Indiana High
School Democrats:
Chapter Charter 2019-2020
Mission: 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 of the state of Indiana and this great nation. With these thoughts we establish this Charter.
Vision: To work with high schoolers in Indiana to advance the cause of Democratic politicians and policies.
ARTICLE I: Name and Affiliation
Section 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Indiana High School Democrats.
Section 2: Affiliation
The Indiana High School Democrats will be Chartered with, and affiliated with the High School Democrats of America.
ARTICLE II: Membership
Section 1: Membership
Membership requirements for the Indiana High School Democrats will be as follows:
1(a): Must be a student currently enrolled in high school or will have left or entered high school within 3 months
1(b): Must live within Indiana’s organizational limits
Section 2: Discrimination
Membership will not be affected by but not limited to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and mental or physical disability.
Section 3: Fees
The state and local chapters shall never charge membership fees for new students. Alternative measures must be used to raise funds. This may not be amended.
ARTICLE III: State Executive Board
Section 1: State Executive Board
The Indiana High School Democrats State Executive Board (Executive Board) will be the chief policy making body for the statewide organization under the supervision of the High School Democrats of America Executive Board. All local Indiana HSDA chapters shall act under the supervision of the Indiana High School Democrats.
Section 2: Composition
The State Executive Board shall be composed of whatever positions the Chair and Vice Chair see fit. All members of the Executive Board shall be voting members. No person may serve on the State Executive Board in any capacity if they have been out of high school for more than three (3) months.
Section 3: Executive Duties
The members of the State Executive Board shall have the following responsibilities:
3(a): State Chairman
(i) Serve as the Chief Executive Officer for the statewide organization
(ii) Act as Chair of both State Executive Board
(iii) Represent the State Executive Board when necessary
(iv) Act as first representative to any external or parent organizations
(v) Choose which Director acts as the second representative to any external or parent organization
(vi) Communicate with the state party, campaigns, media, and VIP contacts
(vii) Ensure the decisions made by the State Executive Board are executed.
(vii) Establish administrative procedures not otherwise provided for by the Charter of this chapter or the State Executive Board
(ix) Establish the agenda for each State Executive Board meeting
(x) Oversee all other Executive Board Members to ensure they are completing their responsibilities
(xi) Delegate duties to other Executive Board Members as needed
Section 4: Voting Rules [Executive Board Proceedings]
4(a) A vote will be held on ANY topic if at least 1 Executive Board Member requests it.
4(b) A majority of the Executive Board must be present to meet quorum in order to hold a vote.
4(c) A vote must receive majority support from present executive board members to pass.
4(d) Proxy votes should be a last resort and must be accepted by the State Chair prior to the Executive Board Meeting.
Section 5: Meeting Requirements
5(a): The State Executive Board will meet (in any sort of group communication media) no less than twelve (12) times during the course of one (1) calendar year
5(b): The State Executive Board will meet at least once during each month of the schools calendar year (however bi-weekly meetings should be attempted).
5(c): The State Chairman may call additional meetings whenever necessary.
ARTICLE IV: Elections
Section 1: Annual Elections
Elections for Chair and Vice Chair must be held each May or June.
Section 2: Voting System
Voting must take place online utilizing some form of secret ballot and voter identifier (ie. Google Forms w/ required name and email).
Section 3: Voting Body
The voting body for all Executive Board elections shall be registered members of Indiana High School Democrats in which all INHSD members will receive one (1) vote per position regardless of their attendance to the Election.
Section 4: Proxies
Proxy votes shall never be accepted for elections.
Section 5: Oversight
Elections shall be overseen by the State Chairman and any others they request assistance from. Should the State Chairman be running for a position, elections shall be overseen by the most senior member of the Executive Board who is not running for election. Any extenuating circumstances will call for assistance by the National Executive Board of HSDA.
