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CONSTITUTION
Republican Party of Calumet County Article I - Name The name of this organization shall be "The Republican Party of Calumet County." Article II - Purpose The purpose of this organization shall be to unify, under one central organization, the activities of the Republican Party of Calumet County, and to advance in every honorable way fundamental Republican principles and policies, and as a voluntary organization, cooperate and assist in all county, state, and national elections, to the end that our republican form of government, as created under the Constitution of the United States and the State of Wisconsin, be preserved for all of the people. As a constituent, self governing part of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, this organization shall direct, manage, supervise and control the business, property and funds of the Republican Party of Calumet County. Article III - Membership Membership in this organization shall be open to all Calumet County citizens of voting age who believe in the above objectives, purposes and principles of the Republican Party. Students may become members if they will be of voting age by the next election. Memberships may or may not be set at a reduced rate for students at the discretion of the county party Executive Board. Qualified and voting members of this organization shall be those Republicans who have paid their current dues to the Republican Party of Calumet County and who have been recorded by the Secretary or Treasurer. New members must have recorded dues paid at least ten (10) days prior to any meeting or caucus. Current members or members from the previous year who renew their membership at caucus are qualified and eligible to vote at meeting or caucus. The membership year shall be from January 1st to December 31st. Membership forms received within the last two months of the year may carry over to the following year. Article IV - Officers Section 1: Officers The officers of this organization shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary and a Treasurer. (See Article V, Section 1). Section 2: Terms of Office ● The Officers named in Section 1 shall be elected in a duly constituted County Caucus held prior to April 1st in the odd numbered years. The term of office for the Officers shall be two (2) years and until their successors are elected and qualified. 12-20-24 Constitution vote at Caucus 2025 1 ● No member of our Executive Committee may be employed by or be a contractor for any501(c)(4), Political Action Committee, or Independent Expenditure Committee (otherwise known as a 527), at any time during their tenure. Any conflict of interest at the time of nomination, and thereafter, must be immediately disclosed. If an Executive Committee member becomes employed or contracted by such an organization at any point during their tenure, their resignation is automatic and the office shall be vacant. Vacancies occurring under this section shall be filled in accordance with Article IV, Section 5 of this Constitution. Section 3: Duties of Officers The Chair shall preside at all meetings or caucuses of the Party and of the Executive Committee and shall have general supervision of the work of the organization. The First Vice Chair in the absence of the Chair, shall perform the duties of the Chair. The Second Vice Chair likewise. The Secretary shall keep and read minutes of all meetings or caucuses and shall be the custodian of all records of the Party. The Treasurer shall receive and be custodian of all funds of the Party and shall pay all bills. The Treasurer shall keep an account of all monies received and disbursed and shall report in full as required by the Chair. The Chair and Treasurer shall file all proper reports as required by law. The 2nd Vice Chair may chair at least one committee and use their positions to grow the party. Section 4: Compensation All officers shall serve without compensation except that they may be reimbursed for budgeted expenses upon approval of the Executive Committee. (The Chair, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may appoint full or part time employees who may be paid such compensation as determined by the Executive Committee.) Section 5: Vacancy In the event the Chair position becomes vacant, the Vice Chair shall become the Chair. Other office vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the Chair with the approval of the Executive Committee with majority voting in favor or at a caucus or membership meeting where twenty-five percent of the number of authorized delegates of Calumet County to the last preceding state convention, and in no instance, less than eight (8) members can vote to fill vacancy. Article V - Executive Committee Section 1: Composition ● The Executive Committee shall consist of a. The officers named in Article IV Section 1. ● The Executive Board shall consist of the Executive Committee and: a. Eleven (11) members at large representing different areas of the County and elected in a duly constituted meeting or caucus. The board shall take all measures possible and to the best of the Chair’s ability, to ensure there is a minimum of 1 executive member, including Chair, Vice Chairs, Treasurer, and Secretary, from each region, preferably near the higher populated regions in the County. These 12-20-24 Constitution vote at Caucus 2025 2 municipalities include Appleton, Brillion, Chilton (county seat-can have multiple), Menasha, New Holstein, Kiel (not expected), Harrison, Hilbert, Potter, Sherwood, and Stockbridge. b. The immediate past County Chair if the immediate past Chair chooses to do so. c. An additional seat is available for one Republican member of the constitutionally elected county government positions, either the Sheriff, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, District Attorney, County Clerk or Clerk of Courts, if they choose to partake in the board. Seat will be vacant if there are no Republicans in the constitutionally required county government positions. Section 2: Duties of the Executive Committee The Duties of the Executive Committee shall be to: a. Transact any necessary business between meetings or caucuses. b. Make recommendations as to the policies of the Party. c. Fill vacancies in the Executive Board that occur between elections. d. Oversee the delegate selection process to assure that a full slate of delegates and alternates may attend District Caucuses and State Convention. e. Advise the Chair and to perform any other duties prescribed. f. Assists in the promotion and inviting of guests to party events. g. Executive Committee members are encouraged to chair a committee. h. Introduce a balanced budget, proposed by the chair and adopted by the executive committee before the 1st of every year. i. When Congressional District fees are assessed to the County, the Treasurer shall be empowered, with the approval of the Executive Committee to pay such fees prior to the District Caucus. Article VI – Committees Committee Chairs do not need to sit on the party Executive Board. Committee Chairs must be official members of the Republican Party of Calumet County. The Chair shall oversee and even sit on as many committees as allowed per constitution. Vice Chairs and other board members are also encouraged to sit on as many committees as they choose. Section 1: Officer & Executive Committee Nominating Committee (Prior to election year caucus) A Nominating Committee of not less than three (3) members shall be elected by the Executive Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to each election. This Committee shall report at least one nominee for each office to be published with the notice of the meeting at which the election is to be held. After such a report, nominations from the floor shall be allowed and encouraged. Nominees for Members-at-large and nominees for any officer position shall be current members at the time of nomination. (The Nominating Committee should try to nominate candidates for Member-at-large who represent all geographic areas of the county.) Section 2: Delegate Nominating Committee (Prior to Convention every year) A Nominating Committee of not less than three members may be nominated by the Chair and approved by the Executive Committee for the purpose of nominating delegates and alternates to attend each District Caucus and State Convention. The list of nominee delegates and alternates may be published and distributed prior to the call to order of the County Caucus. Delegates may also be decided at the 12-20-24 Constitution vote at Caucus 2025 3 County Caucus by signing up at any point during the caucus. Nominations may also be made from the floor of the County Caucus. Other Committees In addition to the foregoing committees, the Chair may