Proposed amendments to Wisconsin Green Party Constitution

(updated March 11, 2018)

In November 2017, the Wisconsin Green Party Structure Team began work on reforms to the structure of the state party. The first of these was a process of proposing substantial amendments to the party’s bylaws, currently known as the Constitution of the WI Green Party. The state party’s coordinating council has reviewed these proposed amendments, and recommended by consensus that they be considered for approval by the party membership at the 2018 Spring Gathering.

It should be noted that while there was consensus among the coordinating council that the required threshold for decision-making should be lowered from the current 80%, there was not consensus on whether the threshold should be lowered to a two-thirds requirement or a simple majority requirement. The CC agreed to hold two votes, the first on lowering the threshold to two-thirds, and the second on lowering the threshold to simple majority.

While these amendments are presented as a whole, if members wish to discuss concerns about particular sections and vote on them separately, they may call for a motion to do so.

Where current text is to be replaced by proposed text, it is marked as follows:

[1. CURRENT TEXT:]

[1. PROPOSED TEXT:]

Where proposed text will not be replacing current text, only the proposed text is marked, like so:

[16. PROPOSED TEXT:]

This document will be posted in its entirety at www.wigp.org/bylaws_amendments where members can leave comments.

 

[1. CURRENT TEXT:]

The Constitution of the Wisconsin Green Party

 

[1. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

The Bylaws of the Wisconsin Green Party

 

 

Preamble

 

[2. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

We, the active Members of the Wisconsin Green Party united for the protection of the Earth and all of her inhabitants, have come together to form a new political party based upon the principles and values of the world-wide Green movement. We subscribe to our adopted Key Values of Ecological Integrity, Global Responsibility, Participatory Democracy in Economic and Personal Life, Local and Region Autonomy, Nonviolence, Respect for Diversity, Emotional Awareness and Honesty, Human Rights and Feminism. In addition, we support the Platform adopted by the Members for future political activity. We will affiliate with other Green Parties and organizations in the United States of America and other countries as they accept and are organized around these or similar values.

 

[2. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

We, the active Members of the Wisconsin Green Party united for the protection of the Earth and all of her inhabitants, have come together to form a new political party based upon the principles and values of the worldwide Green movement. We subscribe to our adopted Key Values of Grassroots Democracy, Social Justice and Equal Opportunity, Ecological Wisdom, Nonviolence, Decentralization, Community-Based Economics and Economic Justice, Feminism and Gender Equity, Respect for Diversity, Personal and Global Responsibility, and Future Focus and Sustainability. In addition, we support the Platform adopted by the Members for future political activity. We join with other Green Parties and organizations in the United States of America and other countries to organize around these shared values.

 

Article 1. Name and Membership

 

Section 1. Name.

The name of the organization is the Wisconsin Green Party. The organization is founded as a not for profit, non-stock Wisconsin Corporation.

 

Section 2. Membership.

 

[3. CURRENT TEXT:]

Membership in the Wisconsin Green Party. shall be granted to all Wisconsin residents who apply and who have paid the Membership dues as set forth in Article 2, Section 1, below.

 

[3. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Membership in the Wisconsin Green Party shall be granted to all Wisconsin residents who apply and subscribe to the ten key values of the Green Party. Members in Good Standing are those who have paid the Membership dues as set forth in Article 2, Section 1, below.

 

 

[4. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Article 2. Membership Meetings

Section 1. Membership Dues.

Membership dues rates shall be established at least annually by the Members in a Membership meeting. Any Wisconsin resident who cannot afford the established dues for membership may be granted a waiver of payment of dues for any year by the Coordinating Council.

 

[4. PROPOSED TEXT:]

Article 2. Meetings.

 

Section 1. Membership Dues.

Membership dues rates shall be established by the Members in Good Standing at a Membership meeting.

 

 

Section 2. Membership Participation.

 

 

[5. CURRENT TEXT:]

All members of the organization are entitled to participate in all of the activities of the organization and to attend any meeting of the organization or its committees and councils.

