Democratic Club
Planning Guide
The CDC is the umbrella organization of all Democratic Clubs and
County Committees in California. The CDC provides this and other
helpful documents to all affiliated members.
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
http://www.cdc-ca.org/
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Democratic Club Creation Guide
In order to ensure that new clubs can be created quickly and efficiently, CDC has designed the following
strategic plan as a guideline. Following this outline will ensure that your club is created with all the
legal and political requirements associated with a Democratic Club.
In general, you should allow yourself a minimum of four weeks as your timeframe before the club
organizational meeting. This will allow you plenty of time to find a venue for the meeting, properly
advertise the event, and invite local legislators that can help draw attendees.
You need at least thirty days prior to the meeting to make sure you will be able to meet publishing
deadlines.
Just as with a campaign, once you have set a date, start planning backwards from that date. This will
help you develop the timeline for your tasks.
Start with the following information:
Club Area:
Meeting Location:
Meeting Date:
Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Basic Guidelines to Starting a Club
There are several things that need to be done in order to properly charter and register your club.
1. Membership Requirements: Most counties require a minimum of 20 founding members to
charter a club. Some only require 10 - check with your county Democratic Central Committee to
be sure. The club members may not be listed as charter members of another chartered
Democratic club.
a. At your initial meeting, find out if the group just wants to have informal meetings or if
there is enough interest in forming an official club that requires officers, bylaws, bank
accounts, etc.
b. If an official club is to be created, continue seeking out other interested people until you
meet the minimum requirements. Everyone needs to help and it may take several
meetings or weeks/months.
2. During this time, search out possible meeting venues, review bylaws (CDC has a template) and
start thinking about who will be the initial officers.
3. As you get closer to meeting the member requirements, begin planning the initial organizational
meeting date by inviting local legislators, party members, other clubs, etc..
4. The organization meeting is where you will approve the initial bylaws which determine what
officers will be elected, the club’s name, meeting times, dues, etc.. You should have an agenda
(CDC has a template), camera to record the founding meeting, charter signup sheet and
membership forms.
5. No money may be collected until the club has a treasurer. In fact, it is best not to collect any
money (cash or checks) until the club has a bank account. Finance law dictates that any checks
received must be deposited within 10 days!!
6. After the initial meeting, you need to get the rest of the logistics in order.
a. The club needs a PO Box so that you can put an address on the bank application and
everything else you will need to file. DO NOT use an individual’s address as this will
cause problems with finance reporting, etc. down the road.
b. You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
c. Once you get the EIN, file as a non-profit political organization with the IRS.
7. Once you have the EIN, you can open the bank checking account. You will need letterhead
(something with the club name/address) signed by both the secretary and president stating
Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
when the club was formed and who the officers are. You will also need the EIN and a copy of the
minutes from the meeting when the club was formed.
a. Signatures on the account should be the president and treasurer. Only one signature
should be required for checks or you will have to send checks back and forth to be
signed. (NOTE: The bylaws can state that checks over a specified amount require two
signatures.)
b. Depending on the planned activities of the club, you may need to open two checking
accounts, one for state and one for federal. Name each accordingly.
c. Washington Mutual has the least number of fees.
8. File Form 410 with the Secretary of State.
9. File FEC Form 1 with the FEC (if needed).
For bank and financial reporting advice, we suggest you call a political treasurer to determine your
exact needs.
Please contact CDC for a more detailed plan and help with creating your club: Info@cdc-ca.org
Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Before the Meeting:
A properly planned organizational meeting requires a lot of tasks to be completed before the meeting.
Please enter the dates for the following tasks to be completed before the meeting and use the
checkboxes to mark off the tasks as you complete them.
Date Due
Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Task to be completed:
Review and submit press releases. (Use attached sample)
Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
List of local newspapers and submission deadlines. Find out
if free section for community events, if not, cost of small ad?
$ _____________
List of local weekly/monthly magazines/newspapers and
submission deadlines.

Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
List of local legislators/guests. (Use attached worksheet)

Send invitations to local legislators/guests. (Use attached
sample)

Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Invite county DCC chair.

Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Design and make copies of flyer. (Use attached sample)

Confirm venue.

Order food.

Develop meeting agenda and send out.
(Use attached sample)

Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Three weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Two weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Two weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
Two weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____
One week prior:
_____/_____/_____
Three days prior:
_____/_____/_____
Three days prior:
_____/_____/_____
Two days prior:
_____/_____/_____
Complete?




Make copies of agenda.

Have camera ready/charged and someone to take pictures.

Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
During the Meeting
Complete?
Task to be completed:



Pass out Agenda.

Elect officers.





Define mailing address for club.
Approve bylaws.
Present leadership manual.
Take pictures for website/newsletter.
Define regular meeting date/location.
Obtain 20 signatures for charter.
Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
After the Meeting
Date Due
Task to be completed:
Complete?
One week after:
_____/_____/_____
Open P.O. Box for club.

One week after:
_____/_____/_____
Obtain Employee Identification Number (IRS) Form SS-4.

One week after:
_____/_____/_____
File form FPPC# 410 and/or FEC Form 1.

One week after:
_____/_____/_____
File IRS Form 8871 electronically to set up 527 tax exempt
status.

https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp
https://forms.irs.gov/politicalOrgs/login/8871EIN.action?page=8871EIN

One week after:
_____/_____/_____
One week after:
_____/_____/_____
Two weeks after:
_____/_____/_____
Order web site from CDC.