establish from time to time, such other special or temporary committees as may be deemed necessary or desirable. Article VII - Meetings and Caucuses Section 1 County Meetings and/or Caucuses shall be held at the call of the Chair or Executive Committee upon at least eight (8) days’ notice by mail and/or email and Social Media to all members of record. Date of general meetings shall be consistent throughout the year. County Meetings and/or Caucuses may also be called upon petition of; 1) twenty-five (25) members in good standing, or 2) ten percent of the members in good standing, whichever is greater; such petition to state the exact purpose of the meeting and copies of such petition along with notification of meeting date, mailed to all members of record at least eight (8) days prior to the meeting. Section 2 A caucus shall be held prior to April 1st of each year or 30 days prior to the District Caucus at which time delegates and alternates shall be elected to attend the District Caucus and the State Convention. In the odd numbered years, officers (and members-at-large) will be elected for an office, election may be by voice vote. Where more than one candidate is nominated for an office, election will be held by written ballot. A majority of the votes cast shall elect. Section 3 Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held upon reasonable notice at the call of the Chair or upon petition of the Executive Committee. Section 4 Voting by proxy shall be prohibited at any regular or special county meeting or caucus. Article VIII - Quorum Section 1 A quorum for a meeting or caucus of this organization shall be a number equal to twenty-five percent of the number of authorized delegates of Calumet County to the last preceding state convention, and in no instance, less than eight (8) members. Section 2 A quorum for a meeting of the Executive Board shall be a majority of the Executive Board. 12-20-24 Constitution vote at Caucus 2025 4 Article IX - Parliamentary Authority "Roberts' Rules of Order, Newly Revised," shall govern all proceedings except where inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of this organization.Article X - Ambiguity In the event of any conflict or ambiguity of this Constitution or Bylaws adopted hereunder, the Constitution of the Republican Party of Wisconsin shall prevail. Article XI - Bylaws Bylaws may be adopted in compliance with this Constitution by a majority vote at a duly called county meeting or caucus. Article XII - Amendments Amendments to this Constitution may be made by a two-third (2/3) vote at the yearly caucus of this organization where the call and notice states such purpose and after approval by the State Executive Committee. Article XIII - Ratification by RPW Our constitution and amendments must be approved by RPW. 12-20-24 Constitution vote at Caucus 2025 5 |
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Bylaws of the Republican Party of Calumet County
Preamble: The Executive Committee defined as the officer of Chair, Vice Chair(s), Secretary and Treasurer. The Executive Board is defined as the Executive Committee plus other voting members such as Members-at-Large.
ARTICLE 1–DUES & MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Dues
Membership dues shall be set by the Republican Party of Calumet County (RPCC) Executive Board.
Section 2. Membership
A. Membership in the Republican Party of Calumet County organization shall be open to all legal US citizens of voting age or if student, of voting age by the next election who believe in the objectives, purposes and principles of the Republican Party. Qualified new voting members of this organization shall be those Republicans who have paid their current dues to the Republican Party of Calumet County and who have been recorded by the Secretary, Treasurer or Membership Chair at least 10 days prior to any general meeting or caucus. Current members or members from the previous year who renew their membership at caucus are qualified and eligible to vote at meeting or caucus. Membership dues levels to be set by the Republican Party of Calumet County Executive Board. Non-voting memberships may be available at levels set by the Republican Party of Calumet County Executive Board.
B. Members may not be concurrently a member of another political party. Non-voting memberships offered to other county residents at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
C. The membership year shall be from January 1st to December 31st. Membership forms received within the last two (2) months of the year shall carry over to the following year unless modified by the Executive Committee (under advisory of the membership committee).
ARTICLE II OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
A. The Executive Committee of this organization shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary and a Treasurer and such other officers as the Executive Board of the membership shall determine.
B. All officers of the Executive Committee shall strive to attend a minimum of nine (9) Executive Board monthly meetings annually. Officers will make every effort to contact the Chair or secretary if unable to attend.
C. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to:
Section 2: All Officers to Serve without Compensation
All officers shall serve without compensation. The County Chairman may, with approval of the Executive Committee, appoint such full-time or part-time office employees as needed. Compensation to be determined by the Chairman and Executive Committee.
Section 3. Election and Terms of Office
The Officers named in Section 1 shall be elected in a duly constituted County Caucus held prior to April 1st in the odd numbered years. The term of office for the officers and Executive Committee shall be two (2) years, and until their successors are elected and qualified. The term should be through the Caucus. The newly elected Executive Board takes office at the conclusion of the Caucus to allow the current leadership to conduct the Caucus as planned to its conclusion.
Section 4. Duties
A. Chair
1. The Chair shall be the principal executive officer of the organization and subject to the direction of the Executive Committee, and the Chair shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the organization including county and district caucuses.
2. The Chair may, when present, presides at all meetings of the members and Executive Board. The Chair is to prepare and control the agenda.
3. The Chair or acting chair subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority to approve to the Treasurer in writing all expenditures not in excess of $200.00 above the budgeted amount. Purchases must receive prior approval.
4. The Chair shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, except the nominating committee.
5. The Chair or acting chair may appoint a member of the Executive Committee as Parliamentarian to advise them and the committee on the validity of the conduct of business at each meeting. Such advice is consultative since parliamentary procedure gives the chair alone the power to rule on a question of order or to answer parliamentary questions.
6. The Chair or acting chair may also appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms, who may or may not also be the acting Parliamentarian of a meeting, to call a meeting to order and preserve decorum.
7. County meetings and/or caucuses shall be held at the call of the Chair or Executive Committee upon eight (8) days’ notice to all members of record. As per the Constitution Article VII, Section 1.
B. First Vice-Chair
1. The Vice-Chair in the absence of the Chair, shall perform the duties of the Chair. When acting, the Vice-Chair shall have all the powers of the Chair.
2. The Vice-Chair, subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority to approve to the Treasurer in writing all expenditures not in excess of $50.00 above the budgeted amount.
3. The Vice-Chair shall use their position to grow the party.
C. Second Vice-Chair
1. The 2nd Vice-Chair in the absence of both the Chair and the Vice-Chair, shall perform the duties of the Chair.
2. The 2nd Vice-Chair may chair at least one committee.
3. The 2nd Vice-Chair, subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority to approve to the Treasurer in writing all expenditures not in excess of $50.00 above budgeted amount. Purchases must have prior approval.
4. The 2nd Vice-Chair shall prepare and send to the RPW the annual county achievement awards book and any other awards.
5. The 2nd Vice-Chair shall use their positions to grow the party.
D. Secretary
1. The Secretary shall keep and/or read the minutes of the membership meetings, caucuses, and meetings of the Executive Committee, and shall be the custodian of the books and records of the organization.
