Bylaws

Article 1: Mission Statement

Rizoma Collective is rooted in the rhizome philosophy of horizontal power where all members have agency and the power to make an impact. “Rhizomes” are underground plant stems with roots that grow horizontally and can produce new plants, by nature being multiplicitous and decentralized. “Rhizome theory” believes that grassroots organizations run vertically, allowing individuals to gain power over the majority. In contrast, in rhizome organizations, members have power with others and work to find common ground to build collective strength. Just as a farmer clips roots that grow above ground, so do rhizome organizations remove individuals who amass power over others.  

As such, Rizoma Collective is a rhizome Independent Political Organization (IPO) comprised of Berwyn and Cicero residents dedicated to:

  1. Endorsing political candidates at all levels of government (ward, city/town, local, county, judicial, state, and federal) who represent the marginalized members of our communities and our progressive values and policies 

  2. Holding our elected officials accountable to act in the best interests of our community  

  3. Waging and/or supporting rhizome campaigns and movements

  4. Increasing civic engagement and voter turnout of historically disenfranchised communities

  5. Ensuring our organization and leadership reflect our communal vision: Healthcare for All, Affordable Housing, Quality and Affordable Public Education, Sanctuary City, Environmental Justice, Small Business Development, Racial Justice, Defunding the Police/ICE, Participatory Processes. 

  6. Developing community leaders who will best represent our membership, serve our community, and move our work forward

  7. Promoting transparency within our organization and demand it from our government officials

Article 2: Purpose

The Democratic Citizens of Berwyn (DCOB) and Cicero Voters Alliance (CVA) have not adequately represented the needs and interests of the majority of residents in Berwyn and Cicero. Therefore, we have proactively formed an alternative organization, Rizoma Collective Independent Political Organization (IPO), dedicated to assessing and representing the most critical needs and interests of its constituent communities.

The DCOB and CVA have left the needs of the majority unmet by promoting corruption, nepotism, and greed. Unfair policies have devastated and neglected the needs of working class and immigrant families in Berwyn and Cicero. We, the members of Rizoma, understand that in order to create transformative change, we need to have a government that works for the many and not the few. We believe it is critical to center the experiences of community members directly impacted by these policies and change the unjust and oppressive systems that continue to only benefit the status quo. Rizoma Collective’s IPO will be a vehicle to create transparency, community, and social justice.  

Article 3: Membership

A. Qualifications

Membership shall be open on a volunteer basis to all individuals regardless of citizenship, sex, disability, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Minors require written parental consent. 

Participation:

An active member of Rizoma Collective will have voting rights at general membership pláticas. Active membership is defined as someone who 

  • has attended one (1) general plática per quarter,

  • volunteered one (1) day per quarter,

  • and attended one (1) event (if applicable) per quarter. 

Volunteering will include, but not be limited to canvassing, outreach, providing services (i.e graphic design, sponsoring purchases of materials, donations of food for events), fundraising, and phone banking. The Raices Team will be required to track all other volunteer contributions via an electronic membership tracker. 

30-day grace period: Any individual who falls into an inactive status will be allowed 30 days to fulfill any responsibilities they may have missed in the prior quarter. Doing so will maintain their active membership status.

Monetary:

Membership dues are collected from members once per month or one-time payment via our online donation portal (www.rizomacollective.com). Membership dues amount is decided by the member based on their financial ability. Membership dues are mandatory as we want to ensure we have 100% buy-in (buy-in can be as low as $1.00 a month). Individuals are eligible to be exempt from monetary support upon approval from the Raices Team. Solely paying dues will not guarantee a member’s right to vote or active status within the collective. 

Skill Set:

Once approved by the Raices Team, individuals who contribute a needed skill set (ex. graphic design, DJ, photographer, etc.) can be exempt from time and/or monetary requirements, if needed.  

B. Acceptance

The names of new members will be reported at the next membership plática. The memberships will normally be granted, unless the Raices Team or the majority of active members challenge the compatibility of an interested individual with the purpose of the organization as stated in Section I. In such case, the members present will vote by secret ballot as to acceptance of the member.

