Bylaws​ ​of the San Diego Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America

Bylaws

This page contains the most up-to-date version of the Bylaws of the San Diego Democratic Socialists of America. It is updated consistently whenever new amendments are voted on and approved by chapter membership.

Last updated: December 2025 following the November 2025 General Assembly

Article I. Name and Territory.

Section 1. Name.

The name of the Local Chapter shall be the San Diego Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, hereinafter referred to as DSA San Diego or as the Local Chapter. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a not-for-profit corporation.

Section 2. Territory.

The Local Chapter shall conduct activities in the County of San Diego within the territory defined by the charter granted by the National Democratic Socialists of America to DSA San Diego.

Article II. Purpose

Section 1. Preamble.

We are socialists because we reject an economic order based on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability status, age, religion, and national origin, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo. We are socialists because we share a vision of a humane social order based on popular control of resources and production, economic planning, equitable distribution, feminism, racial equality and non-oppressive relationships. We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision, for building a majority movement that will make democratic socialism a reality in America. We believe that such a strategy must acknowledge the class structure of American society and that this class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population.

Section 2. Mission and Principles.

To promote the organization and resistance of the working class and the broader block of the oppressed in order to abolish relationships of domination and exploitation. Stated plainly, socialism. Ours is a mission of abolition of capitalist relations: we desire to break free from the oppressive relations of power that define what we are in order to see what we can become.

We engage in this process through a democratic procedure and through a conduct of solidarity and mutual aid.

At the root of our socialism is a profound commitment to democracy, as means and end. DSA fights for reforms today that will weaken the power of corporations and increase the power of working people. For example, we support reforms that:

• decrease the influence of money in politics

• empower ordinary people in workplaces and the economy

• restructure gender and cultural relationships to be more equitable.

We are activists committed to democracy as not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society. Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives. We call this vision democratic socialism — a vision of a more free, democratic and humane society.

Article III. Membership.

Section 1. Qualification.

Membership shall be open to every dues paying member of the DSA who resides or works in San Diego County.

Unless otherwise requested by the member, every dues-paying member of DSA who resides in San Diego County shall be a member of the San Diego Chapter. Individuals may not be members of the Local Chapter without being members of National DSA.

Subsection 1.1. Ban On Law Enforcement Officers

Law enforcement officers and their functionaries are banned from DSA, including officers, or employees of any police, sheriff, FBI, CIA, U.S Marshals, DHS, CBP, and ICE agencies, any prison guards, and those of the city attorney, district attorney, or U.S attorney’s office involved in criminal prosecution.

Section 2. Authority.

Members shall be responsible for proposing and deliberating questions of Chapter business at Chapter Meetings, electing Chapter officers, electing delegates to the National Convention, and volunteering for Chapter activities and duties.

Section 3. Resignation.

A member may resign from the Chapter to become an at-large member of DSA by written notice to the Chapter Secretary and National DSA. A member may resign from DSA by notifying the national office of DSA.

Section 4. Voluntary Donations.

As mandated by the National Constitution and Bylaws, the Local Chapter may establish a Local Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members.  The payment of a Local Chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or for holding Local Chapter office.

Section 5. Removal of Members.

If a member in good standing is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of National DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, the Chapter may vote to expel them from DSA. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member shall formally submit written charges against the member in question to the Chapter Leadership Council, which will set the date of a Chapter meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Chapter meeting. Expulsion from a chapter is treated as a suspension by National DSA and must be forwarded up to the National Grievance Panel to begin the national expulsion process. Decisions on expulsion by either the Chapter or National DSA may be appealed to the National Political Committee or to the National Convention.

Article IV. Meetings.

Section 1. Definition.

Chapter Conventions, General Meetings, and Special Meetings shall represent the general will of the membership and shall have the highest authority of decision-making power over all matters within the Chapter.

Section 2. Annual Convention

Open to all membership of the Chapter and shall be organized by the Leadership Council to be held once a year. The Annual Convention will provide membership with presentations of all ongoing campaigns and receive input from broad membership.

Given limited resources and capacities, membership will also decide which campaign committees are to be prioritized by the most active members, and that these campaigns receive maximum effort and are allocated sufficient resources in order to be successful.

While the Leadership Council is responsible for drafting agenda, it must also query membership for any additional motions or discussions that wish to be passed.

As the foundation of the chapter, the Leadership Council and all other committees are subject to the direction and critique of the assembly.

The Annual Convention shall be considered the “Annual Meeting” where local or state law may require.

Subsection 2.1. Major Campaign Selection.

At each Annual Convention, members advocating a major campaign will present their proposals for Major Campaigns for the coming year(s). The various proposals will be discussed, critiqued, and modified. Ultimately, the various proposals will be voted on by the Assembly and two campaign proposals with the most votes will be selected.

Major Campaigns, being approved by the membership should be privileged in resources, space at meetings, and budgeting by the Leadership Council.

Section 3. Regular General Assembly Meeting

Open to all membership, the Leadership Council shall organize quarterly General Assemblies where membership will be provided with presentation of ongoing DSA activities, and where membership can provide input and make decisions on the direction of the Chapter’s activities.  

These spaces will also be used as a place for the wide membership to bring suggestions, questions, and grievances to the Chapter as they please. The Leadership Council will be responsible to query membership in order to draft the agenda.

These meetings must happen at least quarterly, but at the Leadership Council’s discretion can be held more often.

Section 4. Special Meetings.

The Local Chapter Leadership Council or five percent of the membership may call a Special Meeting of the Local Chapter on at least five (5) days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation. No matters other than those listed in the meeting notice may be brought to or raised from the floor at a Special Meeting.

