Article I - NAME
This organization shall be known as the Norfolk Democratic Town Committee, hereinafter called the Committee or NDTC.
Article II - PURPOSES
This Committee is organized and constituted under authority of and in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, and shall have as its purposes the following: to foster and advance the ideals and aims of the Democratic Party; to work and organize for the success of the Democratic candidates of the Town, County, State and Nation; to do all things necessary and incidental to the building and strengthening of the Democratic Party in Massachusetts and within the Town of Norfolk and beyond; to facilitate discussion and action on matters central to the ideals and aims of the Democratic Party and the Committee.
Article III - MEMBERSHIP (Organizing Members)
The Norfolk Democratic Town Committee shall consist of up to thirty five (35) registered voters and enrolled Democrats in Norfolk who shall have been elected at the Presidential Primary for a period of 4 years, together with those elected to membership by the members of said Committee, in conformance with the provisions of law.
The Committee, following the election of its members, shall meet and organize, choose a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and, if desired, an Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor, and such other officers as it may decide to elect. At such meetings the Committee may add to its elected members, provided it does not exceed the total allowed bylaw as found on file with the Secretary of State’s Office.
The Committee requires that prospective members attend three meetings prior to being considered for election as new members. The prospective member can be voted in at the third meeting. Full members shall have the right to vote on matters before the Committee. “Friends” shall not have the right to vote but shall hold such other powers and duties as the Committee may determine.
Any duly elected member of the Committee who changes residence from the Town during the said four years shall cease to be a member of the Committee at that time.
Organizational Engagement: Members are expected to actively organize and participate in NDTC-sponsored activities. This includes work outside of committee meetings, communication of opportunities to engage, community outreach, canvassing, voter engagement, and other events or efforts that align with the NDTC mission.
Vacancies shall be filled by vote of the Committee, in accordance with Section C above.
Meeting Participation: Members are required to attend a minimum of one half of all scheduled NDTC meetings per calendar year. They also provide essential feedback and input on the organization’s vision, goals, and agenda items.
Members may be removed in conformity with Article Two, Section Five of the 2021 Charter of the Democratic Party of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (see Article XVII - REMOVAL OF LOCAL MEMBERS below).
Article IV - Executive Committee – Leadership
The officers of this organization shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Outreach Officer. These officers shall be elected at a re-organization meeting to be held in April of even years and the committee shall elect or re-elect leaders for all positions. All current members are eligible and encouraged to run for a leadership role.
There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of the officers of the Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day governance of the NDTC. Their specific responsibilities include:
● Vision and Strategy: The committee leads the development of the NDTC’s overall vision, incorporating input from all members. They draft, approve, and periodically review the NDTC Mission Statement to ensure it aligns with the organization’s goals and the needs of the community.
● Governance and Administration: This group oversees and manages the organization’s finances, including budgeting, fundraising, and reporting. They are also responsible for organizing and coordinating the Annual Caucus, handling all planning, logistics, and communication.
● Meeting Management: The executive team sets the agenda for monthly NDTC meetings and may collaborate with other committee members to do so. They also facilitate and lead these meetings to ensure productive discussions and effective decision-making.
In the event of death, resignation or the permanent removal from the Town of any of the above named officers, their places shall be declared vacant and be filled at the next regular meeting of the Committee. A statement of such changes in the officers of the Committee shall be sent immediately by the Secretary of the Committee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, to the Secretary of the Democratic State Committee, and to the Town Clerk.
Article V - NDTC Friends
“Friends” are community members who support the NDTC and are exploring more active involvement, but are not able or do not wish to join. NDTC Friends will be provided with opportunities to stay informed on how best to activate around elections and other issues and initiatives of the Committee. Their participation may include:
● Event and Meeting Participation: These individuals can attend open NDTC meetings to stay informed and engaged. They can also join and support community-focused NDTC activities.
● Election Engagement: Interested parties are welcome to assist with activities during election cycles, such as canvassing or voter outreach.
● Community Input: They are encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback to help shape NDTC initiatives. Additionally, they may consider applying for membership during the annual membership drive or elections.
Article VI - CHAIRPERSON
The Chairperson shall, in addition to the duties required bylaw, preside at meetings of the Committee and shall have general charge and supervision of all Committee activities. They shall have the power to appoint all standing committees and such other special committees as are created from time to time. They shall have the power to call special meetings of the Committee and all regular meetings at such time or times as may seem to them to be advisable, subject only to the vote of the Committee in fixing the number of regular meetings to be held during the course of the year.
Article VII - VICE CHAIRPERSON
The Vice Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Town Committee in the absence of the Chairperson, shall perform all duties and have the powers of the Chairperson in the case of their temporary absence.
Article VIII - SECRETARY
The Secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings of the Town Committee and shall issue an agenda by mail or electronic means to each member of each meeting of the Committee at least seven days prior to the date of the meeting, excepting emergency meetings Any member of the Committee may request that the Secretary add an item to the agenda within three days prior to the meeting date. The Secretary shall, within seven days after each meeting, issue minutes of the meeting by mail or electronic means to each member of the Committee. The Secretary shall, within ten days after the organization of the Committee, file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Secretary of the Democratic State Committee and the Town Clerk, a list of the officers and members of the Committee; and shall immediately file with the same officials a statement of the changes in the organization or membership of the Committee thereafter.