2. The Secretary shall perform all duties that generally apply to the office of Secretary other than those delegated to the membership committee chair.
3. Other duties and authorities may, from time to time, be delegated or assigned by the chair.
4. The chair of any meeting or caucus of the Executive Committee or Board or meeting at large is empowered to appoint a temporary Secretary in the absence of the permanent Secretary of the Party.
5. The secretary will maintain the master list of usernames and passwords with members using those applicable to their role, and each member will be responsible for notifying the secretary within one week of any changes to their usernames and passwords.
6. The secretary shall include as part of the Party’s Constitution, Bylaws and Amendment documents the date it was passed by the Executive Committee or at Caucus. Each time the Constitution, Bylaws or Amendments are updated, the effective date needs to be on the bottom of each page.
7. The secretary will make available to each new officer or board member an updated copy of the Constitution and Bylaws at the time of election or appointment to their position.
8. The secretary shall prepare and send to the RPW the annual county achievement awards book and any other awards.
9. The secretary may chair only one committee unless approved by the Chair or the Executive Committee.
10. The secretary shall use their positions to grow the party.
E. Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of the funds of the organization from any source whatsoever and shall deposit such monies in the name of the organization in a depository designated by the Executive Committee.
2. The Treasurer shall render current financial statements at each regular meeting of the Executive Board and at other meetings as requested by the Chair.
3. Disbursements shall be by check only, and when an expenditure exceeds $200.00 shall require approval of the Executive Committee for any non-budgetary, non-recurring item.
4. The Treasurer shall perform all of the duties generally applied to the office of the Treasurer and shall have such other duties and exercise such other authority as, from time to time, may be delegated or assigned by the chairman.
5. If required by the Executive Committee, the Treasurer shall give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Executive committee may determine.
6. The Chair and Treasurer shall file all proper reports as required by law.
7. The Treasurer, subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority without prior authorization of the Executive Committee to use for expenditures funds not in excess of $25.00 above the budgeted amount.
8. The Treasurer may only chair one committee unless approved by the Chair or the Executive Committee and only if there are committees to chair.
Section 5 Members-at-Large Duties
A. The Executive Board shall include eleven (11) Members-at-Large representing as many different areas of the county as possible.
B. The Members-at-Large shall be elected at Caucus and serve two (2) years and until their successors are elected and qualified.
C. The Members-at-Large are voting members of the Executive Board.
D. The Members-at-Large shall strive to attend a minimum of six (6) monthly Executive Board meetings annually. The Members-at-Large shall make every effort to contact the Chair or the Secretary if unable to attend. Failure to meet this requirement may result in mid-term removal by the Chair.
E. The Members-at-Large shall be on at least one committee.
F. The Members-at-Large should be involved in their community and shall strive to attend local board meetings such as town/village board meetings, school board meetings or county supervisor meetings in order to present pertinent information to membership regarding issues of importance in their neighborhood.
G. The Members-at-Large shall be their neighborhood leader and point of contact for the RPCC board i.e.:
Article III – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
PREAMBLE Because the Executive Committee acts for the entire membership of the Republican Party of Calumet County between general meetings and caucuses, attendance of all members at regularly scheduled monthly meetings is necessary to insure that proposals receive broad discussion and that actions taken reflect a majority opinion of the committee, rather than a majority opinion of a quorum. Committee Chairs do not need to sit on the Party Executive Board. Committee Chairs must be official members of the Republican Party of Calumet County. The Chair shall oversee and even sit on as many committees as allowed per constitution. Vice-Chairs and other board members are also encouraged to sit on as many committees as they choose.
Section 1. Executive Committee Membership
A. Elected Members - two year terms
1. Party Officers. The Party Chair, Vice-Chair, 2nd Vice-Chair, 3rd Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are automatically the Officers of the Executive Committee.
2. Standing Committee Chair. The chair of the standing committees.
3. Up to eleven (11) Members-at-Large are elected from the general membership by caucus vote. Members-at-Large should be composed, as much as possible, of members of all areas of the county.
B. Non-Elected Members
1. Immediate Past County Party Chair. If an incumbent chair is reelected, the immediate past chair may continue membership on the Executive Board or may request that the position be declared open and filled by an at-large member.
2. Youth/College Republican Chair. The Youth/College Republican Chair is not expected to attend or provide an alternate although encouraged to do so. Non voting position.
C. Qualifications of Officers and Executive Board Members
1. Persons who qualify for regular membership and who have demonstrated leadership ability to the satisfaction of the membership shall be appointed or elected to the Board.
2. All Executive Committee Members are expected to have email and check it at least weekly or to arrange to receive information through another member in a timely manner.
3. All Party and Committee Officers are expected to learn and use the portions of all electronic databases applicable to their positions.
Section 2. Resignation from the Board
PREAMBLE : To remain in good standing, a committee/board member must attend meetings as stated in Article II, Section 1, B and Section 5, D. The meeting schedule is set for a two-year period and designates a fixed day each month for the meetings. The schedule is set following the spring caucus in years when officers and executive board members are elected. Should circumstances force a meeting date change (such as a conflict with a holiday) and for a valid reason a member seeks and is granted an excused absence from the rescheduled meeting, the excused absence will not be added to the member's absence accumulation record.
As a courtesy to all committee members, members who will be absent are expected to e-mail or otherwise contact the Secretary or Chair of the committee to notify them of their expected absence and whether an alternate has been arranged.
A. Resignation/Removal from Office
1. The Committee, pursuant to the next paragraph, may remove any officer and/or board member who violated applicable law, the Article of Incorporation or Bylaws of this Association, as determined by the Executive Committee.
2. No person may be removed under this section until the person has been informed in writing of the reasons for the proposed removal and until the person has been given the opportunity to appear before the Committee to rebut the allegations made against the person.
Section 3. Voting Quorum
A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any duly called meeting of the Executive Committee. Any vacant position on the Executive Committee shall not be counted for quorum requirements.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Notice of any special meeting of the Executive Committee shall be given at least two (2) days previously by written or electronic notice to all Executive Committee Members stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting and by whom it was called.
Section 5. Vacancies
As per the Constitution Article IV Section 5. In the event the Chair position becomes vacant, the Vice-Chair shall become the Chair. Other office vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the Chair with the approval of the Executive Committee with majority voting in favor or at a caucus or membership meeting where twenty-five percent of the number of authorized delegates of Calumet County to the last preceding state convention, and in no instance, less than eight (8) members can vote to fill vacancy. In the event a Vice-Chair is unwilling to fill the Chair position, the Executive Board shall seek advice from the 8th Congressional District Chair. These new members of the Executive Committee shall hold the office until the next voting caucus .
