The name of this organization is the Vashon-Maury Island Green Party of Washington State.

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1. Purpose Statement

   The purpose of this organization is to work toward a society that embodies The Ten Key Values expressed below:

   1. Ecological Wisdom

      Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature.

      We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society which utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture that replenishes the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.

   2. Nonviolence

      It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to society's current patterns of violence. We will work to demilitarize, and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about intentions of other governments.

      We recognize the need for self-defense and the defense of those who are oppressed. We promote non-violent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we disagree, and will guide our actions toward lasting personal, community and global peace.

   3. Community-based Economics

      We recognize it is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system; one that can create jobs and provide a decent standard of living for all people while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. A successful economic system will offer meaningful work with dignity, while paying a "living wage" that reflects the real value of a person's work.

      Local communities must look to economic development that assures protection of the environment and workers’ rights, broad citizen participation in planning, and enhancement of our "quality of life." We support independently owned and operated companies that are socially responsible. We also support co-operatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and give control to more people through democratic participation.

   4. Respect for Diversity

      We believe it is important to value cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development of respectful relationships across these lines.

      We recognize that historically some people have been wrongfully closed out of leadership roles, and we acknowledge that many diverse elements of society should be reflected in our organizations and decision-making bodies.

      We encourage respect for life forms other than our own and the preservation of biodiversity.

   5. Future Focus

      Our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term goals. We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely disposing of or "unmaking" all waste we create, while developing a sustainable economy not dependent upon expansion for survival. We must counterbalance the drive for short-term profits by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal policies are responsible to future generations who will inherit the results of our actions.

   6. Social Justice

      All persons should have the right and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront ourselves, our organizations, and society-at-large whenever and wherever prejudice seeks to deny fair treatment and equal justice.

      We endorse the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and seek to secure its universal and effective recognition and observance.

   7. Grassroots Democracy

      Every human being deserves to make the fundamental decisions that affect their lives, free from the arbitrary will of others.  Therefore, we will work to increase public participation at every level of government to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to The People. We will also work to explore and encourage new types of political organizations that expand the process of participatory democracy.

   8. Decentralization

      By “Decentralization” we mean “Power Sharing.” Concentration of power and wealth contributes to militarization, environmental destruction, and social and economic injustice. Therefore, we support government that is democratic and accountable at all levels.

   9. Feminist Values

      The Green movement is profoundly inspired by Feminism, with its ethics of cooperation and understanding. These ethics must replace the values of domination and control.

   10. Personal and Global Responsibility

       We encourage individuals to act to improve their personal well-being and, at the same time, to enhance ecological balance and social harmony. We seek to join with people and organizations around the world to foster peace, economic justice, and the health of the planet.

2. Methods

   This organization may use any and all methods of non-violent political or social change: running candidates for office, direct action, community organizing and education, personal empowerment, issue campaigns, ballot initiatives or electoral campaigns and endorsements.

   
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1. The Membership Meeting

   The membership meeting shall be composed of members of the Vashon-Maury Island Green Party and any interested persons.

2. Sessions of the Membership Meeting

   The membership will meet at least ten times a year. Preliminary notice and prospective agenda will be given to all members at least one week in advance of each meeting.

3. General Powers of the Membership Meeting

   The membership meeting shall have final approval over all policies and major finances. It may elect and recall the Administrative Coordinator, secretary, or treasurer. It may also amend the bylaws.

4. Elected Officers

   Green Party members will elect annually, during the month of May, an Administrative Coordinator, Secretary, and Treasurer using Instant Run-Off Voting. Officers will assume their duties on August 1st.

5. Terms of Service

   There are no restrictions on terms of service.

6. Administrative Coordinator

   The administrative coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the various committees, see that their activities are reported to the membership, and see that their activities are within any boundaries set by the membership. The administrative coordinator will serve as the authorized spokesperson of the organization.

7. Secretary

   The secretary will be responsible for taking and producing minutes of all membership meetings or arranging for a substitute to take the minutes. The secretary is also responsible for making the minutes available for circulation to members.

8. Treasurer

   The treasurer will monitor ongoing expenses and prepare yearly budgets. The treasurer will keep the books or arrange for a qualified professional to do so, and will report monthly to the membership meeting. The treasurer and one other specified officer shall each be authorized to sign checks.

9. Other Functioning Bodies

   The membership meeting may establish other functioning bodies and working groups as necessary.

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1. Methodology

   A quorum of at least five qualified members is required to make decisions at membership meetings. The Vashon-Maury Island Green Party will seek consensus on all decisions, hearing all views and concerns in full. Where consensus cannot be reached, decisions will require approval by an 80 percent super-majority. Two members may call for reconsideration of a previous decision one time during a meeting, and the previous decision will be reopened for discussion and possible change.

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1. Procedures for Amendments of Bylaws

   Proposed amendments to these bylaws must be submitted to the secretary at least three weeks prior to the membership meeting at which the proposed amendment will be considered. In order to be considered, an amendment must have the support of at least two members.

2. Notification

   The Secretary or other designated officer will send copies of all proposed amendments to all members at least two weeks prior to the meeting in which it will be considered along with any information necessary to make a reasonable decision on the value of the amendments.

3. Ratification of Bylaw Amendments

   Amendments to the bylaws may only be adopted by an 80 percent super-majority vote at a membership meeting.