoenix DSA may submit a resolution for consideration at a chapter meeting. Resolutions may address organizational priorities, policies, campaigns, budget, or other matters relevant to the chapter’s work and governance.

Section 2. Submission Process.

1. Notice: Members must submit resolutions in writing to the chapter leadership or designated committee (e.g., the Steering Committee) no less than 10 days before the meeting where it will be considered. This ensures sufficient time for review, discussion, and distribution to the membership.

2. Format: Resolutions should include a clear title, the specific action(s) being proposed, and a rationale or supporting information.

Section 3. Review and Distribution.

1. Resolutions submitted by members will be reviewed by the chapter leadership or designated committee to ensure they are consistent with the chapter’s bylaws and the broader goals of the organization.

2. Approved resolutions will be made accessible to all members at least 7 days prior to the meeting, along with the meeting agenda.

Section 4. Debate and Voting.

1. At the chapter meeting, members will have an opportunity to discuss and debate submitted resolutions. Debate will be conducted according to the chapter’s agreed-upon rules of order.

2. Resolutions require a simple majority vote of members present and voting to be adopted.

Section 5. Emergency Resolutions

In cases where a resolution must be introduced after the submission deadline, members may propose an emergency resolution at the meeting. Acceptance of such resolutions for consideration falls to a simple majority vote of present chapter officers. No resolution regarding the chapter budget may be passed by emergency resolution unless introduced by a steering committee officer.

Section 6. Transparency

All adopted resolutions will be recorded in the chapter’s official records and made available to members.

ARTICLE XVI. Elections, Nominations, and Recalls.

Section 1. Nominations Committee

A three (3)-person Nominations Committee will be established at least one (1) month prior to every election by vote of a Regular Meeting. The members of the Nominations Committee may not be a candidate for office. It will solicit and receive nominations for Local Chapter officers and for priority campaign resolutions (see Article XIII). Self-nominations or other-nominations will be announced to the whole Local Chapter via the email announcements list. These nominations should include a paragraph about the candidate explaining why they would be good for the position or, for priority campaigns, the full resolutions. The Nominations Committee will collect these announced nominations and form a ballot for the General Meeting.

Section 2. Nominations Process.

Nominations for Local Chapter officers, delegates to the National Convention, and priority campaigns will be opened at the Regular Meeting when the date of the General Meeting is announced and closed a week before the General Meeting. Nominations from the floor will not be accepted.

Section 3. The First Election.

When Phoenix DSA is first formed and approved by the national DSA, the date of the first General Meeting will be set. At this first General Meeting, the month of all future General Meetings will be decided by vote. The officers elected at the first General Meeting will serve until the decided upon next General Meeting, which may be for less than one (1) year.

Section 4. Elections of Officers.

1. Voting Process: Elections will be held for all Local Chapter officer positions, including each seat on the Executive Committee and the co-chairs of every other existing committee. The Nominations Committee should encourage a diverse group of candidates for each of these positions. Elections will be carried out using ranked choice voting with instant run-off. Candidates may simultaneously run for and sit on both the EC and a committee chair position, provided they are not violating the rules for term limits.

2. Vote by Proxy: If a Phoenix DSA member cannot attend the General Meeting, they may designate another Local Chapter member to be their proxy by contacting the Nominations Committee. A member may only hold one (1) signed proxy for another member and vote for that member at the General Meeting.

Section 5. Uncontested Positions.

If a position is uncontested and no member objects, the nominee will be declared elected by acclamation. If a member objects to the election by acclamation, the chapter shall decide whether to elect the uncontested nominee.

Section 6. Recalls

All members in a standing position of trust or responsibility within any general (not caucus-specific) body of the chapter, with any degree of standing power or duties, will be susceptible to recall at any time. This is to include not only elected positions but any and all appointed positions, executive and non-executive committee members, etc.

This recall may be initiated by the submission of a demand to both the EC and the general membership, co-sponsored by 5 or more members in good standing, at least 1 month prior to a regular meeting at which the recall vote will take place. The demand for recall must include reasoning but does not have to meet any pre-established standard of sufficient reason for recall.
If these members were in good standing before submitting the demand, they are protected from being removed from the chapter until after the resolution of the recall vote, in order to protect them from retaliation.

The demand for a recall vote may target any number of members, but if it targets more than 1 then the votes must be cast for each member separately, and the results withheld until all votes have been cast. The votes must be done by secret ballot, and any member in attendance at the regular meeting may vote.

The vote to recall is successful if passed by a 2/3 majority. The replacement for any recalled member is to be made by appointment by the EC, unless a motion at the same regular meeting as the recall vote is made, seconded, and passed by simple majority to hold a special election instead, which would then follow the rules for a special election. Any member replacing the recalled member will then fill the remainder of any term associated with the position.

ARTICLE XVII. Amendments.

Proposed amendments to these Bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members of Phoenix DSA, and submitted to the Executive Committee a month in advance of a General or Regular Meeting. The Executive Committee is required to provide the Local Chapter membership with two (2) weeks’ written notice of the proposed amendments. The amendment must be approved by a two-thirds vote of two (2) consecutive (Regular or General) Local Chapter meetings.

ARTICLE XVII. Rules of the Local Chapter.

Section 1. Rules.

The Rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, will govern this Local Chapter in cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws. Consensus decision-making is desirable where feasible, but meetings must submit to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised upon the request of a member.

Section 2. Action Out of Order.

Any action taken by an officer or member of the Local Chapter in contravention of these Bylaws is null and void.