Section 6. Guests
Guests may attend meetings of the Executive Board but must receive recognition from the Chair before they may speak. Guests do not have voting rights.
ARTICLE IV - STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. Finance Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Finance Committee composed of the Finance Chairman, the Republican Party of Calumet County Treasurer, and as many additional members of the Republican Party of Calumet County and as the Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Finance Committee to acquire and transmit to the Republican Party of Calumet County Treasurer funds to carry on the activities of the County Party, including but not limited to:
1. Determining allocations.
2. Participate in the activities of all Committees.
3. Paid or fee advertising sales for the newsletter, website and any other venues, as needed.
Section 2. Events Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Events Committee composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Events Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Events Committee to plan all annually scheduled events, special events and party activities. Such events should include Lincoln Day Dinner, Christmas Party, all parades, and other events that may arise. All events shall be published through the newsletter, website, and Facebook on a county wide events calendar which should be updated periodically.
Section 3. Communications/Social Media Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Communications Committee composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Communications Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Communications Committee with approval of the Chair to:
1. Publish the Republican Party of Calumet County Newsletter monthly.
2. Send email blasts concerning party events, campaign events, election information and other blasts as necessary.
3. Recruit, develop, and oversee a team of writers for letters to the editor.
4. Organize letters to the editor.
5. Issue media press releases covering various activities such as events, award presentations, special guests or speakers at party activities, and party positions with respect to local, state and federal issues. Organize letters to the editor.
6. Issue radio or television Public Service Announcements (PSAs) when warranted.
7. Edit RPCC website, calendar, videos, and other social media.
8. May add new social platforms for outreach
9. Edit content to fit each platform as necessary.
10. May publish original content on all digital platforms as need arises or as sees fit.
Section 5. Campaign Committee
A. The Campaign Committee shall be composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Campaign Chair sees fit.
B. The Campaign Chair shall be responsible for:
1. Work directly with the party chairman in coordinating with candidate teams and the Republican Party of Wisconsin to
a. Coordinate with RPW and candidates to secure lists with apps for knocking on doors to get out the vote
b. Encourage raising Republican and conservative voter turnout by legal and practical means.
c. Arrange meet & greets and other events with candidates
2. 4x8 candidate sign installation
3. Yard sign distribution through Community Leaders.
4. Arrange drivers for driving people to the polls on Election Day.
C. Candidate Recruitment Subcommittee
1. The Candidate Recruitment Subcommittee shall be composed of the Chair and as many members from Appleton, Brillion, Chilton (county seat-can have multiple), Harrison, Hilbert, Kiel (not expected), Menasha, New Holstein, Potter, Sherwood, and Stockbridge as the Campaign Chair sees fit.
2. It shall be the function of the Candidate Recruitment Committee to:
a. Search out and interview potential persons interested in being candidates for elected offices.
b. Develop guidelines upon which to attract and interview prospective candidates.
c. Establish education and training programs for campaign workers and candidates such as speaker series, symposiums, or conferences as offered by RPW.
Section 6. Office Manager
A. It shall be the function of the Office Manager to:
1. Locate and establish the headquarters office(satellite headquarters) with Executive Board approval.
2. Provide and train staff to maintain the headquarters office at the appropriate times.
3. Coordinate current candidate campaign organizations working within headquarters. Maintain yard signs for candidates.
4. Provide for phone banks, absentee ballot request forms, transportation for voting and other needs that may arise.
5. Coordinate with data managers to utilize authorized staff to input data.
6. Maintain key code. Change key code after each voting caucus and as needed. Key code to be available only to Board Members and office workers.
7. Setup and take down for meetings and other events held at headquarters.
Section 7. Membership Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Membership Committee composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Membership Committee to develop and implement annual billing procedures and membership recruitment operations.
C. Database for memberships
1. The Secretary of the Executive Committee and Membership Chair shall:
a. Maintain the RPCC electronic membership database.
b. Provide membership mailing labels for various purposes.
c. Provide training to Executive Committee members and other users of the membership database as needed.
Section 8. Officeholder Committee
A. The Officeholder Liaison Committee shall be composed of Republican Party of Calumet County members who are in elected office. This includes partisan positions and non-partisan positions at the county, city, village, township, and school board levels.
B. All Republican elected officials not themselves residents of Calumet County may be ex-officio members of the committee at the discretion of the committee chair.
C. The Campaign Committee Chair shall be an ex-officio member of this committee.
D. It shall be the function of this committee to:
1. Liaison with the RPCC Executive Committee and other committees in order to provide mutual support.
2. Coordinate with appropriate coalitions to support or oppose legislation.
Section 9. Nominating Committee for Republican Party of Calumet County Board
A. The nominating committee should consist of all least three (3) current board members and other RPCC members as elected by the Executive Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to each election. Upon no one stepping forward for an Executive Board position, the nominating committee will actively recruit candidates.
C. The nominating committee should begin their work at least two (2) months prior to the caucus and finish at least one (1) week prior to caucus.
Section 10. Delegate Nominating Committee (Prior to Convention every year)
A. A nominating committee of not less than three (3) members may be appointed by the Chair and approved by the Executive Committee for the purpose of nominating delegates and alternates to attend each District Caucus and State Convention. The list of nominee delegates and alternates may be published and distributed prior to the call to order of the County Caucus.
Section 11. Committee General Rules
A. All committee Chairs, except the Officeholder Committee Chair, are appointed by the Executive Committee Chair.
B. Committee officers and others shall learn and use the portions of electronic databases applicable to their positions.
C. Committee and subcommittee chairs or their designee shall regularly communicate the activities of their committee to the Executive Board and Communications Committee and post their minutes, attendance, and other records to the electronic databases as appropriate.
D. Committee chairs will take or designate the taking of minutes or notes at their committee meetings and submit to the secretary. At the request of the Executive Committee, Chairs will attend the Executive Board meeting to provide updates.
E. All committee chairs are encouraged to meet as a group, outside of the Executive Board meeting, once per quarter to discuss activities in order for all to be focused on the same overall goal.
F. Disbursements of party funds above the minimums listed herein must be approved by a quorum of all Executive Committee members present in-person or through an electronic vote.
G. If an in-person Executive Committee meeting is not feasible and time is an urgent factor, an electronic vote by a quorum (50%) of members may substitute for an in-person meeting and will be written into the minutes of the next Executive Board meeting.
Section 11. Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in a standing committee shall be filled by nomination from a member of the Executive Committee and the approval of the majority of the Executive Committee.