C. Voting Rights

First-time members of the Rizoma Collective IPO shall receive full voting rights at all membership pláticas after one (1) full quarter of being active members. See Article 3, Section A for Active Member Qualifications.

D. Petition Rights

The general membership reserves the right to petition either against or for the creation of a new permanent or temporary Team assigned to a specific task that reflects the values and commitment of the organization. Within 30 days of the creation of a new Team or Subteam, a facilitator for this new Team must be elected by a majority of the general membership.


The general membership reserves the right to petition against or for any appointment, as well as petition the right of a special election regarding any appointment.

E. Candidacy for Raices Team 

Members may run for a seat on the Raices Team after having been an active member of Rizoma Collective IPO for at least one year.  This rule may be waived for a particular set of elections by majority vote of the Raices Team and majority vote of the following membership plática.

F. Revocation of Membership

If 2/3s of the membership of Rizoma Collective IPO sign a petition calling for the revocation of an individual's membership, or if a majority of the Raices Team members vote to the same effect, then the member in question is proscribed of voting rights, and forfeits whatever dues already paid. They will be disallowed from participating in any Teams, pláticas, caucuses, etc.

Article 4: Teams 

Rizoma has four Teams, each facilitated by at least one member. Each Team shall carry out duties in line with purpose, mission, and the membership. Projects will be available on the website. Facilitators are accountable to members, who have petition and voting power to call for accountability process. 

A.  Cosecha Team

  • The Team is comprised of Elected facilitator(s) and interested and invited members

  • The Team shall:

    • Find, create and lead all community awareness efforts related to community needs, resources, and the IPO’s platform, mission, and purpose

    • Be accountable to members and other teams

  • The Facilitator(s) shall:

    • Establish yearly goals and give status updates during monthly membership pláticas 

    • Prepare annual report

    • Facilitate the Team plática and create agendas and coordinate goals  

B. Sustainability Team

  • The Team is comprised of Elected facilitator(s), Rizoma Collective Treasurer and interested and invited members 

  • The Team shall:

    • Ensure financial sustainability 

    • Find, create and lead all fundraising efforts

    • Track all membership dues 

    • Be accountable to members and other teams

  • The Facilitator(s) shall:

    • Establish yearly fundraising goals and give status updates during monthly membership pláticas

    • Update monthly Rizoma budget and present during monthly membership pláticas

    • Prepare annual report

    • Facilitate the Team plática and create agendas  

C. Community Power Team 

  • The Team is comprised of Elected facilitator(s) and interested and invited members

  •  The Team shall:

    • Find, create, lead or support all electoral and grassroot community efforts related to the IPO’s platform, mission, and purpose

    • Be accountable to members and Raices team

  • The Facilitator(s) shall:

    • Establish yearly goals and give status during monthly membership pláticas 

    • Prepare annual report

    • Facilitate the Team plática and create agendas 

    • Lead and oversee external candidate endorsement process

D. Raices Team

  • The Raices Team is comprised of:  

    • IPO Facilitator (1)

    • Team facilitators/co-facilitators (currently 3)

    • Secretary (1)

    • Treasurer (1) 

    • Public relations/marketing facilitator (1)

    • Junior Team of 3 active members (3)

    • Invited members (?)

  • The Team shall:

    • Coordinate efforts between all Teams

    • Support other Teams

    • Prepare monthly updates, set agenda for general pláticas and

    • Support social media content, delivery and frequency

    • Facilitates keeping org-wide decisions and actions rooted in mission and purpose 

    • Create opportunities for leadership development among members  

    • Be accountable to members and other teams

  • The Facilitator(s) shall:

    • Establish yearly goals

    • Prepare annual report

    • Facilitate the Team plática and create agendas in partnership with Raices Team

  • To follow the rhizome model, there will be no limit on the number of seats on Leadership

E. New Teams 

The Facilitator, along with a ⅔ vote of the leadership team, reserves the right to create a new permanent or temporary Team assigned to a specific task that reflects the values and commitment of the organization.

The general membership reserves the right to petition either against or for the creation of a new permanent or temporary Team assigned to a specific task that reflects the values and commitment of the organization.

