Official Constitution of the Laurentian University Young New Democrats - LUYND (as adopted on November 18th, 2013): Article I: Name The name of this organization shall be the Laurentian University Young New Democrats (LUYND). Article II: Mandate a) Mission As a youth movement of the NDP, the Laurentian University Young New Democrats represents the student body of Laurentian University. We work to raise awareness of political issues and engage progressive youth in the political process and policy of the NDP. We subscribe to the NDP philosophy that the social, economic and political progress of Canada can be assured only by the application of social democratic principles to government and the administration of public affairs. b) Vision The LUYND is dedicated to: Democracy: encouraging the growth of democratic government and the preservation of the democratic ideals in Canadian society Social Justice: advocating for, among others: human rights, equality, the abolition of poverty, homelessness, ave and the issues facing youth and young students. Sustainable Development: seeking sustainable alternatives to current, destructive economic and environmental practices. Strong Public Sector: defending universal public education, universal public health care, and other universal public institutions which we believe are essential to the goals of a just society. c) Dedication As the LUYND we are also dedicated to listening to the concerns that students at Laurentian University have on a variety of issues, including: • Tuition fees • Program quality • Interest in courses d) Approach The LUYND applies its vision and mission by creating an inclusive and open environment while applying ideologies of a progressive nature. • Providing a variety of opportunities for individuals to become involved, as well as participate, in ways that both the individuals and the LUYND see fit. • Sharing information with both members and those interested in the organization, including: o Updated mandates, distributed to all members and all those interested. o Regular meetings to discuss a variety of related topics: progress of the LUYND, goals that the LUYND has set or may set for the future topics related to groups that the LUYND is affiliated with open expression of ideas as well as opinions while allowing for debates. • Focus on not only the LUYND but also on coordinating with the Ontario New Democratic Youth (ONDY), the New Democratic Youth of Canada (NDYC), as well as the New Democratic Party. Article III: Purpose The purpose of the LUYND shall be to: a. Provide a forum for the discussion of issues concerning Laurentian University students; b. Express those concerns within the Ontario and Federal New Democratic Party; c. Build a positive social environment in which LUYND members can have FUN! Article IV: Membership Any current Laurentian University student may be a member of the Laurentian University Young New Democrats. Article V: Executive a) Responsibility The LUYND Executive shall be the governing body responsible for furthering the goals of the LUYND and its membership, The Executive shall be duly elected through a process that applies the principle of one member, one vote. a) Makeup The LUYND Executive is responsible for general administration, and will consist of the following six (6) members: 1. President, whose responsibilities include: • Implementing policy that is voted on by a simple majority (50%+1) of the LUYND Executive; • Searching for new members for the LUYND Executive at the beginning of each new academic year or whenever LUYND Executive vacancies arise; • Chairing all LUYND meetings in a fair and orderly manner 2. Vice President, whose responsibilities include: • Reporting to the President about issues that arise within the LUYND and/or the LUYND Executive; • Assisting the President in event planning, meeting structure, seeking out new LUYND Executive members, and any other administrative tasks. 3. Secretary, whose responsibilities include: • Recording the minutes and proceedings of each meeting. • Maintaining club records • Maintaining a current club membership list 4. Treasurer, whose responsibilities include: • Conducting fundraising events for the LUYND • Ensuring that the money raised for the LUYND is spent in a manner which benefits the LUYND as a whole and the Laurentian University student body 5. Two Co-Directors of Outreach and Communications, whose responsibilities include: • Ensuring that the student body at Laurentian University is aware of events organized by the LUYND and getting Laurentian University students excited about LUYND events. At least three members of the executive shall be ONDY members in good standing. Article VI: Inclusion a) Where feasible, the LUYND shall conduct its affairs in both of Canadas official languages. b) The LUYND Constitution shall be made readily available to LUYND members in both French and English. c) All published LUYND materials shall be bilingual where feasible. d) All LUYND meetings shall be held in facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities. e) Use of a speakers’ list at all LUYND meetings shall ensure that equity-seeking groups are heard. Article VII: Discipline a) The discipline of any member the LUYND will be the responsibility of the LUYND Executive. The LUYND Executive shall have the power to revoke membership under the following circumstances: 1. Intentionally misrepresenting the policies, program, or principles of the NDP or the LUYND; 2. Membership in, or demonstrated support of, a political party other than the NDP; 3. Violation of the Constitution of the NDP or the LUYND; 4. Misuse of funds provided by the NDP or the LUYND. b) A youth club subject to discipline must receive, in writing, all charges against it not less than 14 days prior to the meeting of the LUYND Executive at which the charges are to be heard. c) No LUYND Executive position may be revoked except by a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote with LUYND Executive members present at the meeting at which the charges are to be discussed must be duly constituted. d) The discipline of any member of the LUYND Executive shall be the responsibility of the LUYND Executive. The Executive shall have the power to remove an individual from his/her position for the following reasons: 1. Intentionally misrepresenting the policies, program or principles of the NDP or the LUYND; 2. Membership in, or demonstrated support of, a political party other than the NDP; 3. Misuse of funds provided by the NDP or the LUYND; 4. Gross neglect of duty. e) An individual subject to discipline by the LUYND Executive must receive in writing all charges against him/her not less than 7 days prior to the Executive meeting at which the charges are to be heard. f) No individual may be removed from their position except by a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of members present at a meeting of the LUYND Executive at which the charges are to be discussed must be duly constituted with the exception of the following: 1. Members of the LUYND Executive who miss 3 consecutive meetings of the LUYND Executive without prior notification. 2. In the event that the provision in paragraph f), point 1 is realized by an individual, that individuals seat shall be declared vacant. g) The discipline of individual LUYND members shall be the responsibility of the LUYND Executive, including the provisions in Paragraph d), Subsections 1 4. h) Any individual or representative of the LUYND that is disciplined is entitled to attend the meeting at which the allegations are to be heard, in order to defend against the allegations. Article VIII: Vacancies a) Vacancies on the LUYND Executive shall be filled at the first meeting of the LUYND following the creation of the vacancy. b) The LUYND Executive shall be authorized to elect interim Executive members to fill vacant positions until an LUYND Executive meeting is held. c) Every attempt should be made to ensure gender and ethnic parity when filling all vacancies. Article IX: Constitutional Amendment Procedure a) The Constitution of the LUYND shall be amended by a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority of LUYND Executive members. ONDY Recognition The LUYND shall seek and maintain ONDY charter status.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 01:06:35 +0000
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