 

[5. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

All Members are entitled and encouraged to participate in all of the activities and to attend any membership, committee, or council meeting of the organization.

 

 

Section 3. Membership Meetings.

 

[6. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

There shall be meetings of the Members at least biannually at locations in Wisconsin to be determined by the Coordinating Council. One of the Membership meetings shall be convened in the fall of each year and shall have as part of its agenda the selection of Co-Chairs, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Elections Treasurer and Operations Treasurer for the following year. Member meetings shall be held in different locations in Wisconsin with a view toward development of a local Green group in that location and assistance on a local issue in keeping with our Key Values. Minutes of all Membership meetings shall be kept by the recording secretary and all policy decisions and resolutions published thereafter in the organization’s newsletter.

 

[6. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

There shall be meetings of the Members at least biannually at locations in Wisconsin to be determined by the Coordinating Council. One of the Membership meetings shall be convened in the fall of each year and shall have as part of its agenda the election of Co-Chairs, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Elections Treasurer and Operations Treasurer for the following year. Member meetings shall be held in different locations in Wisconsin with a view toward development of local Green groups in that area. Minutes of all Membership meetings shall be kept by the recording secretary and all policy decisions and resolutions published thereafter in the organization’s newsletter.

NOTES:

 

 

Section 4. Notice.

 

[7. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Notice of the date, place, time and agenda of all Membership meetings convened by the Coordinating Council shall be provided to all members in good standing by regular mail at least twenty (20) days prior to the meeting and shall be published in the newsletter.

 

[7. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Notice of the date, place, time and agenda of all Membership meetings convened by the Coordinating Council shall be provided to all Members at least twenty (20) days prior to the meeting.

 

 

Section 5. Quorum.

 

 

[8. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Official business at a properly convened Membership meeting may be conducted if there are at least twenty (20) members in good standing present at the meeting.

 

[8. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Official business at a properly convened Membership meeting may be conducted if there are at least fifteen percent (15%) of the Members in Good Standing present at the meeting.

 

 

Section 6. Proxy Voting.

There shall be no voting by proxy at any membership meeting.

 

 

Section 7. Decision Making.

 

[9. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Decisions made at Membership meetings shall be reached by a facilitated consensus process. Any two (2) Members in good standing may block a proposed decision, as long as they provide the reasons for their block. If more than three (3) Members in good standing stand aside from a proposed decision, it shall not pass. No reasons need be given for a stand aside position. The group will attempt in all cases to achieve consensus. In the case that consensus cannot be reached in the group, any member in good standing may request a vote. This request will automatically be honored. The group then decides with a simple majority of members present whether or not to go to an 80% majority in decision-making.

 

[9. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Decisions made at Membership meetings and Coordinating Council meetings shall be reached by a facilitated consensus process. The group will attempt in all cases to achieve consensus. In the case that consensus cannot be reached in the group, any member in good standing may request a vote. The group then decides with a simple majority of members present whether or not to go to a two-thirds majority in decision-making. In order to pass, a proposal must receive a two-thirds majority, not counting abstaining votes, or at least twice as many “yes” votes as “no” votes.

Elections at Membership meetings shall be conducted using Ranked Choice Voting, with members allowed to choose a “none of the above” option which is binding if it receives a majority.

 

Article 3. Coordinating Council

 

Section 1. Coordinating Council.

 

[10. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

The WI Green Party Coordinating Council shall consist of up to 25 members. All members must be members of the WI Green Party, and all efforts will be made to maintain gender-balanced, and ethnic-balanced representation. Five (5) members are the officers of the WI Green Party (two Co-Chairs, Elections Treasurer, Operations Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary). The responsibilities of officers are outlined in Article 4 of the Constitution. Up to 16 members are nominated and elected from the eight WI congressional districts. Up to two members are from each of the eight congressional districts. Each member serves a 2-year term. (Members will serve 1-year and 2-year staggered terms in first year). These 8 (16 in first year) members will be nominated in their district meetings at the Fall Gathering. The election will take place at the full membership meeting. Notification will be sent out three times (in the newsletter, via email, and with Fall Gathering information) that nominations for the congressional district representation will take place at the WI Green Party Fall Gathering. If someone would like to be nominated but cannot attend the gathering, they should send a brief written statement with another member, who will speak on behalf of the member. Up to four (4) members are nominated and elected from caucuses. One each from the following caucuses: Women, Diversity, LGBT and Youth. These are 1-year terms. These 4 members will be nominated in their caucus meetings at the Fall Gathering. The election will take place at the full membership meeting.

