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CONSTITUTION
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 15, 2015
AMENDED AUGUST 27, 2016

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1 CONSTITUTION OF THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF SOUTH CAROLINA

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3 Preamble

4 We, the young democrats of the Palmetto State, in order to promote the democratic principles of
5 our country, establish political activism through civic and social engagements; to create awareness
6 with the hope of furthering the American values of citizenship and volunteerism; to affirm equality
7 and justice for all South Carolinians; to hold elected officials accountable, and to publically support
8 coalitions and organizations of like intentions do hereby, by virtue of the promise of America and
9 what South Carolina can achieve, affirm the creation of the Young Democrats of South Carolina.

10 Article 1: Name, Authority, Purpose, and Membership

11 Section I. Name: The official and incorporated name of this organization is and shall be known as
12 the Young Democrats of South Carolina or YDSC.

13 Section II. Authority: The Young Democrats of South Carolina is the governing state body of all
14 affiliated county, caucus, advocacy, young voter and college/university democratic organizations.
15 Its power is derived from the Young Democrats of America.

16 Section III. Purpose: YDSC pledges to support the philosophy and purpose of the Democratic Party.
17 Furthermore, YDSC declares its intentions to support efforts to increase the participation of
18 individuals and voters under the age of 40, in the Democratic Party affairs and practices. YDSC
19 shall educate and train their members so that they may be better able to: (a) educate individuals
20 and voters on the philosophy of the Democratic Party; (b) work with Democrats across the country
21 to achieve the goals of the YDSC and the Democratic Party; and (c) work to bring more people into
22 the political process.

23 Section IV: Affiliation: The Young Democrats of South Carolina (YDSC) is the official youth voter
24 outreach wing of the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP).

25 A. Mission Statement: We work aggressively to encourage voters under the age of 36 to

26 actively participate in the Democratic process while educating young people on the core
27 values and principles of the Democratic Party. Our mission is to unite and educate the lives,
28 minds, and practices of youth voters and serve collectively as the political youth voice in
29 South Carolina.
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31 B. Commitment: We are committed to growing voter turnout from ages 18-39. We are also
32 committed to general party development and youth involvement on the county and state
33 levels.
34 Section V. Membership: Individuals under the age of 40 are eligible to join YDSC. The body of
35 the state organization will consist of established regional, municipal, high school, and
36 college/university units.

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37 Article 2: Executive Board Officers

38 Section 1: The executive board officers of this organization shall consist of President, First Vice
39 President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

40 Section 2. Duties of the President:

41 1. Attend and preside over the Executive Board and Council meetings. With the consent of the
42 Executive Board and such appointed individuals, be responsible for determining such goals
43 that will govern the direction of YDSC.
44 2. Provide written quarterly reports to members of the Executive Board and Executive Council.
45 3. Establish committees that will aid and/or implement such objectives and goals of YDSC, and
46 appoint appropriate chairs with the approval of the Executive Board and Council.
47 4. Appoint ex-officio members of the Executive Board with the advice and consent of the
48 Executive Board and Council.
49 5. Serve as the official liaison between the South Carolina Democratic Party, South Carolina
50 College Democrats, and any other organization when pursuing the interest of YDSC.
51 6. Serve as a non-voting member of the South Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee.
52 7. Call and lead meetings of and report of the achievements of the Young Democrats of South
53 Carolina.

54 Section 3. Duties of the First Vice President and Second Vice President:

55 1. Attend all Executive Board and Council meetings and preside, jointly or alone, in the
56 absence of the President.
57 2. Assist the President in crafting and implementing the goals and objectives of YDSC.
58 3. Oversee the fundraising efforts of the Treasurer and promote any assistance as deemed
59 necessary by the Executive Board and Council.
60 4. Work to establish officer training sessions/retreats to improve the functionality and
61 communication of local units.
62 5. Perform all other task upon the request of the President and/or the Executive Board and
63 Council.
64 6. Organize political and social events that will promote the legislative agenda of YDSC,
65 with the consent of the Executive Board and Council.
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67 Section 4. Duties of the Secretary:

68 1. Attend all Executive Board and Council meetings and post the minutes of each meeting within
69 a week following the meeting.
70 2. Electronically publish the minutes and presidential reports to all members of YDSC.
71 3. Inform all members of the Executive Board and Council of meetings and events at least two
72 weeks prior.
73 4. Serve as the state elections officer by supervising elections of YDSC positions and tabulating
74 results.

