Officers
Executive Board
Michael A. Lawson, President Bio.
Diane Little, Vice President
Mary Lou Blankney, 2nd Vice President
Robert Davis, Treasure
Pam Gainey, Secretary
BJ Covington, Assistant Secretary
The African American Caucus-North Carolina Democratic Party.
Any information on local, county, state, or even national groups and members is most welcome. For more information, please contact the President of the AAC, Michael Lawson.
Constitution
African American Caucus
North Carolina Democratic Party
(APRIL 27, 2008)
Article 1 – Name
The name of the Organization shall be “The African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party.”
Article II – Affiliation
The AAC-NCDP, is an integral part of the Democratic Coalition of North Carolina and shall help shape the platform and policies of the Democratic Party on the state and national levels.
Article III – Objectives and Policy
Section 1. Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the AAC-NCDP shall be to seek full representation of African Americans at all levels and in all activities of the Democratic Party. This shall include, but not be limited to the following objectives:
• To support the Democratic Party at all levels,
• To ensure that issues of concern to the African American community are made known to the Democratic Party and that Democratic Party positions on those issues are communicated to the African American community,
• To take appropriate public stands on issues relevant to the African American community,
• To encourage African Americans to seek public office and participate in delegate selection and committee processes at all levels of the Democratic Party, conventions and organizations,
• To work with the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee
• To assist in organizing and maintaining active African American Caucuses at the district and state levels,
• To promote political and civic participation by all African Americans,
• To work for the election of Democratic Party candidates, and
• To initiate and carry out programs and projects that will get good Democrats elected in North Carolina.
Section 1a. Vision
The Vision is to create an African American Caucus membership of dynamic, progressive and visionary Registered Democrats. To create a growing Youth movement of young Democrats, all committed to help advance African Americans in labor, community leadership, entrepreneurship, and to foster the ideals and values of the Democratic Party.
Section 1b. Goals
The AAC has five primary goals:
• Encouraging more availability for Minority Businesses, both male and female, within the governmental hiring process,
• Strengthening the influence of African Americans in the Democratic Party,
• Influencing and supporting the Democratic Party's platform by spreading the word and electing Democrats,
• By enabling all black state registered Democratic voters access to the issues and giving them a platform to voice their opinions, and
• Creating a report card on all elected officials and then informing the voters as to the results. An informed voter creates and active and good voter.
These goals are accomplished by:
• Raising money,
• Organizing events that raise political awareness, cultivate new members, and provide a venue to discuss issues,
• Keeping our membership appraised of the political happenings within the Party and the community, and
• Members will also receive regular email updates, talking points on key issues, action alerts and news updated on issues that matter to AAC-NCDP members.
Section 2. Policy
The AAC-NCDP will shall endorse and support the candidacy of any person for any public office who will support African American and Democratic issues.
Section 3. Officer Candidacy
In the event an officer of the AAC-NCDP elects to run for public office, said individual shall step-down from his/her position upon formal announcement of their candidacy. The Executive Committee must replace said officer within thirty (30) days thereafter.
Section 3a. Executive Board
All members of the African American Caucus Executive Board shall be required to attend all quarterly meetings along with four quarterly conference calls during the year. (Exceptions are on per person basis)
Section 3b. Removal
• Officer and/or Committee members of the AAC-NCDP, at any level, shall be determined as recommended by the By-Laws committee and approved by the Executive Committee. Accordingly, the following revision to Article XIII, section 3b, dated May 3, 2008, shall govern Removal from Office.
• Three consecutive absences (quarterly meetings and/or conference calls, total) by any Officer of the AAC-NCDP Board may result in their removal from that position. The Secretary will then send out a termination letter informing said Board Officer (member) that he/she is in violation of the AAC-NCDP By-Laws.
• All Executive Board Member Officer Positions except the President and 1st Vice President, should a vacancy occur any time during the term of office, may be filled by the AAC-NCDP President. The “appointment” will be made by a vote of the Executive Committee; the newly elected member will serve out the term of that vacated Member’s office.
