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MESJ Bylaws
Article I. Purpose
Section 1. Mission
Mormons for Equality and Social Justice (MESJ) is a grassroots organization
of Latter-day Saint individuals who are “anxiously engaged” in working for the gospel values of peace, equality, justice,
and wise stewardship of the earth in a spirit of Christ-like charity and
concern. We do this (1) by raising awareness in Latter-day Saint communities
of the inequalities and injustices that exist in the world today, (2)
by actively participating in political processes to resolve these issues,
and (3) by promoting and engaging in humanitarian service.
As Latter-day Saints, we come from a heritage of people who had “a vision
of a different world, a world where injustice and oppression, poverty
and ignorance would be dispelled and a world where men and women would
be brothers and sisters” . We have been urged by Church
leaders to work towards making that vision a reality in today’s world
by being “full participants in political, governmental, and community
affairs,” “using gospel principles as a guide and...cooperating with other
like-minded individuals” .
LDS scripture and prophetic teaching speak out strongly for social justice:
for peace, equality, democracy, human rights, and wise stewardship of
the earth’s resources. Latter-day Saints are enjoined to “plead the cause
of the poor and the needy” and
to work towards a society in which “there [are] no poor among [us]” . We are challenged to “renounce war and proclaim peace” . The Book of Mormon teaches that “there should be an equality
among all” and calls us to stand
against racism, gender inequity, and injustice on the principle that “black
and white, bond and free, male and female;...all are alike unto God” . The scriptures commend democracy, constitutional
law, and human rights , while speaking harshly against inequity, exploitation,
oppression, and violence . Scripture teaches us that we are stewards
of the earth and its resources, which should be used “with judgment, not
to excess” .
As Latter-day Saints, we seek the guidance of the Spirit and look to
the teachings of Church leaders in our efforts to achieve equality and
social justice in our communities and the world at large.
MESJ is an independent organization. We are not officially affiliated
with the LDS Church nor with any political party.
Section 2. Principles
We work to end poverty in our communities and around the world.
Plead the cause of the poor and the needy.
We seek justice and dignity for workers.
I will be a swift witness against those that oppress the hireling.
We seek equality for all, regardless of race, nationality, or creed.
There should be an equality among all.
We defend human rights for all people.
Laws should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh.
We stand for participatory democracy.
Do your business by the voice of the people.
We stand against racism, gender inequity, and other forms of discrimination.
Black and white, bond and free, male and female; all are alike unto
God.
We work for peace and an end to violence.
Sue for peace to all people.
We seek wise stewardship of the earth’s resources.
All things which come of the earth are to be used with judgment.
Article II. Membership
Section 1. Criteria
Anyone (regardless of creed or political beliefs) can become a member
of MESJ who pays membership dues and subscribes to the following Membership
Pledge:
I subscribe to the MESJ Mission Statement and Statement of
Principles.
I understand that MESJ is not a forum for criticizing the doctrines or
policies of the LDS Church and that MESJ does not adopt positions on social
or political issues which contradict official positions of the Church.
As a member of MESJ, I pledge to use my time, talents, and means to work
for equality and social justice.
Section 2. Dues
Membership dues shall be $10 annually, subject to change by a MESJ conference.
Dues are paid to a local chapter where one exists; otherwise they are
paid to the Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 3. Benefits
As part of consensus decision making, members have the power to block
resolutions or proposals discussed at MESJ conferences or at local membership
meetings of the chapter to which they belong. Also, members are eligible
to serve as MESJ officers or Steering Committee members.
Section 4. Local Affiliation
Individuals who pay their dues to a local chapter become members of that
chapter. Individuals who live where no local chapter exists shall be considered
members of the Salt Lake chapter. Members may transfer their membership
from one chapter to another if they move.
Section 5. Expulsion
A MESJ member who does not follow the Membership Pledge may be expelled.
The decision to expel must be a consensus decision (barring the individual
under consideration) made at a membership meeting of the local chapter
to which the member belongs.
Article
III. Organization and Governance
Section 1. Levels of Organization
MESJ is organized at two levels: local (referring to individual chapters) and global (referring to the organization as a whole). At the local level, each chapter is governed by local membership meetings. At the global level, MESJ is governed by MESJ conferences and a Steering Committee.
