Article I. Definitions

For purposes of these Bylaws:

  • “Party” means the North Carolina Forward Party
  • “Executive Committee” or “ExCo” means the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Forward Party
  • “Member” means an individual who satisfies the membership requirements in Article VI
  • “Quorum” means a majority of voting members present, unless otherwise specified
  • “Proxy” means written authorization for one member to vote on behalf of another
  • “Convention” means the State convention of the Party
  • “The Forward Formula” is the Party’s community-centered, data-driven, and solution-focused framework to establish consensus and guardrails around policy positions
  • “Viable” refers to a sustainable and functional organizational structure capable of carrying out activities that serve and support the people of North Carolina. These activities may include, but are not limited to, identifying, developing, and supporting candidates for public office; advocating for policies that reflect the priorities of our members and advance the interests of the people of North Carolina; providing civic education; and cultivating community engagement.
  • “Serve and Support the People” means advancing the general well-being, representation, and participation of the people of North Carolina in political, economic, and civic life, with elections and candidate development understood as tools to achieve this end, not ends in themselves.
  • “Subscriber” means any individual who has consented to receive communications from the Party, such as newsletters, announcements, or informational updates. Subscribers are not considered members of the Party and shall only be conferred the status of member upon their consent and fulfillment of the requirements for membership. For purposes of these bylaws, all individuals labeled as “supporters” in NationBuilder shall be deemed subscribers unless specifically designated as members.

Article II. Name

The name of this organization will be the “North Carolina Forward Party,” hereinafter referred to as the “Party.”

Article III. Purpose

The purpose of the Party is to establish and maintain a viable third party in North Carolina to serve and support the people of our state.

Article IV. Policy

  • All applicable provisions of the North Carolina and Federal Election Codes will be part of these bylaws.
  • The Bylaws shall be binding on all members of the Party, and amendments to the Bylaws shall be adopted only in the manner prescribed herein to ensure transparency, consistency, and governance consistent with the Party’s purpose and values.         
  • Policy positions will be determined using “The Forward Formula.”
  • As a subset of the National Forward Party, the North Carolina Forward Party operates in alignment with the broader mission and principles of the national organization. However, we reserve the flexibility to make independent decisions when necessary to best serve the unique needs and interests of North Carolinians.
  • Donations do not provide donors additional weight in policy formation, modification of these Bylaws or voting rights

Article V. Membership

Section 5.1 Classes of Membership

A member of the Party is any individual who meets the minimum criteria for membership established by the Party and affirms the Party’s purpose and values and contributes to its advancement through one or more of the following means:

  • Volunteer Member: A member who contributes time and talent in furtherance of the Party’s activities, campaigns, or operations.
  • Donor Member: A member who contributes financial or material resources to support the Party’s work.
  • Candidate Member: a member of the Party who has declared, filed, or been nominated to seek elected office, and who has been formally recognized or endorsed by the Party pursuant to its candidate selection process. Candidate Members retain all rights and obligations of membership, and in addition:
    • Must affirm their commitment to uphold the Party’s values and policy guardrails.
    • Are subject to any additional eligibility requirements, vetting procedures, or codes of conduct adopted by the Party for candidates.
    • May receive Party support, resources, or endorsements as determined by the Executive Committee.
      • Note: Recognition as a Candidate Member does not guarantee Party endorsement, which shall be conferred only through the Party’s established endorsement process.

Section 5.2 Requirements

  • Legal residents of the State of North Carolina;
  • 18 years of age or older. With parent or legal guardian consent, a person may be 16 years old or older; and
  • Support the principles and objectives of the Party

Section 5.3 Privileges

  • Eligible to hold any office in the Party.
  • Eligible to serve on any Party Board or Committee.
  • Eligible to be a delegate at all conventions of the National, State or Regional Conventions.
  • Access to Party business records except those specific to a Party Board or Committee.
  • Hold events for the Party.
  • Speak at Party functions or meetings.
  • Propose amendments and/or bylaw changes.
  • Propose procedural challenges.