Open state and federal bank accounts.


Two weeks after:
_____/_____/_____
Three weeks after: Turn in CDC affiliation paperwork.
_____/_____/_____

Three weeks after: Turn in Los Angeles County charter documents.
_____/_____/_____

Three weeks after:
_____/_____/_____

Four weeks after:
_____/_____/_____
Order club banner and table from CDC.


Four weeks after:
_____/_____/_____
Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Expense List
Complete?




Expense:
Cost
Cost of newspaper ad(s).
Cost of food & beverages.
Copying/printing.
Postage





Total:
Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Media List and Submission Deadlines
Date Due
Media Name
Submitted?
Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Four weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Three weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Three weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Three weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Two weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Two weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

Two weeks prior:
_____/_____/_____

One week prior:
_____/_____/_____

One week prior:
_____/_____/_____

One week prior:
_____/_____/_____

Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Legislator/Guest Invitation List
Invitation
Sent?
Name/Address/Contact
Attending?



Yes No

Yes No





Yes No






Yes No

Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Democratic Club Creation Planning Guide
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Agenda
------ Democratic Club
Organizational Meeting
October 14th, 2009, 7:00pm
1.
Call Meeting to Order
2.
Flag Salute
3.
Introduction of Speakers
a. --------, Chair, County Central Committee
b. --------, Regional Director
c.
d.
4.
Declaration of Club Name
5.
Determination of Meeting Dates/Location
6.
Adoption of Bylaws
7.
Election of Officers
8.
Signing of Charter (20 signatures)
9.
Open Forum
10. Adjourn
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Senator
State Capitol,
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Senator xxxxxx ,
The California Democratic Council (CDC) is pleased to inform you that a new Democratic club is
forming in your district.
As the local Regional Vice President for the CDC, I would like to invite you as a guest speaker at the
organizational meeting for our newest club in the ---- area on Sunday, 10am, October 14, 2007.
The CDC is the statewide association of Democratic Clubs and County Committees. CDC provides a
forum for local Democratic clubs to communicate with one another and forward a statewide
progressive agenda. CDC supports Democratic clubs and county committees by providing training,
operational best practices guidance, and a variety of services designed to create new clubs and help
existing clubs and county committees grow and prosper.
The location of the new club meeting will be at ---------------------------------------------.
We will be inviting a variety of local and state legislators as well as, of course, numerous Democrats
from around the area.
I hope your schedule – and interest, will allow you to attend. If you have any questions, please contact
me.
Thanks in advance for your consideration,
Your Name
Regional Vice President,
(999)999-9999
YourEmail@cdc-ca.org
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Your Name
(999) 999-9999
YourEmail@cdc-ca.org
CDC Starts New Democratic Club in -------!
Los Angeles, CA , September 25, 2007 - The California Democratic Council (CDC), in
cooperation with the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP), is pleased to announce
the creation of a new Democratic club for the ------- area. The new club will have its initial
organizational meeting on Saturday, October 11th at 2pm. The meeting will be held at --------------------- . Eric Bauman, chair of the LACDP, will be attending the event.
‘We are excited to offer a new venue for grassroot Democrats living in the -------- area which
allows them to participate in local, state and national politics.”, said Henry Vandermeir,
President of the California Democratic Council. “With the presidential election coming up, it is
extremely important that every Democrat has access to a local Democratic club. Any Democrat
interested in becoming involved with the political process is encouraged to attend this
meeting.”
Vandermeir also noted that additional local Democratic Party leaders and elected officials will
be attending the event.
For additional information, please contact Your Name at 999-999-9999; Regional Vice
President for the CDC.
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA DEMOCRACTIC COUNCIL- The California Democratic Council
(often called the “CDC") is the statewide association of Democratic Clubs and County
Committees. CDC provides a forum for local Democratic clubs to communicate with one
another and forward a statewide progressive agenda. CDC supports Democratic clubs and
county committees by providing training, operational best practices guidance, and a variety of
services designed to create new clubs and help existing clubs and county committees grow and
prosper.
- ### –
Democrats Unite!
Sunday, January 19, 2009, 10:00am
---- Democratic Club
Organizational Meeting
Invited Speakers:
, State Senator
Eric Bauman, Chair, LA County Democratic Party
Henry Vandermeir, President, California Democratic Council
, ---- City Council
, ---- School Board
Help unite the Democrats in the ---- area by joining your fellow
Democratic neighbors at this meeting!
You can make a difference by becoming involved with the grassroots
movement in the ---- area and help us create the newest Democratic
club in the county.
Only by organizing and actively engaging in our local communities
can we beat back the conservative agenda and take back the country
we love.
Location:
Contact:
Sample Bylaws
For New Clubs
The CDC is the umbrella organization of all Democratic Clubs and
County Committees in California. The CDC provides this and other
helpful documents to all affiliated members.
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
http://www.cdc-ca.org/
T H E X X X X D E M O C R AT I C C L U B
Constitution And Bylaws
I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the ‘The XXXX Democratic Club’.
II.
PURPOSE
The XXXX Democratic Club (hereinafter called the Club) shall focus its efforts within and around the
City of Compton; to advance the goals of the Democratic Party (hereinafter called the Party), through public
policy and political issue analysis, education, fund-raising, recruitment, coordination with other Democratic