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75 5. Upon the death, resignation, or removal of an Executive Board member, the Secretary shall,
76 in accordance with the outlined procedures pertaining to elections, declare the office vacant
77 and immediately alert members of the nominating process.
78 6. Assist the Data Director in maintaining the membership database.
79 7. Assist the Outreach Director with the chartering of units.
80 8. Assist the President with the chartering of the Young Democrats of South Carolina to the
81 Young Democrats of America.
82 9. Will serve as the Supervisor of the Convention Committee

83 Section 5. Duties of the Treasurer:

84 1. Create a strategic plan that outlines fundraising objectives, areas of financial focus, and
85 concepts of money saving methods with the funds available/raised from either the campaign
86 or surpluses from the previous year.
87 2. Develop and maintain a list of principle lobbyists and donors.
88 3. Work with state corporations and businesses to generate revenue for the annual convention.
89 4. Work with the SCDP to find means of financial support for specific programs or projects.
90 5. Attend all Executive Board and Council meetings

91 Article 3: Executive Council

92 Section 1: Members of the Executive Council shall be the following: Regional Chairs, Caucus Chairs,
93 Appointed Officers, YDA Provisional Officers and Ex-officio Members; Executive Council members
94 shall provide a check and balance to the executive board and provide counsel on matters germane
95 to the section of membership to which they represent.

96 Section 2: Regional Chairs: The leading executive position of each region will be hereinafter known
97 as the Regional Chair. The Regional Chair maybe either appointed by the President of YDSC with
98 2/3 approval by the Executive Board and Council, or elected by the members of the chapter in a
99 fair and open election.
100 1. The capacities outlined for the Regional Chair each chapter are as follows:
101 a. The Regional Chair for each area will be the point of contact in the organization of
102 units.
103 b. Serve as a liaison for related parties (local chapters and clubs, county, and state)
104 and officers in regards to the 39 and under membership.
105 c. Identify strategies and solutions to help retain and maintain current membership,
106 solicit new membership, curb turnover, and isolate issues related to all matters stated
107 previously.
108 d. Update the Executive Board and Council monthly with events, activities, and
109 membership of each county in the region.
110 e. Assist the counties in the chartering process of that county.
111 f. Provide resources to aid in recruitment of membership and volunteers

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112 g. Serves as volunteer coordinator for special projects, interest, electoral and issue
113 campaigns that YDSC supports.
114 h. Meet with members within the region and execute YDSC policies and practices and
115 other assigned tasks by the Vice President and/or President.

116 Section 3: Division Chairs: Divisions of YDSC are formulated to mobilize. An elected President of
117 each division will hold statewide office. This officer will sit on Executive Council and is charged with
118 organizing, mobilizing, and leading his or her respective division.

119 1. College Democrats of South Carolina: The College Democrats of South Carolina, or
120 CDSC, will consist of all formally organized college and young democrats units on
121 college or university campuses within the State of South Carolina. These units will be
122 encouraged to register and charter with the College Democrats of America and operate
123 accordingly. They shall maintain their autonomy and have voted to form and organize
124 under the YDSC umbrella.
125 2. South Carolina Teen Democrats: The South Carolina Teen Democrats will be units
126 organized and activated in middle, high, and preparatory schools throughout South
127 Carolina.
128 3. National Democratic Law Students Council, South Carolina Chapter: The National
129 Democratic Law Students Council, South Carolina Chapter, or NDLSC-SC Chapter will
130 maintain their autonomy. They will form membership on the campuses of Law Schools
131 within the state of South Carolina and officially charter with the National Democratic
132 Law Students Council.

