Young Democrats of America

Puerto Rico Chapter/Juventud Demcrata

Captulo de Puerto Rico
By Laws
As adopted July 18th,2012
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

We, the Young Democrats of America Puerto Rico Chapter, in order to stimulate in young people in
Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans and other hispanics across the United States of America an active
interest in governmental affairs and promote their involvement in the political process, to promote
the acquisition of political power by young people, to promote the policies and practices which are
consistent with the highest principles, to increase the efficiency of popular government.
We, the Young Democrats of America Puerto Rico Chapter will also support and advocate
Presidential Vote for Puerto Rico and will provide the highest degree of justice and social welfare
for the citizens of our country, do associate ourselves together and establish this Chapter.

Article I Young Democrats of America Puerto Rico Chapter/Juventud

Demcrata Captulo de Puerto Rico
Section 1- The Young Democrats of America Puerto Rico Chapter (YDAPR)/Juventud Demcrata
Captulo de Puerto Rico (JDPR) is a non-profit corporation duly organized pursuant to
General Corporate Law of Puerto Rico and duly registered in the Department of State
of Puerto Rico.

Section 2- This organization shall also be known in English as Young Democrats of America
Puerto Rico Chapter (YDAPR).

Article II - Membership

Section 1- In order to be eligible for membership in the YDAPR/JDPR, an individual must be

between the ages of 16 to 36 years old and share and agree with the objectives and
values established in the YDAPR/JDPRs Constitution.

Section 2- Each member shall freely provide a valid government issued photo identification, and / or
birth certificate as evidence of age.

Section 3- Each member shall fill out a membership form with their full names, addresses, telephone
numbers and e-mail address.

Section 4- There will be an Honorary Membership for those over thirty six (36) years old.

Section 5- Membership Fees and Requirements. A membership fee of twenty dollars ($20.00)
shall be forwarded to the Young Democrats of America Puerto Rico Chapter
for each Active,Associate, and At-large Student member. A membership fee
 of thirty dollars ($20.00) shall be forwarded to the Young Democrats
of America Puerto Rico Chapter for each Active, Associate, and At-large
Professional member. To be a bonafide YDA active member it is imperative that the
membership fee be paid, The Board of Directors will approve by letter or email and
send a welcome letter after reviewing the membership application. One month of
previous active membership will be required to participate or vote in any special
assembly /election or Nominations Committee in the Organization.

Section 6: Municipal Chapters

YDAPR Board can approve by 50+1 of quorum vote upon the completion of a full
application package the creation of local chapters in college universities and municipalities
in Puerto Rico.

The application package will require the following:

1. YDAPR Membership sheet completed with full payment of each member.

2. Local Chapter Officer List including the following: President, Vice President. Secretary,
Treasurer and at least one vocal position

3. Local Chapter Work Plan Draft

Municipal chapters may create their internal rules and bylaws always following the principles of the
YDAPR organization bylaws

Article III - Board of Directors

Section 1- The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the YDAPR/JDPR and shall
have the powers delegated by the Constitution and the By-Laws.

Section 2- The Board of Directors shall consist of the following:

 2.1- Members of the Executive Committee: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer,
National Committeeman, and National Committeewoman.

2.2- Other Officers: Legal Counsel, Press Secretary, Auditor, and Eight (8) Congressional
Districts Representatives.

2.3- The Immediate Past President who still qualified for membership.

Section 3- The President and Vice-President of the YDAPR/JDPR shall be the President and Vice-
President of the Board of Directors, respectively.

Section 4- The activities and affairs of the YDAPR/JDPR shall be managed by the Board of
Directors, which may exercise all powers and do all things not required by these By-
Laws to be done by the Membership; including, but not limited to, determining matters
of policy, conducting all activities of the YDAPR/JDPR and interpreting these By-
Laws.