groups, and other activities to benefit the Party.
The club shall seek to publicize activities, and to build its membership from registered Democrats
within the city. The Club shall develop a work plan, which shall be evaluated by the membership at
least once every six months. This work plan shall include a report on the number of registered
Democrats within and around the city of Compton, a report on Democratic voter turnout, and a
comparison of local Democratic statistics to other political affiliations.
III.
AFFILIATION
A. The Club is officially chartered with the XXXXX County Democratic Party (hereinafter called the
XXXXX) and was duly chartered by the Committee on __________________________________, 2009.
B. As a chartered and affiliated club of the XXXXX, the Club shall comply with bylaws of the XXXXX and
the California Democratic Party, as they apply to fully chartered local affiliates.
C. The Club shall apply for membership as a full affiliate in the California Democratic Council.
Membership shall be permitted if approved by a majority vote of the club, or 2/3 of its officers.
Constitution and Bylaws
Page |1
IV.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
A. Qualifications: Any individual qualifies for Club membership if:
1) The individual is a registered Democrat; or
2) The individual is ineligible to vote (due to minority, non-residency, or other legal
impediment), but pledges to register as a Democrat when eligibility is attained; and
3) Supports the purpose of the Club as stated in Article II, above.
B. Active Membership: A qualified individual shall be considered an active member only if
1) The member has attended at least one meeting prior to being eligible to vote and
2) The member has paid all club dues.
C. This organization does not require or use any test of membership or oath of loyalty which has the
effect of requiring prospective or current members to acquiesce in, condone or support
discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, physical ability, sex, age,
religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation or economic status.
D. A member is removed from the club roster for non-payment of dues by the date required in these
Bylaws, or for publicly endorsing or financially supporting other than a Democrat in any election.
V.
DUES
A. Dues shall be recommended by the Executive Board and reviewed at the first meeting of each
calendar year and presented to the General Membership for approval.
B. Dues are due on January 1 and payable by January 31 of each calendar year.
C. Annual dues for new active Club members shall be prorated on a monthly basis.
D. Membership is effective 30 days after receipt of dues.
E. Payment of dues shall not be obligatory to anyone for whom it constitutes an economic hardship,
and after due consideration with approval of the Executive Board.
Constitution and Bylaws
Page |2
VI.
MEETINGS
A. Regular Meetings
1) The Club shall hold regular monthly meetings on such day as the membership may
determine from time to time.
2) Regular meetings shall not be canceled more than 3 times within any calendar year and in
no event shall more than 2 regular meetings be canceled in succession.
B.
Special Meetings
1) Special meetings may be called by the chair at any time, on notice as specified below.
2) In the absence of the chair, any two officers may call a special meeting, on notice as
specified below.
C. Notice of Meeting
1) Notice of regular or special meetings shall be given at least two weeks in advance to all
active members, in any manner as follows:
a. Notice in writing by US mail
b. Notice in writing by e-mail
c. Telephone message
2) Notice of the meeting shall be deemed sufficient by any manner specified above if such
notice includes the date, time and place of the meeting and is calculated to be received at
least two weeks prior to the meeting.
Constitution and Bylaws
Page |3
VII. RULES FOR MEETINGS
A. The Club shall use the newly revised Roberts Rules of Order to govern parliamentary procedure at
all official meetings of the organization, except as specifically noted in these bylaws.
B. A quorum for any official meeting of the Club shall be 25 percent of the total organizational
membership, or ten members, whichever is smaller, as of 24 hours before the meeting, as reported
by the secretary.
C. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the Club may adopt events and conduct regular
business with a vote of 50 percent plus one of the members present at any meeting.
D. The Club may pass resolutions not related to endorsements with a vote of 2/3 of those present
and voting at any meeting.
E. A process to consider the endorsement of candidates must be approved prior to any suggestion of
endorsements. If the discussion of an endorsement process is noticed in the meeting agenda, such
process must be approved by at least 2/3 of those present and voting at any meeting. If the
discussion of an endorsement process is brought up from the floor as New Business, such process
must be approved by at least three-fourths of those present and voting at any meeting. Under no
circumstances may the Club consider the endorsement of a candidate for public office who is not
registered with the Democratic Party. The minimum threshold for endorsement in a race with
multiple Democratic candidates is two-thirds of the members present and voting.
F. Changes to the constitution and bylaws not specifically referenced elsewhere must be noticed to
the membership at least one meeting before the vote in question, and must be approved by a vote
of 2/3 of those present and voting.
Constitution and Bylaws
Page |4
VIII. OFFICERS
A. Club officers shall consist of chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer. They shall be elected in
January to serve one-year terms of office.
B. If the chair vacates office, the vice-chair shall ascend to the position of chair, until an election is
held to fill the chair’s remaining term of office.
C. In the temporary absence of the chair, the vice-chair shall serve as chair. If the position of vicechair is vacant, the secretary or treasurer shall serve as vice-chair.
D. The secretary shall be responsible to ensure that all members are notified of Club meetings,
maintain an updated club roster, and shall maintain all written records of the Club.
E. The treasurer shall maintain all financial records of the club, be responsible for bank accounts,
ensure FPPC/FEC financial reports are submitted on time, and will provide a monthly financial
report at club meetings.