Article VI. Executive Committee

Section 6.1 Interim Structure

Due to the Party still operating in a developmental, startup phase, certain organizational divisions are not yet necessary nor feasible to operate. Accordingly, the interim structure is designed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness as the Party advances its mission. For this reason, the Executive Committee assumes executive power and governance authority until such time as further structural bifurcation is deemed appropriate and necessary.

The Executive Committee will be composed of:

  • Chair
  • Vice Chair
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Five At-Large members

Section 6.2 Appointment and Terms

  • Only members of the Party are eligible to be members of the Executive Committee.
  • All members of the Executive Committee will be appointed for a term of 2 years or until their earlier death, resignation, or removal.
  • Terms shall be staggered so that half of the seats are up for appointment each year.
  • The National Committee Member will be elected by the Executive Committee

Section 6.3 Vacancies

(a) Policy

  • A vacancy in the named offices (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary) will be filled by a vote of the Executive Committee.
  • A vacancy in the Executive Committee will be filled by appointment of the Chair, subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee.
  • Any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve only for the remainder of the unexpired term of office and shall not commence a new full term by virtue of such appointment.

(b) Line of Succession

  1. Chair
  2. Vice Chair
  3. Treasurer
  4. Secretary
  5. At-Large, elected by the Executive Committee

Section 6.4 Duties

(a) Executive Committee

  • The Executive Committee will formulate and provide for the execution of such policies, plans, and measures as it may deem conducive to the best interest of the Party, and in conformity with the state Party Bylaws.
  • It will call all regular and special State conventions and make arrangements therefore, including the basis of representation, the time and place as deemed appropriate and in accordance with the Party's structural capacity.
  • Amend bylaws.
  • The Executive Committee shall have the discretion to take such actions as it deems necessary and appropriate to advance the organization toward its intended governance structure, exercising its judgment to transition from the current developmental phase that has organically evolved during the startup period.

(b) Chair

  • The Chair will be the chief executive officer of the Party and Chair of the Executive Committee.
  • The Chair, or designee, will issue the call and preside at all meetings of the Party.
  • The Chair will observe and enforce the rules and Bylaws of the Party.
  • The Chair will appoint necessary staff members and nominate all division directors subject to Executive Committee confirmation.
  • The Chair will be ex officio a member of all committees.
  • The Chair will act as necessary to promote the functions of the Party.

(c) Vice Chair

  • The Vice Chair will perform all duties at the direction of the Chair.

(d) Treasurer

  • The Treasurer will keep the financial records of the Party.
  • The Treasurer will be responsible for fulfilling federal, state, and local financial disclosure and tax requirements, if applicable.
  • The Treasurer will, at the direction of the Chair, issue all checks in payment of Party obligations.
  • Treasurer may appoint an Assistant Treasurer, subject to approval by ExCo, who will perform all duties at the direction of the Treasurer.

(e) Secretary

  • Maintain accurate minutes of all executive committee and general membership meetings.
  • Keep official records of motions, decisions, and party resolutions.
  • Archive correspondence, bylaws, amendments, and other key documents.
  • Schedule meetings in accordance with party rules or leadership direction.
  • Distribute notices, agendas, and materials to members in advance.
  • Ensure that quorum and procedural rules are met during meetings.
  • Maintain an up-to-date membership roster with contact information and status (active, lapsed, etc.).
  • Track attendance, participation, and eligibility for voting or holding office.
  • Ensure the party complies with applicable laws (e.g., campaign finance reporting, nonprofit filings, registration updates).
  • File necessary documents with election boards or regulatory agencies, often in coordination with the Treasurer.
  • Certify nominations, appointments, and internal election outcomes.
  • Prepare ballots and voting records for party elections or conventions.
  • Maintain the official and most recent version of the party’s constitution, bylaws, and standing rules.
  • Notify members of any proposed or enacted changes.
  • Support the Chair with administrative duties.