Section 5. Rules.

The Chapter may elect to adopt standing rules, which shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws, to administer the process and procedures of Chapter Meetings.

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all Chapter Meetings to which they apply. If Robert’s Rules are inconsistent with these bylaws or standing rules, then these bylaws or standing rules will apply.

Section 6. Quorum.

Given the multiplicity of spaces, standards of quorum will range across spaces.

Leadership Council Quorum: quorum for Leadership Council shall be half the number of active officers plus one.

Working Group Meeting Quorum: Shall be set by the application for forming the Working Group, and approved by the Leadership Council and ratified by the General Assembly.

General Assembly Quorum: Shall be five (5) percent, rounded up to a whole number, of the Local Chapter membership of which these members are considered in good standing based on the most recent membership list available from DSA National (but not fewer than six (6) persons).

Article V. Branches. 

A branch is a subgroup formed to facilitate participation in the Local Chapter in a logistically convenient way. Branches may be defined by geography (such as a neighborhood), membership,an institution (such as a worksite or school), or language. It is expected that branches be able to carry out as much of the pillar functions of the Chapter for their members as necessary for their logistical purposes. Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapters within the geographic area defined by Article 1. Section 2. may affiliate as a branch of DSA San Diego.

Section 1. Branch Formation.

Branches may be formed when five (5) or more members of the Local Chapter, in good standing, request to be recognized as a Branch. They must apply to the Leadership Council in writing via the chapter’s official email account. Their application must include names of its members; a description of purposes, functions, and membership criteria. A majority vote of the general membership at a General Assembly Meeting shall be required to establish a Branch.

YDSA chapters need only show proof of being an officially recognized chapter of YDSA as part of a generic request to be recognized as a Branch of the Local Chapter, subject to approval by a majority vote of the general membership at a General Assembly Meeting.

Subsection 1.1 Geography-Based Branches

Geography-based branches organize within a specific geographic area inside San Diego County. Geography-based branches must be formed following Section 1 requirements. In addition, Geography-based branches must define their region in the application and may not overlap with another geography-based Branch.

Section 2. Purpose, Structure, Membership, Responsibilities, and Elections.

The primary purpose of a Branch shall be to advance the goals of the chapter, implement and administer local campaigns and projects, increase member participation and recruitment, and improve accessibility to chapter work.

Each Branch shall operate in accordance with the Chapter’s bylaws. A Branch may adopt its own internal operating procedures, provided they do not conflict with the Chapter Bylaws.

Branch meetings shall be held on a regular and recurring basis. They shall be open to all members of the chapter and should be scheduled so as not to conflict with the Chapter General Assembly meetings. Non-DSA members may participate in the work of Branches but cannot hold leadership positions, or vote on official decisions of the Branch.

All Branches shall have up to two Chairs, who will be elected by members of the branch on an annual basis. 

The Branch Chairs shall be responsible for: 

1. Ensuring that Branch meetings occur; and

2. Facilitating Branch meetings; and

3. Fostering membership growth and engagement; and

4. Determining the content of the Branch business portion of the agenda; and 

5. Reporting to the Leadership Council on the work of the respective Branch.

A Chair may be removed based on a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the branch or by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Leadership Council. In the event of a vacancy in any Branch Chair position, the Branch shall hold an election to fill the position for the remainder of the term. 

To maintain an active Branch designation, Branches must hold meetings quarterly in accordance with Article IV. Meetings. Branches shall maintain an official membership list.

Section 3. Dissolution.

A Branch may have its status revoked by a majority vote of the membership at a General Assembly, upon referral by the Leadership Council. The Leadership Council may, by a two-thirds (⅔) vote, refer a Branch for dissolution to the General Assembly. Dissolution may only be considered in cases of nonfeasance. Nonfeasance of a Branch shall be defined as: 

1. Repeated failure to hold Branch meetings at least quarterly; or

2. Repeated failure to maintain a minimum active membership of five (5) members in good standing; or

3. Promoting policies or engaging in activities contrary to the mission and principles of the Chapter or National DSA.

Section 4. Splitting of a Branch.

In the event that a Branch chooses to split into several new Branches, each new Branch must apply for membership through the same method and criteria within Section 1 of this Article.

Article VI. Governance.

Section 1. Rules.  

The Local Chapter may elect to adopt standing rules, which shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws, to administer the process and procedures of Local Chapter Meetings.

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all Local Chapter Meetings to which they apply.  If Robert’s rules are inconsistent with these bylaws or standing rules, then these bylaws or standing rules will apply.

Any action taken by a Local Chapter Meeting in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.  

Section 2. General Assembly.

The General Assembly is any meeting of the general membership, either in Annual Convention, the Quarterly Meetings (or more frequently as the Leadership Council may schedule), or a Special Meeting. The General Assembly is considered to be the body with the highest decision making authority in the Chapter. However, given that the General Assembly is also the body that requires the most participation, administrative tasks are delegated to the Leadership Council, Officers, and Working Groups.

Subsection 2.1 Membership Control of Agenda.

Generally speaking, the Leadership Council (see Article VII) will set the agenda for meetings of the General Assembly. However, if a significant portion of the membership would like to agendize an item which the Leadership Council cannot or will not agendize, the general membership or a portion thereof may place an item on the agenda for the next General Assembly meeting by petition as follows.

The petition shall be no more than 10 pages (11 point font, excluding signatures), and provide an explanation of the proposed action, be it an amendment of these bylaws, a reversing of a Leadership Council action, or an affirmative action.

