YDWC Bylaws

Written by Andrew Lentz

Committee of Young Democrats in Westmoreland County

Official ByLaws

Approved September 19, 2026

ARTICLE I. Name


The name of this organization is the Young Democrats of Westmoreland County (“YDWC”).


ARTICLE II. Purpose

The purpose of this organization is:

  • To engage, educate and empower young Democrats in Westmoreland County.

  • To support Progressive candidates and causes.

  • To increase civic engagement, voter registration and turnout.

  • To develop future Progressive leaders.

  • To affiliate and support the goals of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats and the Young Democrats of America.


ARTICLE III. Membership


Section 1. General Membership

Any individual may be a general member of this organization if they:

  1. Are no younger than 18 years of age and no older than 39 years of age;

  2. Reside or attend school within Westmoreland County, PA;

  3. Are a resident of a neighboring county that does not have an active chapter of Young Democrats; and

  4. Identify and/or are a registered member of the Democratic Party.


Section 2. Associate Membership


Any individual may be an associate member of this organization if they:

  1. Are older than 39 years of age;

  2. Reside within Westmoreland County, PA;

  3. Support the mission of the Young Democrats of Westmoreland County; and

  4. Identify and/or are a registered member of the Democratic Party.


Section 3. Definitions of Memberships


All members of this organization shall:

  1. Support the mission, purposes and values of this organization;

  2. Conduct themselves in a respectful manner at meetings, events and online spaces affiliated with this organization;

  3. Promote progressive candidates, causes and voter engagement efforts consistent with this organization’s mission; and

  4. Refrain from conduct that materially harms the organization or its reputation.


General Members shall be entitled to:

  1. Attend and participate in all meetings of this organization;

  2. Vote in officer elections, endorsements and all other matters submitted before the general body of this organization;

  3. Seek and hold elected office within the organization;

  4. Serve on standing and special committees;

  5. Receive notice of meetings, events or other organizational activities;

  6. Propose resolutions, amendments and initiatives for consideration;

  7. Participate in training programs, conventions, conferences and other opportunities sponsored by this organization; and

  8. Access organizational records;


Associate Members shall be entitled to:

  1. Attend and participate in all meetings of this organization; and

  2. Receive notice of meetings, events or other organizational activities;

Associate Members shall NOT be entitled to:

  1. Vote in officer elections, endorsements and all other matters submitted before the general body of this organization;

  2. Hold elected office within the organization; and

  3. Serve as delegates or representatives of this organization;


Section 4. Loss of Membership


A General Member or Associate Member may be subject to disciplinary action, including removal, for:

  1. Conduct that materially harms this organization or its mission;

  2. Misuse of organizational funds, records, property and/or resources;

  3. Violating the bylaws and/or any policies adopted by this organization;

  4. Harassment, intimidation, discrimination and/or any other conduct in relation to the PA Young Democrats Code of Conduct or that creates a hostile environment for its members;

  5. Supporting or campaigning for a candidate opposing a Democratic nominee in the General Election;

  6. Supporting or campaigning for a candidate that opposes Democratic values in accordance with PA Young Democrats values; and/or

  7. Failure to pay required membership dues as outlined by Section 5.


No General Member or Associate Member may be subject to removal for the support of a non-endorsed candidate in the Primary Election.


General Members who turn 40 years of age within their current membership registration are entitled to keep their General Membership until the expiration of their registration.


Section 5. Membership Registration & Dues


General Membership shall not require the payment of dues. Those who qualify for general membership under Section 1 must sign in at a meeting or register with the Secretary to become an official General Member.


Associate Membership shall require an annual due in the amount established by the Executive Board. Those who qualify for associate membership under Section 1 must sign in at a meeting or register with the Secretary AND pay their first annual dues to become an official Associate Member.


Section 6. Discipline Procedure

  1. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Secretary or President

  2. The accused member must receive written notice and opportunity to respond

  3. The Executive Board shall conduct a hearing

  4. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Executive Board is required for removal 

  5. The member may appeal to the General Membership, whose decision is final



ARTICLE IV. Officers


Section 1. Elected Officers


The elected officers of this organization shall be:

  1. President;

  2. Vice President;

  3. Secretary; and

  4. Treasurer.


Section 2. Appointed Officers


The appointed officers of this organization shall be:

  1. Communications Director;

  2. Outreach Director; and

  3. Events Director.


Section 3. Eligibility of Officers


An officer outlined in Section 1 or Section 2 must meet the following:

  1. A General Member in good standing; and

  2. Any other eligibility criteria as outlined in these bylaws.


Section 4. Election of Officers


The election of officers shall take place not more than 60 days after the Spring Primary Election in even-numbered election years.


