Upcoming Events
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Next Chapter Meeting
Thursday, June 12 @ 5:30pm
RED TALK - Immigration Education
June 13, 2025 @7pm CDT
Chapter Meeting
Thursday, June 12 @ 5:30pm
Flint Hills DSA Chapter Meeting
Thursday, June 12 @ 6pm, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium & Discord
RED TALK - Immigration Education
June 13, 2025 @7pm CDT
Join the DSA Chapters of Kansas for RED TALK: Immigration Education
June 13, 2025, 7pm CDT
Register by going here: https://flowto.it/eh4Nv9wAM4
About the presenter: Luisa M. is a member of DSA’s National Political Committee, union organizer, and formerly undocumented immigrant who is speaking with chapters about the immigrant justice movement. This Red Talk will cover the history of deportation as a means of political control, and past and current crackdowns and how DSA can become a national leader in the movement. There will also be time for Q&A and a group discussion about how we can support communities in Kansas.
By-laws
By-laws of the Flint Hills Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America
Adopted yyyy-mm-dd; approved by the NPC yyyy-mm-dd
ARTICLE I. Name and Territory.
Section 1. Name.
The name of the Chapter will be the Flint Hills Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America, hereinafter referred to as “Flint Hills DSA” or “Chapter” DSA. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a not-for-profit corporation.
Section 2. Territory.
The Chapter shall conduct activities in the Flint Hills and Northeastern Kansas area within the territory defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America to the Flint Hills.
ARTICLE II. Purpose.
The Flint Hills Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means and resources of production are democratically and socially controlled. The Chapter is organized primarily to promote social welfare.
DSA rejects an economic order based solely on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, ability, gender or sexual orientation, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.
DSA envisions a humane social order based on popular control of resources, production, and economic planning; economic and environmental sustainability; equitable distribution; gender, racial, and ethnic equality; and non-oppressive relationships.
Our conception of socialism is a profoundly democratic one. It is rooted in the belief that human beings should be free to develop to their fullest potential, that public policies should be determined not by wealth but by popular participation, and that individual liberties should be carefully safeguarded. It is committed to a freedom of speech that does not recoil from dissent, to a freedom to organize independent trade unions, women’s groups, political parties, and other formations—recognizing these as essential bulwarks against the dangers of an intrusive state. It is committed to a freedom of religion that acknowledges the rights of those for whom spiritual concerns are central.
We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision. In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the broad democratic Left. In the long run, we hope to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States. Our strategy acknowledges the class structure of the U.S. society. This class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population.
ARTICLE III. Membership.
Section 1. Definition.
Membership of the Chapter shall be defined as being a member in good standing of National DSA and residing in the territory described by the charter granted by National DSA. Individuals may not be members of the Chapter without being members of National DSA.
Section 2. Authority.
Members shall be responsible for proposing and deliberating questions of Chapter business at Chapter Meetings, electing Chapter officers, electing delegates to the National Convention, and volunteering for Chapter activities and duties.
Section 3. Resignation.
A member may resign from the Chapter to become an at-large member of DSA by written notice to the Chapter Secretary and National DSA. A member may resign from DSA by notifying the national office of DSA.
Section 4. Removal of Members.
If a member in good standing is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of National DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, or if they are found to be under the discipline of any democratic centralist organization, the Chapter may vote to expel them from the Chapter of DSA. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member shall formally submit written charges against the member in question to the Chapter Steering Committee, which will set the date of a Chapter meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Chapter meeting. An expelled member in good standing must appeal first to the National Political Committee of DSA. Decisions on expulsion by either the Chapter or National Organization may be appealed to the National Convention.
Section 5. Voluntary Donations.
As mandated by the National Constitution and Bylaws, the Chapter may establish a Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a Chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or for holding Chapter office.
Section 6. Data Security.
The Steering Committee shall create and maintain policy and procedures to secure all member data, including but not limited to contact and billing information. This includes website and digital infrastructure security.
ARTICLE IV. Chapter Meetings.
Section 1. Definition.
Chapter Conventions, General Meetings, and Special Meetings shall represent the general will of the membership and shall have the highest authority of decision-making power over all matters within the Chapter.
It shall be the responsibility of the Steering Committee to ensure that all MHK DSA meetings that are in person will adhere to accessibility standards outlined in the Accessibility Standards Policy.
Section 2. Chapter Convention.
The Chapter shall hold a Chapter Convention each calendar year to accept reports, consider questions of Chapter business, and elect Chapter Officers and may adopt an annual budget.
The Steering Committee shall electronically or physically send written notice of the convention to all members no less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the convention. The Steering Committee shall publish the agenda to the membership no less than ten (10) days prior to the convention.
If the Chapter Convention elects to consider special standing rules, the question of their adoption will be the first order of business and upon adoption will apply to that convention only.
The Chapter Convention may coincide with a General Meeting.
Section 3. General Meetings.
The Chapter shall hold a minimum of four (4) General Meetings each calendar year to address any Chapter business within the guidelines set by the Chapter Convention. Any local member of the community is welcome to attend a General Meeting, and shall be given an opportunity to participate and voice their opinions provided that the participation is in good faith. Only dues-paying members in good standing of the Chapter shall have the right to vote on any chapter business. The Membership, by a majority vote, may also choose to start an Executive Session in which participation by non-members of the Chapter is forbidden.
The Steering Committee shall publish the time and place to the membership no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting. The Steering Committee shall set and publish the agenda to the membership no less than five (5) days prior to the meeting. Such publication forums shall include all chapter social media accounts, chapter e-mail lists, the Chapter website, and any other mediums deemed appropriate. The intent is to broadcast this meeting as loudly as possible to ensure all dues-paying members have access.
The Steering Committee will work to facilitate remote access to all meetings. The Steering Committee will also make every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities in regards to the location of general meetings. The purpose of a General Meeting is to be widely accessible to as many dues-paying members in good standing as possible.
Section 4. Special Meetings.
The Chapter Steering Committee may call a Special Meeting of the Chapter on five (5) days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.
Section 5. Rules.
The Chapter may elect to adopt standing rules, which shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws, to administer the process and procedures of Chapter Meetings. The spirit of following such rules is to ensure an orderly, fair, and democratically agreed upon means of maintaining the good order and discipline of meetings. They should never be interpreted in a way meant to obstruct the democratic will of the membership, or to interfere with the ability of a chapter to function.
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all Chapter Meetings to which they apply. If Robert’s Rules are inconsistent with these bylaws or standing rules, then these bylaws or standing rules will apply.