Section 6: Candidacy
Individuals must be current INHSD members in order to be candidates. Eligible individuals must declare their candidacy by contacting the State Chairman with their Name, Grade, School, the single position they are running for, their platform, and a biography. This declaration of candidacy must be sent at least three days prior to elections and can be changed up until that point as well.
ARTICLE V: Endorsements
Section 1: Supporting Candidates
The Indiana High School Democrats will never oppose a Democrat candidate for political office by supporting non-Democratic candidates, nor will the chapter support a non-Democrat candidate, even if said candidate does not have a Democrat opponent. The Indiana High School Democrats will never endorse a Democratic candidate in any race where one Democrat is running against another.
ARTICLE VI: Right to Take Action/Halt Operations
Section 1: Reserved Rights
The Indiana High School Democrats State Executive Board retain the right to object and through action halt the operations of any local High School Chapter chartered within Indiana’s organizational limits.
Section 2: Refusal
If a local chapter refuses to work in conjunction with the Indiana High School Democrats and violates this Charter its officers are subject to removal from HSDA and/or the chapter may lose their Charter.
Section 3: Right to Veto
The High School Democrats of America has the right to veto any revision to this Charter that are not deemed necessary or that violates the High School Democrats of America Constitution.
Section 4: Removal of Local Executive Board Member
If reasonable grounds are met, the State Executive Board may remove any student from a local leadership position that does not hold a position on the State Executive Board by a majority vote meeting quorum.
Section 5: Removal of State Executive Board Member
5(a) Calling for Indictment and Removal
Any member of the State Executive Board may call for the indictment and removal of any State Executive Board member if reasonable grounds are met. This must be announced to the State Executive Board at least one week (7 days) prior to the next Executive Board Meeting. Reasonable grounds include:
(i) Severe inactivity
(ii) Abuse of powers
(iii) Overwhelming incompetence (inability to fulfill duties)
(iv) Failing to uphold INHSD Charter
5(b) Procedures During Meeting
After a request for indictment and removal has been properly called the actual indictment and removal process will take place during the next Executive Board meeting. The process shall begin with the member calling for indictment making their case to the rest of the Executive Board without interruption. The member being accused will then defend themselves to the Board without interruption. Any other Board member may weigh in on the process without interruption.
5(c) Verdict
Following this speaking period, all Executive Board members, excluding the Defender, must vote yea or nay to remove the member. A two-thirds (2/3s) majority vote is required for removal.
5(d) Action
Should the vote for removal succeed, the impeached member shall be removed from their position immediately. The following points summarize the procedure.
(i) If removed Executive Board member was one of the appointed members, the current State Chair shall appoint a new Executive Board member in their place.
(ii) If removed Executive Board member was the Chairman, the Vice Chair shall take their place as the new Chairman.
(iii) Should the position of Vice Chair become vacant as a result of promotion or removal, the current Chairman shall appoint a new one.
Section 6 Vacancies
In the event of a death, resignation, or removal from office of any Executive Board Member, the Chair shall nominate an individual for the position. If the Chair is vacant, the Vice Chair shall take the Chair’s place.
ARTICLE VII: Advisors
Section 1: Advisors
The State Executive Board may request individuals outside the established membership requirements to serve as Advisors. These Advisors will advise the State Executive Board in running Indiana High School Democrats, but will have no voting power on the State Executive Board. Advisors must be asked if interested in such a position, and upon their approval, will be appointed with a ⅔ vote by the State Executive Board.
ARTICLE VIII: Amending the Charter
Section 1: Charter Amendments
Amendments to this Charter may be called upon like any other votes by the State Executive Board (see Article III, Section 4). Unlike other votes, the amendment will only be considered approved if all Executive Board members are present and if three-fourths (3/4) of the State Executive Board vote in favor of the amendment. This article may not be amended.