 

[10. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

The WI Green Party Coordinating Council shall consist of Members of the WI Green Party in Good Standing and all efforts will be made to maintain gender-balanced and ethnic-balanced representation.

 

Six (6) Members are the Officers of the WI Green Party (two Co-Chairs, Elections Treasurer, Operations Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary). The responsibilities of officers are outlined in Article 4 of the Bylaws.

 

Eight (8) Members in Good Standing are nominated and elected from the eight WI congressional districts. These eight (8) Members will be nominated in their district meetings at the Fall Gathering. The election will take place at the full Membership meeting. If someone would like to be nominated but cannot attend the gathering, they should send a brief written statement with another Member, who will speak on behalf of the Member.

 

Each accredited Local Chapter shall be entitled to nominate one (1) Member at their local meeting prior to the Fall Gathering. The election shall take place at the full membership meeting.

 

Each accredited Caucus shall be entitled to nominate and elect one (1) Member in Good Standing. These Members will be nominated in their caucus meetings at the Fall Gathering. The election will take place at the full Membership meeting.

 

Up to eight (8) at-large Members in Good Standing may be nominated and elected from the membership.

 

All Members of the Coordinating Council shall be elected for 1-year terms, except for the Co-Chairs, who shall serve 2-year terms.

 

A Member may not serve in more than one Officer position and may not have more than one vote on the Coordinating Council.

 

 

Section 2. Duties.

 

[11. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

The Coordinating Council is charged with implementing the will of the Membership as decided at Membership meetings and otherwise supervising business of the organization. The Council shall educate and inform the membership through publication of a newsletter, Green Wisconsin. The Coordinating Council shall select the number, location, date and time of Membership meetings each year. The Coordinating Council is empowered to speak in the name of the organization between Membership meetings on issues of public importance in accordance with the adopted Key Values and Platform. All decisions of the Council shall be made by facilitated consensus as described in Article 2, Section 7, above.

 

[11. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

The Coordinating Council is charged with implementing the will of the Membership as decided at Membership meetings and otherwise supervising business of the organization. The Coordinating Council shall develop and maintain the party’s Policies and Procedures. The Council shall educate and inform the membership through publication of a newsletter. The Coordinating Council shall select the location, date, and time of Membership meetings each year. The Coordinating Council is empowered to speak in the name of the organization between Membership meetings on issues of public importance in accordance with the adopted Key Values and Platform. All decisions of the Council shall be made as described in Article 2, Section 7, above.

 

 

Section 3. Meetings.

 

[12. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

The Coordinating Council shall meet at least quarterly. Meetings of the Council may be held in conjunction with Membership meetings. Minutes of all Council meetings shall be kept by the Recording Secretary and all policy and financial decisions and resolutions shall be published in the organization’s newsletter.

 

[12. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

The Coordinating Council shall meet at least monthly. Meetings of the Council may be held in conjunction with Membership meetings. Minutes of all Council meetings shall be kept by the Recording Secretary and all policy and financial decisions and resolutions shall be published in the organization’s newsletter.

 

 

Section 4. Notice of Meetings.

 

[13. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Notice of all Coordinating Council meetings shall be published in the organization’s newsletter at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, except in emergency situations where such notice is impossible. Notice of Council Meetings shall be made to all current members of the Council by regular mail at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, except in emergency situations where such notice is impossible. For emergency meetings, telephone notice to all current Council Members at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting shall be given.

 

[13. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Notice of Coordinating Council Meetings shall be made to all current members of the Council at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. For emergency meetings, telephone notice to all current Council Members at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting shall be given.