Any action taken by a Chapter Meeting in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 6. Quorum.
A quorum of five (5) percent of the members (but not fewer than six (5) persons) is required for Convention, General, or Special Meetings to transact business.
ARTICLE V. Chapter Officers.
Section 1. Officers and Terms.
The officers of the Chapter shall be the two Co-Chairs, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Membership Coordinator. Each officer must be a member of the Chapter and be current in their dues at the time of election and throughout the duration of their term. The term of office shall be one year or until their successors are elected. No member shall hold more than one office at any given time.
Section 2. Elections.
Elections for officers shall be held at the Chapter Convention unless otherwise stated in these bylaws. The Steering Committee shall open nominations no less than thirty (30) days prior to the election and call for nominations to the membership. Uncontested elections may be decided by acclamation without objection, otherwise elections will be determined by single transferable vote. Elections shall be governed by any rules and procedures under Article IV Section 5.
Section 3. Co-Chairs.
The Co-Chairs shall be the Chief Executive Officers of the Chapter. They shall preside over Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings or shall appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
The Co-Chairs shall be the official public spokespersons for the Chapter and shall initiate such actions and policies as the Chapter’s general welfare may demand. The Co-Chairs act as ambassadors when conducting business with other organizations outside of the DSA. They are to serve as the points of contact for the media in “on-the-fly” situations such as demonstrations. The Co-Chairs shall be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Chapter’s Branches, Committees, and other formations. The Co-Chairs shall report to Chapter Meetings on the business of the Steering Committee.
Section 4. Secretary.
The Secretary shall be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Chapter and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Chapter. They shall ensure effective communication with National DSA as well as with other DSA chapters across the country and region. They shall temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair, if neither Co-Chair is able to do so. Candidates for the Secretary position shall be a member in good standing of the Chapter for more than three months, and shall have attended at least two general meetings.
The Secretary shall be responsible for the taking of minutes of all Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports, and other official records of the Chapter. Minutes will include attendance of officers. The Secretary is also responsible for ensuring a fair, transparent, and orderly voting process in accordance with voting as established in the Bylaws and DSA National Constitution. They are also responsible for ensuring timely notification of the results to all members.
The Secretary shall transfer official records, such as meeting minutes and membership lists, in good condition to their successor. The Secretary is responsible for storing and ensuring members’ access to the latest versions of these bylaws, meeting minutes, agendas, resolutions, standing rules, and all other materials in the interest of the membership.
The Secretary is responsible for the maintenance of the chapter’s website and digital infrastructure. They shall maintain a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) related to digital infrastructure and the website which outlines these subjects in technical detail. The SOP should be written such that any new member who qualifies as Secretary can pick it up and have it function without disruptions. The Secretary may nominate any member of the Chapter to serve as a Webmaster, subject to confirmation by the Steering Committee.
The Webmaster shall be a specially designated position, nominated by the Secretary and subject to a majority vote of the Steering Committee. The Webmasters responsibilities shall be maintenance of the chapter website, maintenance of the chapter emails, and implementing the technical infrastructure of the chapter. The specific contents of this infrastructure shall be laid out in a Standard Operating Procedure.
The Webmaster shall have the right to attend Steering Committee Meetings which have business items related to technical matters that pertain to the Webmaster’s responsibilities, and shall share their concerns and recommendations. They shall have no voting power on the Steering Committee.
Section 5. Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Chapter. All funds collected by the Chapter shall be turned over to the Treasurer, who will hold these funds in a secure place until it is possible to deposit the funds in a credit union or bank account under the name of the Chapter.
The Treasurer shall make every reasonable attempt to open an account and do business with a financial institution which does not engage in conduct contrary to our values as a chapter.
The Treasurer shall prepare budgets and financial reports for consideration at Chapter Meetings and as requested by the Steering Committee, and ensure the Chapter’s regulatory compliance. In cooperation with the Membership Coordinator, the Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are current. Any budgets and financial reports shall be available to members who are in good standing on a basis of a request. These Reports shall be in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP).
The Treasurer shall create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for carrying out their duties and for maintaining healthy Chapter finances. The Treasurer shall design the SOP with the ability to facilitate an orderly transition during elections. The Treasurer shall transfer to their successor the documented policies and procedures, financial records and reports, and access to financial accounts securely.
The Treasurer is also responsible for safeguarding the general ledger. The general ledger shall be treated as a sensitive document that will only be distributed on a need-to-know basis. Under no circumstances is the Treasurer to disclose such a document to anyone outside the organization without the prior consent of the Steering Committee.
Section 6. Membership Coordinator.
The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for the overall health and growth of the Chapter Membership by coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of the Chapter. The Membership Coordinator shall oversee initiatives concerning membership growth, retention, engagement, participation, and leadership development.
The Membership Coordinator shall organize their activities to be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive to marginalized groups. Special attention shall be devoted to the recruitment of members from marginalized groups.
The Membership Coordinator shall have access to the membership rosters of the Chapter for the purpose of creating metrics, analyzing data, and developing plans to assist in the growth of our organization. Such metrics, analyses and plans will be outlined in the SOP.
The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for drafting an overall Social Media Program for the purpose of , as well as developing a Social Media SOP. This SOP will document both general social media best practices, as well as best practices specific to each platform.
Section 7. Additional Duties and Actions Out of Order.
The Chapter Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these bylaws.
Any action taken by an officer in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 8. Resignation.
Any officer of the Chapter may electronically or physically submit their resignation to either the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting. Upon resignation, the Steering Committee shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term either by scheduling an election no less than thirty (30) days away from a General Meeting or by appointment via simple majority vote of the Steering Committee.
Section 9. Suspension.
Any officer of the Chapter may be temporarily suspended for thirty (30) days at a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. Any member may motion to recall and shall state with particularity the acts of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, or undemocratic or uncomradely behavior comprising the grounds for removal and must be seconded. The Chapter Meeting may adopt such a motion by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.
Section 10. Recall.
Any officer of the Chapter may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer.
- Recall by Vote of the Membership.
In order to recall or remove an officer, a member in good standing must formally refer a request to the Steering Committee to remove said officer, which will set a date of a Chapter Meeting for deliberations on the accused officer’s removal. The officer in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before the meeting takes place. The accused officer will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting. Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Chapter Meeting.
- Recall by Vote of the Steering Committee.
An officer may be recalled by vote of the Steering Committee only under narrow circumstances for failure to do their duty. If an officer misses three consecutive Steering Committee meetings without excuse and fails to respond to attempts by Steering Committee members to communicate, that officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Steering Committee. This action must be reported at the next Chapter Meeting, at which time members in good standing may overturn the vote.