F. The chair shall officiate at all meetings of the Club.
G. The chair may appoint members temporarily to fill un-expired terms of office, subject to election
by the membership at the next Club meeting 30 days after the office is vacated.
H. The Club shall be represented at meetings of the DPOC and any Assembly District Committee
meetings at which it may be entitled to membership, and at meetings of the California Democratic
Council.
A person may serve as representative to more than one outside body if the club
membership approves.
I. The Club is encouraged to appoint a publicity officer, who shall have the responsibility to develop
and to implement a plan to increase the visibility of the Club among Democrats within and around
the city of Compton.
J. The chair may appoint Club members to serve in other capacities as needed.
K. The Club may elect such other officers as may be deemed necessary from time to time to conduct
Club business.
L. The Executive Board shall be composed of the club officers and chairs of standing committees, and
shall be responsible for implementing the club’s goal and maintaining financial viability.
M. An elected officer can be removed from office by resolution of a two-thirds vote of the Regular
members at a General Meeting for such causes as missing three unexcused consecutive meetings
or non-performance of duties, providing the membership and the officer have been notified ten
days in advance of the meeting of the proposed action against the officer.
Constitution and Bylaws
Page |5
AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at a general membership meeting after the
proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at a preceding meeting. Two week's
notice must be provided of each meeting.
ADOPTED: _____________________________________________________, 2008
Certified by: _____________________________________________________________________
Secretary
Constitution and Bylaws
Page |6
Chartering Documents
For
Los Angeles County
The CDC is the umbrella organization of all Democratic Clubs and
County Committees in California. The CDC provides this and other
helpful documents to all affiliated members.
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
http://www.cdc-ca.org/
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Democratic Club and Organization Charter Application Packet
Dear Democratic Organization:
Thank you for chartering with the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP). This packet
should answer all of your general questions about the chartering process and the necessary steps
to successfully charter your organization.
Whether you are forming a new Democratic organization or have chartered with LACDP
previously, we suggest that you read through this packet carefully before completing the
paperwork as some requirements have been changed.
Please submit your completed application, including:
 The charter application packet;
 Appropriate fee payable to LACDP;
 The organization’s current constitution and/or bylaws; and
 An electronic and hard copy of the membership roster, to:
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
3550 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1203
Los Angeles, CA 90010
All applications must be reviewed by the LACDP Organization Committee prior to approval by
the LACDP. The review process takes approximately three weeks to complete. Please allow
enough time for the committee to process the application.
We welcome you to the chartering process. We hope your organization adds great value to your
area and empowers all Democrats to get involved with Democratic activities and campaigns.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the LACDP office at (213) 382-0063 or
contact us directly.
Democratically yours,
Patrick Kelly
Organization Committee Co-Chair
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
(310) 426-6321
pkkpolitics@yahoo.com
Sandra Mendoza
Organization Committee Co-Chair
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
(323) 842-0751
writeleo2@aol.com
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
Eric
Bauman
Bobbie Jean
Anderson
Terrence
Montgomery
Karen
Wingard
Lois Jean
Hill
Miguel
Santiago
Garry
Shay
Darren
Parker
Marilyn
Grunwald
F. Robert
Nakahiro
Evelyn
Montoyer-Williams
Sergio
Carrillo
Christopher
Robles
Robert
Forshay
Renee
Lancon
Michael
Cruz
Gerardo
Guzman
David
Hyman
Dolores
Press
Donald
DeLuccio
Roz
Teller
Bobbie
McGowan
F. Robert
Nakahiro
Vacant
Rosa
Russell
Theodore
Smith, III
Felipe
Agredano
Antonio
Monroy
Donald
Dear
Wilma
Haynes
James
Lau
Stephanie
Loftin
Jim
Dear
Vacant
Richard
Gibson
John P.
Perez
Janice
Nelson
Gregg
Fritchle
Vacant
Adam
Seiden
Clark
Lee
Los Angeles County Democratic Party Office
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
2006-2008 Leadership Contact Information
POSITION
ASSEMBLY DIST.
Chairman
Vice Chair
Vice Chair
Controller
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Parliamentarian
Region 1 Vice Chair
36, 37, 38, 39
Region 2 Vice Chair
40, 41, 42
Region 3 Vice Chair
43, 44, 45, 46, 49
Region 4 Vice Chair
47, 48, 51, 52
Region 5 Vice Chair
50, 53, 54, 55, 56
Region 6 Vice Chair
57, 58, 59, 60, 61
AD Delegation Chair
36
AD Delegation Chair
37
AD Delegation Chair
38
AD Delegation Chair
39
AD Delegation Chair
40
AD Delegation Chair
41
AD Delegation Chair
42
AD Delegation Chair
43
AD Delegation Chair
44
AD Delegation Chair
45
AD Delegation Chair
46
AD Delegation Chair
47
AD Delegation Chair
48
AD Delegation Chair
49
AD Delegation Chair
50
AD Delegation Chair
51
AD Delegation Chair
52
AD Delegation Chair
53
AD Delegation Chair
54
AD Delegation Chair
55
AD Delegation Chair
56
AD Delegation Chair
57
AD Delegation Chair
58
AD Delegation Chair
59
AD Delegation Chair
60
AD Delegation Chair
61
Executive Director
Political Director
3550 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1203
Los Angeles, CA 90010
PHONE
818.980.8388
323.752.9362
323.292.9146
626.792.4465
323.753.5059
818.416.8645
323.876.6759
661.718.2934
818.703.7930
323.227.6265
323.932.0769
310.748.6495
661.285.8402
818.710.8865
661.250.0740
818.365.0405
818.893.8613
310.395.8917
310.657.1083
818.901.8057
626.447.5876
323.227.6265
323.582.0773
323.936.2844
323.737.4475
626.232.3099
323.581.3023
310.327.8965
323.566.8414
310.699.0531
562.987.4807
310.328.6212
562.322.8876
626.815.5956
323.722.7728
626.355.2997
909.468.9090
909.620.9239
213.382.0063
213.382.0063
213.382.0063
EMAIL
ericbauman@aol.com
bobbieja@earthlink.net
dmontgo166@aol.com
kwingard@pacbell.net
ljh2@pacbell.net
msantiago2003@hotmail.com
GSS1@aol.com
