Here is the constitution for the Notre Dame Progressive Student Alliance. Originally, we had a structure of working committees to tackle different issues with each committee getting a representative on a steering committee. But we only had enough members to focus on one campaign at a time, so we switched to a very informal structure. With our new structure, organization officers have no more decision-making power than anyone else does. We only have co-presidents to fulfill our university's requirements and to deal with issues like when we get in trouble for violating rules and have to meet with administrators =) In practice some members are more active and have a lot more influence than others - so we aren't anywhere near equality. However, in general, I think this structure works. Randomly selecting people for co-president has empowered new people to take on additional responsibility. Most of this is designed to meet university requirements. I hope that if other groups will upload their constitutions it will be helpful for people who want to form a new campus group. -Aaron Kreider- PSA Constitution Article I. Name The name of the organization shall be the "Progressive Student Alliance". Article II. Purpose The Progressive Student Alliance opposes all forms of oppression and is working for social justice by raising awareness of social issues, cooperating with existing groups, empowering students, and encouraging action. Article III. Membership Membership is open to all interested students of Notre Dame, St. Mary's, and Holy Cross. Staff may join as associate members and participate in working groups, but not vote nor serve as officers. Members are required to attend a general or working group meeting once a month. The first meeting of the year shall not count towards this requirement. Article IV. Membership Fees As a social action organization we are not required to have a membership fee, and thus will not have one. Article V. Organization Officers The officers shall consist of two co-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer. A majority of the officers must be ND undergraduates (for purposes of funding). At the beginning and middle of every semester, the co-presidents shall be chosen by lot from all members who choose to run. Candidates may be barred from participating in the lot by a two-thirds membership vote. The duties of the co-presidents shall be to call meetings, and maintain the organization by communicating with Student Activities, Club Coordination Council, and other relevant university bodies. Co-presidents have no more say in organizational business than any other club member. The following positions shall be filled by election to deal with daily club maintenance: A). The duties of the Treasurer shall be to ensure proper expenditure of funds, reimbursement of members for organizational expenses (receipts!), regularly report upon our financial status, and completing the necessary forms to apply for student activity funding. B). The duties of the Secretary shall be to keep minutes of meetings and send them out via email. The advisor, who must be a full-time faculty or administrator at ND or SMC, shall be elected by the general membership. The advisor's duty is to aid the club in understanding and conforming to relevant Notre Dame regulations, as well as to provide thoughtful advice and suggestions that would enhance the club's effectiveness. The advisor is encouraged to attend meetings and events as possible. Voting All voting is done first by consensus, or if consensus is impossible then by a two-thirds majority. A two-thirds majority vote is required to impeach any officer. Officers for the following school year must be selected by February 28. Article VI. Meetings The club shall meet weekly during the school year. The quorum for meetings will be a majority of the membership. Emergency meetings can be called by any officer. Article VII. Disbursement of Funds Any disbursement of funds must be authorized by the general membership and approved by the advisor. Article VIII. Amendments to the Constitution Amendments to the constitution may be made at anytime by consensus (preferably) or a two-thirds majority vote. All amendments must be submitted to the Student Activities Office. Article IX. Affiliation The Progressive Student Alliance is an affiliate of the Movement for Democracy and Education - 180 and United Students Against Sweatshops. When in conflict, Notre Dame policies will supersede those of MDE-180 and USAS.