The petition must be issued to the Leadership Council by emailing it to the General Secretary. Once the email is sent to the General Secretary the petition will be circulated to membership for signature. The signature period shall last for 13 weeks or one quarter of a year.

If a number of members amounting to at least 2% of the Local Chapter membership (but no fewer than five (5) persons) sign the petition within the signature period, then the agenda item will be placed on the next meeting of the General Assembly. The Leadership Council can, if it elects to, call a Special Meeting, as described by these bylaws, to address the issue. The agenda item shall be circulated to the membership as all agenda items regularly are. The motion will be heard as any other motion, subject to normal rules.

Subsection 2.2. Membership Call for Special Meeting.

Membership of the Local Chapter may call for a Special Meeting of the General Assembly via petition by submitting one to the General Secretary with item(s) to be heard and deliberated on. The petition must achieve the signatures of 5% percent of the Local Chapter membership (but not fewer than ten (10) persons) in order to be considered a successful petition. If a petition calls for a Special Meeting but achieves 2% or more signatures, but does not achieve 5% or more signatures, the Leadership Council must treat it as a successful petition under Section 2.1

Subsection 2.3. Voting Agenda Availability.

DSA San Diego implements a special rule of order to set the agenda of voting items in advance of the General Assembly meeting in which they are considered.

Resolutions, including bylaws amendments, must be announced to membership 10 days before the meeting. The Leadership Council must specify deadlines for requests or petitions to add resolutions to this agenda announcement. These deadlines must be 48 or fewer hours before this announcement.

Amendments to resolutions, including amendments to bylaws amendments, must be announced to membership 2 days before the meeting. The Leadership Council must also specify deadlines for requests or petitions to add to this agenda announcement. These deadlines must be 48 or fewer hours before this announcement.

As the scheduling body, the Leadership Council must make its procedure for agendizing resolutions and amendments to resolutions available to the membership.

Resolutions and amendments to resolutions proposed after these deadlines can only be added to the agenda by suspension of the rules.

Subsection 2.4. Online Voting.

For immediate decisions needing to be considered before the general assembly can meet, such as endorsement of an upcoming action or new coalition, the Leadership Council may hold an online referendum to consider the issue, with a minimum voting period of two days. Online voting is for decisions where the available options are tightly constrained (e.g. the Local Chapter is asked to endorse an event or coalition as it is — the Local Chapter either does or does not endorse), or in emergencies.

Subsection 2.5. Absentee/Proxy Voting.

Members fulfilling DSA duties on the day of the general assembly meetings, such as security, childwatch, or other DSA work, who want to vote on any issue being considered, can do so by emailing the Leadership Council with their conflict, and their position on each voting item, and their vote will be counted as if they were there. They can also choose a member in good standing to act as a proxy voter to cast their vote for them, specifying that member’s name in the email. Members are allowed to proxy vote for only one person at any given time.

Subsection 2.6. Voting majority.

Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, a simple majority of members in good standing and current in their dues is required to transact business.

Article VII. Leadership Council.

The Leadership Council (LC) is the core oversight body of the Local Chapter composed of the seven (7) elected officers.

Section 1. Administration.

The Leadership Council shall administer the daily activities of the Chapter, including setting agendas for the Annual Convention, General Assembly Meetings, and Special Meetings, as well as reviewing the work performed by the various Officers and Working Groups.

Section 2. Meetings. 

The Leadership Council shall meet at least once a month. Leadership Council meetings are open to all DSA San Diego members in good standing, however the Leadership Council may call for an executive session to close the meeting only to Leadership Council officers and delegates.

Section 3. Powers.

The Leadership Council is given the following specific powers:

• Execute the duties of the various officers, as set out in these bylaws.

• Execute the directives of successful motions of the General Assembly, which are not called to be executed by Working Groups, consistent with these bylaws and the relevant motion of the General Assembly.

• Create committees for the performance of the tasks assigned to the Leadership Council and the various officers (Sub-Committees of the Leadership Council, described in Article X of these bylaws.), in conformance with these bylaws.

• Create ad hoc committees to implement resolutions passed by the General Assembly or Leadership Committee, as needed.

• Raise and allocate funds, in conformance with these bylaws, and executed by the Treasurer.

• Call for reports and information from Officers, Working Groups, Branches, and Sub-Committees.

• Approve or reject proposed Working Group Charters before they can be considered by the General Assembly. If rejected, the Leadership Council must specify what criteria the proposed Charter must meet in order to be approved.

Section 4. Policies.

The Leadership Council shall be tasked with drafting policies to address day-to-day activities and gaps in these Bylaws. The Leadership Council shall have the power to draft and pass regulations dealing with the following:

• Information Policy governing the Leadership Council, Officers and Subcommittees.

• Rules of decorum of the meetings of the Leadership Council, and Subcommittees.

• Delegation of its authority to its various sub-committees.

The Leadership Council is invited to develop and present regulations and policies dealing with the following items to be passed, amended or rejected by the General Assembly:

• Information Policy governing Working Groups and Caucuses.

• Rules of Decorum covering the meetings of Working Groups, and the General Assembly.

• Use of the Chapters website and social media accounts.

• In concert with the Electoral Working Group, criteria for Endorsement, and other forms of symbolic or material support of Electoral Candidates.

Section 5. Develop and Propose Bylaws Amendments.