133 Section 4: Caucus Chairs. The Young Democrats of South Carolina shall establish affinity groups with
134 the purpose of (a) advocating for specific issues related to that community and (b) bringing
135 interested persons from that community into the YDSC banner. These affinity groups are hereby
136 referred to as Caucuses.
137 1. Established Caucuses. The following caucuses shall be established by the Young Democrats
138 of South Carolina:
139 a) Womens Caucus
140 b) Minority Caucus
141 c) LGBT Caucus
142 d) Environmental Caucus
143 2. Duties of Caucuses. The Caucuses shall:
144 a) Make all reasonable efforts to advocate for issues facing their constituency.
145 3. Duties of the Caucus Chairs:
146 a) Update the Executive Board and Council will all events, activities and membership
147 of the caucus.
148 b) Strategize about different ways to advocate for issues facing their constituency.
149 c) Attend all Executive Board and Council Meetings.
150 4. Additional Caucuses.

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151 a) There may be additional caucuses created at the pleasure of the Executive Board
152 and Council.
153 b) For a Caucus to be approved, any prospective Caucus shall have no less than seven
154 (7) members in good standing, present to the Executive Board and Council, and be
155 approved by majority vote by the same body.

156 Section 5: Appointed Officers: The President shall, within fourteen days of election, nominate a Data
157 Director, an Outreach Director and a Communications Director. They will be confirmed by a two-
158 thirds vote of the Executive Board and Council.

159 1. Duties of the Data Director

160 a. Responsible for the upkeep of the membership database.
161 b. Maintain an up to date database with Votebuilder
162 c. Identify, strategize, and compile information from the each of the seven (7)
163 Congressional Districts and each of the forty-six (46) counties about young voters
164 in South Carolina
165 d. Ensure that all contact information from all events are uploaded into the appropriate
166 databases.
167 e. Gather contacts from regions, counties, universities and colleges and upload them
168 into appropriate databases.
169 f. Attend all Executive Board and Council Meetings.
170 2. Duties of the Outreach Director
171 a. Ensuring the assessment and collection of charter forms from all chapters by a
172 determined date set forth by the Bylaws.
173 b. Establishing a standard protocol of collecting contact information of all
174 regional/university members, and to provide such materials to the
175 regional/university secretaries to ensure an accurate process of reporting contact
176 information.
177 c. Identify potential members, volunteers and groups to be involved in the Young
178 Democrats of South Carolina
179 d. Attend all Executive Board and Council Meetings.
180 3. Duties of the Communications Director
181 a. Serve as the administrative manager by issuing all press materials and letters to the
182 appropriate party, as deemed by the Executive Board and Council
183 b. Actively promote the organization and its events.
184 c. Be responsible for creating all social media events at least one week prior to the
185 event or activity
186 d. Be responsible for website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram maintenance
187 e. The Communications Director may appoint up to ten people, one from each region,
188 to assist with these objectives.
189 f. Attend all Executive Board and Council Meetings

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190 Section 6: YDA Provisional Officers: National Committeeman, National Committeewoman and those
191 who serve YDA in a Regional or National level. The YDA Provisional Officers shall not exceed the
192 age of 35 years old and must be at a minimum age of 18 years old.

193 1. Under the Constitution and By-Laws of the Young Democrats of America, state
194 associations are represented on the National Committee by their duly elected President
195 and two other officials. Stipulations attached to the other officials are that one must be
196 male and the other female. These individuals are known and will be referred to as the
197 National Committeeman and National Committeewoman. In YDSC these offices will be
198 appointed by the President and are to be confirmed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
199 Executive Board and Council.
200 2. Duties of the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman: the National
201 Committeeman and National Committeewoman shall:
202 a. Make all reasonable efforts to attend all meetings of the Young Democrats of
203 America and its Southeast Region, and, with the President, serve as South
204 Carolinas representatives to the YDA National Committee.
205 b. Represent YDSC to the South Carolina Democratic Party and affiliated Democratic
206 Party groups in the absence of the President and/or Vice President.
207 c. Attend all meetings of the Executive Board and Council.

208 Section 7. YDA National and Regional Affiliation: Officers, Active, and General Members of the
209 Young Democrats of South Carolina are encouraged to work within the institution and support the
210 efforts of the Young Democrats of America.