 

 

Section 5. Quorum.

 

[14. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Official business at a properly convened Coordinating Council meeting may be conducted if there are at least nine (9) Council Members in good standing present at the meeting.

 

[14. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Official business at a non-emergency Coordinating Council meeting may be conducted if there are at least one third of Coordinating Council Members present at the meeting. Official business at a emergency Coordinating Council meeting may be conducted if there are at least three (3) Officers present and at least one-third of Coordinating Council Members present at the meeting.

 

 

Section 6. Proxy Voting.

There shall be no voting by proxy at any Coordinating Council meeting.

 

 

Section 7. Finances.

The Coordinating Council shall be responsible for the finances of the organization and shall supervise the activities of both the Elections Treasurer and the Operations Treasurer. The Coordinating Council shall approve all individual expenditures over $250 in advance. The Coordinating Council shall report on the organization’s financial condition at every Membership meeting.

 

 

Section 8. Removal.

 

[15. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Any Member of the Coordinating Council may be removed from the Council for gross misconduct or violation of the adopted Key Values, after notice and a hearing to the member, by consensus of all current Members of the Council. In addition, any member of the Coordinating Council may be removed at a membership meeting by consensus of the Members present. Prior notice of such a proposed removal must be contained in the written notice sent out prior to the meeting where the removal is to be proposed.

 

[15. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Any Officer or Member of the Coordinating Council may be removed, by decision of other Members of the Council, for gross misconduct or violation of the adopted Key Values or code of conduct adopted by the Party. Officers or Members will be considered resigned from office by giving notice to other Coordinating Council Members of their resignation or after failing to perform their clearly defined duties for a period of three months. The Officer or Member in question shall receive a notice, and a hearing if requested. In addition, any Officer or Member of the Coordinating Council may be removed at a Membership meeting by decision of the Members present. Notice of such a proposed removal must be sent out prior to the meeting where the removal is to be proposed.

 

[16. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Section 9. Vacancies.

In the event of a vacancy, an interim replacement for any Officer or Member of the Coordinating Council may be made by decision of the Coordinating Council. Any replacement shall be confirmed at the next Membership meeting.

 

Article 4. Officers

 

Section 1. Officers.

 

[17. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

The Officers of the organization shall be two Co-Chairs, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, an Operations Treasurer and an Elections Treasurer. The Officers shall be Members of the Coordinating Council and of the Wisconsin Green Party All efforts shall be made to balance the Officers regionally and by gender. Officers will be responsible for granting access to specific internal documents such as membership records and databases.

 

[17. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

The Officers of the organization shall be two Co-Chairs, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, an Operations Treasurer and an Elections Treasurer. The Officers shall be Members of the Coordinating Council and of the Wisconsin Green Party. All efforts shall be made to balance the Officers regionally and by gender. Officers will be responsible for granting access to specific internal documents such as membership records and databases. The Membership and the Coordinating Council may define specific duties of the Officers in the party’s adopted policies and procedures.

 

Section 2. Terms of Office.

Each Co-Chair shall serve for two years with staggered terms so that there is a senior and junior Chair. All reasonable effort shall be made to rotate the Chair role throughout the membership of the organization. All other Officers shall serve one-year terms. All Officers, except for the Co-Chairs, may be reelected for successive terms.

 

Section 3. Duties.

 