Section 5- Meetings of the Board of Directors - Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at
least twice a month during its term of office at such time and place as the President shall
direct notice to the Board members by written notice postmarked at least seven (7) days
prior to the meeting, by email or any verifiable way.

5.1- Meetings of the Board may be attended by non members of the Board who are
members of the YDAPR JDPR upon the invitation of the President and with the
consent of the simple majority of the members of the Board present.

5.2- Meetings of the Board may be attended by non members of the YDAPR JDPR upon the
invitation of the President and with the simple majority vote of the members of the
Board present.

5.3- The President may, at any time, at his or her own discretion, decide to go into executive
session and exclude all non-members of the Board from any meeting of the Board.

5.4- Minutes of each meeting shall be prepared and kept in file and made available for
review by any member.

Section 6- Thirty percent (30%) or more of the members of the Board shall constitute quorum for
the transaction of business at all meetings of the Board. Provided quorum is reached at
the beginning of the meeting of the Board. The voting members of the Board present at
a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment,
notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough members to leave less than quorum. If a
meeting of the Board cannot be organized because a quorum is not present, those
present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present, and once
a quorum is reached, it may transact any business at the meeting as originally called.
Section 7- Each member of the Board shall be entitled to one (1) vote. Voting members of the
Board shall be entitled to vote by proxy, but no Board member present at a Board
meeting can exercise more than one proxy per meeting. The act of the majority of those
voting members of the Board present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be
the act of the Board, unless the act of a greater number is required by these By-Laws.

Section 8- It is the duty of each member of the Board to attend regular and special meetings of the
Board. Failure to attend a Board meeting without good cause (as determined by the
Board) constitutes an unexcused absence. Any member of the Board who accumulates
three (3) or more unexcused absences during his or her term of office and who duly
received notices of such meetings in accordance with these By-Laws shall be presumed
unable to carry out the duties of office and may be replaced by the President thirty days
(30) after the notice of replacement has been sent to such member of the Board by the
President. The Secretary shall notify the Board in writing that a vacancy exists
following the third unexcused absence of any member of the Board, and such vacancy
shall be filled in accordance with Article III, Section 9.

Section 9- In the event of a vacancy of any office, other than the President, a successor shall be
appointed by the President in his or her own discretion from among the Regular
Members. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President shall
automatically become acting President for the remainder of the term.

Section 10- Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board may be taken
without a meeting if a written consent to such action is given by a majority of the
voting members of the Board in office prior to, concurrently with or following such
action and such written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the
Board.

Section 11- The Board may conduct meetings by conference call or similar communications
equipment that enables all members of the Board necessary to have quorum,
participation to hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting of the
Board by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meetings.