The Leadership Council will be some of the most active members of the Chapter, and members most embedded in the governance of the Chapter. As such, Leadership Council members will have valuable insights on how to make the governance of this Chapter more effective. The Leadership Council is invited to develop and present proposed amendments to these bylaws to be passed, amended, or rejected, as called for by these bylaws by the General Assembly.

Article VIII. Officers.

Section 1. Officers and Terms.

The Leadership Council officers of the Local Chapter will be the two (2) Co-Chairs, the General Secretary, the Membership Coordinator, the Education Secretary, the Communications Secretary, and the Treasurer. Each officer must be a member of the Chapter and be current in their dues by 30 days before the election and throughout the duration of their term. The Term of these Officer positions is 1 year. Elections for Officer positions shall occur at the Annual Convention.

No member may serve in the position of Chair for more than two consecutive years. No member may serve as any other officer position for longer than three consecutive years.

Section 2. Elections.

All officers shall be elected in an online election. Rank choice voting shall be used to elect each officer position. Candidates will present at the Convention, with the online election being conducted shortly thereafter. The voting period shall be two (2) days. No candidate may run their own election. Members must be in good standing for 30 days to vote in elections for chapter-wide leadership.

Subsection 2.1. Election of Treasurer.

The election for treasurer shall take place 60 days before the current treasurer leaves office. During this transition period, the newly elected treasurer does not replace the current treasurer immediately, but occupies the position of “treasurer elect.”

Section 3. Vacancies.

In the event of a vacancy in any Local Chapter office, a special election for the remainder of the vacant member’s term shall be triggered within thirty (30) days after the opening of the vacancy if regular elections are not to be held within sixty (60) days of the vacancy. Special elections may coincide with a Regular Meeting.

Section 4. Officer Positions and Responsibilities

Subsection 4.1 Co-Chairs.

There will be two Co-Chairs of the Leadership Council.

The Co-Chairs will preside over Local Chapter and Leadership Council 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 spokespersons for the Local Chapter and will facilitate such actions and policies as the Local Chapter’s general welfare may demand. They will be responsible for facilitating communication between the chapter & local communities, representing the views of the membership that elected them in the greater left community, as well as helping to advance the goals of the Local Chapter generally. They will be responsible for facilitating communication between the chapter, other local chapters of DSA, and National DSA.

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

Subsection 4.2. Secretary.

The Secretary (aka General Secretary) will be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Local Chapter, for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Local Chapter, distributing copies of minutes and agendas to each Leadership Council member, distributing copies of minutes and agendas to members for General Assembly meetings, and assuring that corporate records are maintained for legal status.

They will ensure effective communication with national DSA, including the filing of any amendment to these bylaws. They will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair if neither Co-Chair is able to do so. The Secretary will be responsible also for the taking of minutes of all Local Chapter and Leadership Council Meetings, the collection and maintenance of Committee charters, notes, and meeting minutes, and making copies available to members promptly. The Secretary shall be responsible for providing chapter meeting minutes to National DSA.

They shall have custody of these documents, and of the resolutions, reports and other official records of the Local Chapter, and shall transfer official records in good condition to their successor. Official records shall include the documents necessary for continued functioning of the Local Chapter, such as member lists, and all documentation necessary to provide, to the general membership, transparent accountability of Local Chapter actions and decisions to the greatest reasonable extent.

Subsection 5.3. 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 shall deposit them in a bank account under the name of the Local Chapter. The Treasurer shall prepare budgets and financial reports for consideration at Chapter Meetings and as requested by the Leadership Council, and ensure the Chapter’s regulatory compliance. In cooperation with the Membership Coordinator, 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 Assembly of the Local Chapter, as well as periodic progress reports as requested by the Leadership Council of the Chapter; will provide basic information to National DSA related to the operations and finances of the Chapter.

The Treasurer shall create and document policies and procedures for carrying out their duties and for maintaining healthy Chapter finances. The Treasurer shall transfer to their successor the documented policies and procedures, financial records and reports, and access to financial accounts securely.

Subsection 4.4. Membership Coordinator.

The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for the overall health and growth of the Chapter membership by coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of the Chapter. The Membership Coordinator shall oversee initiatives concerning membership growth, retention, engagement, participation, and leadership development.

The Membership Coordinator shall organize their activities to be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive to marginalized groups. Special attention shall be devoted to the recruitment of members from marginalized groups.

The Membership Coordinator is also responsible for interviewing members interested in forming a Working Group, as well as helping them to develop a Charter proposal during the Organizing Committee phase (See Article X, Section 1).

Subsection 4.5. Communications Secretary.

The Communications Secretary will facilitate the Local Chapter’s work to develop mass communication, both internally and externally. This shall include but not be limited to: email, Slack, and mass text for internal communication. It shall also include but not be limited to: social media accounts, and the production of media for external communication. The Communications Secretary will develop a media strategy to increase internal connectivity and external reach. The Communications Secretary will work with the Secretary to coordinate response to inquiries on the various communication accounts and channels developed and maintained.

Inquiries for any working group or caucus on the chapter’s social media or communications platforms shall be forwarded by the Communications Secretary or the Communications Committee to the Mentor of that working group (See Article XI, Section 3, Subsection 3.1.) (unless some other point of contact is designated by the Working Group), who shall have the responsibility to take next steps.

Subsection 4.6. Education Secretary. 

The Education Secretary will encourage participation in internal education and trainings by leading the Education Committee (see Article X, Section 3). They ensure the Education Committee meets at least once per month.

The goal of the Education Secretary is to ensure all interested members are trained in the proper subject matter, as well as in the responsibilities of each position they may hold.

Subsection 4.7. Additional Duties.