[18. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

1. The Co-Chairs. The Co-Chairs shall work together to coordinate the activities of the organization. The Co-Chairs are empowered to speak publicly for and in the name of the organization on issues of the day and the policies and positions of the organization between Coordinating Council meetings in accordance with our adopted Key Values and Platform. The Co-Chairs may convene Coordinating Council meetings as they deem necessary and must do so at the request of five (5) or more current Members of the Coordinating Council or ten (10) or more Members in good standing of the organization. Co-Chairs contemplating the issuance of statements or press releases not specifically covered by the Key Values or Platform should consult with a majority of the Coordinating Council prior to making any such statement. The Co-Chairs shall be reimbursed for their expenses by the Coordinating Council. 2. Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary shall take and prepare written minutes of all Membership and Coordinating Council meetings. The Recording Secretary shall make sure that all members of the Coordinating Council receive copies of the minutes within three (3) weeks after each Council meeting. The Recording Secretary shall transmit copies of all minutes to the editor of the newsletter. The Recording Secretary shall maintain the official minutes of the organization. The Recording Secretary shall be reimbursed for any expenses by the Coordinating Council. 3. Corresponding Secretary. The Corresponding Secretary may also be the Treasurer. The Corresponding Secretary shall maintain a post office box for accepting mail for the organization at such places designated by the Coordinating Council. The Corresponding Secretary shall receive the organization’s mail and answer inquiries for information and literature. Correspondence received requesting answers to policy questions not readily answerable in accordance with the Key Values and Platform shall be referred to the Co-Chairs. The Corresponding Secretary shall maintain the current list of Members in good standing and such records as are necessary. The Corresponding Secretary shall be reimbursed for any expenses by the Coordinating Council. 4. Operations Treasurer. The Operations Treasurer shall maintain the operations bank account and operations funds of the organization in financial institutions designated by the Coordinating Council. The Operations Treasurer shall accept all funds paid to the organization and pay all debts incurred by the organization upon receipt and authorization of the Coordinating Council. The Operations Treasurer shall report on the organization’s financial condition at each Membership and Coordinating Council meeting. 5. Elections Treasurer. The Elections Treasurer shall maintain the elections funds and make disbursements from that account upon authorization of the Coordinating Council. The Elections Treasurer shall maintain the contributions database and shall file all campaign finance reports for the state party with the State Elections Board, the Federal Election Commission and the Internal Revenue Service.

 

[18. PROPOSED TEXT:]

1. The Co-Chairs. The Co-Chairs shall work together to coordinate the activities of the organization. The Co-Chairs are empowered to speak publicly for and in the name of the organization on issues of the day and the policies and positions of the organization between Coordinating Council meetings in accordance with our adopted Key Values and Platform. The Co-Chairs may convene Coordinating Council meetings as they deem necessary and must do so at the request of five (5) or more current Members of the Coordinating Council or at least 10% of Members in Good Standing of the organization. Co-Chairs contemplating the issuance of statements or press releases not specifically covered by the Key Values or Platform should consult with a majority of the Coordinating Council prior to making any such statement.

 

1. Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary shall take and prepare written minutes of all Membership and Coordinating Council meetings. The Recording Secretary shall make sure that all members of the Coordinating Council receive copies of the minutes within one (1) week after each Council meeting. The Recording Secretary shall maintain the official minutes of the organization.

 

1. Corresponding Secretary. The Corresponding Secretary shall maintain a post office box for accepting mail for the organization at a place approved by the Coordinating Council. The Corresponding Secretary shall receive the organization’s mail and other correspondence and answer inquiries for information and literature. Correspondence received requesting answers to policy questions not readily answerable in accordance with the Key Values and Platform shall be referred to the Co-Chairs.

 

1. Operations Treasurer. The Operations Treasurer shall maintain the operations bank account and operations funds of the organization in financial institutions designated by the Coordinating Council. The Operations Treasurer shall accept all funds paid to the organization and pay all debts incurred by the organization upon receipt and authorization of the Coordinating Council. The Operations Treasurer shall report on the organization’s financial condition at each Membership and Coordinating Council meeting.

 

1. Elections Treasurer. The Elections Treasurer shall maintain the elections bank account and make disbursements from that account upon authorization of the Coordinating Council. The Elections Treasurer shall maintain the contributions database and shall file all campaign finance reports for the state party with the State Elections Board, the Federal Election Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service.

 

 

[19. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 4. Removal.

 

Any Officer may be removed from the position for gross misconduct or violation of the adopted Key Values by consensus of the other Members of the Coordinating Council at a regular Coordinating Council meeting. In addition, any Officer may be removed from their position by consensus of the Membership at a Membership meeting. Prior notice of such proposed removal must be contained in the written notice sent out prior to the meeting where the removal is to be proposed.

