Constitution

Preamble

The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club (JOLDC) is formed to provide the New York LGBTQ+ community with a progressive, citywide Democratic organization that refuses to compromise the values, dignity, or liberation of our community. Our mandate is to work within the Democratic Party—through organizing, lobbying, political action, and campaign work—to ensure that the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected, expanded, and meaningfully realized.

We affirm that democracy rests on the foundational principle that all human beings are created equal. Neither the United States nor any state or municipality may legitimately deny or abridge equality of rights under the law on account of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. No political, corporate, cultural, or religious institution has the authority to diminish the self‑worth of any person on these bases. Homophobia, transphobia, and all systems of heterosexist supremacy are perversions of justice; they must never be permitted to constrain the freedom of individuals to pursue lives of authenticity, desire, and self‑determination.

We further affirm that the struggles for racial equity, anti‑war advocacy, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and economic justice are interconnected and intergenerational. These issues shape the everyday realities of families, communities, and future generations. Healing political divides requires recognizing our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to build a society in which all people—regardless of identity or circumstance—can live freely, safely, and with opportunity. Progress demands Democratic leadership willing to adapt to the challenges of the time, committed to protecting the vulnerable and expanding justice.

JOLDC is not beholden to any politician or candidate. We are affiliated with the Democratic Party, and we insist that all Democratic candidates speak out strongly in favor of the LGBTQ+ community. We will not support candidates who compromise our rights or show disrespect to our community. We support a progressive agenda dedicated to political and economic democracy and the achievement of freedom, justice, healthcare, and economic security for all people.

Accordingly, we do not endorse candidates who have spoken or voted against the community’s interests. We conduct thorough and searching candidate interviews in order to understand each candidate’s commitments, record, and alignment with our values.

We are a multi‑issue organization committed to coalition politics. We will not support candidates who waver on essential issues including reproductive autonomy, access to healthcare, economic, racial, and social justice, or the dismantling of sexism in all its forms. We are a leader in the movement for criminal‑legal reform and work assiduously to secure clemencies for individuals who merit release.

JOLDC has never endorsed, and will never endorse, a member of the Republican Party.

We serve as a watchdog, calling out politicians whose actions undermine the needs of the LGBTQ+ community or any other disenfranchised people.

ARTICLE I: Name

Section 1

This organization shall be known as the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club ("JOLDC").

ARTICLE II: Membership

Section 1

Any person who accepts in good faith the basic principles of JOLDC may become a member by paying the dues established pursuant to Article IV.

ARTICLE III: Officers, Board of Governors, Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees

Section 1: Officers

The standing officers of JOLDC shall be a President, at least two Vice Presidents (one designated the First Vice President), a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Additional officers may be appointed by the existing officers as organizational needs require. These officers shall serve from the date of their election until December 31 of that year and shall be elected by a vote of the Board of Governors.

Section 2: Powers and Duties

Officers shall exercise the customary powers of their offices and such additional authority as may be delegated to them by vote of the officers.

Section 3: Board of Governors

1. JOLDC shall have a Board of Governors responsible for directing the affairs of the organization.

2. The Board shall consist of the officers and 100 members of the Board of Governors. New Governors shall be elected by the sitting Board.

3. A majority of the Board shall consist of members of the LGBTQ community.

4. 
No person may be elected or appointed to any position without a vote at a Board meeting.


Section 4: Meetings of the Board of Governors

The Board shall meet at least six times per calendar year at times determined by the Board or the Officers. Special meetings may be called by the President or must be called upon petition by five Board members. Written notice of meetings shall be given at least seven days in advance or as soon as practicable.

Section 5: Standing Committees

The Board shall establish standing committees as needed. Officers shall appoint and remove committee chairpersons. Committee chairs shall appoint committee members after consulting with the President. Membership on all standing committees shall be open to all JOLDC members.

Section 6: Ad Hoc Committees

Officers may create ad hoc committees as necessary. Officers shall appoint chairpersons of ad hoc committees, and chairs shall appoint members after consultation with the President and First Vice President.

ARTICLE IV: Finances

Section 1: Dues

Dues shall be set by the Board. Dues paid after October 1 cover the remainder of that year and the entirety of the following calendar year.

Section 2: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall begin on January 1.

Section 3: Compliance

The organization may hire outside consultants to ensure compliance with relevant election and financial reporting laws.

Section 4: Budget Approval

Authority to approve the budget is vested in the officers.

Section 5: Disbursements

The Treasurer shall be the sole signatory on checks. The First Vice President may serve as an alternate signatory when the Treasurer is unavailable. The President shall not have check‑signing authority.

ARTICLE V: Endorsements and Campaigns

Section 1: Scope

"Candidates" and "campaigns" include all those participating in primary, special, or general elections for party or public office, as well as ballot referenda within New York State. This Article does not require that JOLDC consider an endorsement in every race.

Section 2: Endorsement Procedure

1. Endorsements shall be made at a meeting of the Board of Governors with seven days’ notice or as soon as practicable thereafter. In local races, where timing constraints prevent a Board meeting, endorsements may be made by majority vote of the officers.


2. Voting may be conducted by hand for all candidates except those running citywide or statewide. Elections for citywide or statewide candidates shall be conducted by secret ballot. A majority of the members present may require a secret ballot for any race.


3. Ballots shall list all candidates who have appeared before JOLDC and include options for "abstain" and "no endorsement." Any candidate or position receiving a plurality of votes cast shall be the endorsed choice of JOLDC.


4. Only candidates who have appeared before JOLDC or formally requested an endorsement are eligible.


Section 3: Revocation

At a meeting with seven days’ prior notice, the Board may revoke any endorsement by a two‑thirds vote.

Section 4: Political Director

A Political Director appointed by the officers may conduct endorsement‑related activities and manage expenditures only after discussion with and consent of the President and First Vice President.

ARTICLE VI: Amendments

Section 1

This constitution may be amended by a two‑thirds vote of officers present at a duly convened meeting.