ARTICLE VI. Steering Committee.
Section 1. Composition.
The Steering Committee shall be composed of the five (5) officers of the Chapter.
Section 2. Duties.
The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of Chapter Meetings; it may also propose policy to Chapter Meetings. It shall have the power to receive reports of any Branch, Committee, or formally created Working Group, and advise thereon, to call Special Meetings of the Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of the Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative bodies, the Chapter Convention and General Meetings.
The Steering Committee shall be responsible for establishing program activities for the Chapter, for proposing guidelines and policies that shall subsequently be voted on by members in good standing, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Chapter meetings.
The Steering Committee is responsible for ensuring that the following responsibilities are assigned to Steering Committee members or other individuals: communications, internal and external; development of any standing rules; maintenance of social media platforms; maintenance and development of the chapter website; political education of the membership base; and preparation of an annual report to be presented to the membership at the beginning of the new fiscal year or at the Chapter Convention.
Section 3. Meetings.
The meetings of the Steering Committee shall be held at the call of one (1) of the Co-Chairs at such regular intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with any three (3) members of the Steering Committee. All members of the Steering Committee must be given three (3) days oral, written, or electronic notice of Steering Committee Meetings unless all members of the Steering Committee accept shorter notice. The Steering Committee shall give notice of its meeting schedule to Chapter members. Meeting minutes shall be recorded and accessible to the membership.
Steering Committee Meetings may be held electronically by any means acceptable to all the members of the Steering Committee.
Any member in good standing of the Chapter may observe Steering Committee Meetings. The Steering Committee shall allow for a question and answer period and a comment period if capacity permits.
The Steering Committee may go into executive session by simple majority vote in order to discuss any sensitive matters. The Steering Committee will not use this power to purposefully circumvent democratic oversight by the membership. .
Section 4. Quorum.
A quorum of a simple majority, including at least 3(3) of the five (5) officers, is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business.
Section 5. Rules.
Each office of the Steering Committee shall be responsible for maintaining a series of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their respective committees. The purpose of a SOP is to lay out the day-to-day functions of each role, the work flows and processes to accomplish the tasks, important due dates, helpful resources, the reasoning behind the processes, etc. Each Steering Committee member may add additional information to their SOP if they feel it necessary. The purpose of writing such SOPs is to ensure the transmission of knowledge, to preserve institutional memory, and to function as a template which other chapters may freely utilize for their own operations.
Any action taken by the Steering Committee in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 6. Voting.
The Steering Committee may make decisions on business by vote of a simple majority of the committee at a Steering Committee Meeting or through other means unanimously approved by all Steering Committee members at a Steering Committee Meeting. Any vote that occurs between Steering Committee Meetings shall be reported at the next meeting.
Section 7. Board of Directors.
For the purposes of meeting the requirements of local and state incorporation laws, the Chapter shall have a “Board of Directors” consisting of members of the Steering Committee assigned for the purpose as logical and required by law.
ARTICLE VII. Branches.
Section 1. Definition.
A Branch is a subgroup chartered by the Chapter consisting of at least five (5) members in good standing for the purpose of expanding the reach and accessibility of the Chapter. Branches shall be defined by geography, identity, language, belonging to a particular institution, or sharing a common interest.
Section 2. Creation.
A charter application must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter who would be members of the Branch, and submitted according to the same procedure as defined in Article XIV of these bylaws.
A charter application must define the purpose of the Branch, the nature of its leadership, the scope and nature of its membership, and how the Branch makes decisions. Membership by geography shall not overlap with another Branch defined by geography. The Chapter Meeting may approve a charter application under this article by a simple majority vote.
A charter application may include an amendment to these bylaws for the purpose of Branch representation on the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meeting may approve this proposed amendment by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.
Section 3. Dissolution.
A motion to dissolve a Branch must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted according to the same procedure as defined in Article XIV of these bylaws. The Chapter Meeting may dissolve a Branch under this article by a simple majority vote.
A motion to dissolve a Branch may include an amendment to these bylaws for the purpose of removing Branch representation on the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meeting may approve a motion to dissolve a Branch with a bylaws amendment under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.
ARTICLE VIII. Young Democratic Socialists of America Chapters.
Section 1. Definition.
Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapters within the geographic area defined by a DSA Chapter may affiliate as a Branch of that Chapter, in which case the local YDSA chapter may send a representative to the Chapter Steering Committee.
Section 2. YDSA Liaison.
Each official YDSA Chapter that exists in the Chapter’s territory may nominate one (1) YDSA Liaison that shall coordinate organizing, recruitment, and other efforts with the Flint Hills Chapter.
ARTICLE IX. Committees.
Section 1. Definition.
A committee is a group of Chapter members tasked with specific functions and authority related to the work and administration of the Chapter.
Section 2. Creation.
A committee may be established by a Chapter Meeting by a simple majority vote. The Steering Committee may also establish a committee solely for purposes of carrying out responsibilities already assigned to the Steering Committee in these bylaws. The motion to establish a committee must define the purpose of the committee, the nature of its leadership, the nature of its membership, how the committee makes decisions, a deadline for either its dissolution or renewal, and any Chapter resources it may need. The committee may be subject to additional rules of the Chapter.
Section 3. Dissolution.
Any committee created under this article may be dissolved by a Chapter Meeting at any time by a simple majority vote. If a committee was established by the Steering Committee, that committee may be dissolved by the Steering Committee at any time by a simple majority vote.
ARTICLE X. Working Groups and Other Formations.
Section 1. Definition.
Other formations may exist within the Chapter when they do not need to represent the will of the membership, but otherwise offer a beneficial purpose. Such formations shall have no authority on behalf of the Chapter beyond the authority provided to Chapter members individually. Such formations may be subject to additional rules of the Chapter.
Section 2. Formal Creation.
Such formations may be recognized or established by decision of the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting for the purpose of utilizing Chapter resources not otherwise offered to Chapter members, including funds and communication resources.
Section 3. Formal Dissolution.
The recognition or establishment of such formations may be revoked by simple majority vote of the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting at any time.
ARTICLE XI. Delegates to National, Regional, and State Organizations.
Section 1. Eligibility to Vote on Delegates.
Members in good standing of the Chapter shall elect Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention, as well as to any regional or state organizations.
Section 2. Schedule of Elections to National, Regional, or State Organizations.
Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by National DSA. Elections to regional or state organizations will be held on the schedule announced by those organizations.