Within 30 days, a facilitator for this new Team must be elected by a majority of the general membership.

Article 5: Facilitators

A. IPO Facilitator:

  1. Shall convene and preside over the Raices Team and membership pláticas.

  2. Shall serve as an ex-officio(automatic) member of all Teams.

  3. Shall, in conjunction with public relations team, be the principal spokesperson for the organization 

  4. Shall have no voting power as other members within the Raices Team. If there’s a tie in voting on the Team, the Team will seek tie-breaking votes from junior Leadership members.  

  5. Shall call for a special election to fill a Team Facilitator vacancy. Such an action must be supported by a ⅔ vote of the Raices Team 

  6. Shall create a new permanent or temporary Team assigned to a specific task that reflects the values and commitment of the organization. Such an action must be supported by a ⅔ vote of the Raices Team

  7. Shall invite active members into the  Raices Team. Such an action must be supported by a ⅔ vote of the Raices Team

  8. Coordinates external public and internal membership communication related to organizational decisions and issues

  9. Accountable to members, who have petition and voting power to call for accountability process 

B. Secretary

  1. Shall give one-week notice of the membership pláticas to all members.  

  2. Shall record all proceedings at membership and Raices Team pláticas and maintain all records (and find a back-up as needed). 

  3. Shall submit minutes to the Raices Team for approval. 

  4. Upon approval, shall send minutes of each membership plática to all members, normally with logistics of the following plática.

  5. May appoint an Assistant Secretary to help in the accomplishment of these duties. (should this person be approved by other leadership?)

C. Treasurer

  1. Shall have custody of the funds and other properties of the organization.

  2. Shall keep the financial records of the organization and submit to the state in a timely manner.

  3. Shall disburse funds as directed by the Raices Team, IPO facilitator, or other person designated by the Raices Team. 

  4. Shall refund members for purchases if pre approved and accompanied with receipt. 

  5. Shall submit written reports to the Raices Team upon request.  These reports will be available to any member upon request.

  6. Shall co-facilitate the Sustainability Team

D. Team Facilitators

  • See article 4 for facilitator responsibilities and expectations

Article 6. Election of Facilitators

A. Nominations

The nomination process must be held consistently as outlined by this article. Nomination proceedings are to be opened every “3rd Tuesday of November and closed every 1st Monday of December.” Active members are to be given a “2 week notice” of when they will be permitted to nominate an individual for office and when that nomination process will be closed. These names will be posted via email, and prior to polls being opened, each individual who is nominated will be given “5 minutes” to speak on their own behalf at the next general plática.                                                                 

B. Ballots

Ballots will contain the names of those nominated in advance as well as space to write in the names of candidates who have procured enough signatures, “x weeks” after the nomination process has closed. Ballot order will be determined by random lottery.  Members may vote for as many candidates as there are offices.

C. Results

Ballots will be counted by an election Team of five members selected at the previous membership plática. None of these members may be candidates for office.  Those candidates receiving the most votes shall be declared the winners. In case of a tie, a run-off election shall be held at the next membership plática.

D. Vacancies

A vacancy in an elected seat in the IPO shall be filled by the same process as normal elections, except that nominations and elections shall be held at successive regular membership pláticas.

  • Members shall be notified immediately of an open seat and given a one-week deadline to express interest in running for seat.

  • An election will be held two weeks after notification. Interested candidates will provide a statement to members expressing their qualification and members will vote on call. 

E. Term Limits

  • 2 year term limits

  • 2 term max per position

Article 7: Removal of Facilitators or Members

When conflicts arise that require external guidance, Rizoma shall seek an independent facilitator to guide affected individuals in a restorative process to identify root causes of the incident, identify the impact, address the needs, repair the harm done, and create an agreement between all parties. 

Article 8: Pláticas

A. Leadership Team Pláticas

1. The leadership team shall meet at least monthly on the second Monday of each month (subject to change according to consensus of the Leadership Team) to discuss sensitive material and/or organize the agenda for the next general body plática.

2. The Leadership team shall together create the agenda for the general body pláticas. The facilitator of the Team must upload an agenda relevant to their Team,  to the document at least 24 hrs before the plática. The leadership team reserves the right to add or remove topics from the agenda after the Team facilitator has submitted their part. 