Section 12. Additional Committees
A. The Executive Committee, by resolution, may designate additional committees, each of which shall consist of at least three (3) members of the Republican Party of Calumet County and who are appointed by the Chair with the approval of the voting members of the Executive Committee.
B. Each such committee shall fix its own rules governing the conduct of its activities, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, and shall make reports to the Executive Board as requested.
ARTICLE V – USE OF COLLECTED INFORMATION
Section 1. Reason for collection of Information
A. The RPCC collects information from all members and others for several reasons such as:
1. Solicit for members, volunteers, and donations.
2. Support candidates running for office.
3. Identify the general public by party identification and issue positions.
Section 2. Privacy of personal information
A. Given the type of organization of the Republican Party of Calumet County, much personal information is collected and maintained in databases. The RPCC shall use great care in protecting this information from general release.
B. At no time shall any member of the party, including officers and members of the Executive Board, or any other committee, release the names of members or their phone numbers, e-mail addresses, home/business addresses or any other private information to others outside of the RPCC Executive Board and this information will not be released to the general public. The Executive Committee Chair may share pertinent databases or parts of databases with Executive Board members and committee chairs as needed to complete the business of the RPCC.
C. A disclaimer, and consent or refusal to allow personal information from each member shall be added to the party’s Membership application form and be required to be complete when Membership application is submitted. Applications shall be filed and stored until that membership expires.
ARTICLE VI – DESIGNATING SUPPORT FOR CANDIDATES
Preamble: Republican Party of Calumet County reserves the right to not endorse a candidate in any election. RPCC does not endorse in primary elections outside of Calumet County.
Section 1. Endorsement
A. Endorsement requires a candidate for partisan or nonpartisan office to actively seek the endorsement of the RPCC for election to the office sought.
B. The Executive Committee will then decide if there shall be an endorsement vote. The endorsement vote must be during a duly called Executive Board meeting and occur after the filing deadline for nomination signatures for the election.
C. The Executive Committee must notify all Republicans and non-partisan candidates for the office(s) under consideration for endorsement to provide them a chance to compete for the endorsement.
D. In order to receive official endorsement of the RPCC, a candidate must receive a 2/3 majority vote of a secret ballot/show of hands (as decided by the Chair) of those in attendance of the Executive Board.
E. The ballots need to be counted by at least two (2) Executive Board members.
F. The candidates have the right to review the ballots.
Section 2. Criteria for Endorsement
A. When considering the endorsement of a candidate for partisan office, the Executive Board shall consider the following criteria when making their decision:
1. Preference shall be given to candidates who are members in good standing of a RPCC.
2. Candidates for endorsement may not themselves have endorsed a member of an opposing political party for a partisan election.
3. The Board shall take into consideration involvement and attendance at party sponsored events.
4. Preference shall be given to an incumbent who has faithfully and effectively executed the duties of their office.
Section 3. Benefits of Endorsement
A. Candidates who have received the endorsement of the Republican Party of Calumet County shall be entitled to the following benefits.
Section 4. Recommendation
A. For non-partisan races in which there is no endorsement denied by the county party the Executive Board may recommend support for particular candidates.
B. Any member of the Executive Board may nominate a candidate for recommendation and the recommendation requires the approval of a 2/3 majority of the Executive Board by a secret ballot.
ARTICLE VII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. "Robert's Rule of Order shall govern all proceedings except where inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws of this organization. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity within these bylaws or with this organization's constitution, the Constitution of the Republican Party of Wisconsin shall prevail. Bylaws may be adopted in compliance with the Constitution of the Republican Party of Calumet County and the Constitution of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments to these bylaws may be adopted in compliance with the Constitution of the Republican Party of Calumet County by a majority vote at a duly called county meeting or caucus.
Preamble: The Executive Committee defined as the officer of Chair, Vice Chair(s), Secretary and Treasurer. The Executive Board is defined as the Executive Committee plus other voting members such as Members-at-Large.
ARTICLE 1–DUES & MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Dues
Membership dues shall be set by the Republican Party of Calumet County (RPCC) Executive Board.
Section 2. Membership
A. Membership in the Republican Party of Calumet County organization shall be open to all legal US citizens of voting age or if student, of voting age by the next election who believe in the objectives, purposes and principles of the Republican Party. Qualified new voting members of this organization shall be those Republicans who have paid their current dues to the Republican Party of Calumet County and who have been recorded by the Secretary, Treasurer or Membership Chair at least 10 days prior to any general meeting or caucus. Current members or members from the previous year who renew their membership at caucus are qualified and eligible to vote at meeting or caucus. Membership dues levels to be set by the Republican Party of Calumet County Executive Board. Non-voting memberships may be available at levels set by the Republican Party of Calumet County Executive Board.
B. Members may not be concurrently a member of another political party. Non-voting memberships offered to other county residents at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
C. The membership year shall be from January 1st to December 31st. Membership forms received within the last two (2) months of the year shall carry over to the following year unless modified by the Executive Committee (under advisory of the membership committee).
ARTICLE II OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
A. The Executive Committee of this organization shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary and a Treasurer and such other officers as the Executive Board of the membership shall determine.
B. All officers of the Executive Committee shall strive to attend a minimum of nine (9) Executive Board monthly meetings annually. Officers will make every effort to contact the Chair or secretary if unable to attend.
C. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to:
- Transact any necessary business between meetings or caucuses.
- Make recommendations as to the policies of the Party.
- Fill vacancies in the Executive Committee occurring between caucuses.
- Oversee the delegate selection process to attain a full slate of delegates and alternates for the District Caucuses and State Convention.
- Advise the Chair.
- Assist in promoting and inviting guests to Party events.
- May chair only one committee unless approved by the Chair or Executive Committee and only if there are committees available to chair.
- Introduce a balanced budget, proposed by the Chair and adopted by the Executive Committee before the 1st of every year.
Section 2: All Officers to Serve without Compensation
All officers shall serve without compensation. The County Chairman may, with approval of the Executive Committee, appoint such full-time or part-time office employees as needed. Compensation to be determined by the Chairman and Executive Committee.
Section 3. Election and Terms of Office
The Officers named in Section 1 shall be elected in a duly constituted County Caucus held prior to April 1st in the odd numbered years. The term of office for the officers and Executive Committee shall be two (2) years, and until their successors are elected and qualified. The term should be through the Caucus. The newly elected Executive Board takes office at the conclusion of the Caucus to allow the current leadership to conduct the Caucus as planned to its conclusion.
Section 4. Duties
A. Chair
1. The Chair shall be the principal executive officer of the organization and subject to the direction of the Executive Committee, and the Chair shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the organization including county and district caucuses.