Section 3. Method of Voting.
Following Article V, Section 5 of National DSA’s Constitution, delegates to the National Convention must be elected by secret ballot. And, “No election for delegates to the National Convention shall be held more than four months, or less than forty-five days, prior to the opening of the National Convention. No election for delegates shall be conducted before the apportionment of delegates.”
Following Article VI, Section 3, of National DSA’s Bylaws, Chapters “may determine their own method of election of delegates to the Convention except that a petition from 10% of a Chapter’s membership or a motion supported by 15% of those present and voting at the Chapter meeting which determines the method of election will require the use of the Hare system in that election of delegates to the National Convention.”
Flint Hills DSA will use the same method of voting outlined in Article V, Section 2 of this document for determination of delegates to the Convention, unless such methods violate the DSA National Bylaws or Constitution. In the event of a conflict, Flint Hills DSA will abide by the higher body’s decision.
ARTICLE XII. Grievance Procedure.
The Chapter will follow the Harassment Policy of National DSA.
ARTICLE XIII. Prohibited Activity.
Flint Hills DSA will not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Kansas. Nor will the Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.
ARTICLE XIV. Amendments.
Proposed amendments to these bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by either five (5) members or ten (10) percent of the membership–whichever is greater–in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The Chapter Meeting may adopt amendments to these bylaws proposed under this article by majority vote.
No amendment to these bylaws may be in conflict with the National DSA Constitution and Bylaws. The Chapter will provide the amended bylaws to the DSA national office.
ARTICLE XV. Chapter Dissolution.
A proposal to dissolve the Chapter must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of this resolution. The Chapter Meeting may adopt a resolution to dissolve the Chapter under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.
Upon dissolution of the Chapter, any residual assets shall become property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.
Calendar
Here’s our public calendar of upcoming meetings, actions, and events:
Organizing
Each year, our Chapter votes on the most urgent issues we believe deserve our collective energy and focus. As our membership continues to grow, we are prioritizing the following areas:
Establishing a Tenet Union
Members of the Flint Hills DSA are working on revitalizing Renters Together MHK, a tenet union located in Manhattan, KS.
Palestine Solidarity
The Flint Hills DSA has a working group to promote awareness around the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza and in the West Bank, by the Israeli government. To learn more, check out the committees and working groups page.
Noah (he/they)
Co-chair
Peter (he/they)
Co-chair
A lifelong Kansas resident, Peter is a biomedical engineer and technician whose socialist awakening came about shortly after the March For Our Lives movement in 2018. When not pushing for Palestinian advocacy or pro-humanity work, Peter is a homebody and a tinkerer at heart, with a soft spot for TTRPGs.
Steve (he/him)
Treasurer
Beccah (they/them)
Co-secretary
Beccah is a Marxist-Leninist organizer with a focus on anti-fascist education, labor solidarity, and intersectional-feminism. They have a passion for helping their community, providing mutual aid however possible and spreading knowledge about anti-capitalism. Outside of activism, they enjoy quiet time with their wife and cats, art, and the occasional D&D session.
Al (they/them)
Co-secretary
Derron (they/he)
Membership Coordinator
Derron is a vegan Marxist-Leninist organizer from Ohio. They are currently pursuing a PhD in adult learning and leadership at Kansas State University focusing on epistemogloy of adult learning. As an activist and educator they work to dismantle oppressive systems with the ultimate goal to drive positive change towards collective liberation, centering the liberation of individuals and communities who have been systematically denied access to life-sustaining resources and basic human dignity. They take their lead from folks like Frantz Fanon, James Baldwin, bell hooks, Paulo Freire, Myles Horton, Walter Mignolo, Maria Lugones, Aníbal Quijano, Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, and Toni Morrison, to guide their dialectical praxis in liberatory education. In their free time, you can find Derron at their plot at the Manhattan Community Gardens, volunteering, crafting, learning languages, writing, and escaping the realities of capitalism through reading fantasy fiction.
Chapter By-Laws
Upcoming Events
Organizing
Housing Justice
Palestine Solidarity
Contact Us
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We’d love to have you!
The Flint Hills Chapter of DSA is based in Manhattan, Kansas and incorporates the rural areas and small towns around Riley, Pottawatomie, Clay, and Geary counties. You can use this tool to check to see if your zipcode falls within our DSA Chapter. As a member run organization, all of our major decisions are decided democratically. We rely on our members to organize and run meetings, events, fundraisers, campaigns, etc. Without an active membership base, we wouldn't be able to function. We are socialists in your community, dedicating what little free time capitalism affords us to building a better future. We also rely on dues payments to keep a strong foundation from which we can build. Membership in DSA is established at the national organization level, and national provides us with a percentage of all monthly dues paid by members within our coverage area. If you'd like to become a DSA member but are unable to pay dues, you can click here to learn about the available dues waiver. The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest Socialist organization in the United States, and here in Kansas City, we have a unique opportunity to build working class power in two states that are often overlooked by the rest of the country. We know that a better world is possible, and if you're ready to fight for that world, join us. To join the DSA Flint Hills Chapter:
- Visit our national site at dsausa.org/join.
- Fill out the membership form and submit payment.
After you've received a confirmation email from the national organization, click here to get signed up for the national discussion forums. Forward the confirmation email you receive from the national organization to members@fhdsa.org and then go over and click the "Join our Discord" button!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out through the “Contact Us” button!
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About
Steering Committee
The Chapter is led by a group of local volunteers living in and around Manhattan, KS.
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Chapter Meeting
Thursday, June 12 @ 5:30pm
Flint Hills DSA Chapter Meeting
Thursday, June 12 @ 6pm, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium & Discord
RED TALK - Immigration Education
June 13, 2025 @7pm CDT
Join the DSA Chapters of Kansas for RED TALK: Immigration Education
June 13, 2025, 7pm CDT
Register by going here: https://flowto.it/eh4Nv9wAM4
About the presenter: Luisa M. is a member of DSA’s National Political Committee, union organizer, and formerly undocumented immigrant who is speaking with chapters about the immigrant justice movement. This Red Talk will cover the history of deportation as a means of political control, and past and current crackdowns and how DSA can become a national leader in the movement. There will also be time for Q&A and a group discussion about how we can support communities in Kansas.
By-laws
By-laws of the Flint Hills Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America
Adopted yyyy-mm-dd; approved by the NPC yyyy-mm-dd
ARTICLE I. Name and Territory.
Section 1. Name.