• In the event an officer of the AAC-NCDP elects to run for public office, said individual shall step-down from his/her position as an AAC Officer if there is more than one Democratic candidate in the running during the primary election cycle. Upon winning the primary, said individual would formally announce their resignation as an officer of the AAC-NCDP. The County Chapter must replace said officer within 30 days thereafter.
Article IV – Membership
Section 1. General Membership
Any registered Democrat in North Carolina as defined by AAC-NCDP Constitution and is a member in good standing of a County AAC Democratic Party shall be eligible to hold a position in the AAC-NCDP Executive Board They must: pledge to the principles of the Democratic Party, work for the election of Democratic Candidates through the local units of the AAC-NCDP, and seek full representation of African-Americans at all levels and in all activities of the Democratic Party.
Section 1a. Associate Membership
Any non African American who is a registered Democrat defined by AAC-NCDP Constitution and is a member in good standing of their County AAC who pledges to the principles of the Democratic Party and will pledge to help seek full representation of African-Americans at all levels, and in all activities of the Democratic Party, through the County Caucuses of the AAC and the State AAC-NCDP, shall be eligible for an Associate Membership in all County Caucuses of the AAC. As an Associate Member of any county, the associate member can serve on any committee appointed by the County President but will not be eligible to serve as a State Officer, County Officer or Committee Chair and will not have a vote in any matters pertaining to said organizations.
Section 1b. Dues
There will be NO MANDATORY DUES. Those County Caucuses that find it necessary to help defray the cost of running their organization may charge DUES up to a limit of $30.00 per annum. Some County Caucuses will fall under the “Grandfather Clause” where dues may be more than $30.00. However, all AAC Caucuses will be assessed a yearly fee of $150.00 due the first (1st) day of October, payable to the State African American Caucus, (All County Caucuses will be assessed the yearly fee of $150.00 even if they decide not to collect dues). This yearly assessment will enable the State AAC to manage the operational cost of running a State organization with potentially 100 County Caucuses.
Associate Membership Dues shall be one-half of the General Membership Dues contribution per annum, also due on the 1st day of October. Non-payment of annual assessments by any County will result in the loss of their voting privileges. All Members will receive a monthly newsletter and membership card, which is included in county assessment dues.
Article V – Organization
Section 1. County Caucuses and Their Scope
Local units of the AAC-NCDP shall be known as County Caucuses. Only one Caucus may be organized in any county.
Section 2. Minimum Membership
A County Caucus must have a minimum of five (5) members and adopted By-Laws to maintain its charter from the state AAC.
Section 3. Official Name
The official name of this Organization shall be the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party. All Auxiliaries of the African American Caucus shall be named The African American Caucus-(County Name) Democratic Party.
Article VI – Officers
Section 1. Officers
The elected officers of the AAC-NCDP shall be:
1. President
2. 1st vice president
3. 2nd vice president
4. 3rd vice president
5. Treasurer
6. Secretary
7. Assistant Treasurer
8. Assistant Secretary
9. Parliamentarian, appointed by the President and reports only to the President
No Officer of the AAC Executive Board can hold more than one Executive Board position during the same term during his/her tenure. In addition, no Officer of the Executive Committee or Executive Board can hold that position unless they are a member in good standing with their respective County Affiliate AAC.
At least one of the above officers shall be at least under thirty-six (36) years of age at the time of the election.
Section 2. Elections
Officers shall be elected by the membership biennially in odd number years at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee. They may succeed themselves but may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
Section 3. Nominating Committee
The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee. Members of the Nominating Committee shall serve for a term of two years.
Section 4. Committee Chairs
Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the President and serve for a term of two years. Committee Chairs may be reappointed but may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
Article VII – Duties of the Executive Board (Officers)
Section 1. President
• The President shall call and preside at all meetings of the AAC-NCDP.
• The President, will appoint members of all Committees with the advice of the Executive Committee, may call special meetings for any committee, and shall be the ex-officio voting member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.