The Local Chapter Leadership Council 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.

Subsection 4.8. Board of Directors.

For the purposes of meeting the requirements of local and state incorporation laws, the Chapter shall have a “Board of Directors” consisting of officers of the Leadership Council assigned for the purpose as logical and required by law. (For example, if the law requires a “Secretary” then the Chapter’s General Secretary is a logical fit.) Officers of the Leadership Council so appointed do not gain any new or additional powers or responsibilities except those strictly required by law.

Section 5. Recall of Officers.

Any officer of the Local Chapter may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer. 

Subsection 5.1. Recall by Vote of the Membership.

In order to recall or remove an officer or delegate, a member in good standing must formally refer a request to the Leadership Council to remove said officer, which will set a date of a General Assembly Meeting for deliberations on the accused officer’s removal. The officer in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before the meeting takes place. The accused officer will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting. Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the General Assembly Meeting.

Subsection 5.2. Recall by Vote of the Leadership Council.

The Leadership Council may motion to remove an officer, by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Leadership Council for any of the following: (1) consistent failure to attend Leadership Council meetings and duties; (2) consistent failure to perform officer duties.

This action must be reported at the next General Assembly Meeting, at which time members in good standing may overturn the vote.

Article IX. Delegates and Nominees to Local, Regional, State, and National Bodies.

Section 1. Eligibility to Vote on Delegates.

Members in good standing of the Chapter as of 30 days prior to the election shall elect Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention, as well as to any regional or state organizations.

Section 2. Annual National Convention.

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

Section 3. National Committees.

In the event that a national committee is being formed and the national DSA asks local chapters for nominees to serve on that committee, the Local Chapter Leadership Council shall notify all members in good standing and request volunteers. The names of all those who volunteer shall be forwarded to the national DSA for consideration, or if a limited number of nominees are requested, an election shall be held.

Section 4. Method of Voting.

Following Article V, Section 5 of National DSA’s Constitution, delegates to the National Convention must be elected by secret ballot. And, “No election for delegates to the National Convention shall be held more than four months, or less than forty-five days, prior to the opening of the National Convention. No election for delegates shall be conducted before the apportionment of delegates.”

Following Article VI, Section 3, of National DSA’s Bylaws, Local Chapters “may determine their own method of election of delegates to the Convention except that a petition from 10% of a Local Chapter’s membership or a motion supported by 15% of those present and voting at the Local meeting which determines the method of election will require the use of the Hare system in that Local’s election of delegates to the National Convention.”

Article X. Standing Committees

Internal Sub-Committees are subcommittees of the Leadership Council, organized for the purpose of accomplishing the basic logistical tasks and internal development of the Chapter. Committees may be formed and dissolved at the prerogative of the Leadership Council with a simple majority vote. For example, the Leadership Council may want to form a subcommittee for planning and doing the work of holding quarterly meetings such that more members can join in doing that work and coordination, or the treasurer may want to chair a subcommittee devoted to fundraising, etc.

Section 1. Internal Organizing Committee

The Internal Organizing Committee (IOC) is a committee empowered by the Leadership Council to engage in Internal Organizing, including but not limited to the following functions:

1. New Member Outreach

2. Text Mobilizing Campaigns for Chapter-wide Activities

3. Mobilizing Calls for Chapter-wide Activities

4. Social Events

5. Help develop new and current Working Groups

Although the Internal Organizing Committee exists to organize and facilitate this work, its goal shall always be that every member of DSA San Diego be involved in internal organizing work. Members conducting internal organizing work are always welcome to involve the IOC in their projects, but are not required to do so.

The IOC is chaired by the Membership Coordinator, an elected officer on the Leadership Council (See Article VIII, Section 5, Subsection 5.4.). Any member in good standing of DSA San Diego may join the Internal Organizing Committee as a committee member. The IOC meets at least once per month.

In the event that a Working Group has an average meeting attendance of less than 5, the Internal Organizing Committee shall prioritize assisting Working Groups in developing their participation, especially with training and strategizing.

Section 2. Communications Committee

The Communications Committee is a committee responsible for maintaining the Local Chapter’s internal and external communications systems, including but not limited to: social media accounts, video communication software, text-based internal communication platforms, physical or digital newsletters, and the chapter website. 

The Communications Committee is chaired by the Communications Secretary. The Communications Committee shall work closely with the Leadership Council to observe best practices in terms of account and password security. 

Section 3. Education Committee

The Education Committee is a committee responsible for educating members through political education, internal education, and trainings.

The Education Committee shall organize events to introduce members and the general public to socialist theory. The committee shall endeavor to organize discussions that are approachable but with enough depth to be valuable for people familiar with the subject matter. 

The committee should work closely with working groups and/or caucuses to help develop educational materials, discussions, and classes relevant to their specific focus. 

The Education Committee will develop a curriculum, in accordance with the chapter’s Mission and Principles and the DSA National Political Education Committee’s best practices, guidelines, and materials. The Education Committee will make every effort to provide a space for a collaborative and comradely debate without expectation of political unity or ideologically proscriptive obedience.

Article XI. Working Groups.

Working Groups (WG) are chartered bodies within the Local Chapter that organize around specific functions for the chapter or external campaigns. A chartered working group may determine its own officer positions, but are required to have at least one Chair.

Section 1. Working Group Formation

A Working Group may be established by introducing a charter to the General Assembly to be ratified by a simple majority vote. There shall be an intermediary phase for the formation of a Chartered Working Group that requires a formal interview with the Membership Coordinator or with a representative of the Internal Organizing Committee, and the formation of a WG Organizing Committee. During this period, the charter shall be created and must be approved by the Leadership Council before introduction to the General Assembly.