Article IV - Officers

Section 1 All the members of the Executive Committee of the Board will be elected by the
Assembly.
Section 2- In addition to the above mentioned duties and those enumerated in the Constitution, the
President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The President shall
also appoint all those members designed as appointed. The President shall be the Chief
Executive Officer of the YDAPR/JDPR and exercise supervision over all activities of
the YDAPR/JDPR. He or she shall exercise all powers outlined in the YDAPR/JDPR
By-Laws and perform all other duties as usually pertain to the office of the Chief
Executive. The President shall be a member ex officio of all committees, save as
otherwise herein provided.
Section 3- In addition to the aforementioned duties, the Vice-President shall act as an assistant to the
President. In the event of the absence, disqualification, resignation, removal, or death of
the President, the Vice-President shall perform all duties of the President.
Section 4- The Secretary shall be the recording officer of the YDAPR/JDPR for all the proceedings.
The Secretary shall be responsible for the minutes of all meetings of the Board of
Directors, and oversee records of all official actions taken by and in the name of the
YDAPR/JDPR. In addition, the Secretary shall attend to all correspondence of the
YDAPR/JDPR, as well as send out all meeting notices. In addition the Secretary shall
prepare and file the records of the corporation for the yearly submission to the
Department of State of Puerto Rico.
Section 5- The Treasurer shall serve as the financial officer of the YDAPR/JDPR, overseeing the
collection and disbursements of funds of the YDAPR/JDPR. Duties include the
collection of all dues and other assessments of the YDAPR/JDPR, accounting for the
funds of the YDAPR/JDPR and keeping regular accounts thereof.
5.1- The Treasurer shall submit revenue and expenses reports on the financial condition of
the YDAPR/JDPR at each meeting and at any other time as may be required by the
Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall as well submit account statements to the
Executive Committee for audit or examination prior to the Annual Assembly and at
request of the Executive Committee.
5.2- The Treasurer shall deposit all the money belonging to the YDAPR/JDPR in such bank
as ratified by the Executive Committee, to be withdrawn only upon the check signed by
the Treasurer and at least another signature, to be determined by the Board.
5.3- The Treasurer shall not permit the giving, transferal, or expenditures of money or other
valuables from the Treasury, save for the purposes of the YDAPR/JDPR and as
authorized by the YDAPR/JDPR. The checkbook shall be brought to all meetings in
order to expedite financial matters before the YDAPR/JDPR.
5.4- There should be an annual budget adopted by the YDAPR/JDPR and the Treasurer
shall assist the President and Executive Committee in the drawing up and carrying out
of the budget.
5.5- The Treasurer will receive assistance in the preparation of the annual report from a
CPA appointed by the President.
Section 6- The National Committeeman and Committeewoman shall coordinate the participation
of the members of the YDAPR/JDPR in all conferences and national meetings of the
Young Democrats of America. They shall lobby and vote on behalf of the
YDAPR/JDPR in every meeting of the YDA National Committee. They shall also serve
as liaisons between the Young Democrats of America Puerto Rico Chapter and the
Young Democrats of America, and to represent the organization at all meetings of the
National Committee of the Young Democrats of America.
Section 7- Other YDAPR/JDPR Officers. The President shall appoint with the consent of the
Board of Directors the following officers no later than its first meeting after the
assembly where there were elected.
7.1- The Press Secretary will be in charge of the Press and Communications Committee and
will be the spokesperson for the YDAPR/JDPR when requested by the President.
 7.1(a)- This person shall have academic background and experience in
communications, and shall have the skills and contacts to deal with the media.
7.2- The Auditor shall serve as an assistant to the Treasurer in the preparation of the annual
budget and report.
7.2(a)- This person shall have education on accounting and/or finance, and
experience in the preparation of budgets and annual reports to be submitted to
the Department of State of Puerto Rico.
7.3- The Legal Counsel shall serve as legal advisor to the YDAPR/JDPR.
7.4- The Eight (8) Congressional Districts Representatives shall be apportioned according to
the statewide allocation of Senatorial Districts.
Article V - Elections and Term in Office
Section 1- The President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, the National Committeeman, and
Committeewoman shall be elected by a simple majority of the votes cast in an assembly
by the membership.
Section 2- It is therefore stated in these By-Laws that all the other members of the Board of
Directors will be appointed by the President with the consent of the Board.
Section 3- The Board shall implement the election policies and procedures set forth in these By-
Laws, and any other procedure deemed necessary.
Section 4- The term in office of all elected officers shall be for two (2) years beginning after their
election.
Section 5- No person shall be elected President for more than two (2) terms.
Article VI - Standing Committees
Section 1- All Standing Committee chairpersons shall be appointed by the President.
Section 2- The Campaign Committee shall formulate YDAPR/JDPR island wide campaigns,
providing support for candidates for office who promote the self determination of
Puerto.

At the National or State Level the Campaign Committee shall formulate YDAPR/JDPR
stateside campaigns, providing support for
Democrat candidates for office who support the self determination of Puerto Rico.