Ratifying Members:
Darby FitzSimmons
Kian Robinson
Arina Trotter
Justin Deem-Loureiro
Solveig Ksander Hicks
School Democrats:
Chapter Charter 2019-2020
Mission: 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 of the state of Indiana and this great nation. With these thoughts we establish this Charter.
Vision: To work with high schoolers in Indiana to advance the cause of Democratic politicians and policies.
ARTICLE I: Name and Affiliation
Section 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Indiana High School Democrats.
Section 2: Affiliation
The Indiana High School Democrats will be Chartered with, and affiliated with the High School Democrats of America.
ARTICLE II: Membership
Section 1: Membership
Membership requirements for the Indiana High School Democrats will be as follows:
1(a): Must be a student currently enrolled in high school or will have left or entered high school within 3 months
1(b): Must live within Indiana’s organizational limits
Section 2: Discrimination
Membership will not be affected by but not limited to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and mental or physical disability.
Section 3: Fees
The state and local chapters shall never charge membership fees for new students. Alternative measures must be used to raise funds. This may not be amended.
ARTICLE III: State Executive Board
Section 1: State Executive Board
The Indiana High School Democrats State Executive Board (Executive Board) will be the chief policy making body for the statewide organization under the supervision of the High School Democrats of America Executive Board. All local Indiana HSDA chapters shall act under the supervision of the Indiana High School Democrats.
Section 2: Composition
The State Executive Board shall be composed of whatever positions the Chair and Vice Chair see fit. All members of the Executive Board shall be voting members. No person may serve on the State Executive Board in any capacity if they have been out of high school for more than three (3) months.
Section 3: Executive Duties
The members of the State Executive Board shall have the following responsibilities:
3(a): State Chairman
(i) Serve as the Chief Executive Officer for the statewide organization
(ii) Act as Chair of both State Executive Board
(iii) Represent the State Executive Board when necessary
(iv) Act as first representative to any external or parent organizations
(v) Choose which Director acts as the second representative to any external or parent organization
(vi) Communicate with the state party, campaigns, media, and VIP contacts
(vii) Ensure the decisions made by the State Executive Board are executed.
(vii) Establish administrative procedures not otherwise provided for by the Charter of this chapter or the State Executive Board
(ix) Establish the agenda for each State Executive Board meeting
(x) Oversee all other Executive Board Members to ensure they are completing their responsibilities
(xi) Delegate duties to other Executive Board Members as needed
Section 4: Voting Rules [Executive Board Proceedings]
4(a) A vote will be held on ANY topic if at least 1 Executive Board Member requests it.
4(b) A majority of the Executive Board must be present to meet quorum in order to hold a vote.
4(c) A vote must receive majority support from present executive board members to pass.
4(d) Proxy votes should be a last resort and must be accepted by the State Chair prior to the Executive Board Meeting.
Section 5: Meeting Requirements
5(a): The State Executive Board will meet (in any sort of group communication media) no less than twelve (12) times during the course of one (1) calendar year
5(b): The State Executive Board will meet at least once during each month of the schools calendar year (however bi-weekly meetings should be attempted).
5(c): The State Chairman may call additional meetings whenever necessary.
ARTICLE IV: Elections
Section 1: Annual Elections
Elections for Chair and Vice Chair must be held each May or June.
Section 2: Voting System
Voting must take place online utilizing some form of secret ballot and voter identifier (ie. Google Forms w/ required name and email).
Section 3: Voting Body
The voting body for all Executive Board elections shall be registered members of Indiana High School Democrats in which all INHSD members will receive one (1) vote per position regardless of their attendance to the Election.
Section 4: Proxies
Proxy votes shall never be accepted for elections.
Section 5: Oversight
Elections shall be overseen by the State Chairman and any others they request assistance from. Should the State Chairman be running for a position, elections shall be overseen by the most senior member of the Executive Board who is not running for election. Any extenuating circumstances will call for assistance by the National Executive Board of HSDA.
