Portland JwJ Constitution & Bylaws

PORTLAND JOBS WITH JUSTICE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be Portland Jobs With Justice, hereinafter referred to as JwJ.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

JwJ is an affiliate of National Jobs With Justice and is established as a coalition of labor unions, community, religious and student organizations, and individual activists with the purpose of defending the rights of all working people and preserving civil and economic rights for all members of the community; the right to a decent standard of living, the right to job security, and the right to organize.

JwJ is based on direct action and solidarity; people making a pledge to support each other’s struggles whenever and wherever they arise.  We will focus on the abuse of civil rights and the struggles of exploited workers and their communities, especially people of color, immigrants, and women.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

Individual Membership – Any person who supports the purpose statement of JwJ, signs a pledge card, participates in activities, and conforms to the organization’s rules and policies shall be considered a member in good standing.

Section 2.

Organizational Affiliation – With a 2/3 majority approval of the Steering Committee, any membership based organization which supports the purpose statement of JwJ and agrees to promote JwJ activities among its membership, may become an affiliate.

Section 3.

With a 2/3 majority vote, the Steering Committee may expel any individual member and/or affiliate organization for actions deemed inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of JwJ.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1.

The officers of JwJ shall be four Co-Chairs, the Secretary, and the Treasurer.

Section 2.

All officers shall be elected to two-year terms by the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Executive Committee shall serve as the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI – STANDING COMMITTEES

The standing committees of JwJ shall be the Steering Committee, Executive Committee, Outreach Committee, Membership Committee, Fundraising Committee, Media Committee, Personnel Committee, Faith/Labor Committee, and Rules Committee. All other committees focused on program work shall be ‘special’ or ‘ad-hoc’ committees.

ARTICLE VII – GOVERNMENT

Section 1.

Steering Committee – The primary governing body of JwJ shall be the Steering Committee, and voting members shall be comprised of:

1. One representative from each affiliated organization as designated by the organization
   A) Representative shall be a JwJ individual member.
   B) Designation should be reaffirmed periodically
2. At-Large delegates as elected at the JwJ biennial meeting
3. All elected officers and committee chairs
4. All JwJ staff

Section 2.

Executive Committee/Board of Directors – The Executive Committee/Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as either the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors) shall be the governing body of JwJ between Steering Committee meetings.

1. It shall be comprised of the Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, the chairs of the standing committees and any ‘special’ or ‘ad-hoc’ committees, and all JwJ staff.
2. All Executive Committee meetings will be open meetings where any Steering Committee delegate shall have voting rights.

Section 3.

Quorum – For purposes of voting the minimum number present shall be:

1. Steering Committee – one third (1/3) of all voting members.
2. Executive Committee – fifty percent plus one (50%+1) of all sitting members.

ARTICLE VIII – NON-DISCRIMINATION

JwJ shall not discriminate in personnel matters, with either, staff or volunteers, on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, political belief, union membership, income, or marital status.

ARTICLE IX – LIMITATIONS

Section 1.

No member or affiliate organization shall publish or distribute any materials declaring or implying the endorsement by JwJ, without prior approval of the Steering Committee.

Section 2.

No member or affiliate organization shall solicit funds or enter into any contract or other arrangement regarding goods, property, or services, in the name of JwJ, without prior Approval of the Steering Committee.

Section 3.

The total annual budget of JwJ shall be approved by the Steering Committee and shall not be exceeded without the prior approval of the Steering Committee.

Section 4.

It is the intent of JwJ that this Constitution and Bylaws conform to all applicable laws and/or regulations. In all situations where the Constitution and Bylaws do not specify otherwise, these laws and/or regulations shall be followed as the standards for JwJ.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

Any voting member of the Steering Committee may propose amendments to this Constitution.  Proposed amendments require a vote of the general membership. To be enacted proposed amendments:

1. Shall be read at a Steering Committee meeting.
2. Passed by a majority vote at this meeting.
3. Included in a mailing to all members with a notice that the amendment vote will take place at the next Steering Committee meeting.
4. Passed by at least 2/3 of all members present at the next Steering Committee meeting.

End of Constitution

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PORTLAND JOBS WITH JUSTICE BYLAWS

ARTICLE I – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1.

Co-Chairs – The Co-Chairs are the principal public representatives of JwJ.  Their primary responsibilities shall be to:

1. Chair Steering Committee and Executive Committee meetings
2. Lead JwJ action
3. Speak at rallies and events as representatives of JwJ
4. Represent JwJ on task forces and other coalitions
5. Assist in the development of both long and short range strategies
6. Assist staff in planning actions and events

Section 2.