dpplus@aol.com
politics2222@sbcglobal.net
nakahiro@sbcglobal.net
ewms95@aol.com
sergioc@ek-ek.com
roblesdemocrat@gmail.com
Rfors8572@aol.com
reneelancon@aol.com
mikscruz@earthlink.net
guzmangerardo@yahoo.com
davidahyman@aol.com
ddeluccio@aol.com
tellerassociates@adelphia.net
bobbiemcg@earthlink.net
nakahiro@sbcglobal.net
guerrero_elba@yahoo.com
rosarussell@yahoo.com
Theodore3rd@sbcglobal.net
felipe_agredano@post.harvard.edu
abelglas@earthlink.net
dldear@hotmail.com
wjhaynes@aol.com
jamestwlau@hotmail.com
asloftin@aol.com
jdear@carson.ca.us
garymendez@aol.com
rnchadd@aol.com
drjnelson@yahoo.com
gergie@verizon.net
mario.suarez@twcable.com
adamseiden@lacdp.org
clarklee@lacdp.org
info@lacdp.org
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Application for Democratic Organization Charter
Calendar Year 2007
Please type or print legibly with black or blue ink.
Name of Organization:
Mailing Address:
City:
ZIP:
Phone:
Fax:
Website URL:
Email:
Please check organization type:
Democratic Club
Young Democrats Club
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Other Organizations
(i.e., United Democratic Headquarters)
Please check charter type:
New Charter
Newly formed and not previously chartered
Renewal Charter
Club was chartered last year
Prior Club – Lapsed
Charter has lapsed due to non-renewal last year
Prior Club – Revoked/Denied
In order to be chartered, you must provide at least one of the following identification numbers:
Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Number:
Federal Elections Commission (FEC) Number:
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the number required to open a bank account. DO NOT use a personal
Social Security number. If you do not have an EIN, you can request Internal Revenue Service Form SS-4 from (800) TAXFORM or www.irs.ustreas.gov.
Your FPPC or FEC I.D. number is the number under which you report funds raised and expended. If your club does not
have such a number, and you raise or spend money above a specified threshold, you may be violating the law. You can
request an FPPC Form 410 from (916) 322-5660 or www.fppc.ca.gov and an FEC Form 1 from (800) 424-9530 or
www.fec.gov.
Responsible Parties:
President:
Mailing Address:
Email:
City:
Phone (Home):
Phone (Cell):
Phone (Work):
Fax:
Treasurer:
Mailing Address:
Email:
City:
Phone (Home):
Phone (Cell):
Phone (Work):
Fax:
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
ZIP:
ZIP:
Page 1
Name of Club/Organization: ____________________________________________
Club/Organization Officers and Leaders
Office
Name
Home Phone
Cell/Work Phone
Email Address
President
Vice President 1
Vice President 2
Recording Secretary
Corresponding
Secretary
Treasurer or
Controller
Parliamentarian
Newsletter
Voter Registration
Precinct Operations
Events
Fundraising
Membership
Webmaster
Other
Other
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
Page 2
Name of Club/Organization: ____________________________________________
Executive Board Term End/New Term Begins:
Regular Meeting Date/Time:
Regular Meeting Location:
Please include both an electronic and hard copy version of your membership roster.
Please indicate the number of voting members ________ and non-voting members ________ in good standing.
Please also list the top five Assembly Districts in which your members live, from most members to least:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
District Number:
District Number:
District Number:
District Number:
District Number:
All Others
Number of Voting Members:
Number of Voting Members:
Number of Voting Members:
Number of Voting Members:
Number of Voting Members:
Number of Voting Members:
Please include the appropriate fee with your charter application:
Organization Type
New
Democratic Club
$50.00
Young/College Democrats Club
$15.00
Political Action Committee (PAC)
$150.00
Other Organizations (i.e., UDH)
$150.00
Number of Non-Voting Members:
Number of Non-Voting Members:
Number of Non-Voting Members:
Number of Non-Voting Members:
Number of Non-Voting Members:
Number of Non-Voting Members:
Renewal
$100.00
$30.00
$200.00
$200.00
Please be sure that your organization’s bylaws meet the following specific requirements.
1.
Membership. Each member is a registered Democrat or is a person devoted to the principles of the
Democratic Party but is ineligible to register as a voter at this time. Any such ineligible person has
expressed the intent to register as a Democrat immediately upon becoming eligible.
2.
Nondiscrimination. The organization does not require or use any test of membership or oath of loyalty
which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members to acquiesce in, condone or support
discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, physical ability, sex, age, religion,
ethnic identity, sexual orientation or economic status.
3.
Fair Bylaws. It has bylaws and a constitution that require:
a. Regularly held meetings, open to all Democrats, which requires at least 10-day prior written notice.
b. A regular election of officers for a reasonable tenure.
c. Payment or waiver of dues/fees due to economic hardship.
d.
Dedication of its members to the principles of the Democratic Party.
e.
Prohibiting the endorsement of non-Democrats in any race or the financial support of nonDemocrats.
4.
Notification.
The organization will keep regular communications with Los Angeles County
Democratic Party by sending notice of events and meetings to:
a. The Chair of the LACDP.
b. All members of the LACDP Assembly District delegation in which a majority of the organization’s
members reside.
c. The Co-Chairs of the LACDP Organization Committee.
d. Mailing copies of the newsletter to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party office.
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
Page 3
Name of Club/Organization: ____________________________________________
Club/Organization Service Area(s)
Please indicate which Assembly Districts, cities and ZIP codes your organization intends to serve:
ASM. DIST. (AD)
CITY
ZIP CODE
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
PRECINCT(S) (IF APPLICABLE)
Page 4
Name of Club/Organization: ____________________________________________
Please request 20 members of your organization to fill out and sign below. Each member may only sign club roster for one organization per year for the purpose of
chartering.
Name (Print)
Address
City
Zip
Phone
AD
Signature
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Page 5
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
20.
Page 6
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