Section 6.5 Meetings

  • Meetings can be called by the Chair or by actions of a majority of the members of the Executive Committee with the same pre-notification requirement as previously stated.
  • A quorum is needed to conduct any business. A majority of the Executive Committee will constitute a quorum. A majority vote of those present is needed to enact any business discussed at the meeting.
  • Meetings do not need to follow formal parliamentary procedures (e.g., Robert’s Rules) and may proceed using the organization’s customary business practices (e.g., includes an agenda, orderly deliberation, democratic decision-making, etc.)
  • Electronic attendance will count towards a quorum for all in person meetings.
  • The Executive Committee may, without physically meeting together, transact business by any member of the Executive Committee submitting the question or issue to Chair OR the Treasurer OR by a majority of the members of the Executive Committee. At least 24 hours must be provided for notification of each call or to subsequently vote upon the question or issue.
  • The Executive Committee will hold four required scheduled meetings each year in addition to the annual State Convention as deemed appropriate and in accordance with the Party's structural capacity. The Chair will call the meetings by written notice which must be mailed, emailed, or other means of electronic communication (i.e., Slack) to all Executive Committee members and postmarked no less than fourteen days prior to the meeting. The call for the meeting must include an agenda and any amendments to the Bylaws that will be considered during the meeting. The fourteen-day pre-notification requirement for an Executive Committee meeting may be waived if all members of the Executive Committee agree to waive the requirement.

Section 6.6 Removal of Office of Party Officials

The removal from office of Members, Party Officials and Executive Committee members will be prescribed by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

Section 6.7 Voting System

Voting will be by simple majority voting, unless two Executive Committee members request ranked choice voting or otherwise defined in the bylaws. A person holding multiple offices will not be permitted more than one vote, excluding proxies. Any voting member who wants to vote by proxy will designate his or her proxy on a written form which will be dated and signed. A quorum for the Executive Committee will consist of a majority of the members of said committee.

Section 6.8 Voting Methodology

Votes may be conducted by these methods as directed by Executive Committee Chair or Director of a given Committee/Department:

  • In person (show of hands, oral, unanimous consent)
  • Conference call (video, phone, or similar method of communication)
  • Paper ballot (where confidentiality may be required)
  • Instant Messaging (e.g. Slack, Discord, or any other acceptable technology)
    • Utilizing a polling/voting system for secret ballot
    • Or via public message, the equivalent of method 1 or 2
    • For purposes of determining quorum in electronic or asynchronous voting, quorum shall be established based on the number of members who actively participate in the vote by casting an affirmative, negative, or abstention vote. Mere presence or inclusion in the discussion forum, chat, or communication channel shall not constitute participation for quorum purposes. It is the responsibility of the member introducing the motion to ensure that all eligible members have been provided reasonable notice of the motion and given an opportunity to vote. The motioning member may be required to follow up with non-responding members to secure the minimum participation necessary to establish quorum.

Article VII. Divisions

Section 7.1 Divisional Responsibilities

A division of the Party is a distinct operational unit. Each division may operate semi-independently, with its own management structure, goals, and resources, while still being accountable to the Executive Committee and adhering to the Bylaws. A division of the Party is a distinct operational unit. Each division may operate semi-independently, with its own management structure, goals, and resources, while still being accountable to the Executive Committee and adhering to the Bylaws. Divisions shall be established by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Executive Committee. The following divisions have been approved by the Executive Committee:

  • CANDID (Candidate Acquisition, Needs & Development, and Investment & Deployment)
    • Purpose: Identify, recruit, develop, and support qualified candidates for public office who align with the Party’s mission and values. Ensure appropriate resources are invested in candidate success, including training, strategy, and deployment support.
    • Responsibilities: Recruitment pipelines, candidate vetting, candidate training programs, support structures for elections, and resource allocation.
    • Leader: CANDID Director
  • COMMS (Communications, Outreach, Messaging, Media, and Strategy)
    • Purpose: Manage internal and external communications to build the Party’s brand, articulate its values, and drive public engagement.
    • Responsibilities: Press relations, messaging strategy, social media, digital communications, advertising, speechwriting, and marketing collateral development.
    • Leader: COMMS Director
  • CONEC (Community Organizing, Networking, Engagement, and Coalition)
    • Purpose: Build and sustain grassroots networks and coalitions to strengthen Party presence at the local, regional, and state levels.
    • Responsibilities: Volunteer engagement, community event coordination, relationship-building with allied organizations, local organizing strategy, and coalition development.
    • Leader: CONEC Director
  • FUND (Fundraising, Utilization, Needs, and Disbursement)
    • Purpose: Raise and responsibly manage financial resources to support Party operations, campaigns, and strategic initiatives.
    • Responsibilities: Donor outreach and stewardship, event-based fundraising, financial reporting, compliance with applicable campaign finance laws, and internal resource allocation.
    • Leader: FUND Director
  • IT (Information and Technology)
    • Purpose: Manage the Party’s technological infrastructure to support communications, data management, security, and operations.
    • Responsibilities: Website management, voter data systems (e.g., CRM platforms), cybersecurity, digital event support, IT helpdesk services, and technology procurement.
    • Leader: IT Director
  • HR (Human Resources) and Operations
    • Purpose: Support a professional, inclusive, and effective organizational culture through the management of volunteer and staff relations.
    • Responsibilities: Recruitment of volunteers and staff, onboarding processes, training programs, conflict resolution, benefits administration (where applicable), and maintaining compliance with internal codes of conduct.
    • Leader: HR Director

Section 7.2 Authority and Responsibilities

  • A named director of a division is granted full authority to operate and manage their division at their discretion, in accordance with all applicable federal, North Carolina, and local laws, as well as Party bylaws, provided that they meet or exceed performance expectations and operate within the scope of the division’s purpose and responsibilities.
  • Each director shall be responsible for their division
  • They shall run meetings and establish staffing at their discretion
  • They are authorized to delegate responsibility to staffing of their choice

Section 7.3 Exclusions

Directors shall not use other Directors as staff for their Division

At the time of passing of this instrument, a person may serve on both the Executive Committee and as a Director

No single Director shall permanently hold more than one Director position

Directors may only hold multiple Director positions on an interim basis and during times of exigent circumstances

Section 7.4 Fiscal Responsibility and Reporting

  • Each Director shall consult with the Treasurer regarding division budget
  • Directors may be authorized limited bank privileges as required for division operation as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee and in accordance with the Party's structural capacity
  • Directors shall provide regular reports for any incidental expenses incurred and larger expenditures of their budget
  • Directors shall be required to give a status summary brief report on division activity at each Executive Committee meeting

Article VIII. Finances

Section 8.1 Fiscal Year and Budget

The fiscal year is January 1–December 31. The Treasurer shall present an annual budget for the upcoming year for approval by the Executive Committee at the last meeting of the year as deemed appropriate and in accordance with the Party's structural capacity.

Section 8.2 Audits and Reports

An independent audit or review shall be conducted annually when the financial means to do so are practical and as determined by the Executive Committee. A Treasurer's report will be produced and presented to the Executive Committee monthly and shall be posted such that the general membership has access.

Section 8.3 Expenditure Authority

  • The Executive Committee is authorized to approve fund raising activities in support of its programs and operations. The Executive Committee, through majority vote, may choose to open all financial instruments necessary to achieve these activities.
  • The Party will not incur financial obligations until monies are collected sufficient to cover such obligations.
  • Any financial commitments more than $1,000 will be in written form and authorized by the Executive Committee through majority vote prior to the expenditure.
  • Aggregate expenditures up to $200 in a calendar month may be authorized by the Treasurer. The Treasurer must file a report with the appropriate Committee each time an expenditure is made under their sole authority. Expenditures more than $200 but less than $1,000 must be in written form and authorized by the Chair prior to making the expenditure.
  • Banking authority shall be given to the Chair , Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and any other individual given the authority by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

Article IX. Use of the Party Name

No person, group of persons, or organization will use the name, address, or emblem of the Party in any manner, unless the Chair grants permission OR by majority vote of the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee, Directors, and their delegates/subordinates/volunteers are granted limited authorization in furtherance of the various initiatives and mission of the Party.

Article X. Parliamentary Authority

The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the Party on official parliamentary proceedings (e.g., conventions) whenever applicable and not conflicting with the Party Bylaws and the North Carolina Election laws. Parliamentary proceedings are not required for business as usual meetings.

Article XI. Amendment of Bylaws

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee. Amendments go into effect the first business day following approval.