No General Member shall be eligible to run for an elected office if they:

  1. Will  exceed General Member Age while in office,; and

  2. Have not been registered to the Democratic Party for at least 2 years preceding the election date;

    1. General Members under the age of 20 are exempt from this qualification provided they registered to the Democratic Party upon eligibility to vote.


Section 5. Definitions of Officers


The elected officers of this organization are responsible for the governance and direction of this organization, and are accountable to the general membership population.


President

  1. Presides over all meetings of the organization and the Executive Board;

  2. Acts as primary spokesperson for the organization;

  3. Oversees the implementation of policies and activities;

  4. Appoints the appointed officers outlined in Section 2;

  5. Official Chair of the PAC connected to the organization.


Vice President

  1. Assists the President in carrying out the duties of their office;

  2. Presides over meetings in the absence of the President;

  3. Supports membership development and internal organization;

  4. Assigned as a Vice Chair of the PAC connected to the organization;

  5. Performs other duties as assigned by the President or Executive Board.

Secretary

  1. Records and maintains minutes of all meetings;

  2. Maintains records of membership and all other official documents;

  3. Sends notices of meetings and official communications to members;

  4. Maintains organizational correspondence and archives.


Treasurer

  1. Manages all funds and financial accounts;

  2. Collects and records dues and contributions;

  3. Maintains accurate financial records;

  4. Provides monthly financial reports to all members and the Executive Board;

  5. Ensures compliance with all financial reporting laws and regulations;

  6. Official Treasurer of the PAC connected to the organization.


Communications Director

  1. Manages all social media and digital platforms;

  2. Handles public messaging and branding;

  3. Coordinates press releases and external communications;

  4. Promotes events, meetings and organizational activities.


Outreach Director

  1. Leads membership recruitment and retention efforts;

  2. Assists the Secretary with membership records;

  3. Builds relationships with community and allied organizations;

  4. Coordinates voter registration and engagement efforts.


Events Director

  1. Plans and coordinates events;

  2. Organizes fundraising events and community activities;

  3. Tracks event attendance and participation;

  4. Works alongside the Executive Board to plan the Biennial Convention.


Section 6. Officer Vacancy

Should any vacancy occur in the elected officers* (Section 1), the Executive Board shall vote to appoint a new officer to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the original elected term, by a unanimous vote. The qualifications outlined in Section 3 must still be adhered to for selection of an officer.


*Should a vacancy occur in the President position, the current Vice President shall assume the position of President, and the Executive Committee shall subsequently vote to appoint a new officer, as outlined above.


Section 7. Removal of Officers


An elected officer may be removed for neglect of duty, misconduct, violation of these bylaws, or material harm to the organization. Removal proceedings may be initiated by a written petition by at least 20% of general members. The officer shall receive written notice of the allegation and shall be afforded the opportunity to respond prior to any voting.


If removal proceedings are initiated, the next meeting of the organization shall bring forth a vote for removal. ¾ of the general members present must vote to remove the officer.


ARTICLE V. Executive Board


The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers and shall govern the organization between meetings, approve appointments and oversee financial and administrative operations.


A quorum of the Executive Board shall consist of all members on the Executive Board.


ARTICLE VI. Meetings


Section 1. Meeting Frequency

The organization shall host official meetings at least once every 3 months.


Section 2. Call for Meeting


A majority of registered General Members can submit, in writing, a call for an official meeting without approval from the Executive Board.


Section 3. Notice of Meetings


Written notice of meetings shall be provided to all members no less than 14 days before the meeting date. Notices shall include a date, time and location for the meeting.


Section 4. Agenda


An agenda shall be prepared by the President and/or Executive Board and shall be distributed prior to the meeting, when possible.


Section 5. Quorum


A quorum shall consist of the number of General Members present at any meeting, provided that notice of such meeting was given.


Section 6. Biennial Convention


The Biennial convention shall take place not more than 60 days following the Spring Primary election in even-numbered years. The purpose of the convention is to elect officers and review any other general business of the body. Written notice shall be given to all members no less than 30 days prior to the convention.


