NJFDW BYLAWS 2026
ARTICLE I: NAME
The organization shall be known as the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women (NJFDW).
ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES
Section 1: The objectives of the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women (NJFDW) organization shall be to support democratic ideals, policies and principles that affect everyday lives of New Jersey citizens, promote the cause of the Democratic Party, unite Democratic women of New Jersey, encourage and support Democratic women candidates, support Democratic candidates who support Democratic women's issues, and participate in government at every level.
Section 2: It shall be the objective of this organization to be an active, dues paying state chapter of the National Federation of Democratic Women.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING PRIVILEGES
Section 1: NJFDW shall be made up of County Chapter members and individuals not affiliated with a NJFDW County Chapter.
Section 2: A NJFDW County Chapter is defined as a chapter of Democratic Women that follows the objectives of the NJFDW stated above, pays annual dues to NJFDW and is recognized by their County Democratic Party Organization
Section 3: Individual membership shall be granted to those individuals who live in a
county that does not have a NJFDW Chapter and who pay annual dues directly to the NJFDW.
Section 4: Membership dues.
a) Membership dues for both County Chapters and individual members must be paid annually by March 15 to be considered in good standing.
b) Annual dues for County Chapters and individual members are determined by the Executive Board.
c) Membership dues can be paid online using a dedicated Act Blue link or sent via check to the Treasurer.
Section 5: A County Chapter in good standing is entitled to one (1) vote representing the members of that Chapter. Members of the Executive Board shall have one (1) vote each. Individual members are not entitled to a vote.
Section 6: Standing
a) A member in good standing is a member who participates in this organization through donation of time or professional services, is willing to uphold the objectives (Article Il), be a dues paying member, and shall attend at least 50% of their chapter's meetings/events/activities in a fiscal year.
b) A County Chapter is considered in good standing when the following criteria are met
1. Chapter dues are paid in full
2. Chapter is actively holding meetings and/or events (min. of once a quarter or at least 4 times per year)
3. Chapter is attending NJFDW events and meetings (min. of once a quarter or at least 4 times per year)
Section 7: No member shall be eligible as a state or national officer or as a voting member (at state or national level) unless she is a member in good standing with NJFDW and/or their Chapter Level
Section 8: Should a chapter no longer be active or disbands, the President or delegated officer should provide to the State President copies of their membership roster and other chapter documents. Any remaining funds should also be submitted to the NJFDW Treasurer when the accounts are closed. In certain circumstances, remaining funds may also be transferred to the county committee. The final disposition of funds will be determined by the NJFDW Executive Board and Chapter Leadership
a) NJFDW will hold the funds for any closed or disbanded chapter until a new chapter is formed at which time the money will be transferred to the new chapter -
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS
Section 1: Officers shall be as follows: President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary.
Section 2: All officers must be from a County and Chapter in good standing with NJFDW.
Section 3: All elected and appointed officers shall be members in good standing and preference will be given to candidates that have been elected officers from their County Chapters.
Section 4:
a) No County Chapter may have more than one (1) NJFDW elected state officer. Unless no such person is available to fill the role for emergent operation of the State NJFDW.
b) NJFDW President, First Vice-President and Second Vice-President shall be from different regions (North, Central, South).
1. North region includes Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, and Warren Counties.
2. Central region includes Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset Counties.
3. South region includes Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties
c) NJFDW officers shall reflect representation of the entire state of NJ, as much as possible.
d) The Nominating Committee and the Executive Board have discretion in this matter in the event candidates for office representing each region cannot be found. In the event that no eligible or willing candidate can be identified from another County Chapter, the Executive Committee may authorize an exception by a majority vote to allow officers from the same County.
Section 5: An Elected Executive Board Officer term of office shall be (2) two years in length. Attendance is required at a minimum of FIVE (5) meetings per year.
Section 6: In case of death, resignation, or dismissal of the President, the First Vice President shall immediately assume the office of Presidency for the remainder of the unexpired term.
