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.

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.