211 1. Membership in YDSC allows for participation in/on the Young Democrats of America
212 caucuses, committees, and officer ships.
213 2. Officers and Active Members of YDSC may serve in regional and or national capacities
214 of/for YDA while serving YDSC, unless the provisions of the office outlined in the regional
215 and national charter and by-laws disprove such actions.
216 3. Members of the YDSC that hold regional and or national offices within YDA or the DNC, via
217 default are ex-officio officers of the Executive Council.

218 Section 8: Ex-officio Members: Members who represent other entities who do not have an official
219 vote in YDSC matters

220 1. YDSC Alumni Network: YDSC will provide and encourage active and passive participation
221 of the young at heart and former members of YDSC and/or its units. Membership is
222 extended to voters ages 40 and older.
223 a. The Alumni Board shall consist of 7 former YDSC Alumni for their financial and
224 strategic advice to the organization. This board shall also seek to bring together
225 current and past members of the organization. Board members will be approved by
226 the President and are to be confirmed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive
227 Board and Council.

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228 Article 4: State Convention

229 Section 1. The formal YDSC convention will be held annually. Elections will be held on even numbered
230 years. The state convention will serve the following purposes: (a) elect officers, (b) provide
231 education, enrichment, and training opportunities, (c) hold formal business session to amend charter
232 and by-laws, grant and revoke charters, and vote on various business related matters. The State
233 Convention will be governed and organized by the YDSC Convention Committee.

234 Section 2: Convention Committee: Convention Committee shall meet prior to any state convention
235 and certify the list of chartered units, the number of votes allocated to each chartered unit, and the
236 duly authorized delegates. The President shall have the option of appointing up to seven (7)
237 members to the Convention Committee. These appointments are to be confirmed by a two-thirds
238 (2/3) vote of the Executive Board and Council.

239 Article 5: Structure

240 Section 1. Chapters: Chapters of YDSC are organized units within regions that will work in conjunction
241 with their respective County Democratic Party, its officers, and its members within the respective
242 region.

243 1. The Regions shall be defined as the following:

244 a. The Appalachian Region will include the following counties: Oconee, Greenville,
245 Laurens, Spartanburg, Pickens, and Anderson

246 b. The Ashley-Cooper Region will include the following counties: Berkley, Charleston,
247 and Dorchester
248 c. The Catawba Region will include the following counties: Cherokee, York, Union,
249 Chester, and Lancaster

250 d. The Central Midlands Region will include the following counties: Richland, Lexington,
251 and Newberry

252 e. The Lower Savannah Region will include the following counties: Aiken, Barnwell,
253 Allendale, Bamberg, Orangeburg, and Calhoun

254 f. The Pee Dee Region will include the following counties: Chesterfield, Marlboro,
255 Darlington, Florence, Dillon, and Marion

256 g. The Santee-Lynches Region will include the following counties: Kershaw, Lee, Sumter,
257 Clarendon and Fairfield

258 h. The Sea Islands Region will include the following counties: Colleton, Hampton, Jasper,
259 and Beaufort

260 i. The Upper Savannah Region will include the following counties: Abbeville,
261 Greenwood, McCormick, Saluda, and Edgefield

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262 j. The Waccamaw Region will include the following counties: Williamsburg,
263 Georgetown, and Horry
264 Section 2. SCDP Third Vice Chair Council: The Third Vice Chairs of the several County
265 Democratic Parties of South Carolina are under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Democratic
266 Party. YDSC will encourage full participation and support from these officers as it organizes and
267 mobilizes within the respective counties.

268 Article 6: Membership

269 Section 1. Membership: Individuals under the age of forty (40) years old are eligible to join the
270 YDSC. The body of the state organization will consist of established county chapters, high school,
271 college/university, young professionals, and other related units/clubs. An active member is a
272 member who participates in YDSC events and meetings on a regular basis. In addition, an active
273 member is a member that is in good standing with YDSC.

274 1. Those wishing to seek or seeking office in the Executive Board or Council and or hold any
275 position on the Executive Board or Council must be active members.
276 2. Only active members are able to serve, participate, and vote in the affairs of all YDSC
277 causes, committees, and divisions.