Name of Club/Organization: ____________________________________________
Please provide brief answers to the following questions:
What were your grassroots election activities last year, including precinct operations, voter registration,
fundraising activities? What were the results of elections held in your area?
What are your grassroots election activities plans for this year, including precinct operations, voter
registration, and fundraising activities? What type(s) of elections will be held in your area?
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
Page 7
Name of Club/Organization: ____________________________________________
What type of services would you like to see from the LACDP and LACDP Organization Committee this
year?
What kind of trainings would you like to see from the LACDP and LACDP Organization Committee?
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
Page 8
Name of Club/Organization: ____________________________________________
Charter Application Checklist
Initial
Action Item
We have fully read and completed the Charter Application Packet.
We have entered our web site and email address on page 1.
We have entered our political reporting ID numbers on page 1.
We have completed all officer information on page 1 and 2.
We have entered our total voting/non-voting members by Assembly Districts on page 3.
We have attached the current bylaws, which comply with the specific requirements on page 3.
We have attached a list of all the Assembly Districts, cities, ZIP codes, and precincts (if
applicable) we currently serve on page 4.
We have 20 valid members who have signed page 5.
We have completed a brief overview of our election results of last year and plan for this year on
pages 6 and 7.
The club president and club treasurer have signed page 8.
We have attached the club roster/membership list in both electronic (CD) and hard copy formats.
We have attached a check for the appropriate chartering fees.
We have turned in the completed form with attachments at least three weeks before the monthly
LACDP meeting at which we wish to receive charter approval.
Note: All application packets must be submitted to the LACDP office at least 21 days prior to the
LACDP monthly meeting in order to receive charter approval at the meeting. LACDP meetings are
held on the second Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted.
_______________________________________________
Signature of Club/Organization President
_______________________________
Date
_______________________________________________
Signature of Club/Organization Treasurer
________________________________
Date
Los Angeles Club Chartering Documents
Page 9
Affiliation
Documents
The CDC is the umbrella organization of all Democratic Clubs and County
Committees in California. The CDC provides this and other helpful
documents to all affiliated members.
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
http://www.cdc-ca.org/
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
Dear Democratic leader:
The California Democratic Council looks forward to working with you to ensure every
Democrat in California is served by a functioning, chartered, municipally-focused
Democratic club that seeks to involve at least three percent of Democrats from the
jurisdiction served.
Grassroots respect means your local issues become statewide issues. Every full affiliate
may appoint representatives to share your views on CDC Committees, including
Resolutions, Issues & Political action, Communications and more.
CDC looks forward to helping your organization to expand local success:
 Support to navigate McCain-Feingold finance issues
 Resources to implement club growth and outreach strategies
 Advocacy and partnerships on legislative issues
 Media outreach in your community to support Party presence
 Recruiting and training candidates for appointed and elected positions
 Free fully functional website with your own domain name
Please contact me anytime with your suggestions and input. Your local officers will be glad
to work with you to maximize your CDC affiliation and to grow!
Best Democratic regards,
Henry Vandermeir
CDC President
P.O. Box 6591
Ventura CA 93006
(800)446-9709
AFFILIATION INSTRUCTIONS
 Please read these instructions as we have updated our forms from previous years.
Eligibility
The following organizations are eligible to affiliate with the California Democratic Council:
1.
Democratic clubs chartered by county central committees.
2.
Democratic county central committees.
3.
Young Democrat and College Democrat organizations
The application packet enclosed applies to the organizations listed above.
Fees
CDC has suspended its club fee structure. This means all clubs may affiliate fully without payment this
year. A club must have at least 20 members to be affiliated with CDC and to have voting rights at CDC
meetings.
Votes earned by a club are based on the size of the roster submitted to CDC. The Credentials Committee
reserves the right to verify a club’s size by contacting a selection of club members.
 Clubs earn CDC Convention delegates at a ratio of one delegate and one alternate per each ten members.
 Newly-chartered Democratic clubs are limited to three Convention votes during their first year of
existence.
 County Committees pay a $25 fee for each Assembly District (whole or partial) within the county.
 Young Democrat or College Democrat clubs also do not pay in ‘06, and receive the same benefits as all
clubs.
Clarity & Completeness
Please type or print information clearly to ensure we have the correct information for you and your
members.
Please provide complete information. We ask for e-mail addresses for your organization, your
president/chair, your delegates/alternates and your affiliated members. CDC fully embraces the use of email to distribute information, to make announcements and to hold on-line meetings of our standing
committees. Help us keep you and your members in the loop by providing e-mails where available.
Filling Out The Application Form
Page One - Part A: Indicate if you are a renewing or first-time organization by checking the appropriate
box.
List the name or your organization as you wish to have it appear on our roster, web site and in
correspondence.
Provide the organization’s main mailing address. Hopefully, it is a permanent address (e.g. P. O. Box) but it
could be the home address of your president or chair. If the organization has its own phone number, fax, email or website, please provide it. Otherwise, leave it blank and provide information in the next section.