Subsection 1.1. Interview Phase

Members who wish to start a working group in the Local Chapter must first make their intention clear by contacting the Membership Coordinator. 

The Membership Coordinator will then set up an interview with members proposing the new working group. The members must perform this interview with the Membership Coordinator or designated members of the Internal Organizing Committee in order to move forward with the chartering process.

The interview will function as a way to:

• Clearly communicate the processes, requirements, & responsibilities of creation of a working group.

  • Organizing committee creation

  • Working Group charter creation

  • Organizing proposal creation

  • Working Group elections once charted

• Assess the experience & knowledge of the prospective working group members.

  • Any prior organizing experience?

  • Any other organizations they were a part of in the past?

  • How long have they been in DSA-SD (Dues paying members)?

  • Amount of help they will need in creating a successful organizing project?

Subsection 1.2. Organizing Committee Phase

Once the interview has been conducted the members in question will then fall under the direction of the Leadership Council and will form an organizing committee. 

This Organizing Committee will need to develop a WG Charter and Campaign Proposal that addresses the following criteria:

1. A Working Group Charter for their respective Working Group

   1. Working Group name, mission statement and objectives

   2. List of at least five prospective members signed or affirmed by those members.

   3. Define if a Working Group is to be of an indefinite duration or a temporary one.

   4. Officer positions, including at least 1 Chair, 1 Delegate to the LC, and at least one Mentor, and their term durations (Either six months or one year). Delegates, Mentors, and other non-Chair positions may be appointed, rather than elected, but the Chair(s) must be elected.

2. A Working Group Organizing Campaign Proposal, which shall have written:

   1. A specific Organizing Campaign relevant to the work of the proposed Working Group

   2. Specific Goals of the Campaign

   3. How the group intends to reach those goals. (Tactics & Actions)

   4. How the chapter will need to assist for this campaign’s success

   5. Reasons why this campaign is relevant to a socialist vision

Once the Organizing Committee is formed, they will then elect committee co-chairs who will act as a liaison to the Leadership Council and other bodies of the Local Chapter. The committee chairs are expected to provide updates to the Leadership Council via the Membership Coordinator on the progress of the Organizing Committee’s work. The Leadership Council will then provide guidance and suggestions on how to best develop their WG charter & organizing campaign proposal. 

The Internal Organizing Committee will be in dialogue with the organizing committee in order to provide guidance, leadership, and suggestions about the creation of the working group. It will help with and facilitate the creation of the WG charter & organizing campaign proposal.

The Organizing Committee will announce its creation to the whole of the chapter during a General Assembly Meeting or Branch Meeting, whichever comes first. They will then provide updates and reports on their progress in chartering to become an official WG at branch and General Assembly meetings.

Subsection 1.2.1. Working Group Organizing Committee Restrictions 

Members who are in the organizing committee phase cannot organize under the name of the WG being created or under the DSA name in general. The organizing committee can not endorse events under the name of the WG  being created or under the DSA name in general. The organizing committee will not be allowed to endorse events on their own since they fall under the purview of the Leadership Council and will act as a sub-committee of it. Chapter funds will not be given to the organizing committee for any type of organizing projects until the WG has been chartered.

Subsection 1.3. Working Group Charter Ratification

Members who wish to form a committee must submit a proposed written charter to the Leadership Council that includes:

1. Working Group name, mission statement and objectives;

2. If necessary, a proposed budget that shall include any planned fundraising;

3. List of at least five prospective members signed or affirmed by those members;

4. Statement of whether the proposed Working Group is to be of indefinite duration or if it is to expire at a certain time or upon the occurrence of a specified event.

Once approved by the Leadership Council, the Charters for the proposed Working Group must be agendized for the following General Assembly meeting and relevant documents must be distributed to membership prior to the General Assembly. Proposed charters may not conflict with these Bylaws or with the charters of currently Chartered Working Groups. The Working Group will be officially chartered when the motion to approve it is passed by the General Assembly.

Section 2. Chartered Working Group Requirements 

Working Groups will need to meet the following requirements while chartered: 

• Have a General Meeting every 60 days at minimum 

• Have an Organizing Campaign

• Have an average of four members per meeting, over a three meeting period. Attendance must be accurately tracked in working group meeting minutes and made available to chapter leadership.

• Have at least 1 Chair at all times 

Working Groups who do not meet these requirements will be suspended. To move beyond suspension, the chair will meet with the Membership Coordinator to develop a plan for how to meet WG requirements. 

Working Groups suspended for more than a 3-month period will need to go through the chartering process again. They will not be able to work under their original Working Group name until they’re re-chartered. 

Subsection 2.1. Working Group Organizing Campaign

Chartered Working Groups will be required to have an organizing campaign. Organizing campaigns for Chartered Working Groups will follow the same structure laid out in Section 1. Working Group Formation. 

Chartered Working Groups will have 4 months to develop an organizing campaign and submit it to the Leadership Council to be agendized for the next General Assembly meeting — if they do not have a campaign currently.

Section 3. Membership and Election of Working Group Leadership.

Membership in a Working Group shall be open to all Chapter members in good standing. Working Groups shall maintain an official membership list.

After the committee is created, but by no later than the committee’s second meeting, the Working Group shall hold elections for a chair, co-chairs, or the officers called for by the Working Groups charter. Terms shall be for either six months or one year at the committee members’ choosing, and incumbents may stand for reelection. Non-DSA members may participate in the work of Working Groups but cannot hold leadership positions, or vote on official decisions of the Working Group.

