Charter

 

Independent Caucus

John F. Kennedy School of Government

Harvard University

 

Charter

 

PREAMBLE

 

We the Members of the Independent Caucus, recognizing

 

(1) the need for public policy discussions and solutions that transcend the boundaries of party and ideology, and   

 

(2) the need to engage independent-minded citizens in policy and politics,

 

do establish this organization with the goal of facilitating such discussions, promoting and disseminating such solutions, and engaging such independent-minded citizens.

 

ARTICLE I:  PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES

 

Section One: 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 Two: 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:  ORGANIZATION

 

Section One: Membership Eligibility

 

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.  

 

Section Two: Executive

 

The Independent Caucus will be administered by an Executive Committee facilitated by two Co-Chairs.  The responsibilities of Executive Committee officers are elaborated in the Bylaws. 

 

Section Three:  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. 

 

Section Four:  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:  AMENDMENTS

 

Section One

 

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

 

Section Two

 

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

 

 

ARTICLE V:  RATIFICATION

  A Plurality of Votes shall be sufficient to establish this charter.

 

 

  

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