ARTICLE V: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1: The officers of the NJFDW shall perform the duties together with such duties as shall be prescribed by the Bylaws or the Executive Board including the following responsibilities.
a) President: Shall preside at all State and Executive meetings and will appoint all Chairpersons of committees. The President will fill any vacancies on the Board with the approval of the Executive Board by appointing a member in good standing to fill the vacancy until the end of the term. The President shall plan, invite, and conduct all meetings of the Executive Board. The President shall be granted login access to NJFDW Website, social media, email, Bank, and Act Blue accounts. The president is approved to spend up to $1000 per quarter for NJFDW related expenses outside of the regular budgeted items. At the end of her term, she will turn over her records to her successor.
b) First Vice-President: Shall assist the President in carrying out her duties and shall conduct any meeting in the absence of the President. She shall fulfill any duties delegated by the President or Executive Board. During any illness (or any extended unavailability) of the President, she shall perform the duties of the President. The First Vice President will act as liaison between the Executive Board and committees. At the end of her term, she will turn over her records to her successor.
c) Second Vice-President: Shall assist the President and First Vice-President in carrying out their duties and shall conduct any meeting in the absence of the President and First Vice-President. She shall fulfill any duties delegated by the President and Executive Board. At the end of her term, she will turn over her records to her successor.
d) Recording Secretary: Shall be responsible for recording or having recorded minutes of all meetings of the NJFDW Executive Board and all meetings of the membership. She shall keep a record and attendance list for all meetings. She shall distribute copies of the minutes to all members in a timely manner. At the end of her term, she will turn over her records to her successor.
e) Communications Director: Shall be responsible for handling communications for the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women. She shall manage and maintain the NJFDW Website and Social Media platforms. She shall keep an updated email list of NJFDW Officers, County Chapter Presidents and members. At the end of her term, she will turn over her records to her successor.
f) Treasurer: Shall be responsible to keep and maintain a Bank Account and Act Blue Account issued to NJFDW. At each meeting of the Executive board, she will provide an itemized report of monthly receipts and expenses, a copy of which shall be given to the Recording Secretary. She will collect annual dues from all County Chapters and individual members. In coordination with the Membership Committee Chair, she will maintain and update the membership files. At the end of every quarter and fiscal year, she shall be responsible for filing Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) reports and other reports that are required. She shall turn all financial books over to be audited once a fiscal year. At the end of her term, she will turn over her records to her successor.
Section 2: No officer or executive board member shall use her position with the NJFDW in the endorsement of any candidate in a primary election, or on a primary election ballot, or in any non-partisan election.
ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: The Executive Board shall consist of the elected and/or appointed officers and the immediate past President of the NJFDW. The Executive Board is primarily responsible for establishment of a budget, day-to-day operations, and urgent tactical issues.
a) The Executive Committee shall consist of the Executive Board, County Chapter Presidents, and/or a Chapter Representative designated by the County Chapter President.
Section 2: The Executive Board shall be the administrative body of the NJFDW and shall have the power and authority to do and perform all functions which the NJFDW itself might perform, consistent with these By Laws.
Section 3: The Executive Board shall meet at such time and place as the President, or the Executive Board may designate.
Section 4: The Executive Board shall set a budget for the NJFDW by February 28th of each year. It will then be presented to the Executive Committee for review. The Executive Board shall approve the final budget no later than March 30th.
ARTICLE VII: BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 1: The Board of Trustees shall act as advisors to the Executive Board.
Section 2: The Board of Trustees shall be composed of the last three immediate past Executive Board members.
ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS
Section 1: The election of ALL officers of the Executive Board shall be held in even numbered years in the month of November. Newly elected officers will assume their duties as of January 1 of the year following the election.
Section 2: The NJFDW President will appoint a Nominating Committee of three (3) members in the month of September of an election year. The Nominating Committee will oversee all aspects of the election, including receiving and sharing candidate information with the Executive Board, Trustees and Chapter members no later than two weeks prior to the November election meeting.
Section 3: The President, the First Vice President and the Second Vice- President will not serve as members of the Nominating Committee. No one on the Nominating Committee can be nominated for the office of President, First Vice President or Second Vice President.
Section 4: NJFDW officers shall be elected by ballot at the designated November election meeting. The candidate receiving the most votes cast shall be declared elected.
Section 5: Candidates for NJFDW Executive Board must meet the following minimum criteria
1. Be a member of good standing within their county chapter
2. Have been a member of good standing within their county chapter for a minimum of 2 years
ARTICLE IX: MEETINGS AND QUORUM
Section 1: The Officers and Executive Board members shall meet monthly on a date set by the Executive Board or designated by the President.
