Bylaws

 

Independent Caucus

John F. Kennedy School of Government

Harvard University

 

Bylaws

 

Article I: Mission Statement & Core Principles

 

Section 1:  Mission Statement

 

The Independent Caucus’s mission is three-fold:

 

  1. To promote public discussion and problem-solving across the boundaries of party and ideology.

 

  1. To study, create and disseminate innovative solutions to public problems.

 

  1. To provide independent-minded Kennedy School students a space for meaningful engagement with politics and public policy. 

 

Section 2: Core Principles

 

Members of the Independent Caucus are committed to the following principles in political discourse:

 

  • Mutual Respect

  • Open-Mindedness

  • Process-Based

  • Solution-Oriented

  • Cognizance of All Stakeholder Interests

 

Article II: Membership

 

Membership is open to anyone regardless of their political background and viewpoints.  The Caucus only asks that participants in Caucus discussions adhere to the principles outlined above.  Membership and leadership roles are at present limited to Kennedy School students, but guests from other schools are welcome to participate in activities. 

 

The membership roll will be maintained by the Membership Coordinator.  Members who attend at least half of the meetings will be considered “active members.”  In addition, the Caucus may extend active membership status to members who cannot regularly attend meetings due to scheduling conflicts.

 

Article III: Meetings

 

Meetings will be held on a weekly basis at the Kennedy School, members’ homes, or other nearby locations.  Notification will be sent out via email to all members prior to the meeting.

The Executive Committee shall meet separately at least once per month.  

 

Article IV:  Executive Committee

 

Section 1: Officers

 

1.  Co-Chairs (2)

 

Shared Responsibilities:

·        Set meeting agendas and facilitate meetings.

·        Represent Caucus for external relations (KSSG, KSG Administration, etc.)

 

2.  Treasurer

Responsibilities:

·        Formulate budget. 

·        Monitor disbursement of Caucus funds.

·        Report to general membership on Caucus finances. 

 

3.  Membership Coordinator

Responsibilities:

·      Secure rooms for meetings.

·      Maintain membership roll.

·      Internal communications (announcements over e-mail to members of Caucus mailing list).

 

4.  Communications Coordinator

Responsibilities:

·      External communications:  publicize meetings and events via e-mail and/or flyers to KSG (and broader) community.

 

5.  At-Large Members (2)

In addition to the officers named above, two at-large committee members will be selected at the beginning of each semester.   At-large committee members will assume leadership of teams to plan selected activities and events.

 

Section 2:  Shared Responsibilities of Executive Committee

 

·        Take meeting minutes and e-mail them to Caucus members following each meeting.  This responsibility shall rotate among executive committee members each week.

 

·        Establish teams to plan special events and/or coordinate ongoing activities.  The opportunity to lead activity teams will be open to all active Caucus members (non-Executive Committee members as well as Executive Committee members).

 

Section 3: Elections

 

The Co-Chairs, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, and Communications Coordinator shall be elected by secret, popular vote by the Caucus membership at the end of each semester (i.e. – the members shall elect the Chairs for the following spring at the end of the fall semester, and for the following fall at the end of the academic year).  Nominations for each chair will be accepted prior to the election.  The nominees with the most votes will be elected to each position.

 

The two At-Large Executive Committee members will be elected at the second meeting of each semester.  Any active member may run for an Executive Committee office. 

 

Article V:  Financial Management

 

·        Finances will be managed by the Treasurer.

·        The Treasurer will submit the budget to the Caucus membership for review and comments at the beginning of each semester.  

·        The Treasurer shall report to the members on Caucus spending and finances at three points during the semester:

a.       Beginning of the semester

b.      Mid-semester

c.       End of term

 

Article VI:  Ratification and Amendments

 

Section 1: Ratification

A Plurality of Votes shall be sufficient to establish these bylaws.

 

Section 2: Amendments

Amendments to this Charter may be introduced upon approval by a two-thirds majority of active Independent Caucus members.

 

Amendments to the Bylaws shall be adopted upon approval by a two-thirds majority of active members.

 

 

 

  

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