All Working Group Chairs will be expected to report to the Leadership Council on the work of the respective Working Group.

Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities.

The members of a Working Group are responsible for executing their respective body’s strategy in fulfillment of its objectives. The Working Group Chair or Co-Chairs are responsible for organizing their respective body’s members, running meetings, acting as liaisons to the Leadership Council, and serving as the Working Group’s points of contact to the membership.

Section 5. Chartered Working Group Record Keeping.

Working Groups are required to keep official records of meeting dates, attendance, and meeting notes, including votes and their results, which must be made available to the membership upon request by the Leadership Council.

A Working Group’s activities shall be reviewed by the Leadership Council at Leadership Council meetings, and meeting minutes and other Working Group documentation, as well as all financial receipts and statements, shall be turned over to the Local Chapter’s General Secretary and Treasurer respectively, for record keeping purposes. Working Groups shall report on their activities to the membership at General Assembly Meetings. 

Section 6. Chartered Working Group Modification and Dissolution.

Working Groups may be dissolved or may amend their charters, including changes to the committee’s budget, with the approval of a majority of the votes cast at General Assembly Meeting. Notice of a proposed Working Group dissolution or an amendment to a Working Group’s charter must be given to the membership by email or other electronic means at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

Additionally, Working Groups that are chartered as temporary Working Groups for a limited time or particular purpose shall dissolve automatically upon the expiration of the certain time or the occurrence of the particular event specified in their charter.

Upon dissolution, the member(s) maintaining custody of the committee’s records shall turn over those records to the General Secretary.

Section 7.  Major Campaign Working Groups.

Major Campaigns Working Groups are the committees formed to execute the campaign which are selected as major campaigns at the Annual Convention. 

Major Campaign Working Groups are approved by the membership at the Annual Convention, and therefore do not need approval of Leadership Council to form, but do need their charter approved by the General Assembly. The Leadership Council should provide guidance with the process of drafting Major Campaign Working Group’s charters.

Article XII.  Caucuses.

Any group of 5 or more members may form a caucus by submitting a proposal to the Leadership Council. The Leadership Council must recognize all such groups as caucuses as long as they align with the Chapter’s purpose (see Article II). Such recognition shall not be construed as having authority to officially act on behalf of the Chapter. Caucuses must be permitted to announce their meetings using the communication channels the chapter uses to announce Meetings of the chapter. Caucuses may dissolve themselves by notifying the Leadership Council. Caucuses can be organized around shared identities, or political identities, etc.

Article XIII. Electoral Participation Rules.

Section 1. Definitions

The electoral endorsement process applies specifically to campaigns for individual candidates running for public, elected office.

Section 2. Endorsement Process

Chapter endorsement may only be granted to a candidate explicitly seeking an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America or one of its local chapters.

The Leadership Council shall publish the list of proposed candidates for endorsement 10 days prior to the General Assembly meeting in which the endorsement will be decided. Any candidate that has been endorsed by the national body will automatically be considered for endorsement if the electoral working group (or Leadership Council in its absence) chooses to seek endorsement for the candidate-in-question.

Candidates running for office in statewide or nation-wide races may be considered for endorsement by an electoral working group (or in its absence the Leadership Council) by formulating a resolution to present to the General Assembly. This may be done independent of the national body.

Candidates seeking elected office in any local governments of San Diego County, the State Legislature, and/or in the US House of Representatives must seek an endorsement from the San Diego Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America in order to be considered for endorsement. No chapter officers, branch officers, or working group chairs are eligible to seek endorsement. The electoral working group (or Leadership Council in its absence) will send the candidate-in-question interested in endorsement a questionnaire to be filled by the candidate and sent back to the electoral working group (or Leadership Council in its absence). Based on the responses from the candidate-in-question, the electoral working group (or Leadership Council in its absence) may choose to invite the candidate to speak before the General Assembly and present their case for endorsement to the membership. The answers to the questionnaire shall be made public to membership and the candidate must appear before the General Assembly and present their case for endorsement to the membership in order to be considered for endorsement. 

Endorsement of a candidate must be passed by a three fifths majority—or 60%—of those voting in a General Assembly meeting and/or via online voting.

A successful endorsement vote means that the chapter formally endorses the candidate-in-question and allows the electoral working group (or the Leadership Council in its absence) to request material assistance and support from the chapter. A successful endorsement vote also means that the chapter and other working groups belonging to the chapter may use any and all the resources at their disposal in conjunction with the electoral working group (or Leadership Council in its absence) with the goal of helping to elect the candidate-in-question. 

The successful vote also means that the candidate-in-question has established formal ties with the San Diego Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and may advertise their endorsement from the chapter in their campaign material.

Upon a successful endorsement vote, if no campaign strategy has been attached to the endorsement resolution then the electoral working group (or the Leadership Council in its absence) has the authority to pursue the campaign strategy it deems fit for working with the candidate-in-question.

Section 3. Voter Guide

The electoral working group has the ability to form a voter’s guide independent of chapter endorsements. The electoral working group may put endorsed candidates in the voter guide without debate. Endorsement allows the electoral working group to indicate in the voter guide that the candidate-in-question has received a chapter endorsement.

Any procedures not mentioned in this document about the voter guide is under the authority of the electoral working group to develop.