 

[19. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

[REMOVE, REPLACE WITH ARTICLE 3 SECTION 8]

 

[20. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 5. Vacancies.

In the event of a vacancy, an interim replacement for any Officer may be made by consensus of the Coordinating Council. Any replacement shall be confirmed at the next Membership meeting.

 

[20. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

[REMOVE, REPLACE WITH ARTICLE 3, SECTION 9]

 

 

Article 5. Subordination to Existing Constitutions and Laws Section

 

1. Subordination.

 

[21. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

The Constitution of the Wisconsin Green Party is subordinate to the Constitutions and laws of the United States of America and the State of Wisconsin.

 

[21. PROPOSED TEXT:]

The Bylaws of the Wisconsin Green Party are subordinate to the Constitutions and laws of the United States of America and the State of Wisconsin.

 

 

Section 2. Election Laws.

 

[22. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Laws of the United States of America and the State of Wisconsin governing the conduct of elections to public office shall be part of this Constitution. The organization shall work to change any laws that restrict the full exercise of grassroots democracy.

 

[22. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Laws of the United States of America and the State of Wisconsin governing the conduct of elections to public office shall be part of these Bylaws. The organization shall work to change any laws that restrict the full exercise of grassroots democracy.

 

Article 6. Platform

 

Section 1. Platform.

 

[23. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

The Members shall approve the organization’s Platform at a Membership meeting.

 

[23. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

The Members shall approve a Platform using a democratic, deliberative Platform process that encourages and facilitates discussion and debate among Greens at all levels within the state, as outlined in the Policies and Procedures. The Platform shall be approved at a Membership meeting.

 

[24. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 2. Candidate’s Acceptance.

The adopted Key Values and Platform are binding upon any candidate for public office who runs as a candidate of or with the endorsement of the Wisconsin Green Party. Any such candidate must also be a Member in good standing of the organization.

 

[24. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Section 2. Candidate Endorsement

Candidates for public office may be endorsed by decision of the Wisconsin Green Party if the candidate has publicly stated acceptance of our adopted Key Values, Platform, and other adopted policies regarding endorsement, and is a Member in Good Standing. Any endorsement shall follow the organization’s adopted Policies and Procedures. The Wisconsin Green Party shall make all efforts to involve local chapters and members in any endorsement decision affecting their district.

 

 

[25. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 3. Publicly Elected Officials.

Any elected official who has run for office as a candidate of or with the endorsement of the Wisconsin Green Party may be removed from Membership in the organization for votes or actions contrary to the adopted Key Values and Platform by consensus of the Members at a Membership meeting. Prior notice of such a proposed removal must be contained in the written notice sent out prior to the meeting where the removal is to be proposed.

 

[25. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Section 3. Removal of Candidates and Elected Officials

Any elected official who has run for office as a candidate with the endorsement of the Wisconsin Green Party may be removed from Membership in the organization, and any endorsement of a candidate may be revoked, for gross misconduct or violation of the adopted Key Values, Platform or code of conduct adopted by the Party, by decision of the Membership or the Coordinating Council. Notice of such a proposed removal or revocation must be sent out prior to the meeting where it is proposed. The candidate or elected official in question shall receive a notice before the meeting at which the decision is to be made, and a hearing if requested.

 

 

Section 4. Endorsement.

Candidates for public office may be endorsed by the Wisconsin Green Party if the candidate has publicly stated acceptance of our adopted Key Values, Platform and other adopted policies regarding endorsement and is a Member of the organization in good standing. Any endorsement shall follow the organization’s adopted endorsement policy.

 

[26. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 4. Candidates.

Candidates for public office may be endorsed by the Wisconsin Green Party if the candidate has publicly stated acceptance of our adopted Key Values, Platform and other adopted policies regarding endorsement and is a Member of the organization in good standing. Any endorsement shall follow the organization’s adopted endorsement policy. The Wisconsin Green Party shall make all efforts to involve local chapters and members in any endorsement decision affecting their district. Any endorsement may be revoked, by decision of the Membership or the Coordinating Council, for gross misconduct or violation of the adopted Key Values or code of conduct adopted by the Party. The candidate in question shall receive a notice before the meeting at which the decision is to be made, and a hearing if requested.