278 Section 2. General Membership: Interested persons will be extended General Membership in YDSC
279 if and only if (a) a unit or club is not established in their area or (b) if they are serving in a capacity
280 or fulfilling a purpose that has taken them outside of the state of SC i.e. U.S. Armed Services,
281 employment/internship, medical related leave, and/or safety related complications.
282 1. General members do not hold a provision to vote in business of a chapter or the executive
283 board.
284 2. General members may serve, participate, and vote in the affairs of all YDSC caucuses,
285 committees, and divisions.

286 Section 3. Associate Membership: Individuals outside of this age bracket outlined by the DNC for
287 young democrats have the option to take advantage of associate membership. Associate
288 members may not vote in matters germane to the General Assembly of the YDSC.

289 Article 7: Parliamentary Authority

290 Section 1. Governing Documents: The YDSC will be governed by its Constitution and By-Laws.

291 Section 2. Roberts Rules of Order: The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of
292 Order Newly Revised shall govern the YDSC in all cases to which they are applicable and in which
293 they are not inconsistent with these Constitution, bylaws, executive policies, and any special rules of
294 order the YDSC may adopt.

295 Section 3. Precedent: In the event that a ruling must be made without provision in the Constitution,
296 By-Laws, or Roberts Rules of Order, the chair may refer to precedent set forth by former chairs of
297 the organization.

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298 Section 4: Quorum. Quorum shall exist at any meeting with 50% plus 1 of the said body. Passage
299 of any business must have a vote of 50% plus 1 of those in attendance of the meeting or by proxy.

300 Section 5: Proxy: Neither the Convention, the General Body, the Executive Board and Council, nor
301 Regional or Local bodies of the Young Democrats of South Carolina shall exercise proxy voting.

302 Article 8. Removal of Officers

303 Section 1: Members of the Executive Board and Executive Council be removed from office under
304 the following provisions:

305 1. Any member of the Executive Board or Council may make a written request to the Executive
306 Board for a hearing to remove an officer.
307 2. The written request must be made to the Executive Board of the Young Democrats of South
308 Carolina.
309 3. The Secretary must first contact the accused officer and give the accused five (5) days to
310 respond. The accused officer will have five (5) respond to said charges. The Secretary will
311 notify the Executive Board and Council of the complaint and the response to see if a hearing
312 is needed. A Conference Call will be held to determine if a hearing is needed to remove
313 an officer.
314 4. In the event that the accused is the Secretary of the Young Democrats of South Carolina,
315 the President shall follow steps outlined in Article 8, Section 1, Subsection 3.
316 5. Executive Board and Council may, after giving notice of intent to remove to an offending
317 officer, remove an appointed or elected officer for cause.
318 6. Causes for removal shall include:
319 a. Failure to comply with the duties outlined in the Constitution of the Young
320 Democrats of South Carolina,
321 b. Acting in a manner unbecoming of an officer of the Young Democrats of South
322 Carolina, or
323 c. Failure to attend and/or participate in an excessive amount of activities or meetings
324 held by the Young Democrats of South Carolina
325 7. Notice shall be given to the offending officer by certified mail at least ten (10) days prior
326 to the hearing
327 8. The Executive Board and Council shall be notified at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing
328 by way of normal notification processes.
329 9. Procedure for removal of an officer
330 a. At the hearing the Executive Board and Council shall meet to determine whether or
331 not to remove the officer.
332 b. The accused officer may represent themselves or be represented by a member in
333 good standing with the Young Democrats of South Carolina.
334 c. The accused officer, or representative of the officer, will have the ability to speak
335 on their behalf and present evidence at the hearing.

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336 d. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present of the Executive Board and Council shall
337 be necessary to remove any officer from office.

338 Article 9: Ratification

339 Section I. Process: Upon the approval of at least 2/3 of the membership of the current YDSC body
340 at a state convention, this constitution shall become the supreme governing document of the state
341 unit and all other units that fall exist within its jurisdiction.

342 Article 10: Constitutional Amendments

343 Section I. Procedures: This Constitution may be amended by any member of the YDSC. All
344 Constitutional Amendments will be approved if passed by a 2/3 vote at the state convention.

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