Section 4. Revoking Endorsements

If the General Assembly deems it necessary, for any reason, it may choose to revoke endorsement by a two-thirds majority at a General Assembly meeting with online voting included or by emergency election called by the Leadership Council and pursuant to chapter rules for quorum. Revoking an endorsement may occur when the candidate-in-question either acts in ways that might tarnish the reputation of the Local Chapter and/or acts in ways that go against the DSA political platform. Revoking an endorsement rescinds all rights granted by an endorsement to the electoral working group (or Leadership Council in its absence), chapter, and candidate-in-question.

Article XIV. Bylaws Amendments.

Proposed amendments to these bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Local Chapter, and submitted to the Leadership Council at least twelve (12) days in advance of a General Assembly Meeting as defined in Article VI.

The Leadership Council is required to provide the Local Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The General Assembly Meeting may adopt amendments to these bylaws proposed under this article by two-thirds vote.

No amendment to these Bylaws may be in conflict with the national DSA Constitution and Bylaws. 

The Local Chapter will provide the amended Bylaws to the DSA national office.

Article XV. Coalitions and Partnerships

Section 1: Invitations for San Diego DSA to support non-DSA events

When asked for endorsement and support of events, the Local Chapter lays out the following policies for participation, which falls into 2 categories: endorsement and support. Working groups may independently choose to materially support events, and this section does not address that. This section only addresses what happens when support or endorsement is requested from the Local Chapter by an outside organization.

Events in this section include any that are predominantly led, formally or informally, by other organizations (called the hosting organization). A supporting organization is any organization participating in the event that is not the hosting organization, providing an amount of support comparable to the amount requested from DSA San Diego.

Subsection 1.1: Endorsement

Endorsement means the Local Chapter affirms that the politics of the event are in line with the values of the Local Chapter, and may use Chapter social media platforms to further the publicity of the event. The Local Chapter may also encourage members to attend.

To begin the process of an endorsement, a representative of the hosting organization must request an endorsement from DSA San Diego through any official communications channels. Any San Diego DSA member can forward a request for endorsement to the Leadership Council for consideration.

The vote to endorse will be considered at the next General Assembly meeting or Branch meeting if the following are true:

1. The request is made at least 1 week before a General Assembly meeting or Branch meeting, so advance notice can be given to the membership.

2. The event in question takes place after said meeting

3. The delay of waiting for this meeting is not disruptive to the event.

Otherwise the Leadership Council will vote on the endorsement.

Subsection 1.2: Support

Support the Local Chapter might give includes but is not limited to logistical support, participation during planning, mobilizing membership to the event, providing speakers or outreach, serving as security, and fundraising.

When the chapter considers a request for support, the following occurs:

1. The hosting organization makes a request for support, as defined above. They are encouraged to be specific as to what kind of support is requested.

2. In the case of the Local Chapter being among multiple supporting organizations, the following terms are conditions for the Local Chapter’s support:

   1. The Local Chapter will be acknowledged alongside all other supporting organizations, during all acknowledgements.

   2. The Local Chapter will have a seat at the planning table equal to any other supporting organization.

   3. The Local Chapter will have an opportunity for public speaking at the event that is equal to any other supporting organization, which may or may not be accepted. 

3. In the case of San Diego DSA being the only supporting organization, the following terms are laid out for DSA’s support:

   1. San Diego DSA will be acknowledged publicly during the event for its support.

   2. The hosting organization will meet with San Diego DSA members before the event to explain the event plan, answer questions, and consider feedback.

4. The hosting organization agrees to all terms.

5. At least one San Diego DSA member has stepped up to bottom-line coordinating support for the event.

6. The General Assembly or the Leadership Council votes.   

Section 2: Inviting other organizations to support San Diego DSA events

When we ask other organizations to participate or support our events, we provide them the same provisions we request in Subsection 1.2: Support. We must provide the following (at a minimum)

1. A specific ask for support from their organization and clear terms for participation, including the following.

2. A seat at the planning table leading up to the event, allowing for at least 1 participant from the organization in every committee, voting alongside any of our member participants, as well as an advisory position during leadership meetings if desired.

3. During the event

   1. Acknowledgement of the supporting organization, commensurate with every other supporting organization.

   2. Opportunities for speakers, commensurate with every other supporting organization.

Working groups can decide which organizations to invite to request support independently.

Section 3: Coalitions

Coalitions constitute events and ongoing organizing structures in which DSA is an equal participant to all other involved organizations.

A working group must vote to join a coalition, and can do so independently. This is a provisional decision which must be ratified at the next general assembly. Until then, the working group can participate in the coalition as normal.

These bylaws place no general restrictions on these coalitions, as long as they meet the definition of coalition given above and are in line with bylaws Article II: Purpose, Section 2: Mission and Principles.

The participating working group can vote to leave the coalition at any time. Any DSA member can petition to add leaving a coalition to the agenda of a general assembly meeting by the procedure outlined in Article VI: Governance, Section 2, Subsection 2.1: Membership Control of Agenda.

When in coalitions, the working group shall provide reports on the status of the coalition work upon request of the Leadership Council.

Article XVI. Harassment Policy.

The Chapter will follow the Unified Grievance Policy of National DSA

Article XVII. Prohibited Activity.  

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

Article XVIII.  Local Chapter Dissolution.   

A proposal to dissolve the Local Chapter must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Local Chapter, and submitted to the Leadership Council at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a General Assembly Meeting as defined in Article IV.  The Leadership Council is required to provide the Local Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of this resolution. The General Assembly may adopt a resolution to dissolve the Local Chapter under this article by a two-thirds vote. 

Upon dissolution of the Local Chapter, any residual assets shall become property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.

Last updated: August 2026 following the August 2026 General Assembly