 

[26. PROPOSED TEXT:]

[REMOVE, REPLACE WITH SECTIONS 2 AND 3]

 

Article 7. Discrimination.

 

[27. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 1.

Discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, national origin, handicap, parenthood or color in the conduct of the affairs of the Wisconsin Green Party is prohibited.

 

[27. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Section 1. Conduct

Discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, national origin, handicap, parenthood or color in the conduct of the affairs of the Wisconsin Green Party is prohibited.

 

[28. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 2.

Any Member of the Wisconsin Green Party who violates Article 7, Section 1, above, may be removed from Membership by the Membership at a Membership meeting by consensus. Prior notice of such a proposed removal must be contained in the written notice sent out prior to the meeting where the removal is to be proposed.

 

[28. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Section 2. Removal.

Any Member of the Wisconsin Green Party who violates Article 7, Section 1, above, may be removed from Membership by decision of the Membership at a Membership meeting. Prior notice of such a proposed removal must be sent out prior to the meeting where the removal is to be proposed.

 

 

Section 3. Meetings.

No meetings of any body of the Wisconsin Green Party may be held in a facility which is owned or operated by a person or organization which violates Article 7, Section 1, above.

 

 

Article 8. Amendments

 

[29. CURRENT TEXT:]

 

Section 1. Amendments.

This Constitution may be amended at any Membership meeting by consensus of the Members present.

 

[29. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

These Bylaws may be amended at any Membership meeting by decision of the Members present.

 

[30. CURRENT TEXT:]

Section 2. Notice. Notice of any proposed amendment to this Constitution must be provided in writing to the Membership in the notice of the meeting required in Article 2, Section 4, above and in the two (2) newsletters published prior to the Membership meeting where the proposal is to be made. Revised November 12, 2006, Milwaukee, WI.

 

[30. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Section 2. Notice.

Notice of any proposed amendment to these Bylaws must be provided to the Membership, as specified in the Policies and Procedures, prior to the Membership meeting where the proposal is to be made.

 

[31. PROPOSED TEXT:]

Section 3. Revisions.

All prior versions are to be kept on file.

 

Revised November 12, 2006, Milwaukee, WI.

Revised April 14, 2018, location undetermined. [this information will be updated]

 

[32. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

 

Article 9. Local Party Chapters.

 

Section 1. Definition

A Local Party Chapter is a group of Green Party members, affiliated with the Wisconsin Green Party, who form an organization within defined geographical boundaries to advance the purpose and mission of the Wisconsin Green Party.

 

Section 2. Requirements

To be affiliated, a Local Party Chapter must have at least three Wisconsin Green Party members, and submit to the Coordinating Council an affiliation application that lists: at least three (3) Wisconsin Green Party Members in Good Standing who wish to start the Local Party Chapter with their contact information; the dates, times and locations of regular public meetings; a summary of the organization’s proposed activities, projects, and goals; and any other information deemed appropriate by the Coordinating Council. Each Local Party Chapter must practice democratic decision-making, as outlined in Article 2, Section 7. All Members in Good Standing of the Wisconsin Green Party within the Local Party Chapter’s defined boundaries are entitled to participate.

 

Section 3. Rights

Each chapter may develop its own platform and bylaws, run local electoral and issue campaigns, endorse local candidates, and choose its own officers, spokespersons, and representatives, as long as these actions are in accordance with these Bylaws and the Platform of the Wisconsin Green Party.

 

Section 4. Accreditation

Chapters shall apply for accreditation to the Coordinating Council for approval. If the Coordinating Council declines to approve the application, the decision can be appealed to the Membership. The Membership shall approve of a list of accredited local chapters at the Fall Gathering.

Section 5. Disaccreditation.