Secretary – The primary responsibilities of the Secretary shall be to:

1. Record minutes of all Steering and Executive Committee meetings for the staff to      distribute at the following month’s Steering Committee meeting
2. Verify designated voting representatives of affiliated organizations

Section 3.

Treasurer – The primary responsibility of the Treasurer shall be to:

1. Maintain the financial records of JwJ
2. Disburse funds on behalf of JwJ
3. With the assistance of the Board of Directors, prepare annual budget
4. Present Treasurer’s report at Steering and Executive Committee meetings
   

Section 4.

Filling of Vacancies – Vacancies, mid-term, of any officer’s position shall be filled by appointment as provided for in ARTICLE XIII (4) of these bylaws.

ARTICLE II – DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1.

Per Constitution Articles V and VII.2 this body may be referred to as either the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee. Its primary responsibilities shall be to:

1. Provide financial oversight to JwJ
2. With assistance from the Treasurer, and utilizing input from the Fundraising Committee, prepare an annual budget for presentation at the December Steering Committee
3. Monitor strategic planning
   A) Facilitate strategic discussion with each committee chair
   B)Facilitate semi-annual strategic planning retreats
4. Formulate proposals for Steering Committee meetings
5. Plan support actions for workers’ struggles
6. Approve ‘emergency’ support activities
7. Create and amend a Personnel Policy
8. Fill vacancies of the Executive Committee and at-large delegates, subject to the approval of the Steering Committee.
9. Hire staff

Section 2.

1. The Board of Directors/Executive Committee shall meet on the third Monday of each month.  If the third Monday is a holiday, the meeting may be moved to another night with approval at the preceding Steering Committee meeting.
2. The Board of Directors/Executive Committee shall present their minutes and report at the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE III – DUTIES OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE

Section 1.

The primary responsibilities of the Steering Committee shall be to:

1. Commit JwJ resources to support workers’ struggles
2. Approve annual budget
3. Approve and monitor annual Organizing Plan
4. Elect all officers
5. Elect committee chairs for all standing committees
6. Establish ‘special’ or ‘ad-hoc’ committees and, at the same meeting, select their initial chairs
7. Vote on affiliation requests from organizations

Section 2.

The Steering Committee shall meet on the first Monday of each month. If the first Monday is a holiday, the meeting may be moved to another night with approval at the preceding Steering Committee meeting.

ARTICLE IV – DUTIES OF THE STAFF

Section 1.

The duties of the staff shall be defined in the Personnel Policy.

ARTICLE V – DUTIES OF THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Section 1.  

The primary responsibilities of the Outreach Committee shall be to:

1. Develop and implement the outreach strategy with input from the Fundraising Committee
2. Ensure that JwJ addresses goals for diversity and monitor progress toward those goals
3. Maintain contact with affiliate organizations
4. Establish contact with prospective labor and community organizations

Section 2.

The Outreach Committee Chair shall attend Steering and Executive Committee meetings and present committee reports to the Steering Committee meetings.

ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

Section 1.

The primary responsibilities of the Fundraising Committee shall be to:

1. Maintain and expand the sustainer program
2. Monitor annual organizational pledges
3. Develop new organizational pledges
4. Assist in writing grant proposals
5. Plan and produce fundraising events
6. Assist Treasurer, Board of Directors and Steering Committee in preparation of the annual budget

Section 2.

The Fundraising Committee Chair shall attend Steering and Executive Committee meetings and present committee reports to the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE VII – DUTIES OF THE MEDIA COMMITTEE

Section 1.

The primary responsibilities of the Media Committee shall be to:

1. Draft and issue press releases and media advisories
2. Make follow-up press calls
3. Prepare press kits for actions
4. Participate in strategic planning of events and actions to ensure a media component/presence
5. Take photos at actions and events
6. Maintain and update media contact lists
7. Train members on how to talk to media
8. Produce flyers, brochures, newsletters, etc.

Section 2.

The Media Committee Chair shall attend Steering and Executive Committee meetings and present committee reports to the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE VIII – DUTIES OF THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Section 1.

The primary responsibilities of the Membership Committee shall be to:

1. Maintain current membership lists
2. Maintain phone tree
3. Coordinate membership mailings
4. Coordinate phone tree mobilizations

Section 2.

The Membership Committee Chair shall attend Steering and Executive Committee meetings and present committee reports to the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE IX – DUTIES OF THE RULES COMMITTEE

Section 1.