CDC Affiliation Instructions Page 2.
Page One - Part A (continued):
List the name, address, phone, fax and e-mail address of your organization president or chair. We rely on
this individual to help spread the word about CDC activities so it is important we know all the various ways
to reach this person. Also, let us know when the term expires so we know when to contact you to
determine if there is a new president or chair. If you are no longer the president or chair, please forward
this info ASAP.
We also want to know how to contact your newsletter editor. We will send out articles on topical issues or
announcements about upcoming CDC events that we would appreciate your placing in your newsletter.
Page One - Part B: Check off the appropriate box for your organization.
Page One - Part C: The organization president or chair should certify the information by signing the form.
Part D: Please submit your organization’s printed or electronic full membership roster, including name,
address, city, zip, phone and e-mail for each member. Please list fax numbers if your members have access.
E-mailed spreadsheet rosters are acceptable and preferable. Please e-mail to office@cdc-ca.org. Please
call with questions.
Part E: Please submit your organization’s appointments to CDC Standing Committees. Descriptions of the
committees are available. You may change these appointments at any time. If more than one of your
members wishes to serve on a particular committee, please contact your Area VP to ask for a supplemental
appointment.
 Thank you for your Democratic activism!
We are proud to have you as part of CDC.
AFFILIATION FORM
A. AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION INFO
Status:  Renewal  First Time
Organization Name: _____________________________________________________________
Organization’s FPPC number: ________________ Organization’s FEC number: _______
______ ___
Org. Mailing Address: __________________________________________ Org. Phone: (_____)_____________
City:
________________________________________ Zip:_____________ Org. Fax: (_____)______________
Org. E-mail: _________________________________________ Org. Website: ___________________________
Org. President/Chair: _________________________________________________
Term Exp.: ______/_____/_____
Mailing Address: _____________________________________________ Home Phone: (_____)______________
City: _____________________________________ Zip: ______________ Work Phone: (_____)______________
Email: ______________________________________________________
Fax: (_____)______________
Org. Treasurer: ________________________________________________
Term Exp.: ______/_____/_____
Mailing Address: _____________________________________________ Home Phone: (_____)______________
City: _____________________________________ Zip: ______________ Work Phone: (_____)______________
Email: _____________________________________________________
Fax: (_____)______________
Org. Newsletter Editor: _______________________________________________
Term Exp.: ______/_____/_____
Mailing Address: _____________________________________________ Home Phone: (_____)______________
City: _____________________________________ Zip: ______________ Work Phone: (_____)______________
Email: _________________________________________________
Fax: (_____)______________
Newsletter Frequency: ________________________ Publishing Deadline: ___________________________________
B. AFFILIATION: Please attach your organization’s full roster so your members receive CDC benefits.
(Both delegates and alternates may vote at Regional & Area meetings which doubles your local vote
allocation!)
Clubs:  Large-size club (200 or more affiliated members - you earn at least 21 State Convention delegates & alternates)
Medium-large club (150 to 199 affiliated members - between 16 and 20 State Convention delegates & alternates)
Medium-size club (100 to 149 affiliated members - between 11 and 15 State Convention delegates & alternates)
Small-medium club (60 to 99 affiliated members - between 7 and 10 State Convention delegates & alternates)
Small-size club (20 to 59 affiliated members - between 3 and 6 State Convention delegates & alternates)
First-time member club (not chartered previously) (limit of 3 State Convention delegates & alternates)
Young Democrat club or College Democrat club
Associate Affiliate (limit of one delegate for State Convention, Area and Regional gatherings)
County Committees: $25 for each Assembly District (whole or partial) within County. (There are _____ A.D.(s) in our
county.)
C. CERTIFICATION: I certify the names listed on the attached roster are current, paid members of this
organization.
Signed: ____________________________________
_______ Org. President/Chair
Date: ______/______/_____
D. LIST OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERS FOR: ___________________________________
Total organizational members: _________
You may submit a printout, electronic file or other roster, or you may fill out the form below by
hand.
If you choose to manually complete the paperwork, please copy this form or print extra copies.
Also, if manual, please fill in the page number line, so we can doublecheck receipt of all information.
CDC does not sell membership rosters to political organizations or campaigns.
This data is used to distribute newsletters and information about regional, area and statewide
meetings.
Page _________ of __________ of hand-filled membership roster
1.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
2.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
3.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
4.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
5.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
6.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
7.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
8.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
9.
Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
10. Name:
Phone: (______)____________
Address: _________________________________ City: ______________________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Email: ______________________________
Zip: _________________
Signature of Organization President: _______________________________________
Date
___________________
E. DESIGNATION OF MEMBERS TO CDC STANDING COMMITTEES
Each affiliated organization is entitled and encouraged to appoint a voting member to each general standing committee.
Members appointed to a standing committee must appear on the affiliated organization’s CDC membership list. Standing