Chapters can be disaccredited by decision of the Coordinating Council. Disaccreditation

actions can be appealed to the Coordinating Council or Membership. Chapters that are disaccredited may reapply in the future in accordance with these bylaws.

 

 

[33. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Article 10. Caucuses.

 

Section 1. Definition.

A caucus is an organization of individuals who share self-identified common experiences or characteristics. The purpose of caucuses is to give representation to groups who have been historically underrepresented, marginalized, and oppressed in order that individuals can better work together across the state to support struggles against the systemic injustice that exists in our society.

 

Section 2. Requirements

Caucuses must include a minimum of 5 Members in Good Standing of the Wisconsin Green Party, and hold at least one meeting per year at which they elect one (1) Member in Good Standing as a contact person. This person may be different than the Coordinating Council representative elected at the Fall Gathering.

 

Section 3. Accreditation

Caucuses shall apply for accreditation to the Coordinating Council for approval. If the Coordinating Council declines to approve the application, the decision can be appealed to the Membership. Accreditation lasts for a period of one year, after which time, the Caucus must re-apply for accreditation.

 

 

[34. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Article 11. Committees.

 

Section 1. Definition.

The Coordinating Council shall designate standing Committees to carry out the operations of the Wisconsin Green Party. Each Committee shall be empowered to carry out its duties as defined by the Wisconsin Green Party’s policies and procedures, under the oversight of the Coordinating Council. Each member of the Coordinating Council must serve on at least one Committee. Any Member in Good Standing may serve on any Committee, subject to approval by the Coordinating Council. The Coordinating Council may also designate time-limited Teams or Ad-Hoc Committees to plan and execute specific projects or address specific issues of the day.

 

Section 2. Chair.

Each Committee shall have a Chair or Co-Chairs, who shall oversee regular meetings and make regular reports to the Coordinating Council. A Committee Chair or Co-Chair shall serve for a one year term, except in cases of time-limited or Ad-Hoc Teams and Committees. The Committee Chair(s) shall be decided on by the the members of the Committee. If the members can not elect a Chair, the Coordinating Council will appoint a Chair. The Chair may be replaced by the decision of the Coordinating Council in cases where the Chair is not performing their duties.

 

Section 3. Policies and Procedures.

Committees will approve Policies and Procedures pertaining to their function and duties at their initial meeting to submit to the Coordinating Council for approval. Policies and Procedures must be reviewed each year after a new Chair is elected or appointed. Policies and Procedures will be kept on file.

 

 

[35. PROPOSED TEXT:]

 

Article 12. Congressional District Representatives

 

Section 1. Definition.

A Congressional District is one of eight geographical locations within the state of Wisconsin used during elections. The purpose of a Congressional District Representative is to give representation to the members of the Wisconsin Green Party that live within that district to the Coordinating Council and to act as a liaison regarding elections, government actions, and issues.

 

Section 2. Representatives

Congressional District Representatives must be Members in Good Standing of the Wisconsin Green Party and hold at least one meeting per year for the Members within that District, at which they elect one (1) Member in Good Standing to act as their Representative. Congressional District Representatives serve a one (1) year term.

 

[36. CURRENT STRUCTURE:]

Preamble

Article 1:         Name and Membership

Article 2:         Membership Meetings

Article 3:         Coordinating Council

Article 4:         Officers

Article 5:         Subordination to Existing Constitutions and Laws Section

Article 6:         Platform

Article 7:         Discrimination

Article 8:         Amendments

Article 9:         Local Party Chapters

Article 10:      Caucuses

Article 11:      Committees

Article 12:      Congressional District Representatives

 

[36. PROPOSED STRUCTURE:]

Bylaws Structure:

Preamble

Article 1:         Name and Membership

Article 2:         Meetings

Article 3:         Coordinating Council

Article 4:         Officers

Article 5:         Congressional District Representatives

Article 6:         Local Party Chapters

Article 7:         Caucuses

Article 8:         Committees

Article 9:         Platform

Article 10:      Discrimination

Article 11:      Subordination to Existing Constitutions and Laws Section

Article 12:      Amendments

 

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