The name of the Chapter will be the Flint Hills Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America, hereinafter referred to as “Flint Hills DSA” or “Chapter” DSA. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a not-for-profit corporation.
Section 2. Territory.
The Chapter shall conduct activities in the Flint Hills and Northeastern Kansas area within the territory defined by the charter granted by the national Democratic Socialists of America to the Flint Hills.
ARTICLE II. Purpose.
The Flint Hills Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America seeks to facilitate the transition to a truly democratic and socialist society, one in which the means and resources of production are democratically and socially controlled. The Chapter is organized primarily to promote social welfare.
DSA rejects an economic order based solely on private profit, alienated labor, gross inequalities of wealth and power, discrimination based on race, ability, gender or sexual orientation, and brutality and violence in defense of the status quo.
DSA envisions a humane social order based on popular control of resources, production, and economic planning; economic and environmental sustainability; equitable distribution; gender, racial, and ethnic equality; and non-oppressive relationships.
Our conception of socialism is a profoundly democratic one. It is rooted in the belief that human beings should be free to develop to their fullest potential, that public policies should be determined not by wealth but by popular participation, and that individual liberties should be carefully safeguarded. It is committed to a freedom of speech that does not recoil from dissent, to a freedom to organize independent trade unions, women’s groups, political parties, and other formations—recognizing these as essential bulwarks against the dangers of an intrusive state. It is committed to a freedom of religion that acknowledges the rights of those for whom spiritual concerns are central.
We are socialists because we are developing a concrete strategy for achieving that vision. In the present, we are building a visible socialist presence within the broad democratic Left. In the long run, we hope to build a majority movement capable of making democratic socialism a reality in the United States. Our strategy acknowledges the class structure of the U.S. society. This class structure means that there is a basic conflict of interest between those sectors with enormous economic power and the vast majority of the population.
ARTICLE III. Membership.
Section 1. Definition.
Membership of the Chapter shall be defined as being a member in good standing of National DSA and residing in the territory described by the charter granted by National DSA. Individuals may not be members of the Chapter without being members of National DSA.
Section 2. Authority.
Members shall be responsible for proposing and deliberating questions of Chapter business at Chapter Meetings, electing Chapter officers, electing delegates to the National Convention, and volunteering for Chapter activities and duties.
Section 3. Resignation.
A member may resign from the Chapter to become an at-large member of DSA by written notice to the Chapter Secretary and National DSA. A member may resign from DSA by notifying the national office of DSA.
Section 4. Removal of Members.
If a member in good standing is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of National DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, or if they are found to be under the discipline of any democratic centralist organization, the Chapter may vote to expel them from the Chapter of DSA. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member shall formally submit written charges against the member in question to the Chapter Steering Committee, which will set the date of a Chapter meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Chapter meeting. An expelled member in good standing must appeal first to the National Political Committee of DSA. Decisions on expulsion by either the Chapter or National Organization may be appealed to the National Convention.
Section 5. Voluntary Donations.
As mandated by the National Constitution and Bylaws, the Chapter may establish a Chapter pledge system of voluntary donations for its members. The payment of a Chapter donation shall not be a requirement for voting or for holding Chapter office.
Section 6. Data Security.
The Steering Committee shall create and maintain policy and procedures to secure all member data, including but not limited to contact and billing information. This includes website and digital infrastructure security.
ARTICLE IV. Chapter Meetings.
Section 1. Definition.
Chapter Conventions, General Meetings, and Special Meetings shall represent the general will of the membership and shall have the highest authority of decision-making power over all matters within the Chapter.
It shall be the responsibility of the Steering Committee to ensure that all MHK DSA meetings that are in person will adhere to accessibility standards outlined in the Accessibility Standards Policy.
Section 2. Chapter Convention.
The Chapter shall hold a Chapter Convention each calendar year to accept reports, consider questions of Chapter business, and elect Chapter Officers and may adopt an annual budget.
The Steering Committee shall electronically or physically send written notice of the convention to all members no less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the convention. The Steering Committee shall publish the agenda to the membership no less than ten (10) days prior to the convention.
If the Chapter Convention elects to consider special standing rules, the question of their adoption will be the first order of business and upon adoption will apply to that convention only.
The Chapter Convention may coincide with a General Meeting.
Section 3. General Meetings.
The Chapter shall hold a minimum of four (4) General Meetings each calendar year to address any Chapter business within the guidelines set by the Chapter Convention. Any local member of the community is welcome to attend a General Meeting, and shall be given an opportunity to participate and voice their opinions provided that the participation is in good faith. Only dues-paying members in good standing of the Chapter shall have the right to vote on any chapter business. The Membership, by a majority vote, may also choose to start an Executive Session in which participation by non-members of the Chapter is forbidden.
The Steering Committee shall publish the time and place to the membership no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting. The Steering Committee shall set and publish the agenda to the membership no less than five (5) days prior to the meeting. Such publication forums shall include all chapter social media accounts, chapter e-mail lists, the Chapter website, and any other mediums deemed appropriate. The intent is to broadcast this meeting as loudly as possible to ensure all dues-paying members have access.
The Steering Committee will work to facilitate remote access to all meetings. The Steering Committee will also make every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities in regards to the location of general meetings. The purpose of a General Meeting is to be widely accessible to as many dues-paying members in good standing as possible.
Section 4. Special Meetings.
The Chapter Steering Committee may call a Special Meeting of the Chapter on five (5) days’ notice when an urgent and important matter requires deliberation.
Section 5. Rules.
The Chapter may elect to adopt standing rules, which shall not be inconsistent with these bylaws, to administer the process and procedures of Chapter Meetings. The spirit of following such rules is to ensure an orderly, fair, and democratically agreed upon means of maintaining the good order and discipline of meetings. They should never be interpreted in a way meant to obstruct the democratic will of the membership, or to interfere with the ability of a chapter to function.
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all Chapter Meetings to which they apply. If Robert’s Rules are inconsistent with these bylaws or standing rules, then these bylaws or standing rules will apply.
Any action taken by a Chapter Meeting in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 6. Quorum.
A quorum of five (5) percent of the members (but not fewer than six (5) persons) is required for Convention, General, or Special Meetings to transact business.
ARTICLE V. Chapter Officers.
Section 1. Officers and Terms.
The officers of the Chapter shall be the two Co-Chairs, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Membership Coordinator. Each officer must be a member of the Chapter and be current in their dues at the time of election and throughout the duration of their term. The term of office shall be one year or until their successors are elected. No member shall hold more than one office at any given time.
Section 2. Elections.