Section 2. Use of the Organization's Name
The name "Mormons for Equality and Social Justice," or "MESJ," should be used only in connection with activities authorized at the global level (i.e., by a MESJ conference or the Steering Committee). When a local chapter sponsors an activity, it should specify that the activity is sponsored by that chapter (not by MESJ as a whole). Similarly, MESJ members who speak or participate in activities authorized by a local chapter, rather than at the global level, should identify themselves as members of that local chapter.
Section 3. Consensus Decision Making
Decision making in MESJ, at both the local and global levels, is by consensus.
Local chapters are empowered to decide for themselves exactly how consensus
decision making will be conducted at the local level.
Article
IV. Local Chapters
Section 1. Eligibility to Form a Chapter
A local chapter of MESJ may be formed wherever there are four or more MESJ members in a given locale. Members wishing to form a chapter should contact the Public Liaison.
Section 2. Local Officers
Each chapter must have a contact person and a treasurer. A chapter may appoint additional officers at its own discretion. All chapter officers will be chosen by consensus in a local membership meeting.
Section 3. Membership Dues
Once a chapter is formed, all dues paid by MESJ members in that locale will stay with that chapter.
Section 4. MESJ-wide Membership Database
Each local chapter will forward to the Secretary-General the names of
its members, and the date on which each member paid his or her dues, so
that a MESJ-wide membership database may be kept.
Section 5. Required Activities
Each chapter must hold at least four local membership meetings a year.
Section 6. Representation at MESJ Conferences
Local chapters need to send representatives to MESJ conferences in order
to have a voice in governance at the global level. A chapter may be represented
at a MESJ conference by as many of its members as are willing or able
to attend.
Section 7. Annulling a Chapter
A local chapter that does not act in keeping with the mission statement,
principles, Membership Pledge, or bylaws may be annulled by action of
a MESJ conference or the Steering Committee.
Article
V. Local Membership Meetings
Section 1. Function and Powers
Local membership meetings serve as the primary governing body for each chapter. These
meetings are empowered to do the following:
- Decide what activities the local chapter will sponsor, organize, or participate in.
- Decide what organizations or causes the local chapter will affiliate with.
- Appoint the chapter's contact person and treasurer.
- Appoint additional chapter officers as deemed necessary.
- Determine how long chapter officers shall serve.
- Establish procedures for conducting membership meetings.
- Establish procedures for making urgent decisions between membership meetings.
Local membership meetings are not empowered to adopt or amend MESJ resolutions or to amend the MESJ bylaws.
Section 2. Frequency
Each chapter must hold a minimum of four local membership meetings per year. Membership meetings may be held more frequently as the chapter deems necessary.
Section 3. Quorum
For the purpose of conducting business at local membership meetings, a minimum of four chapter members must be present.
Section 4. Agenda
An agenda should be distributed to all chapter members (e.g., by email) in advance of each local membership meeting, to inform members beforehand of the major issues to be addressed.
Section 5. Participation
Local membership meetings are open to all local chapter members. Individuals who do not belong to MESJ may participate in membership meetings at the discretion of the local chapter, but only chapter members have the power to block proposals (as part of consensus decision making). Each chapter has the power to decide whether and how to facilitate participation by chapter members who are absent from a membership meeting.
Section 6. Decision Making
Decision making at local membership meetings is by consensus, though local chapters are empowered to decide for themselves exactly how consensus decision making will be conducted. Actions taken by local chapters must be consistent with the MESJ mission statement, principles, Membership Pledge, resolutions, and bylaws.
Article
VI. MESJ Conferences
Section 1. Function and Powers
MESJ conferences serve as MESJ's primary governing body at the global level. These
conferences are empowered to do the following:
- Adopt or amend MESJ resolutions.
- Make amendments to the MESJ bylaws.
- Organize or sponsor activities in the name of MESJ (rather than in the name of a local chapter).
- Authorize MESJ to affiliate with other organizations or causes.
- Appoint members to serve as Secretary-Treasurer, Public Liaison, and Media Director.
- Appoint other officers as deemed necessary.
Section 2. Frequency
MESJ conferences must be held at least annually. Conferences may be convened more frequently as deemed necessary.