ARTICLE VII.Endorsements


Section 1. Eligibility for Endorsement Consideration


Only candidates who identify as Democrats and are seeking an elected office may be considered for endorsement. The organization may determine endorsement eligibility guidelines consistent with the office that is sought.


Section 2. Notice & Opportunity to Appear


All Democratic candidates seeking endorsement shall be provided reasonable notice of the meeting and shall be given the opportunity to address the members.


Section 3. Voting Procedure


Endorsements shall be determined by a simple majority vote of the General Members present at the meeting. All candidates shall be voted on individually.


Section 4. Scope of Endorsement


The organization may choose to:

  1. Endorse one candidate;

  2. Endorse multiple candidates;

  3. Endorse all candidates;

  4. Endorse no candidates; or

  5. Issue a “no endorsement” position.


Section 5. Conduct Following Endorsement


Members are encouraged to respect organizational endorsements. No members shall use resources to oppose Democratic candidates following an endorsement. Nothing in this section shall prevent private political expression by members in their individual capacity.


ARTICLE VIII.Finances


Section 1. Fiscal Authority


The Executive Board shall be responsible for the general financial administration, including budgeting and routine expenditures.


Section 2. Expenditure Authority


The Executive Board approves routine expenditures necessary for the operation of the organization. Any expenditure that exceeds $750.00 must be approved by a simple majority vote of the General Members present at the meeting prior to the expenditure being made.


Section 3. Financial Officers


The Treasurer shall maintain accurate and complete financial records, collect and deposit all organizational funds, serve as the primary custodian of financial documentation, and provide regular financial reports to the Executive Board and members.


Section 4. Bank Accounts & Signatories


All organizational funds shall be maintained in a financial institution approved by the Executive Board. The President and Treasurer shall be signatories to the bank account(s). Additional signatories may be assigned by a unanimous vote of the Executive Board.


Section 5. Audits


A unanimous vote of the Executive Board or a three-fourths (3/4) vote of General Members may authorize an independent review of financial records.


ARTICLE IX. Parliamentary Authority


All meetings shall be run in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.


ARTICLE X. Amendments


These ByLaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the General Members present at the meeting, provided that written notice of the meeting is provided to General Members not less than 14 days before the meeting date.


ARTICLE XI. Definitions


Good Standing

  • A member who meets all eligibility requirements of membership and is not currently suspended or under disciplinary review.

Quorum

  • The minimum number of eligible voting members required to conduct official business as defined in ARTICLE VI of these ByLaws.


Written Notice

  • Notice sent to members via mail, email, text message or direct message.


ARTICLE XII.Order of Precedence


In the event of a conflict between governing documents, the following order of authority shall apply:

  1. Pennsylvania Young Democrats (PAYD) Charter and standing rules;

  2. Young Democrats of America governing documents;

  3. These bylaws;

  4. Policies adopted by the Executive Board.


If these bylaws are silent on a matter, Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern, unless inconsistent with the PAYD Charter.


ARTICLE XIII.Non-Discrimination Clause


Section 1. Equal Opportunity


The Young Democrats of Westmoreland County shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age (except where required by membership eligibility), race, color, religion, disability, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, nationality, or socioeconomic status.


Section 2. Inclusion


The organization shall actively encourage participation from all eligible individuals and may undertake efforts to increase participation among historically underrepresented communities in a manner consistent with the Pennsylvania Young Democrats charter.


ARTICLE XIV.Code of Conduct


Section 1. Adoption


The Young Democrats of Westmoreland County adopts the Pennsylvania Young Democrats Code of Conduct as the official code of conduct governing all meetings, events, communications, online platforms, and organizational activities.


Section 2. Applicability


All members, officers, volunteers, guests, and participants shall be expected to comply with the Code of Conduct while participating in activities sponsored or organized by the organization.


Section 3. Enforcement


Alleged violations shall be investigated and resolved in accordance with the disciplinary procedures established in these bylaws and any policies adopted by the Executive Board.


ARTICLE XV.Initial Organization & Founding Officers


Until the first Biennial Convention the affairs of the organization shall be administered by the founding Executive Board. Upon the election and qualification of officers at the first Biennial Convention, all authority of the founding Executive Board shall cease.

Previously approved Bylaws can be viewed by clicking this link.

Andrew Lentz
Next

General Member Meeting 11/28/2026