Elections for officers shall be held at the Chapter Convention unless otherwise stated in these bylaws. The Steering Committee shall open nominations no less than thirty (30) days prior to the election and call for nominations to the membership. Uncontested elections may be decided by acclamation without objection, otherwise elections will be determined by single transferable vote. Elections shall be governed by any rules and procedures under Article IV Section 5.
Section 3. Co-Chairs.
The Co-Chairs shall be the Chief Executive Officers of the Chapter. They shall preside over Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings or shall appoint a substitute to assume the powers and duties of the presiding officer as specified in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
The Co-Chairs shall be the official public spokespersons for the Chapter and shall initiate such actions and policies as the Chapter’s general welfare may demand. The Co-Chairs act as ambassadors when conducting business with other organizations outside of the DSA. They are to serve as the points of contact for the media in “on-the-fly” situations such as demonstrations. The Co-Chairs shall be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations and political work of the Chapter’s Branches, Committees, and other formations. The Co-Chairs shall report to Chapter Meetings on the business of the Steering Committee.
Section 4. Secretary.
The Secretary shall be responsible for answering all correspondence and queries of the Chapter and for maintaining an up-to-date membership list of the Chapter. They shall ensure effective communication with National DSA as well as with other DSA chapters across the country and region. They shall temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Co-Chair, if neither Co-Chair is able to do so. Candidates for the Secretary position shall be a member in good standing of the Chapter for more than three months, and shall have attended at least two general meetings.
The Secretary shall be responsible for the taking of minutes of all Chapter and Steering Committee Meetings and shall have custody of these minutes, and the resolutions, reports, and other official records of the Chapter. Minutes will include attendance of officers. The Secretary is also responsible for ensuring a fair, transparent, and orderly voting process in accordance with voting as established in the Bylaws and DSA National Constitution. They are also responsible for ensuring timely notification of the results to all members.
The Secretary shall transfer official records, such as meeting minutes and membership lists, in good condition to their successor. The Secretary is responsible for storing and ensuring members’ access to the latest versions of these bylaws, meeting minutes, agendas, resolutions, standing rules, and all other materials in the interest of the membership.
The Secretary is responsible for the maintenance of the chapter’s website and digital infrastructure. They shall maintain a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) related to digital infrastructure and the website which outlines these subjects in technical detail. The SOP should be written such that any new member who qualifies as Secretary can pick it up and have it function without disruptions. The Secretary may nominate any member of the Chapter to serve as a Webmaster, subject to confirmation by the Steering Committee.
The Webmaster shall be a specially designated position, nominated by the Secretary and subject to a majority vote of the Steering Committee. The Webmasters responsibilities shall be maintenance of the chapter website, maintenance of the chapter emails, and implementing the technical infrastructure of the chapter. The specific contents of this infrastructure shall be laid out in a Standard Operating Procedure.
The Webmaster shall have the right to attend Steering Committee Meetings which have business items related to technical matters that pertain to the Webmaster’s responsibilities, and shall share their concerns and recommendations. They shall have no voting power on the Steering Committee.
Section 5. Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the funds and financial records of the Chapter. All funds collected by the Chapter shall be turned over to the Treasurer, who will hold these funds in a secure place until it is possible to deposit the funds in a credit union or bank account under the name of the Chapter.
The Treasurer shall make every reasonable attempt to open an account and do business with a financial institution which does not engage in conduct contrary to our values as a chapter.
The Treasurer shall prepare budgets and financial reports for consideration at Chapter Meetings and as requested by the Steering Committee, and ensure the Chapter’s regulatory compliance. In cooperation with the Membership Coordinator, the Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that membership dues are current. Any budgets and financial reports shall be available to members who are in good standing on a basis of a request. These Reports shall be in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP).
The Treasurer shall create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for carrying out their duties and for maintaining healthy Chapter finances. The Treasurer shall design the SOP with the ability to facilitate an orderly transition during elections. The Treasurer shall transfer to their successor the documented policies and procedures, financial records and reports, and access to financial accounts securely.
The Treasurer is also responsible for safeguarding the general ledger. The general ledger shall be treated as a sensitive document that will only be distributed on a need-to-know basis. Under no circumstances is the Treasurer to disclose such a document to anyone outside the organization without the prior consent of the Steering Committee.
Section 6. Membership Coordinator.
The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for the overall health and growth of the Chapter Membership by coordinating the outreach, recruitment, and engagement activities of the Chapter. The Membership Coordinator shall oversee initiatives concerning membership growth, retention, engagement, participation, and leadership development.
The Membership Coordinator shall organize their activities to be inclusive, culturally competent, and non-oppressive to marginalized groups. Special attention shall be devoted to the recruitment of members from marginalized groups.
The Membership Coordinator shall have access to the membership rosters of the Chapter for the purpose of creating metrics, analyzing data, and developing plans to assist in the growth of our organization. Such metrics, analyses and plans will be outlined in the SOP.
The Membership Coordinator shall be responsible for drafting an overall Social Media Program for the purpose of , as well as developing a Social Media SOP. This SOP will document both general social media best practices, as well as best practices specific to each platform.
Section 7. Additional Duties and Actions Out of Order.
The Chapter Steering Committee may assign additional temporary duties to an officer of the Chapter, so long as such assignments do not conflict with the designation of responsibilities outlined in these bylaws.
Any action taken by an officer in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 8. Resignation.
Any officer of the Chapter may electronically or physically submit their resignation to either the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting. Upon resignation, the Steering Committee shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term either by scheduling an election no less than thirty (30) days away from a General Meeting or by appointment via simple majority vote of the Steering Committee.
Section 9. Suspension.
Any officer of the Chapter may be temporarily suspended for thirty (30) days at a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. Any member may motion to recall and shall state with particularity the acts of malfeasance, nonfeasance, gross negligence, or undemocratic or uncomradely behavior comprising the grounds for removal and must be seconded. The Chapter Meeting may adopt such a motion by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.
Section 10. Recall.
Any officer of the Chapter may be recalled for malfeasance or failure to fulfill their duties or obligations as an officer.
- Recall by Vote of the Membership.
In order to recall or remove an officer, a member in good standing must formally refer a request to the Steering Committee to remove said officer, which will set a date of a Chapter Meeting for deliberations on the accused officer’s removal. The officer in question must receive written documentation of the specific reasons for the removal request and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before the meeting takes place. The accused officer will be given a chance to speak in their own defense at this meeting. Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Chapter Meeting.
- Recall by Vote of the Steering Committee.