2. The Chair may, when present, presides at all meetings of the members and Executive Board. The Chair is to prepare and control the agenda.
3. The Chair or acting chair subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority to approve to the Treasurer in writing all expenditures not in excess of $200.00 above the budgeted amount. Purchases must receive prior approval.
4. The Chair shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, except the nominating committee.
5. The Chair or acting chair may appoint a member of the Executive Committee as Parliamentarian to advise them and the committee on the validity of the conduct of business at each meeting. Such advice is consultative since parliamentary procedure gives the chair alone the power to rule on a question of order or to answer parliamentary questions.
6. The Chair or acting chair may also appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms, who may or may not also be the acting Parliamentarian of a meeting, to call a meeting to order and preserve decorum.
7. County meetings and/or caucuses shall be held at the call of the Chair or Executive Committee upon eight (8) days’ notice to all members of record. As per the Constitution Article VII, Section 1.
B. First Vice-Chair
1. The Vice-Chair in the absence of the Chair, shall perform the duties of the Chair. When acting, the Vice-Chair shall have all the powers of the Chair.
2. The Vice-Chair, subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority to approve to the Treasurer in writing all expenditures not in excess of $50.00 above the budgeted amount.
3. The Vice-Chair shall use their position to grow the party.
C. Second Vice-Chair
1. The 2nd Vice-Chair in the absence of both the Chair and the Vice-Chair, shall perform the duties of the Chair.
2. The 2nd Vice-Chair may chair at least one committee.
3. The 2nd Vice-Chair, subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority to approve to the Treasurer in writing all expenditures not in excess of $50.00 above budgeted amount. Purchases must have prior approval.
4. The 2nd Vice-Chair shall prepare and send to the RPW the annual county achievement awards book and any other awards.
5. The 2nd Vice-Chair shall use their positions to grow the party.
D. Secretary
1. The Secretary shall keep and/or read the minutes of the membership meetings, caucuses, and meetings of the Executive Committee, and shall be the custodian of the books and records of the organization.
2. The Secretary shall perform all duties that generally apply to the office of Secretary other than those delegated to the membership committee chair.
3. Other duties and authorities may, from time to time, be delegated or assigned by the chair.
4. The chair of any meeting or caucus of the Executive Committee or Board or meeting at large is empowered to appoint a temporary Secretary in the absence of the permanent Secretary of the Party.
5. The secretary will maintain the master list of usernames and passwords with members using those applicable to their role, and each member will be responsible for notifying the secretary within one week of any changes to their usernames and passwords.
6. The secretary shall include as part of the Party’s Constitution, Bylaws and Amendment documents the date it was passed by the Executive Committee or at Caucus. Each time the Constitution, Bylaws or Amendments are updated, the effective date needs to be on the bottom of each page.
7. The secretary will make available to each new officer or board member an updated copy of the Constitution and Bylaws at the time of election or appointment to their position.
8. The secretary shall prepare and send to the RPW the annual county achievement awards book and any other awards.
9. The secretary may chair only one committee unless approved by the Chair or the Executive Committee.
10. The secretary shall use their positions to grow the party.
E. Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of the funds of the organization from any source whatsoever and shall deposit such monies in the name of the organization in a depository designated by the Executive Committee.
2. The Treasurer shall render current financial statements at each regular meeting of the Executive Board and at other meetings as requested by the Chair.
3. Disbursements shall be by check only, and when an expenditure exceeds $200.00 shall require approval of the Executive Committee for any non-budgetary, non-recurring item.
4. The Treasurer shall perform all of the duties generally applied to the office of the Treasurer and shall have such other duties and exercise such other authority as, from time to time, may be delegated or assigned by the chairman.
5. If required by the Executive Committee, the Treasurer shall give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Executive committee may determine.
6. The Chair and Treasurer shall file all proper reports as required by law.
7. The Treasurer, subject to control of the Executive Committee has the authority without prior authorization of the Executive Committee to use for expenditures funds not in excess of $25.00 above the budgeted amount.
8. The Treasurer may only chair one committee unless approved by the Chair or the Executive Committee and only if there are committees to chair.
Section 5 Members-at-Large Duties
A. The Executive Board shall include eleven (11) Members-at-Large representing as many different areas of the county as possible.
B. The Members-at-Large shall be elected at Caucus and serve two (2) years and until their successors are elected and qualified.
C. The Members-at-Large are voting members of the Executive Board.
D. The Members-at-Large shall strive to attend a minimum of six (6) monthly Executive Board meetings annually. The Members-at-Large shall make every effort to contact the Chair or the Secretary if unable to attend. Failure to meet this requirement may result in mid-term removal by the Chair.
E. The Members-at-Large shall be on at least one committee.
F. The Members-at-Large should be involved in their community and shall strive to attend local board meetings such as town/village board meetings, school board meetings or county supervisor meetings in order to present pertinent information to membership regarding issues of importance in their neighborhood.
G. The Members-at-Large shall be their neighborhood leader and point of contact for the RPCC board i.e.:
- Distribution point for yard signs during elections.
Article III – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
PREAMBLE Because the Executive Committee acts for the entire membership of the Republican Party of Calumet County between general meetings and caucuses, attendance of all members at regularly scheduled monthly meetings is necessary to insure that proposals receive broad discussion and that actions taken reflect a majority opinion of the committee, rather than a majority opinion of a quorum. Committee Chairs do not need to sit on the Party Executive Board. Committee Chairs must be official members of the Republican Party of Calumet County. The Chair shall oversee and even sit on as many committees as allowed per constitution. Vice-Chairs and other board members are also encouraged to sit on as many committees as they choose.
Section 1. Executive Committee Membership
A. Elected Members - two year terms
1. Party Officers. The Party Chair, Vice-Chair, 2nd Vice-Chair, 3rd Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are automatically the Officers of the Executive Committee.
2. Standing Committee Chair. The chair of the standing committees.
3. Up to eleven (11) Members-at-Large are elected from the general membership by caucus vote. Members-at-Large should be composed, as much as possible, of members of all areas of the county.
B. Non-Elected Members
1. Immediate Past County Party Chair. If an incumbent chair is reelected, the immediate past chair may continue membership on the Executive Board or may request that the position be declared open and filled by an at-large member.
2. Youth/College Republican Chair. The Youth/College Republican Chair is not expected to attend or provide an alternate although encouraged to do so. Non voting position.
C. Qualifications of Officers and Executive Board Members
1. Persons who qualify for regular membership and who have demonstrated leadership ability to the satisfaction of the membership shall be appointed or elected to the Board.
2. All Executive Committee Members are expected to have email and check it at least weekly or to arrange to receive information through another member in a timely manner.