The primary responsibilities of the Rules Committee shall be to:

1. Administer elections of officers, committee chairs, and at-large Steering Committee members
2. Maintain lists of Executive Committee, At-Large members and Organizational Affiliates.
3. Educate membership on JwJ Bylaws, policies and procedures and ensure compliance
4. Maintain and distribute Constitution and Bylaws
5. Accept proposals for amendments to Constitution and Bylaws and conduct amendment process as delineated in respective amendment Articles
   

Section 2.

The Rules Committee Chair shall attend Steering and Executive Committee meetings and present committee reports to the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE X—PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Section 1

The primary duties of the Personnel Committee shall be defined in the Personnel Policy.

Section 2

The Personnel Committee Chair shall attend Steering and Executive Committee meetings and present committee reports to the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE XI—FAITH-LABOR COMMITTEE

Section 1.

The primary duties of the Faith-Labor Committee shall be:

1. To Develop and implement an outreach strategy for the faith community
2. Maintain contact with faith affiliate organizations
3. Develop and maintain relationships with individuals and congregations in the faith community.

Section 2

The Faith-Labor Committee co-chairs shall attend Steering and Executive Committee meetings and present committee reports to the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE XII – REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

In the event of an officer and/or committee chair becoming unable or unwilling to perform their duties, or if an officer and/or committee chair is behaving in a manner inconsistent with the Constitution and/or Bylaws of JwJ, the Steering Committee may remove this person from their position. Such an action shall require a 2/3 majority vote of the committee.

ARTICLE XIII – ELECTIONS

Section 1.

1. The Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and all standing, ‘special’ and ‘ad-hoc’ committee chairs shall be elected biennially per Section 2.
2. The At-Large members shall be elected per Section 3.
   

Section 2.

The Rules Committee shall during odd numbered years:

1. Open nominations at the April Steering Committee meetings
2. Accept nominations through the May Steering Committee meeting, then close nominations
3. Solicit written statements from candidates
4. Prepare and mail the election packet to all Steering Committee members no later than the day after the May Executive Committee meeting. Mailing will include:
   A) Ballot with all candidates’ names and a place for a write-in candidate
   B) Secrecy envelope
   C) Return envelope
   D) Statements from candidates
5. Replacement ballots will be available at the June Steering Committee meeting where ballots will be collected and counted, and the results announced.
   

Section 3. At-Large Delegates

1. This election shall take place at the biennial meeting immediately following the June election Steering Committee meeting. Any JwJ member present may vote in the election.
2. The number of At-Large delegates to be elected shall be determined as follows:
   A) The number of At-Large delegates shall equal 10% of the number of organizational affiliates, rounded upward.
   B) At-Large delegates may not be designated representatives of any Organizational Affiliate. In the event that an At-Large delegate becomes a designated representative, they shall be considered to have resigned as an At-Large delegate.
3. The Rules Committee shall hold the nomination of At-Large delegates at the same time as nominations for JwJ Officers as provided for in Section 2 above.
4. At the biennial meeting the Rules Committee shall:
   A) Prepare and distribute ballots at the biennial meeting
   B) Afford all candidates the opportunity to make a brief statement
   C) Collect and count ballots, and then announce results

Section 4.

Filling of Vacancies – In the event of a mid-term vacancy the Executive Committee shall fill such vacancy by appointment, subject to approval by the Steering Committee.

Section 5.

Eligibility – Any member in good standing may nominate candidates, be a candidate, and hold office.

ARTICLE XIV – FUNDING

Section 1.

The Steering Committee may choose to generate revenue by means of setting a dues structure, establishing a sustainer program, soliciting grants from foundations and/or organizations, soliciting pledges, holding fundraising events, direct mail fundraising, or any other method which does not conflict with the purpose and rules of JwJ.

Section 2.

1. The financial records shall be the responsibility of the Treasurer
2. Disbursement of funds shall be within the constraints of the budget
3. Checks shall be signed by any two of the following: the Treasurer, the Director, an Organizer approved by the Steering Committee

Section 3.

The Treasurer, with input from the Fundraising Committee, shall prepare an annual budget for approval at the December Steering Committee meeting.

Section 4.

In the event of dissolution of JwJ, all funds shall be surrendered to the National Jobs With Justice.

Section 5.

In the event of a merger between JwJ and another organization, all funds shall be surrendered to the body defined by the terms of the merger agreement.

ARTICLE XV– AMENDMENTS

Any voting member of the Steering Committee may propose amendments to this Constitution.  Proposed amendments require a vote of the general membership. To be enacted proposed amendments:

1. Shall be read at a Steering Committee meeting
2. Passed by a majority vote at this meeting
3. Included in a mailing to all members with a notice that the amendment vote will take place at the next Steering Committee meeting
4. Passed by at least 2/3 of all members present at the next Steering Committee meeting

End of Bylaws