An officer may be recalled by vote of the Steering Committee only under narrow circumstances for failure to do their duty. If an officer misses three consecutive Steering Committee meetings without excuse and fails to respond to attempts by Steering Committee members to communicate, that officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Steering Committee. This action must be reported at the next Chapter Meeting, at which time members in good standing may overturn the vote.
ARTICLE VI. Steering Committee.
Section 1. Composition.
The Steering Committee shall be composed of the five (5) officers of the Chapter.
Section 2. Duties.
The Steering Committee administers the affairs of the Chapter and oversees the implementation of the decisions of Chapter Meetings; it may also propose policy to Chapter Meetings. It shall have the power to receive reports of any Branch, Committee, or formally created Working Group, and advise thereon, to call Special Meetings of the Chapter, and to act on any matter that requires immediate and urgent action. The Steering Committee is the regular executive body of the Chapter, and thus subordinate to its Legislative bodies, the Chapter Convention and General Meetings.
The Steering Committee shall be responsible for establishing program activities for the Chapter, for proposing guidelines and policies that shall subsequently be voted on by members in good standing, and for acting on the organization’s behalf between Chapter meetings.
The Steering Committee is responsible for ensuring that the following responsibilities are assigned to Steering Committee members or other individuals: communications, internal and external; development of any standing rules; maintenance of social media platforms; maintenance and development of the chapter website; political education of the membership base; and preparation of an annual report to be presented to the membership at the beginning of the new fiscal year or at the Chapter Convention.
Section 3. Meetings.
The meetings of the Steering Committee shall be held at the call of one (1) of the Co-Chairs at such regular intervals as may be determined by a prior Steering Committee Meeting or by consultation with any three (3) members of the Steering Committee. All members of the Steering Committee must be given three (3) days oral, written, or electronic notice of Steering Committee Meetings unless all members of the Steering Committee accept shorter notice. The Steering Committee shall give notice of its meeting schedule to Chapter members. Meeting minutes shall be recorded and accessible to the membership.
Steering Committee Meetings may be held electronically by any means acceptable to all the members of the Steering Committee.
Any member in good standing of the Chapter may observe Steering Committee Meetings. The Steering Committee shall allow for a question and answer period and a comment period if capacity permits.
The Steering Committee may go into executive session by simple majority vote in order to discuss any sensitive matters. The Steering Committee will not use this power to purposefully circumvent democratic oversight by the membership. .
Section 4. Quorum.
A quorum of a simple majority, including at least 3(3) of the five (5) officers, is required for the transaction of Steering Committee business.
Section 5. Rules.
Each office of the Steering Committee shall be responsible for maintaining a series of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their respective committees. The purpose of a SOP is to lay out the day-to-day functions of each role, the work flows and processes to accomplish the tasks, important due dates, helpful resources, the reasoning behind the processes, etc. Each Steering Committee member may add additional information to their SOP if they feel it necessary. The purpose of writing such SOPs is to ensure the transmission of knowledge, to preserve institutional memory, and to function as a template which other chapters may freely utilize for their own operations.
Any action taken by the Steering Committee in contravention of these bylaws is null and void.
Section 6. Voting.
The Steering Committee may make decisions on business by vote of a simple majority of the committee at a Steering Committee Meeting or through other means unanimously approved by all Steering Committee members at a Steering Committee Meeting. Any vote that occurs between Steering Committee Meetings shall be reported at the next meeting.
Section 7. Board of Directors.
For the purposes of meeting the requirements of local and state incorporation laws, the Chapter shall have a “Board of Directors” consisting of members of the Steering Committee assigned for the purpose as logical and required by law.
ARTICLE VII. Branches.
Section 1. Definition.
A Branch is a subgroup chartered by the Chapter consisting of at least five (5) members in good standing for the purpose of expanding the reach and accessibility of the Chapter. Branches shall be defined by geography, identity, language, belonging to a particular institution, or sharing a common interest.
Section 2. Creation.
A charter application must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter who would be members of the Branch, and submitted according to the same procedure as defined in Article XIV of these bylaws.
A charter application must define the purpose of the Branch, the nature of its leadership, the scope and nature of its membership, and how the Branch makes decisions. Membership by geography shall not overlap with another Branch defined by geography. The Chapter Meeting may approve a charter application under this article by a simple majority vote.
A charter application may include an amendment to these bylaws for the purpose of Branch representation on the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meeting may approve this proposed amendment by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.
Section 3. Dissolution.
A motion to dissolve a Branch must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted according to the same procedure as defined in Article XIV of these bylaws. The Chapter Meeting may dissolve a Branch under this article by a simple majority vote.
A motion to dissolve a Branch may include an amendment to these bylaws for the purpose of removing Branch representation on the Steering Committee. The Chapter Meeting may approve a motion to dissolve a Branch with a bylaws amendment under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote.
ARTICLE VIII. Young Democratic Socialists of America Chapters.
Section 1. Definition.
Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapters within the geographic area defined by a DSA Chapter may affiliate as a Branch of that Chapter, in which case the local YDSA chapter may send a representative to the Chapter Steering Committee.
Section 2. YDSA Liaison.
Each official YDSA Chapter that exists in the Chapter’s territory may nominate one (1) YDSA Liaison that shall coordinate organizing, recruitment, and other efforts with the Flint Hills Chapter.
ARTICLE IX. Committees.
Section 1. Definition.
A committee is a group of Chapter members tasked with specific functions and authority related to the work and administration of the Chapter.
Section 2. Creation.
A committee may be established by a Chapter Meeting by a simple majority vote. The Steering Committee may also establish a committee solely for purposes of carrying out responsibilities already assigned to the Steering Committee in these bylaws. The motion to establish a committee must define the purpose of the committee, the nature of its leadership, the nature of its membership, how the committee makes decisions, a deadline for either its dissolution or renewal, and any Chapter resources it may need. The committee may be subject to additional rules of the Chapter.
Section 3. Dissolution.
Any committee created under this article may be dissolved by a Chapter Meeting at any time by a simple majority vote. If a committee was established by the Steering Committee, that committee may be dissolved by the Steering Committee at any time by a simple majority vote.
ARTICLE X. Working Groups and Other Formations.
Section 1. Definition.
Other formations may exist within the Chapter when they do not need to represent the will of the membership, but otherwise offer a beneficial purpose. Such formations shall have no authority on behalf of the Chapter beyond the authority provided to Chapter members individually. Such formations may be subject to additional rules of the Chapter.
Section 2. Formal Creation.