Section 6: Candidacy
Individuals must be current INHSD members in order to be candidates. Eligible individuals must declare their candidacy by contacting the State Chairman with their Name, Grade, School, the single position they are running for, their platform, and a biography. This declaration of candidacy must be sent at least three days prior to elections and can be changed up until that point as well.
ARTICLE V: Endorsements
Section 1: Supporting Candidates
The Indiana High School Democrats will never oppose a Democrat candidate for political office by supporting non-Democratic candidates, nor will the chapter support a non-Democrat candidate, even if said candidate does not have a Democrat opponent. The Indiana High School Democrats will never endorse a Democratic candidate in any race where one Democrat is running against another.
ARTICLE VI: Right to Take Action/Halt Operations
Section 1: Reserved Rights
The Indiana High School Democrats State Executive Board retain the right to object and through action halt the operations of any local High School Chapter chartered within Indiana’s organizational limits.
Section 2: Refusal
If a local chapter refuses to work in conjunction with the Indiana High School Democrats and violates this Charter its officers are subject to removal from HSDA and/or the chapter may lose their Charter.
Section 3: Right to Veto
The High School Democrats of America has the right to veto any revision to this Charter that are not deemed necessary or that violates the High School Democrats of America Constitution.
Section 4: Removal of Local Executive Board Member
If reasonable grounds are met, the State Executive Board may remove any student from a local leadership position that does not hold a position on the State Executive Board by a majority vote meeting quorum.
Section 5: Removal of State Executive Board Member
5(a) Calling for Indictment and Removal
Any member of the State Executive Board may call for the indictment and removal of any State Executive Board member if reasonable grounds are met. This must be announced to the State Executive Board at least one week (7 days) prior to the next Executive Board Meeting. Reasonable grounds include:
(i) Severe inactivity
(ii) Abuse of powers
(iii) Overwhelming incompetence (inability to fulfill duties)
(iv) Failing to uphold INHSD Charter
5(b) Procedures During Meeting
After a request for indictment and removal has been properly called the actual indictment and removal process will take place during the next Executive Board meeting. The process shall begin with the member calling for indictment making their case to the rest of the Executive Board without interruption. The member being accused will then defend themselves to the Board without interruption. Any other Board member may weigh in on the process without interruption.
5(c) Verdict
Following this speaking period, all Executive Board members, excluding the Defender, must vote yea or nay to remove the member. A two-thirds (2/3s) majority vote is required for removal.
5(d) Action
Should the vote for removal succeed, the impeached member shall be removed from their position immediately. The following points summarize the procedure.
(i) If removed Executive Board member was one of the appointed members, the current State Chair shall appoint a new Executive Board member in their place.
(ii) If removed Executive Board member was the Chairman, the Vice Chair shall take their place as the new Chairman.
(iii) Should the position of Vice Chair become vacant as a result of promotion or removal, the current Chairman shall appoint a new one.
Section 6 Vacancies
In the event of a death, resignation, or removal from office of any Executive Board Member, the Chair shall nominate an individual for the position. If the Chair is vacant, the Vice Chair shall take the Chair’s place.
ARTICLE VII: Advisors
Section 1: Advisors
The State Executive Board may request individuals outside the established membership requirements to serve as Advisors. These Advisors will advise the State Executive Board in running Indiana High School Democrats, but will have no voting power on the State Executive Board. Advisors must be asked if interested in such a position, and upon their approval, will be appointed with a ⅔ vote by the State Executive Board.
ARTICLE VIII: Amending the Charter
Section 1: Charter Amendments
Amendments to this Charter may be called upon like any other votes by the State Executive Board (see Article III, Section 4). Unlike other votes, the amendment will only be considered approved if all Executive Board members are present and if three-fourths (3/4) of the State Executive Board vote in favor of the amendment. This article may not be amended.
Ratifying Members:
Darby FitzSimmons
Kian Robinson
Arina Trotter
Justin Deem-Loureiro
Solveig Ksander Hicks