• The President or the Chairman is the chief spokesperson for the organization, all correspondence (not limited to e-mails, phone call, faxes and minutes etc.) that is sent out shall be coordinated through his or her office.
• The AAC-NCDP Constitution and/or Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the President/Chairman and organization if the By-Laws do not reflect specifically any questions, which may arise.
• The President should establish a permanent P.O. Box mailing address for the AAC-NCDP.
• The President and Executive Committee shall have general supervision of all affairs of the AAC-NCDP.
Section 2. First Vice-President
The First Vice-President shall serve as an aide to the President. The First Vice President shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President or upon request of the President. If for any reason a vacancy should occur in the office of the President, the First Vice President shall assume the office until the next regular election.
Section 3. Second Vice President
The Second Vice President shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President and the First Vice President, and shall assist the President and First Vice President in all duties upon request. The Second Vice President shall serve as First Vice President should that office be vacated.
Section 4. Third Vice President
The Third Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President, First Vice President and Second Vice President and shall assist them in all duties upon request.
Section 5. Treasurer.
• The Treasurer shall be responsible for receipts and disbursements of all funds shall make a full financial report at each meeting of the Executive Committee and to each regular meeting of the general membership and such interim reports as the President may direct.
• The Treasurer shall be responsible for preparing the annual budget for presentation to the Executive Committee and to the general membership.
• The Treasurer shall produce the books for inspection (both the Federal/State accounts) on demand by the President and or the Executive Board/Executive Committee.
• The Treasurer shall provide a year-end report to the State AAC. The Treasured shall perform all task assigned by the President.
Section 6. Secretary
• The Secretary shall perform all task assigned by the President.
• The Secretary shall be the custodian of all minutes of meetings of the AAC-NCDP, the Executive Committee meetings, and keep on file all reports of the Officers and Committee Chairs.
• The Secretary shall keep membership lists, shall be custodian of all official documents, shall keep and maintain all records of historical value, shall send notices of meetings and necessary notifications or mailings, and shall handle the correspondence of the AAC-NCDP.
• The Secretary shall work closely with the Treasurer to keep the membership list current.
• The Secretary of the AAC-NCDP shall provide minutes quarterly to the NCDP.
Section 7. Assistant Treasurer
• The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in all duties upon request of
the Treasurer.
• The Assistant Treasurer shall also work closely with the Secretary.
• The Assistant Treasurer shall serve in the absence of the Treasurer and shall assume the office of the Treasurer if that office becomes vacant until the next general membership election.
• The Assistant Treasurer shall perform all task assigned by the President.
Section 8. Assistant Secretary
• The Assistant Secretary shall work closely with the Secretary and assist the
Secretary in all duties upon the request of the Secretary.
• The Assistant Secretary shall serve in the absence of the Secretary and shall assume the office of the Secretary if that office becomes vacant until the next general membership election.
• The Assistant Secretary shall perform all task assigned by the President.
Section 9. Parliamentarian
• The Parliamentarian shall keep the President, the Executive Board and general membership informed as to the rules and procedures for carrying on the business of the AAC-NCDP. Such rules and procedures shall include these By-Laws, and Roberts Rules of Order (latest revision).
• The Parliamentarian is responsible for the orderly conduct of all meetings of the AAC-NCDP and will have the final decision on Parliamentary procedure. In the absence of adopted rules of procedure and State statutory regulation (AAC-NCDP By-Laws and Amendments), the Parliamentarian will invoke the use of Roberts Rules of Order (Newly Revised).
Article VIII – Committees
Section 1. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the AAC-NCDP includes the Executive Board Officers, Committee Chairs (all standing committees) and all AAC County Presidents. The Executive Committee shall meet at least quarterly and prior to each regular meeting of the general membership. Special meetings may be called by the President or upon request of one-third of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of nominees to the convention in odd numbered years. This slate of nominees shall be presented to the membership thirty (30) days prior to the convention and shall contain sufficient biographical information to acquaint the membership with each nominee’s qualifications. Nominations made from the floor must contain such biographical information and the nominee’s agreement to serve if elected.