3. All Party and Committee Officers are expected to learn and use the portions of all electronic databases applicable to their positions.
Section 2. Resignation from the Board
PREAMBLE : To remain in good standing, a committee/board member must attend meetings as stated in Article II, Section 1, B and Section 5, D. The meeting schedule is set for a two-year period and designates a fixed day each month for the meetings. The schedule is set following the spring caucus in years when officers and executive board members are elected. Should circumstances force a meeting date change (such as a conflict with a holiday) and for a valid reason a member seeks and is granted an excused absence from the rescheduled meeting, the excused absence will not be added to the member's absence accumulation record.
As a courtesy to all committee members, members who will be absent are expected to e-mail or otherwise contact the Secretary or Chair of the committee to notify them of their expected absence and whether an alternate has been arranged.
A. Resignation/Removal from Office
1. The Committee, pursuant to the next paragraph, may remove any officer and/or board member who violated applicable law, the Article of Incorporation or Bylaws of this Association, as determined by the Executive Committee.
2. No person may be removed under this section until the person has been informed in writing of the reasons for the proposed removal and until the person has been given the opportunity to appear before the Committee to rebut the allegations made against the person.
Section 3. Voting Quorum
A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any duly called meeting of the Executive Committee. Any vacant position on the Executive Committee shall not be counted for quorum requirements.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Notice of any special meeting of the Executive Committee shall be given at least two (2) days previously by written or electronic notice to all Executive Committee Members stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting and by whom it was called.
Section 5. Vacancies
As per the Constitution Article IV Section 5. In the event the Chair position becomes vacant, the Vice-Chair shall become the Chair. Other office vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the Chair with the approval of the Executive Committee with majority voting in favor or at a caucus or membership meeting where twenty-five percent of the number of authorized delegates of Calumet County to the last preceding state convention, and in no instance, less than eight (8) members can vote to fill vacancy. In the event a Vice-Chair is unwilling to fill the Chair position, the Executive Board shall seek advice from the 8th Congressional District Chair. These new members of the Executive Committee shall hold the office until the next voting caucus .
Section 6. Guests
Guests may attend meetings of the Executive Board but must receive recognition from the Chair before they may speak. Guests do not have voting rights.
ARTICLE IV - STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. Finance Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Finance Committee composed of the Finance Chairman, the Republican Party of Calumet County Treasurer, and as many additional members of the Republican Party of Calumet County and as the Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Finance Committee to acquire and transmit to the Republican Party of Calumet County Treasurer funds to carry on the activities of the County Party, including but not limited to:
1. Determining allocations.
2. Participate in the activities of all Committees.
3. Paid or fee advertising sales for the newsletter, website and any other venues, as needed.
Section 2. Events Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Events Committee composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Events Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Events Committee to plan all annually scheduled events, special events and party activities. Such events should include Lincoln Day Dinner, Christmas Party, all parades, and other events that may arise. All events shall be published through the newsletter, website, and Facebook on a county wide events calendar which should be updated periodically.
- Subcommittee such as Fair Committee
- Subcommittee such as Parade Committee
- Subcommittee such as the Christmas Party Committee.
Section 3. Communications/Social Media Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Communications Committee composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Communications Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Communications Committee with approval of the Chair to:
1. Publish the Republican Party of Calumet County Newsletter monthly.
2. Send email blasts concerning party events, campaign events, election information and other blasts as necessary.
3. Recruit, develop, and oversee a team of writers for letters to the editor.
4. Organize letters to the editor.
5. Issue media press releases covering various activities such as events, award presentations, special guests or speakers at party activities, and party positions with respect to local, state and federal issues. Organize letters to the editor.
6. Issue radio or television Public Service Announcements (PSAs) when warranted.
7. Edit RPCC website, calendar, videos, and other social media.
8. May add new social platforms for outreach
9. Edit content to fit each platform as necessary.
10. May publish original content on all digital platforms as need arises or as sees fit.
Section 5. Campaign Committee
A. The Campaign Committee shall be composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Campaign Chair sees fit.
B. The Campaign Chair shall be responsible for:
1. Work directly with the party chairman in coordinating with candidate teams and the Republican Party of Wisconsin to
a. Coordinate with RPW and candidates to secure lists with apps for knocking on doors to get out the vote
b. Encourage raising Republican and conservative voter turnout by legal and practical means.
c. Arrange meet & greets and other events with candidates
2. 4x8 candidate sign installation
3. Yard sign distribution through Community Leaders.
4. Arrange drivers for driving people to the polls on Election Day.
C. Candidate Recruitment Subcommittee
1. The Candidate Recruitment Subcommittee shall be composed of the Chair and as many members from Appleton, Brillion, Chilton (county seat-can have multiple), Harrison, Hilbert, Kiel (not expected), Menasha, New Holstein, Potter, Sherwood, and Stockbridge as the Campaign Chair sees fit.
2. It shall be the function of the Candidate Recruitment Committee to:
a. Search out and interview potential persons interested in being candidates for elected offices.
b. Develop guidelines upon which to attract and interview prospective candidates.
c. Establish education and training programs for campaign workers and candidates such as speaker series, symposiums, or conferences as offered by RPW.
Section 6. Office Manager
A. It shall be the function of the Office Manager to:
1. Locate and establish the headquarters office(satellite headquarters) with Executive Board approval.
2. Provide and train staff to maintain the headquarters office at the appropriate times.
3. Coordinate current candidate campaign organizations working within headquarters. Maintain yard signs for candidates.
4. Provide for phone banks, absentee ballot request forms, transportation for voting and other needs that may arise.
5. Coordinate with data managers to utilize authorized staff to input data.
6. Maintain key code. Change key code after each voting caucus and as needed. Key code to be available only to Board Members and office workers.
7. Setup and take down for meetings and other events held at headquarters.
Section 7. Membership Committee
A. There shall be a permanent Membership Committee composed of a Chair and as many additional members as the Chair sees fit.
B. It shall be the function of the Membership Committee to develop and implement annual billing procedures and membership recruitment operations.
C. Database for memberships
1. The Secretary of the Executive Committee and Membership Chair shall:
a. Maintain the RPCC electronic membership database.
b. Provide membership mailing labels for various purposes.
c. Provide training to Executive Committee members and other users of the membership database as needed.
Section 8. Officeholder Committee
A. The Officeholder Liaison Committee shall be composed of Republican Party of Calumet County members who are in elected office. This includes partisan positions and non-partisan positions at the county, city, village, township, and school board levels.
B. All Republican elected officials not themselves residents of Calumet County may be ex-officio members of the committee at the discretion of the committee chair.
