S.I. LP Bylaws 2012
Dave Narby
Article I: Principles and Objectives
The Libertarian Party of Staten Island (“S.I. LP”) supports the following principles
Individual liberty
Personal responsibility
Truly Free-markets
Constitutional government
The objectives of the S.I.LP are to:
Establish a Libertarian presence in Richmond County and the surrounding area;
Become part of the state and national Libertarian Party network; and
Promote Libertarian ideals and the candidates who support these ideals.
Article II: Membership
Membership in the S.I. LP shall be open to any person who:
Subscribes to the aforementioned Principles and Objectives; and
Pays annual dues of $15.
Membership will be revoked if, at any time, a person fails to meet the specified requirements. Dues are applicable for the calendar year in which they are paid. Dues paid on or after November 1 will apply towards paid membership the following calendar year.
Article III: Meetings and Conventions
General Meetings. General meetings, open to members and the general public, will occur once a month on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30PM, or whenever members deem fit via online consensus
Special Meetings. Special Meetings can be called by any Officer and must be announced to all Chapter members at least 7 days in advance.
Annual Convention. An Annual Convention will take place in the first quarter of each year. At this convention, all members in good standing will have the opportunity to elect officers, endorse candidates, adopt and amend bylaws, and elect a representative to the State Committee. Chapter members will be notified of the Annual Convention at least 30 days in advance.
Article IV: Officers
Titles. The Chapter will have five Officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. All of the aforementioned officers shall comprise the Executive Committee, which shall set membership requirements, allocate funds, and set policy. Each officer other than the chair shall also have an elected alternate.
Duties. Each Officer has specific duties as defined below
Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside over all Chapter conventions and meetings and act as administrator and spokesperson for the Chapter. The Chairperson may also oversee and/or delegate the development of promotional media and materials, and the promotion of party membership.
Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall act as associate to the Chairperson, and assumes all duties delegated to the Chairperson when they are not otherwise present at conventions and meetings. In the even the Chairperson steps down during office, the Vice-Chairperson shall assume the chair, and a special election will be held for a new Vice-Chairperson.
Secretary. The Secretary shall keep an accurate and complete record of the proceedings of all Chapter meetings and conventions. At each meeting, the Secretary shall present the minutes of the previous meeting for approval. The Secretary shall call the roll of the members and shall keep an accurate tally of votes in any Chapter election or nomination. Secretary shall also keep a contact list of all in attendance at meetings.
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall collect, hold, and disburse funds, and maintain records of all financial transactions. At each meeting, the Treasurer shall present an overview of current funds and liabilities, and provide a list of all expenditures since the previous meeting, to the Executive Committee. Treasurer shall also keep a list of dues paying members in good standing.
Elections. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote using a secret ballot during the Annual Convention. Terms shall end at the next Annual Convention. If any office becomes vacant between Annual Conventions, or remains unfilled after an Annual Convention, an alternate will take the position, and elections will be held at a General Meeting or Special Meeting to select a new alternate, as dictated by the Executive Committee.
Article V: Endorsements
Candidates for public office may be endorsed by majority secret ballot vote of the Chapter members either at an Annual Convention or at a General Meeting or Special Meeting, provided that the name, address, phone number, and platform are communicated to the entire membership in writing (mail or email) 14 days in advance.
Article VI: Disbandment
In the event that any members wish to secede from the Chapter to form a new Libertarian Party chapter covering Richmond County, New York, in part or in whole, any shared resources shall be divided proportionately based on the number of Chapter members in good standing of each organization.
Article VII: Amendment of Bylaws
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Chapter members either at an Annual Convention or at a General Meeting or Special Meeting, provided that the proposed amendments are communicated to the entire membership in writing (mail or email) 14 days in advance, or by unanimous vote on the day the amendments are proposed.