2. Decisions will be made by a simple majority vote of those Team members present, unless specified otherwise elsewhere in the bylaws. Important decisions will be made by all members, while time sensitive decisions will be made by the majority of those present.

B. Team Pláticas

1. Teams shall meet at least monthly on the same day and period of the month.

  • Community Power: 1st Monday of the month

  • Raices: 2nd Monday of the month

  • General: 3rd Monday of the month

  • Sustainability: 4th Monday of the month

  • Cosecha: 4th Thursday of the month

2. Decisions will be made by a simple majority vote of those Team members present, unless specified otherwise elsewhere in the bylaws. Important decisions will be made by all members, while time sensitive decisions will be made by the majority of those present.

C. General Body Pláticas:

Include all members:

1. There will be 1 monthly general body plática, unless special circumstances arise, in which case, a majority vote by leadership can delay the plática by one month.

2. The plática will commence with a check in from all members unless time is an issue.

3. The facilitator of the Community Power, Sustainability, and Cosecha teams will present their agenda to the general body. Allowing equal time among each Team unless previously agreed to focus on one branch or time sensitive content must be decided on.

4. During pláticas decisions will be made by a simple majority vote of those members present, unless specified otherwise elsewhere in the bylaws.

5. Upon request of two members, a vote will be held by secret ballot.

6. Any decisions of the Raices Team may be overruled by a majority vote of a

membership plática where at least 20% of the membership is present.

7. Pláticas will usually end with a check out from all members. 

Article 9: Political Endorsement Process

The endorsement process of elected officials or candidates running for office will take place during regularly scheduled general membership pláticas. 

  1. Prior to being invited to attend a general membership plática to seek the endorsement of the collective, candidates have to reach out to the Community Power Facilitator to request an endorsement application.

  2. When filling out the endorsement application, candidates will have to include what type of support they are requesting from our membership.

  3. Once endorsement application is received by candidate, candidate will have to submit application one week prior to a regularly scheduled general membership plática to be considered to be added on to the plática agenda.  

  4. Endorsement applications will be reviewed by the Community Power Team and an invitation will then be extended to candidates to attend the next general membership plática. 

  5. Endorsement sessions will be led by members, and focus on various aspects of potential endorsees’ campaign plans, platforms, and what resources they plan to bring to bear in a given election. Endorsement sessions shall last no more than 20 minutes per candidate including a 5 minute candidate introductory remarks, 15 minutes question and answer session.

  6.  Once both application and interview are complete, Rizoma active members will vote unanimously via a Google Form. Members will have 48 business hours to complete their electronic voting. 

  7.  A 2/3rds majority is needed to receive Rizoma Collectives full endorsement.

  8. Candidates will be notified via email the status of their application the same day that voting is finalized.

Recommendations

  1. The Raices Team may decide to recommend a slate for election from among those nominated in advance.

  2. Such a slate should take into consideration a proper balance representative of the organization and the community, the ability of the individuals to work together as a collective, a balance of the skills and experience necessary for the leadership of the organization, and a fair geographical representation.

  3. The membership may be advised of the Raices Team’s recommendation via email, in the general plática announcing the first set of nominations and the following general plática, prior to the opening of the polls. Such a mailing shall also include the names of all candidates and brief written statements from any candidates who wish to include them.

Restrictions

  • Rizoma shall not endorse two candidates running for a competing position.

  • Membership may vote to recommend a candidate that the Raices Team did not recommend. 

  • If a candidate was recommended in a previous slate, the candidate must be recommended and voted on each election. 

Article 10: Adoption and Amendments

A. Adoption

These bylaws shall be adopted by a majority vote of members at a regular membership plática, following a one-week notice to all members, including a copy of these bylaws.  The bylaws will be in force the day following adoption.

B. Amendments

If one-fourth of the members at a membership plática vote in favor of proposing an amendment, or a majority of members at a Raices Team plática vote to the same effect, then the proposed amendment will be sent to the members with notice of the next plática.  The amendment shall be adopted by majority vote at the next plática.