C. The Campaign Committee Chair shall be an ex-officio member of this committee.
D. It shall be the function of this committee to:
1. Liaison with the RPCC Executive Committee and other committees in order to provide mutual support.
2. Coordinate with appropriate coalitions to support or oppose legislation.
Section 9. Nominating Committee for Republican Party of Calumet County Board
A. The nominating committee should consist of all least three (3) current board members and other RPCC members as elected by the Executive Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to each election. Upon no one stepping forward for an Executive Board position, the nominating committee will actively recruit candidates.
- The nominating committee will be activated every two (2) years prior to the election year caucus. The purpose should be to find and nominate one (1) or more individuals for each board position in order to fill as many positions as possible.
C. The nominating committee should begin their work at least two (2) months prior to the caucus and finish at least one (1) week prior to caucus.
- Notice of election to be distributed out at least two (2) months prior to Caucus date, to all party members.
- The Nomination Committee should try to nominate candidates for Member-at-Large who represent all geographic areas of the county.
Section 10. Delegate Nominating Committee (Prior to Convention every year)
A. A nominating committee of not less than three (3) members may be appointed by the Chair and approved by the Executive Committee for the purpose of nominating delegates and alternates to attend each District Caucus and State Convention. The list of nominee delegates and alternates may be published and distributed prior to the call to order of the County Caucus.
Section 11. Committee General Rules
A. All committee Chairs, except the Officeholder Committee Chair, are appointed by the Executive Committee Chair.
B. Committee officers and others shall learn and use the portions of electronic databases applicable to their positions.
C. Committee and subcommittee chairs or their designee shall regularly communicate the activities of their committee to the Executive Board and Communications Committee and post their minutes, attendance, and other records to the electronic databases as appropriate.
D. Committee chairs will take or designate the taking of minutes or notes at their committee meetings and submit to the secretary. At the request of the Executive Committee, Chairs will attend the Executive Board meeting to provide updates.
E. All committee chairs are encouraged to meet as a group, outside of the Executive Board meeting, once per quarter to discuss activities in order for all to be focused on the same overall goal.
F. Disbursements of party funds above the minimums listed herein must be approved by a quorum of all Executive Committee members present in-person or through an electronic vote.
G. If an in-person Executive Committee meeting is not feasible and time is an urgent factor, an electronic vote by a quorum (50%) of members may substitute for an in-person meeting and will be written into the minutes of the next Executive Board meeting.
Section 11. Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in a standing committee shall be filled by nomination from a member of the Executive Committee and the approval of the majority of the Executive Committee.
Section 12. Additional Committees
A. The Executive Committee, by resolution, may designate additional committees, each of which shall consist of at least three (3) members of the Republican Party of Calumet County and who are appointed by the Chair with the approval of the voting members of the Executive Committee.
B. Each such committee shall fix its own rules governing the conduct of its activities, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, and shall make reports to the Executive Board as requested.
ARTICLE V – USE OF COLLECTED INFORMATION
Section 1. Reason for collection of Information
A. The RPCC collects information from all members and others for several reasons such as:
1. Solicit for members, volunteers, and donations.
2. Support candidates running for office.
3. Identify the general public by party identification and issue positions.
Section 2. Privacy of personal information
A. Given the type of organization of the Republican Party of Calumet County, much personal information is collected and maintained in databases. The RPCC shall use great care in protecting this information from general release.
B. At no time shall any member of the party, including officers and members of the Executive Board, or any other committee, release the names of members or their phone numbers, e-mail addresses, home/business addresses or any other private information to others outside of the RPCC Executive Board and this information will not be released to the general public. The Executive Committee Chair may share pertinent databases or parts of databases with Executive Board members and committee chairs as needed to complete the business of the RPCC.
C. A disclaimer, and consent or refusal to allow personal information from each member shall be added to the party’s Membership application form and be required to be complete when Membership application is submitted. Applications shall be filed and stored until that membership expires.
ARTICLE VI – DESIGNATING SUPPORT FOR CANDIDATES
Preamble: Republican Party of Calumet County reserves the right to not endorse a candidate in any election. RPCC does not endorse in primary elections outside of Calumet County.
Section 1. Endorsement
A. Endorsement requires a candidate for partisan or nonpartisan office to actively seek the endorsement of the RPCC for election to the office sought.
B. The Executive Committee will then decide if there shall be an endorsement vote. The endorsement vote must be during a duly called Executive Board meeting and occur after the filing deadline for nomination signatures for the election.
C. The Executive Committee must notify all Republicans and non-partisan candidates for the office(s) under consideration for endorsement to provide them a chance to compete for the endorsement.
D. In order to receive official endorsement of the RPCC, a candidate must receive a 2/3 majority vote of a secret ballot/show of hands (as decided by the Chair) of those in attendance of the Executive Board.
E. The ballots need to be counted by at least two (2) Executive Board members.
F. The candidates have the right to review the ballots.
Section 2. Criteria for Endorsement
A. When considering the endorsement of a candidate for partisan office, the Executive Board shall consider the following criteria when making their decision:
1. Preference shall be given to candidates who are members in good standing of a RPCC.
2. Candidates for endorsement may not themselves have endorsed a member of an opposing political party for a partisan election.
3. The Board shall take into consideration involvement and attendance at party sponsored events.
4. Preference shall be given to an incumbent who has faithfully and effectively executed the duties of their office.
Section 3. Benefits of Endorsement
A. Candidates who have received the endorsement of the Republican Party of Calumet County shall be entitled to the following benefits.
- Endorsed candidates shall receive a feature on official county emails and social media.
- Endorsed candidates shall have access to the headquarters for campaign related activities and storage during campaign season.
- The Republican Party of Calumet County shall assist with campaign sign distribution and placement.
- The Republican Party of Calumet County may include the names of endorsed candidates on RPCC campaign literature as appropriate.
- The Republican Party of Calumet County may assist in distribution of candidate campaign literature.
Section 4. Recommendation
A. For non-partisan races in which there is no endorsement denied by the county party the Executive Board may recommend support for particular candidates.
B. Any member of the Executive Board may nominate a candidate for recommendation and the recommendation requires the approval of a 2/3 majority of the Executive Board by a secret ballot.
ARTICLE VII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. "Robert's Rule of Order shall govern all proceedings except where inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws of this organization. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity within these bylaws or with this organization's constitution, the Constitution of the Republican Party of Wisconsin shall prevail. Bylaws may be adopted in compliance with the Constitution of the Republican Party of Calumet County and the Constitution of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments to these bylaws may be adopted in compliance with the Constitution of the Republican Party of Calumet County by a majority vote at a duly called county meeting or caucus.