Section 2: Special meetings shall be called by the President. Notification of special meetings shall be given to the Officers and Executive Board members at least 48 hours prior to the special meeting.
Section 3: Chapter members in good standing may participate in any meeting but may not vote.
Section 4: Meetings and voting can be held via virtual, email, text message, or telephone conference with the appropriate minutes taken and documentation provided.
Section 5: A quorum is defined as 50% of the Executive Board and Executive Committee in attendance
ARTICLE X: FISCAL YEAR
The Fiscal Year shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Annual dues will be due by March 15 of each new year.
ARTICLE XI: VACANCIES
The President will fill any vacancies on the Board with the approval of the Executive Board by appointing a member in good standing to fill the vacancy until the end of the term.
ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS
Section 1: These By-Laws may be amended by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the Recording Secretary and the President and submitted to the Executive Board members at least one month in advance of the voting meeting.
ARTICLE XIII: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1: Where the Bylaws are silent, the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the NJFDW.
Section 2: The President may appoint a Parliamentarian.
ARTICLE XVII: DISSOLUTION
Should the NJFDW be dissolved by appropriate action of its membership, the funds and other assets shall be given to the National Federation of Democratic Women.
ADDENDUM
ARTICLE I: COMMITTEES
Peg Roberts Volunteer Service Award Nominating Committee – oversees the planning of the annual event including securing nominations and winners for The Peg Roberts Volunteer Service Award, the Outstanding Elected Official Recognition, and the Loretta Weinberg Lifetime Achievement Award. (Set Date for calendar)
Social Media Team - Focus on social media posts, website, newsletter material, and other communications to help educate and inform our members
Finance Committee – focus on fundraising and event programming. Develop a yearly budget to identify revenue and spending. Work with the Treasurer to assist in the collection of yearly dues
Legislative Committee - focus on tracking legislation in state Senate and Assembly, rally volunteers to attend legislative sessions, testify, ask questions, provide a report-out on critical items to watch in meetings, oversee planning of Women in Blue.(Set Date for calendar)
Outreach/Membership Committee - Focus on increasing overall membership, Working with County Chapters to help with engagement, growing membership, and working with other groups and caucuses to build partnerships
By-Laws Committee – oversees the updating and maintenance of the current by-laws, ensuring changes are quickly reviewed and approved, and assisting Chapters with establishing/updating their by-laws
Community Engagement Committee - Focus will be on the engagement of members. Hosting events in the community, engaging women in the communities, and focusing on a few key events and/or actions (i.e.postcarding). This committee will work closely with the Membership Committee.
Historical Committee - tasked with developing the history of the NJFDW, researching and documenting the key items, members, and history of the NJFDW
ARTICLE II: FORMING A COUNTY CHAPTER
Section 1: A County Chapter is formed by the following:
a) Notify the NJFDW President that you are interested in starting a County Chapter.
b) Notify the County Democratic Party Organization that you are starting a NJFDW county chapter. The local party organization is your teammate, and we strongly urge that you work together by supporting each other.
c) Bring together a "Steering Committee" to help organize the chapter.
d) Develop Bylaws. Decide the dollar amount of your chapter dues.
e) Determine when the Steering Committee is ready to have the first official meeting. Make a public announcement and invite everyone that you think will be interested.
1. At the first "Official" meeting, the first order of business is to adopt the Bylaws that you have drafted.
2. The second order of business is to elect termed officers.
3. Once your County Chapter has adopted Bylaws and elected officers, notify NJFDW with the officer’s contact information.
ARTICLE III: INDENTIFYING AND RECOGNIZING OUTSTAND MALE ALLY SUPPORT FOR NJFDW
Section 1: It has been determined that NJFDW would benefit from recognizing male allies who are running for office. This would align with some of the county chapters who include male candidates in their endorsement/recognition programs
Section 2: As NJFDW is a women's organization, we will not offer formal endorsements of male candidates but will focus on providing recognition and acknowledgement to a limited number of male candidates who meet the requirements.
Section 3: Male candidates will be identified by completing a formal application focused on NJFDW priorities and their track record in supporting women, women candidates, and women's issues. Please refer to the Guide for more details.