Section 3. Public Relations Committee
The Public Relation Committee will be charged with planning and coordinating a good relationship with all the print media, radio, television and cyber space, and the AAC-NCDP. The Committee shall be responsible for preparing news releases and other information concerning the AAC-NCDP to the media. The committee shall work in concert with the President and the Executive Committee for the best interest of the AAC-NCDP.
Section 4. Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee shall keep the membership informed on local, state, and national legislation to allow the membership to make informed decisions. The Legislative Committee shall work in concert with the Democratic Members of the Legislative Black Caucus in the preparation of legislation addressing the vital interests of the African American Community. Legislation prepared by the Committee shall be presented at the annual meetings and/or Executive Committee meetings for appropriate action.
Section 5. Membership Committee
The Membership Committee (AAC-NCDP) will be charged with contacting all AAC County Presidents at the same time reminding each county that the lifeblood of AAC is in its membership. When each County Membership Chair sends to the State Membership Committee (AAC-NCDP) a listing of each new member, the State Membership Committee (AAC-NCDP) in turn will send out membership cards of each new member to that county auxiliary. It will be up to each County auxiliary to keep its membership enforced. All members that do not renew their membership will loose their right to vote and will not receive an active membership card.
Section 6. Ways and Means Committee
The Ways and Means Committee will be charged with recommending all projects that will produce funding for the AAC-NCDP. The Ways and Means Committee will work closely with the Fundraising Committee. The Executive Committee must approve all projects of the Ways and Means Committee.
Section 7. Special Committees
Special Committees may be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Executive Committee.
Article IX. Contributions
Since regulations of the North Carolina Board of Elections prohibit compulsory dues, the Treasurer may receive voluntary contributions for the support of the AAC-NCDP. See Article IV Section 1b.
Article X. Reports
All Committee Chairs shall make reports to the membership at each regular meeting of the membership and an annual report shall be filed with the Secretary.
Article XI– Quorum
Representation from one-third of the organized County Caucuses shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at regular meetings and conventions.
Article XII – Elections
Elections shall be held biennially at the convention in each odd year. Nominations may come from the floor.
Article XIII – Removal from Office
Grounds and procedure for removal of any Officer or Committee member of the AAC-NCDP at any level will be determined with the following revision of this Article as recommended by the By-Laws committee and approved by the Executive Committee.
The following establishes the AAC-NCDP Council of Review to handle disputes and violations of the Constitution of the AAC-NCDP.
a. The Council of Review shall consist of nine (9) to fifteen (15) members representing County AAC chapters in Good Standing as follows: County Chapters organized with five (5) or more members, County Chapters with annual dues paid for the calendar year.
b. The members of the Council of Review will be selected and recommended by those counties in good standing as stated above and presented to the Executive Committee for approval.
c. The AAC-NCDP Council of Review shall handle all disputes that cannot be arbitrated internally by local county organizations. In the event the dispute involves the Executive Board, the Executive Committee will hear the dispute and make a recommendation to the Council of Review to hear the case after a vote by a "majority" (50% plus1 of those present).
d. Any officer (Executive Board or Executive Committee, AAC-NCDP) who refuses or fails to perform his or her duties (Article VII, Sections 1-9) and/or who fails to follow the precepts of the AAC-NCDP Constitution and/or who is convicted of a felony will be removed from office.
e. The Council of Review, by a "2/3 Affirmative Vote," shall in accordance with “d” above, order a removal from office. This may be done via written conveyance: e-mail, US mail (certified), fax or in person.
Article XIV – Amendments
Section 1. Notice.
A proposed amendment to the Constitution and By-Laws must be presented in written form to the Executive Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the convention or a special meeting called for that purpose. A written statement explaining the change shall accompany the amendment. The amendments shall be presented for a vote to the general membership.
Section 2. Two-Thirds Vote Required.
An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership present and voting shall be necessary for the adoption of an amendment.
Article XV– Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, or latest edition, shall govern the AAC-NCDP in all cases in which they are applicable and in which are not covered in the By-Laws.