Section 3- The Constitution and By-Laws Committee will be headed by the Legal Counsel and
shall regularly analyze the proper functioning of the procedures of the YDAPR/JDPR
and shall be responsible for preparation of amendments to or revision of the
Constitution and By-Laws as directed by the YDAPR/JDPR.
Section 4- The Credentials Committee shall review the qualifications for membership of any
person and evaluate applications by other organizations to affiliate to the
YDAPR/JDPR.
Section 5- The Finance Committee shall raise funds for the YDAPR/JDPR, as well as conduct
auditing procedures as authorized by the President, the Treasurer and/or the Board of
Directors.
Section 6- The Issues and Resolutions Committee shall advise the President on the development of
issues relevant and of interest to the YDAPR/JDPR and will consider all resolutions proposed at
assemblies before referral to the membership and with the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section 7- The Press and Communications Committee is charged with the promotion of the
YDAPR/JDPR and media relations. This Committee shall also be in charge of overseeing protocol
and in coordinating the logistics of all meetings and YDAPR JDPR events.
Section 8- The Membership and Congressional Districts Committee shall be responsible for all
matters pertaining to membership and oversee the Congressional Districts in coordination with the
Board of Directors.
Section 9- All committees shall report to the President and the Board regularly on activities and
initiatives and shall perform such duties as the President or the Board may from time to time direct.
Section 10- The Community Service Committee encourages and facilitates active participation of the
membership in volunteer activities in and throughout the National, Regional and Local Level
communities. This committee will also have the responsibility of caring relationships with faith-
based community and other sectors maintaining liaison between the youth and these groups.

Section 11- The President shall appoint a High School Caucus Chair. The YDAPR High School
Caucus will serve to stimulate in High School students an active interest in governmental affairs; to
perpetuate the ideals and principles of the Democratic Party and to forthrightly represent the
legitimate aspirations of the young citizens in Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans across the United
States

Section 12 - The President and the Board of Directors may create other committees or caucuses
according to the needs of the YDAPR/JDPR.

Section 13- All committees shall approve and adopt their own internal rules, consistent with the
Constitution and By-Laws of the YDAPR/JDPR and prepare minutes of all meetings which shall be
submitted to the President and the Board of Directors.

Article VII - Leadership Institute

Section 1- The YDAPR/JDPR Leadership Institute shall be an entity created under the
YDAPR/JDPR. Its main goal is to serve as a vehicle for the development and training
of young democrats as leaders and to provide them with the tools to serve the people
and advance the ideals of the Democratic Party and the self determination of Puerto
Rico. Moreover, and consistent with the YDAPR/JDPRs concern and commitment
towards the political education of the citizenry at large, the Leadership Institute shall
also promote activities directed towards the general public.

Section 2- The Board of Directors of the YDAPR/JDPR shall appoint a Chairperson to head the
Institute for a two (2) years period. This person shall be in charge of organizing the Institute and
developing its core curriculum.

Section 3- The curriculum should include, but is not limited to, the following areas and topics: The
self determination of Puerto Rico, American History and Political System,the history of political
ideas, National Political Parties, Rights and Duties of the American Citizenship, Electoral Law,
Government Ethics, Parliamentary Procedure, Grassroots Advocacy, Media Relations and Crisis
Management, Press Conferences and Media Events, Public Opinion and Market Research, Public
Speaking, Speech Writing, Internet Leadership, Recruitment among others.

ARTICLE VIII - Assembly Meetings; Procedures

Section 1- The Assembly of the YDAPR/JDPR shall meet at least once a year (but never later than
th
the 14 day of August) at such time and place as shall be designated by the Board.

Section 2- The Secretary shall give written notice to the last known address of each YDAPR/JDPR
member thirty (30) days before the Required Annual Assembly, and fourteen (14) days
before each extraordinary meeting.

Section 3- In all Assemblies the followed Order of Business shall be:

(a) Call to Order
(b) Invocation
(c) Flag Salute / Pledge of Allegiance / National and State Anthems
(d) Roll Call
(e) Reading of the minutes
(f) Treasurer's Report
(g) Welcome Remarks by the President
(h) Reports of Officers
(i) Reports of Congressional Districts
(j) Reports of Committees
(k) New Business
(l) Announcements and Communications
(m) Adjournment

The President may expand the order of business, but not limit it.

