Progressive Dane Endorsed Elected Official Accountability Policies (note: below there is the version that shows what has been added/removed)

Introduction

Progressive Dane is strong when the members and elected officials are communicating well and often and supporting each other. Progressive Dane lends support to elected officials in campaigns, and throughout the year in development and passage of policy supported in our platforms. We believe in openly democratic processes and transparency.

Expectations

The strength of our organization depends upon us working together. Progressive Dane has the following expectations:

All endorsed candidates:

Communicate during the campaign about their events and volunteer needs.
Participate in special elections committee meetings for current election year candidate teams or send campaign team member(s).
Share campaign data after the election to contribute to Progressive Dane’s elections database.
Communicate to voters that you are endorsed by Progressive Dane.
Incorporate Progressive Dane platform solutions in campaign communications.
Share information about Progressive Dane with campaign team members.

All endorsed elected officials

Communicate about major initiatives they are working on.
Vote in accordance with core party values as adopted in our platforms.
- The party understands an elected official of a legislative body has a particular responsibility to their district and may, in rare circumstances, take a vote that could be interpreted as inconsistent with the platform due to its impact on their district. If an elected official anticipates taking a vote contrary to the party’s stated position, the elected official is expected to bring this difference to the attention of the steering committee and fellow caucus members, if applicable. Disclosure is not a defense to removal if the vote is on a matter of significant public import or part of a pattern or practice of actions which are contrary to the values as adopted in our platforms.
Participate in our caucuses consistent with open meetings laws.
If no caucus exists for an elected office, keep in regular communication with and actively respond to Progressive Dane’s policy and steering committee.

Caucus specific expectations

Regular attendance at caucus meetings.
Communicate differences of opinions respectfully, with fellow caucus members and Progressive Dane committee members.
Not have more than 3 consecutive non-communicated absences.
Not have more than 6 consecutive absences whether or not communicated.
Attend meetings in person, or by video or phone as public health measures or other circumstances require s
If you want to invite someone from outside of Progressive Dane to a meeting to discuss a specific issue or issues, seek approval of other caucus members in advance.
If a caucus member is absent, create a plan with caucus members to reach out and find out why there has been a lapse in attendance.

Removal from Caucus/Progressive Dane Endorsement

Grounds for removal

3 consecutive non-communicated or 6 consecutive absences:
- The elected official will be notified.
Taking action contrary to party values as demonstrated by:
- taking at least one vote contrary to the party’s on a matter of significant public import; or
- engaging in a pattern and practice of actions damaging to Progressive Dane’s mission of improving the quality of life in Dane County for all people, particularly those marginalized by economic and social discrimination.

Procedure for removal

Any party member may bring a charge for removal to the membership. The charge shall set forth the specific grounds for removal in writing and be provided to the elected official at or before the general membership meeting. If the charges relate to absences from caucus meetings, the charge shall include the approximate period of time in which the absences occurred or the particular dates of absences. If the charge relates to taking actions contrary to the party values, the charge shall include the particular party policy or position (e.g. platform provision) alleged to have been violated and a description of the action(s) alleged to be in violation of the policy or position
The charge will be voted at the following general membership meeting unless a different schedule is agreed to by the charging member(s), the elected official, and the steering committee. The elected official will be strongly encouraged to respond to the specific charges in writing, prior to the general membership meeting, and in-person during the meeting.
At least two-thirds of Progressive Dane members present at the general membership meeting must vote for the elected official’s removal.
if the membership votes to remove the elected official, they will be
- Removed from the listserve and communications about caucus.
- No longer allowed to participate in caucus without an agreement to invite them to caucus.
- Removed from the website.

Progressive Dane Endorsed Elected Official Accountability Policies (EDITING PROCESS VERSION)