Committees hold both face-to-face meetings and virtual meetings via listservs and teleconference. If possible, appointed
committee members should have email access so they can fully participate in the committee work.
Name of Club or County Committee: ____________________________________________________
This organization hereby appoints the following members to the CDC Standing Committees listed:
Bylaws & Rules Committee:
Name:
Phone: (______) ____________ Email: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________________
Zip: ____________
Communications Committee:
Name:
Phone: (______) ____________ Email: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________________
Zip: ____________
Credentials Committee:
Name:
Phone: (______) ____________ Email: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________________
Zip: ____________
Issues & Political Action Committee:
Name:
Phone: (______) ____________ Email: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________________
Zip: ____________
Membership Committee:
Name:
Phone: (______) ____________ Email: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________________
Zip: ____________
Organizational Development Committee:
Name:
Phone: (______) ____________ Email: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________________
Zip: ____________
Resolutions Committee:
Name:
Phone: (______) ____________ Email: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________________
Zip: ____________
I certify that the names listed on this form are paid members of this organization and whose names are listed on this organization’s CDC
Membership Roster of affiliated members. Appointed members of standing committees are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance and
participation in the work of the committee. I also attest that this appointment, and the obligations and activities of the standing committee,
have been discussed with the appointed member(s) and are understood by the appointee to each standing committee.
Signed: _____________________________________________________ Club President/Chair
Date:
/
/______
CDC STANDING COMMITTEES
Bylaws & Rules Committee
The CDC Bylaws & Rules Committee considers revisions to CDC’s guiding documents as needed, as submitted by other
Standing Committees or at direction of the State Board of Directors. Constitutional changes recommended by this
Committee are approved by the membership at the Annual State Convention. The Bylaws & Rules Committee also revises
and recommends changes, as required, to the CDC Rules of Convention issued prior to each Annual State Convention.
Communications Committee
The CDC Communications Committee has advisory responsibility for all statewide communications including newsletters,
email listservs, the CDC website and media contact. The Committee suggests improved and new methods for effective
communications between CDC officers, clubs, committees, the general membership and the public.
Credentials Committee
The CDC Credentials Committee reviews and maintains membership rosters of all affiliated organizations; and verifies all
delegates and attendees at State Board of Directors meetings, the Annual State Convention, and each Area and/or
Regional Board meeting.
The CDC office in Los Angeles maintains the statewide master roster of all affiliated
organizations, but it is important that each Area and Region update and maintain their respective membership and delegate
rosters.
Issues & Political Action Committee
The CDC Issues & Political Action Committee was established in the 2003 revision of the Constitution to develop strategies
to implement CDC resolutions, platform statements and legislative advocacy. Does your club have issues of concern?
This is the committee to which to appoint a member to represent your priorities. Also, your organization may request ad
hoc issues subcommittees to focus on particular issues. If your team wants to be involved in advocacy, this is the
committee for you!
Membership Committee
The CDC Membership Committee provides assistance to the Regional and Area Vice Presidents in working with County
Central Committees and existing Democratic Clubs, and by establishing new Democratic Clubs in all communities
throughout the state. Each Area Membership Committee works with their local County Central Committee(s) to help with
developing and chartering new clubs and increasing CDC membership. The Committee has organizing tools available such
as suggested club bylaws and other materials. Additionally, this Committee helps to identify ways of increasing local club
membership!
Organizational Development Committee
The CDC Organizational Development Committee (ODC) is one of the more active committees of the CDC. Working with
frequent communication among committee members, committee meetings are conducted via the Internet on a closed email list service available to committee members only. The Committee most recently was responsible for development of
the Reorganization and Realignment plan adopted by the membership during the 50 th Annual State Convention. The
Committee is currently working on development of a Policy & Procedures Manual authorized in the revised Bylaws. The
ODC is working to facilitate more active political advocacy for CDC. If you want to help to shape the future of the California
Democratic Council, please appoint a member to the ODC.
Resolutions Committee
One of the more hands-on CDC committees, the Resolutions Committee has responsibility for the
review and recommendation of all Resolutions submitted by affiliated CDC Clubs and Central
Committees. The Resolutions Committee recommends action and/or revision regarding every
submitted resolution. Reports are issued prior to each meeting of the State Board of Directors, the
Annual State Convention and at Area/Regional Board meetings. Whenever directed by the resolution,
the Committee presents the approved resolutions to the California Democratic Party Resolutions
Committee and to state and federal legislators as required. Area Resolutions Committees are
authorized to approve and lobby resolutions pertaining to local issues to the appropriate city councils,
school boards or county supervisor boards as may be indicated.
Your club’s participation with CDC Standing Committees will enhance your organization’s community
leadership.
Being a part of CDC, your members will be energized and recognized as leaders among grassroots
Democrats.
Participation and support in the vital operations of the CDC will create a value-add to your CDC
membership.