Section 4- Quorum for Assemblies shall be 20% of the total membership. Provided quorum is
reached at the beginning of the meeting or assembly. The members present at a duly
organized meeting or assembly may continue to transact business until adjournment,
notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough members to leave less than quorum.

Section 5- Only members of the YDAPR/JDPR shall participate in the business transacted and
decisions made at any Assembly meeting.

Article IX - Finances
st
Section 1- The fiscal year of the YDAPR/JDPR shall begin on January 1 and end on December
st
31 .
Section 2- The Finance Committee shall adopt and pass a budget no later than four weeks before the
beginning of the fiscal year, containing appropriations for the fiscal year. The budget
shall specify the purpose and the amount of each appropriation, and include a statement
of the estimated revenue and its sources for the fiscal period.

Section 3- All disbursements shall be made by checks which shall show the payee, the items of
service rendered or materials purchased, and the amount of the payment. Disbursements
shall not exceed the gross amount of the annual budget.

Section 4- The Board of Directors shall designate the depositories of all funds of the YDAPR/JDPR.
The Board of Directors shall have the power to authorize which Officers or agents may
execute the checks, by resolution to such effects. Such changes or additions shall be
made in an appropriate timeframe with the proper institution. When those designated to
sign checks are unable to perform their functions, the Board of Directors shall designate
substitutes by resolution.

Section 5- The Board of Directors shall provide for the prompt payment of all indebtedness of the
YDAPR/JDPR.

Section 6- The Board of Directors shall provide for the annual audit of the YDAPR/JDPR
accounting system, only by qualified accountants; providing that, if needed, these audits may also be
done more frequently during a fiscal year.

Article X - Parliamentary Authority

Section 1- The latest or revised edition of Robert Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority
for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by By-Laws of the YDAPR/JDPR.

Article XI - Ratification and Adoption

Section 1- These By-Laws shall take effect immediately after its approval and shall be signed by the
President and the Secretary.

Article XII - Amendments

Section 1- This By-Laws or any provision thereof may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
members present at any duly called YDAPR/JDPR Assembly Meeting or in a Special Extraordinary
Executive Board Meeting by the majority of the present board members.

Section 2- Any proposed amendments to the By-Laws shall be first proposed in writing to the
President of the YDAPR/JDPR who will refer it to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, which
shall evaluate the proposed amendment solely for legality purposes.

Article XIII - General Provisions

Section 1- All records of the YDAPR/JDPR shall be available for inspection to any member of the
YDAPR/JDPR upon request.
Section 2- No expenditures, obligations or transactions shall be incurred, nor shall authority in the
name of the YDAPR/JDPR be granted; saved only when appropriated at a duly called meeting of the
Board of Directors.

Section 3- All references to written notice and written consent shall include any notice and consent
given by electronic transmission. The term electronic transmission means any process of
communication that is suitable for the retention, retrieval and reproduction of information by the
recipient and which does not directly involve the physical transfer of paper.

Section 4- The official languages of the YDAPR/JDPR shall be English and Spanish. All records and
official documents shall be prepared and filed in either of the official languages.

Section 5- In these By-Laws, where the context admits, words in the masculine gender include the
feminine.

Article XIV - Separation Clause

Section 1- If any word, phrase, sentence, paragraph, section or article of these By- Laws shall be
deemed illegal or unconstitutional by any Court of Law with jurisdiction, the remaining words,
sentences, paragraphs, sections and articles will remain valid, enforceable and legally binding.

Article XV - Empowering Clause

Section 1- These YDAPR/JDPR By-Laws shall become effective upon the vote by the majority of
those present at the Initial Organization Meeting. However, these By-Laws must be ratified at the
First Assembly Meeting.