Article IX - TREASURER
The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds belonging to the Committee and shall pay all orders and invoices subject to the approval of the Chairperson and shall procure and file vouchers for all such payment. No expenditures of funds of the Committee shall be made by the Treasurer outside the regular activities or expense thereof except upon the approval of a majority of the Committee at a special or regular meeting. They shall present a report of the financial condition and transactions of the Committee at all regular meetings. A detailed report shall be provided to the Committee at least annually. Additionally, the Treasurer will file reports with the appropriate state (Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance [OPCF]) and local offices regarding fundraising and other required financial reporting.
Article X - OUTREACH OFFICER
The Outreach Officer shall be responsible for developing strategies and activities to expand Democratic Party enrollment and to expand participation in the Committee, including voting in elections. Activities will include, but not be limited to: election promotion and outreach, promotion of Committee events, community outreach, ongoing public awareness, and coordination with other Town Democratic Committees, where appropriate. The Outreach Officer may form an Outreach Committee to support the duties of the role. The Outreach Committee may be made up of both current Members and Friends of the Norfolk Democratic Town Committee.
Article XI - CALLING A MEETING WITHOUT CONSENT OF CHAIRPERSON
In the event of a refusal of the Chairperson of the Committee to call a meeting of the Committee, a majority of the Executive Committee may, in writing, order the Secretary of said Committee to call a meeting of the Committee.
Said Executive Committee shall have the power to act upon all matters pertaining to the Committee arising between the meetings of said Committee.
Seven members of the Committee can request a meeting by a petition in writing to the Secretary and the Secretary shall call such a meeting within two weeks.
Article XII - QUORUM
A minimum of five (5) members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, including one Executive Committee member.
Article XIII - BYLAWS COMMITTEE
The Chairperson shall appoint a Bylaws Committee from the duly elected members. The Chairperson shall designate the Chairperson of the Bylaws Committee.
Article XIV - CHANGES IN THE BYLAWS
These bylaws may be amended or repealed at any regularly called meeting of the elected members of the Committee, provided such proposed change is in writing and is signed by the elected member proposing it and is in the hands of the Chairperson before the call of the next meeting, at which such proposal is to be acted upon. The proposed bylaw change shall be sent to all members with the announcement of the meeting and must be notified at least 30 days in advance. The bylaws can be changed by majority vote of those present at a meeting of the Committee.
Such proposed changes in the bylaws shall be referred forthwith by the Chairperson to the Bylaws Committee which shall make a report with its recommendations at the same meeting, if possible, but no later than the following meeting. A majority of the elected members present and voting shall be necessary to overturn the report of the Bylaws Committee or to approve the change in the bylaw. Bylaw change proposals which, in the judgment of the Executive Committee, contradict the provisions of the Massachusetts Democratic State Party Charter, will not be considered.
Unless and until amended or repealed by the elected members, these bylaws shall continue in effect from year to year and no formal motion shall be necessary at any meeting of the Committee in order that they continue in force.
Article XV - ORDER OF BUSINESS
The Chair will conduct all Committee meetings following basic Robert's Rules of Order. In particular: no discussion will commence until a motion is made, and no vote on a motion will take place until discussion has completed. Throughout the meeting, the Chair will keep the agenda moving forward, asking members to keep their points to 2 (two) minutes. Beyond two minutes, any Member can make a motion to call the Question (ask that discussion be ended). The Chair will then ask for a vote on that motion and, if no further discussion, will move to the next agenda item. The Chair or Vice Chair may, at their sole discretion, allow a speaker to continue beyond two minutes or reject a motion to call the question, if good cause exists.
The order of business at meetings shall be as follows:
Calling the roll of officers and members and announcement of quorum (sign-in sheets may be used in lieu of roll call).
Reviewing and approving the minutes of the previous meeting.
Treasurer's Report
Reports of officers and committees
Reading of communications addressed to the Committee
Old or unfinished business
New business
State Committee Reports
Speaker (s)
Adjournment
The order of business may be waived by a two thirds vote of the elected members present and voting.
Article XVI - MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the Committee shall be held at least eight times per year.
Article XVII - REMOVAL OF LOCAL MEMBERS
Members and officers pledge themselves, as elected officials, to perform their duties diligently and honorably, or resign. Members of town committees may be removed by procedures guaranteeing adequate notice and due process and by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Committee of which he or she is a member for:
Failure to attend at least half of the regularly scheduled Committee meeting during any calendar year.
Public support for or financial contribution to an opponent of a nominee of the Democratic Party, which nominee publicly supports the platform of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most recent state and national Democratic convention.
Unauthorized use of the Party name or resources.
Conviction after appeals are exhausted of a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor. A member must be given an opportunity to resign before notice of the hearing on the question of removal is given to the membership of the Committee.
A member removed under this section shall have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council (State Committee), and the vacancy may not be filled in such case until the final decision of the Judicial Council is made.