Section 3. Participation
All MESJ members, wherever they live, are encouraged to participate in MESJ conferences. Members may submit resolutions or amendments by email, but only members in attendance have the power to block resolutions (as part of MESJ's consensus decision making process).
Section 4. Decision Making
Decision making at MESJ conferences is by consensus; however, a supermajority
of three quarters of those present at a MESJ conference can vote to make
a decision by a different means. Decisions made at a MESJ conference are
binding on all members and on all local chapters.
Article
VII. MESJ Officers
Section 1. Required Positions
At the global level, MESJ shall have three officers: a Secretary-Treasurer, a Public Liaison and a Media Director.
Section 2. Duties of the Secretary-Treasurer
The Secretary-Treasurer will:
- Receive the dues of members who live in locales where no local chapter exists.
- Manage MESJ's bank account.
- Report on MESJ's income and expenditures at MESJ conference.
- Keep minutes of MESJ conferences.
- Maintain a member database and make sure that members are current with paying their dues.
Section 3. Duties of the Public Liaison
The Public Liaison will:
- Manage MESJ's e-mail list.
- Manage MESJ's P.O. box.
- Be the official contact person for the organization.
Section 4. Duties of the Media Director
The Media Director will:
- Manage MESJ's website.
- Keep MESJ literature stocked and up to date.
- Prepare press releases for MESJ.
Section 5. Appointment
Officers shall be appointed by consensus at a MESJ conference. Only MESJ members whose dues are current are eligible for appointment. If an officer is unable, for any reason, to complete his or her term, the Steering Committee is empowered to appoint another MESJ member to complete the term.
Section 6. Term Length
Term length will be one year for all officers, though officers can be re-appointed and serve more than one term.
Section 7. Delegation
Officers are empowered to delegate their responsibilities to other MESJ members as necessary.
Article
VIII. Steering Committee
Section 1. Function and Powers
The steering committee serves as an interim governing body, at the global level, between MESJ conferences. The steering committee is empowered to make decisions for the organization when urgency does not permit the decision to be made at the next MESJ conference. Such decisions
may include:
- Organizing or sponsoring activities in the name of MESJ (rather than in the name of a local chapter).
- Authorizing MESJ to affiliate with other organizations or causes.
- Appointing replacements for MESJ officers who are unable to complete their terms.
The steering committee is not authorized to adopt or amend resolutions or to amend the MESJ bylaws.
Section 2. Composition
The Steering Committee will be composed of at least six MESJ members, including the three MESJ officers. There is no maximum limit to the number of people who form the Steering Committee; as many MESJ members as would like to serve on the Steering Committee are eligible to do so. Steering Committee members must commit to respond promptly when decisions are needed.
Section 3. Appointment and Length of Term
A Steering Committee will function during the period between one MESJ conference and the next. A new Steering Committee will be selected by consensus at each MESJ conference.
Section 4. Decision Making
Decision making is by consensus; the Steering Committee will decide what procedures to follow for facilitating communication among committee members. Decisions made by the Steering Committee must be consistent with MESJ's mission statement, principles, Membership Pledge, resolutions, and bylaws.
Section 5. Sustaining Decisions of the Steering Committee
All decisions made by the Steering Committee must be sustained by consensus at the next MESJ conference to continue in force.
Article
IX. Resolutions
Section 1. Function
MESJ resolutions serve as the official positions of the organization and help direct the actions of the organization.
Section 2. Adopting and Amending Resolutions
MESJ resolutions are adopted or amended by consensus at MESJ conferences. Neither local chapters nor the Steering Committee are empowered to adopt or amend MESJ resolutions.
Article
X. Representing MESJ
Section 1. Official Representatives
Those speaking on behalf of MESJ, or acting as MESJ's official representatives, must be authorized at the global level (i.e., by action of a MESJ conference or the Steering Committee). A local chapter may authorize its members to speak officially on behalf of that chapter. (See also Article III, Section 2: "Use of the Organization's Name.")
Section 2. Individual Initiative
To raise public awareness of MESJ, individuals are encouraged to mention their membership in MESJ and to cite MESJ documents (the mission statement, resolutions, etc.) when speaking or writing on their own initiative in public settings. However, individuals should clarify that they are speaking for themselves, as concerned citizens, if they have not been authorized to speak officially on behalf of MESJ or their local chapter.
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