Article XII. Dates

Section 12.1 Effective Date

These Rules and Bylaws shall be effective 1 calendar day after the Party submits its Petition Request to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Section 12.2 Adoption Date

These Bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

Article XIII. Severability Clause

If a court of competent jurisdiction does adjudge to be invalid or unconstitutional any portion of these Bylaws, such judgment or decree will not affect, impair, invalidate or nullify the remainder of these Bylaws. The effect of such judgment will be confined to the portion of these Bylaws so adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional. If any portion of these Bylaws conflicts with any laws of the State of North Carolina or of the United States of America, now or because of future laws, then these Bylaws will be automatically amended to conform with those laws.

Article XIV. Filing of Bylaws

Where required by state law, the rules and bylaws of the Forward Party of North Carolina shall be furnished to the appropriate state agencies of the North Carolina government and the National Forward Party Secretary and/or National Chair by the State Secretary of the Forward Party of North Carolina.

Article XV. Code of Conduct and Ethics

Section 15.1 Standards of Integrity

Members and officers must adhere to standards of integrity, grace, tolerance, inclusiveness, and respect. Harassment, discrimination, or unethical behavior may result in disciplinary action up to removal.

Section 15.2 Standards of Inquiry

  • Seek First to Understand the Problem
    • All inquiries should begin with a sincere effort to understand the issue at hand.
    • Do not proceed to proposing solutions until your understanding of the problem has been confirmed by relevant stakeholders or factual validation.
  • Establish and Verify the Relevant Facts
    • Every inquiry must be grounded in verifiable facts.
    • Take care to ensure that the facts gathered are accurate, relevant, and sufficient to form a coherent picture of the issue.
  • Do Not Identify a Problem Without a Practical Solution
    • Avoid raising issues without also considering how they might be constructively addressed.
    • All inquiries should be solution-oriented, proposing actionable steps that could realistically remediate the identified problem.
  • Avoid Theoretical or Idealized Solutions
    • Proposed solutions must be rooted in present realities, not hypothetical or ideal conditions.
    • Avoid suggestions that depend on circumstances not currently in place or likely to materialize.
  • Be Data-Driven and OKR-Aligned
    • Inquiries and proposed solutions should be supported by data whenever possible.
    • Decisions must be informed by measurable outcomes and aligned with the organization’s established Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to ensure relevance, accountability, and strategic consistency.
  • Commit to Continuous Improvement
    • Inquiries and solutions should not be considered static.
    • Strive for ongoing refinement based on new data, constructive feedback, and observed outcomes.
    • This approach ensures that efforts remain relevant, effective, and aligned with evolving circumstances and opportunities for growth.

Section 15.3 Candidate Agreement

Candidates running under the Party must sign and abide by guidelines established in the document “Forward Party Candidate Pledge”

Section 15.4 Volunteer Agreement

Volunteers for the Party must sign and abide by guidelines established in the Volunteer Code of Conduct Agreement and Volunteer Liability Waiver & Publicity Release documents for the North Carolina Forward Party. . Executive Committee, Directors, and all levels of State Leadership , will be required to sign the National Forward Party documents as required for their specific role.

Section 15.5 Removal from the Party

Violations may result in suspension or expulsion by two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee, or to the Division delegated with removal authority.

Article XVI. Conflict of Interest

Section 16.1 Requirement to declare COI

Executive Committee members must disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest annually. Affected members shall recuse themselves from related discussions and votes.

Article XVII. Committees

Section 17.1 Standing Committee

The Executive Committee has established the Policy Committee as a decision-making body responsible for the implementation, oversight, and ongoing development of the Forward Formula. The Policy Committee shall provide a governance structure to ensure procedural integrity in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, and to uphold scientific and ethical standards. Its responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, establishing and maintaining quality standards; overseeing public communications; incorporating peer review and external advisory input; and exercising professional judgment in its deliberations. The Policy Committee shall further have authority to propose modifications and refinements to the Forward Formula as necessary to advance the organization's objectives.

Section 17.2 Ad Hoc Committee

May be established or dissolved by majority vote of the Executive Committee for specific tasks or projects.