Such formations may be recognized or established by decision of the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting for the purpose of utilizing Chapter resources not otherwise offered to Chapter members, including funds and communication resources.
Section 3. Formal Dissolution.
The recognition or establishment of such formations may be revoked by simple majority vote of the Steering Committee or Chapter Meeting at any time.
ARTICLE XI. Delegates to National, Regional, and State Organizations.
Section 1. Eligibility to Vote on Delegates.
Members in good standing of the Chapter shall elect Chapter delegates and alternates to the National Convention, as well as to any regional or state organizations.
Section 2. Schedule of Elections to National, Regional, or State Organizations.
Elections for the National Convention delegation will be held on the schedule announced by National DSA. Elections to regional or state organizations will be held on the schedule announced by those organizations.
Section 3. Method of Voting.
Following Article V, Section 5 of National DSA’s Constitution, delegates to the National Convention must be elected by secret ballot. And, “No election for delegates to the National Convention shall be held more than four months, or less than forty-five days, prior to the opening of the National Convention. No election for delegates shall be conducted before the apportionment of delegates.”
Following Article VI, Section 3, of National DSA’s Bylaws, Chapters “may determine their own method of election of delegates to the Convention except that a petition from 10% of a Chapter’s membership or a motion supported by 15% of those present and voting at the Chapter meeting which determines the method of election will require the use of the Hare system in that election of delegates to the National Convention.”
Flint Hills DSA will use the same method of voting outlined in Article V, Section 2 of this document for determination of delegates to the Convention, unless such methods violate the DSA National Bylaws or Constitution. In the event of a conflict, Flint Hills DSA will abide by the higher body’s decision.
ARTICLE XII. Grievance Procedure.
The Chapter will follow the Harassment Policy of National DSA.
ARTICLE XIII. Prohibited Activity.
Flint Hills DSA will not engage in activity prohibited by the IRS guidelines established for 501(c)(4) organizations or similar rules established by the state of Kansas. Nor will the Chapter engage in any activity prohibited by resolutions adopted by DSA’s National Convention or DSA’s National Political Committee.
ARTICLE XIV. Amendments.
Proposed amendments to these bylaws must be made by written resolution, endorsed by either five (5) members or ten (10) percent of the membership–whichever is greater–in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of the proposed amendments. The Chapter Meeting may adopt amendments to these bylaws proposed under this article by majority vote.
No amendment to these bylaws may be in conflict with the National DSA Constitution and Bylaws. The Chapter will provide the amended bylaws to the DSA national office.
ARTICLE XV. Chapter Dissolution.
A proposal to dissolve the Chapter must be made by written resolution, endorsed by five (5) members in good standing of the Chapter, and submitted to the Steering Committee at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a Chapter Meeting as defined in Article IV. The Steering Committee is required to provide the Chapter membership with at least ten (10) days physical or electronic notice of this resolution. The Chapter Meeting may adopt a resolution to dissolve the Chapter under this article by a two-thirds (⅔) vote.
Upon dissolution of the Chapter, any residual assets shall become property of the national organization of Democratic Socialists of America.
Calendar
Here’s our public calendar of upcoming meetings, actions, and events:
Organizing
Each year, our Chapter votes on the most urgent issues we believe deserve our collective energy and focus. As our membership continues to grow, we are prioritizing the following areas:
Establishing a Tenet Union
Members of the Flint Hills DSA are working on revitalizing Renters Together MHK, a tenet union located in Manhattan, KS.
Palestine Solidarity
The Flint Hills DSA has a working group to promote awareness around the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza and in the West Bank, by the Israeli government. To learn more, check out the committees and working groups page.
Noah (he/they)
Co-chair
Peter (he/they)
Co-chair
A lifelong Kansas resident, Peter is a biomedical engineer and technician whose socialist awakening came about shortly after the March For Our Lives movement in 2018. When not pushing for Palestinian advocacy or pro-humanity work, Peter is a homebody and a tinkerer at heart, with a soft spot for TTRPGs.
Steve (he/him)
Treasurer
Beccah (they/them)
Co-secretary
Beccah is a Marxist-Leninist organizer with a focus on anti-fascist education, labor solidarity, and intersectional-feminism. They have a passion for helping their community, providing mutual aid however possible and spreading knowledge about anti-capitalism. Outside of activism, they enjoy quiet time with their wife and cats, art, and the occasional D&D session.
Al (they/them)
Co-secretary
Derron (they/he)
Membership Coordinator
Derron is a vegan Marxist-Leninist organizer from Ohio. They are currently pursuing a PhD in adult learning and leadership at Kansas State University focusing on epistemogloy of adult learning. As an activist and educator they work to dismantle oppressive systems with the ultimate goal to drive positive change towards collective liberation, centering the liberation of individuals and communities who have been systematically denied access to life-sustaining resources and basic human dignity. They take their lead from folks like Frantz Fanon, James Baldwin, bell hooks, Paulo Freire, Myles Horton, Walter Mignolo, Maria Lugones, Aníbal Quijano, Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, and Toni Morrison, to guide their dialectical praxis in liberatory education. In their free time, you can find Derron at their plot at the Manhattan Community Gardens, volunteering, crafting, learning languages, writing, and escaping the realities of capitalism through reading fantasy fiction.
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The Flint Hills Chapter of DSA is based in Manhattan, Kansas and incorporates the rural areas and small towns around Riley, Pottawatomie, Clay, and Geary counties. You can use this tool to check to see if your zipcode falls within our DSA Chapter. As a member run organization, all of our major decisions are decided democratically. We rely on our members to organize and run meetings, events, fundraisers, campaigns, etc. Without an active membership base, we wouldn't be able to function. We are socialists in your community, dedicating what little free time capitalism affords us to building a better future. We also rely on dues payments to keep a strong foundation from which we can build. Membership in DSA is established at the national organization level, and national provides us with a percentage of all monthly dues paid by members within our coverage area. If you'd like to become a DSA member but are unable to pay dues, you can click here to learn about the available dues waiver. The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest Socialist organization in the United States, and here in Kansas City, we have a unique opportunity to build working class power in two states that are often overlooked by the rest of the country. We know that a better world is possible, and if you're ready to fight for that world, join us. To join the DSA Flint Hills Chapter:
- Visit our national site at dsausa.org/join.
- Fill out the membership form and submit payment.
After you've received a confirmation email from the national organization, click here to get signed up for the national discussion forums. Forward the confirmation email you receive from the national organization to members@fhdsa.org and then go over and click the "Join our Discord" button!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out through the “Contact Us” button!