SVYR Constitution

Constitution of The Silicon Valley Young Republicans (SVYR)

Article O: Initial Provisions

Section 1: Temporary Rules

Certain language regarding new members, meetings, and election scheduling is inapplicable during the first months of the Chapter’s existence. As such, notwithstanding any language to the contrary in this Constitution, until December 2025:

All dues-paying members of SVYR shall be eligible to vote at General Membership Meetings and in club elections, excluding associate members.

The initial election of the Board of Directors may be conducted at any General Membership Meeting. Meeting notice and quorum requirements shall not apply to the initial election meeting.

This Article O shall automatically be removed from the Constitution at the end of December 2025.

Article I: Name and Affiliation

Section 1: Name

The name of the organization shall be the Silicon Valley Young Republicans (SVYR), hereinafter referred to as “the Chapter” or “club.”

Section 2: National Affiliation

The Chapter shall adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF) and any governing documents adopted by the YRNF.

Section 3: State Affiliation

The Chapter shall adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws of the California Young Republican Federation (CYRF) and any governing documents adopted by CYRF.

Section 4: Conflict Resolution

In the event of a conflict between the YRNF and CYRF governing documents, the YRNF Constitution shall take precedence.

Article II: Purposes and Locations

Section 1: Purpose

The purposes of the Chapter are as follows:

To promote awareness and understanding of Republican principles among individuals aged 18 to 40, with a primary focus in Santa Clara County

To aid in the election of Republican candidates at all levels of government through activities such as volunteering, fundraising, advocacy, and voter outreach.

To provide support for Republican Party initiatives and activities at local, state, and national levels.

To develop political skills and leadership abilities among Republicans through training programs, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences, equipping Republicans for meaningful contributions to the party and their communities.

Section 2: Locations

Board of Directors and General Membership Meetings shall be held in Santa Clara County or in any additional geographic areas of coverage determined by the Board of Directors.

Any additional geographic areas of coverage must be notified to the CYRF Board of Directors within 30 days and must not conflict with the geographic areas of primary coverage by an existing CYRF Chapter.

Article III: Board of Directors

Section 1: Governance

The Board of Directors shall govern the Chapter and resolve any disputes or conflicts in adherence to the Chapter’s Constitution and guiding documents. In the case of recurring or unresolved conflicts, the Board may appoint a temporary review panel or seek external consultation to ensure impartiality.

Section 2: Composition

The Board of Directors shall consist of the following voting members:

Chair

Vice Chair

Secretary

Treasurer

Section 3: Additional Roles

Ex-officio members of the board shall include all members who are incumbent elected National or Regional officers of YRNF or CYRF. Such ex-officios shall be non-voting members unless they also hold one of the regular officer roles specified in Section 2.

The Chair may appoint additional officers (e.g., Events Director, Fundraising Director, Communications Director) at their discretion. Such officers shall not have voting rights unless the Board votes to grant them voting rights for the duration of their term or until their removal, whichever is sooner.

Section 4: Duties

Chair: Presides over meetings, represents the Chapter in external matters, appoints committees and committee chairs, and has final authority in disputes.

Vice Chair: Assists the Chair and presides in their absence.

Secretary: Maintains all records, distributes meeting agendas and minutes, and verifies votes during hybrid or email-based meetings.

Treasurer: Oversees financial affairs, maintains financial records, and provides regular financial reports.

Section 5: Attendance

Officers must attend SVYR events consistently. Three absences within a rolling four-month period may result in removal at the Chair’s discretion. Officers will undergo annual evaluations, which include self-assessments, peer reviews, and input from the General Membership to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

Article IV: Elections and Vacancies

Section 1: Election Procedures

Elections for the Board of Directors shall occur at a General Membership Meeting in November of each year.

Nominations for the Board of Directors shall be made from the floor by any club member in good standing.

Board members shall be elected by a simple majority of present and voting members.

Section 2: Eligibility to Vote

To vote in elections, members must:

Attend two previous in-person SVYR events within the past year.

Pay their dues at least 30 days prior to the election.

Section 3: Filling Vacancies

The Chair shall appoint officers to fill vacant roles, subject to simple majority approval by the board. If the Chair fails to nominate a replacement within 45 days, any board member may nominate a candidate for board approval.

Article V: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

Any registered Republican voter under the age of 41 who lives, works, or attends school in San Mateo or Santa Clara Counties may apply for membership.

Section 2: Dues

Annual dues are required for membership and shall cover the fiscal year from December 1 through November 30.

The Board of Directors shall set the dues amount annually.

Section 3: Associate Membership

The Board of Directors may establish associate memberships for individuals who do not meet regular membership criteria. Associate members shall have all rights and privileges of membership except voting.

Article VI: Impeachment and Removal

Section 1: Board Members

Board members may be impeached and removed for disloyalty, negligence, incompetence, or behavior unbecoming of an officer. Removal requires a 2/3 vote of the Board.

Section 2: Appeals

A board member under review may request a fair evaluation by an unbiased committee or mediator before a final vote. The appeals process must commence within 14 days of the request and conclude within 30 days. The unbiased committee shall consist of three members in good standing, chosen by the Board, excluding any individuals involved in the initial impeachment decision. The mediator, if requested, shall be selected jointly by the Chair and the member under review.

Section 3: General Members

Club members may be removed for disloyalty, negligence, or behavior unbecoming of a member, following the same process as board members.

Article VII: Endorsements

Section 1: Process

Endorsements shall require a vote by the Board of Directors.

Candidates or measures under consideration for endorsement must align with the Chapter's stated goals and principles.

The Board shall review background information and relevant details about candidates or measures before voting.

Member input shall be collected through open floor discussions and recorded in meeting minutes.

Section 2: Restrictions

The Chapter shall only endorse registered Republicans.

Individual members may endorse candidates of their choice but may not do so using their SVYR titles if it conflicts with the club’s endorsement.

Article VIII: Record-Keeping

Section 1: Requirements

All records, including meeting minutes and financial reports, shall be stored indefinitely.

The Secretary shall maintain a secure digital archive accessible to authorized board members. Backups must be created and updated regularly to prevent data loss.

A digital archive shall be maintained for accessibility.

Article IX: Amendments

Section 1: Process

Proposed amendments may be submitted by any member in good standing.

An amendment must be read aloud and distributed at a Board meeting before being added to the agenda for the next meeting.

Adoption requires approval by 3/4 of the Board or 2/3 of the General Membership at a General Membership Meeting.

Adopted: 02/03/2025

Location: GoogleMeet, Santa Clara County/San Mateo County, CA