About.The Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) is an official, non-partisan, bicameral Congressional Staff Organization, recognized by the Committee on House Administration, whose mission is to recruit, retain, and advance Hispanic staffers in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
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History
For over three decades, CHSA has served as a professional development catalyst, peer support system, and personal enrichment organization for numerous congressional staffers--Latino and non-Latino alike. As an official, non-partisan, bicameral congressional staff organization, recognized by the Committee on House Administration, CHSA's mission is to recruit, retain, and advance Hispanic Staffers in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
CHSA continues to push for more diversity on Capitol Hill. Congressional staffers advise elected officials on issues affecting all Americans. From communicating with constituents to drafting legislation, staff plays a vital role in the operations, oversight, appropriations and policy decisions of the legislative branch. Because the duties of the legislative branch are so important to our nation, it is crucial to have all communities represented, so each have a voice in the process.
In an effort to promote career advancement, CHSA launched a new mentoring program that matches its members with senior staff and other experienced Hill professionals. In recent years, the organization has brought in distinguished speakers through the Trailblazers and Lideres initiative, which brings CHSA members face-to-face with decision-makers. It has also started a professional development series to help Hill members, and individuals wishing to get on Capitol Hill, improve their resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.
Through programming, members have had the opportunity to build professional, one-on-one relationships that help them advance their careers on Capitol Hill, and outside the Hill, to achieve their aspirations. As we celebrate the milestone of having the most Members of Congress of Hispanic descent, we look to make equally historic gains in the number of staffers.
CHSA continues to push for more diversity on Capitol Hill. Congressional staffers advise elected officials on issues affecting all Americans. From communicating with constituents to drafting legislation, staff plays a vital role in the operations, oversight, appropriations and policy decisions of the legislative branch. Because the duties of the legislative branch are so important to our nation, it is crucial to have all communities represented, so each have a voice in the process.
In an effort to promote career advancement, CHSA launched a new mentoring program that matches its members with senior staff and other experienced Hill professionals. In recent years, the organization has brought in distinguished speakers through the Trailblazers and Lideres initiative, which brings CHSA members face-to-face with decision-makers. It has also started a professional development series to help Hill members, and individuals wishing to get on Capitol Hill, improve their resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.
Through programming, members have had the opportunity to build professional, one-on-one relationships that help them advance their careers on Capitol Hill, and outside the Hill, to achieve their aspirations. As we celebrate the milestone of having the most Members of Congress of Hispanic descent, we look to make equally historic gains in the number of staffers.
2021 Board of Directors
Patricia Ordaz
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Ruby Robles
Vice President Ruby Robles is the Vice President for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. Before being elected to this position, she served on the board as CHSA’s Acting Communications Director. In the United States Senate, she serves as Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Deputy Press Secretary. Previously, Ruby was the Social Media Content Coordinator on Senator Warren's presidential campaign, where she advised on Spanish content for the Senator's social media platforms and created content for Latino voter outreach. Prior to the campaign, Ruby worked as a communications aide for Congressman Cisneros in both his D.C. office and congressional campaign; and as a casework aide and intern for Representatives Norma J. Torres and Nanette Diaz Barragán, respectively, in their district offices. She is a graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills.
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Laura Muñoz Lopez
Professional Development Director Laura is originally from Colombia and migrated to the United States with her family at a very young age. She was raised in a mixed-status family in South Carolina, and currently resides in Maryland with her wife and two cats. Laura currently works for the Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Pete Aguilar, as a Member Services and Outreach Associate. She started her career on the Hill in 2019 as a Judiciary Legislative Assistant for Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-09).
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Sade Nabahe Social Events Director Sade Nabahe is serving as the Social Events Director for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. In the United States Senate, she serves as a legislative aide for Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and works on energy, environment, and climate policy issues. Previously, Sade worked as a research assistant where she investigated energy workforce issues related to deep decarbonization and advanced technological change. She is originally from Tucson, Arizona and is a graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S. in mechanical engineering, M.S. in Technology Policy).
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Dagoberto Acevedo
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Alexander Ascensio
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Angelica Duque
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Itzel Hernandez
Placement Director Itzel Hernandez is a staff member of the House Democratic Caucus Office, Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). Before working in the U.S. House of Representatives, Itzel worked at national non-profits, the education sector and for the government of Utah. She is a passionate advocate who seeks to elevate professionals and provide the mentorship she lacked early in her career. Itzel is a proud first-generation graduate of the University of Utah. She is an alumna of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Trabajadoras Fellowships.
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Ashly Estevez-Perez
Programming Director As a formerly undocumented immigrant from the Dominican Republic who grew up in Camden, NJ, the importance of policy and legislation became evident through her first-hand experiences with the safety in neighborhoods, quality of public education, and pathways to citizenship. Due to these experiences, Ashly felt compelled to create and expand opportunities and resources for those from similar backgrounds. Through her educational and professional pursuits, Ashly recognized how critical programming is to connecting members of a community and providing them with tools to succeed. As President of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority - Rho Chapter at Rutgers University - Camden and Founder and President of Movimiento Tricolor, she raised over $3,000 for St. Jude's Research Hospitals, lead workshops regarding issues Latinx students face and hosted trainings for small businesses in her hometown. Engaging with a variety of sectors of the Latin community has allowed for her to recognize and push for culture-infused, innovative, and capacity-building programming to best serve those from Latinx backgrounds. Prior to working on the Hill, she was a District Representative for her hometown member, Congressman Donald Norcoss handling a wide-range of constituent casework. After finishing her Masters in Public Administration, she moved down to his DC office as a Staff Assistant/Legislative Correspondent handling the immigration, animals, and criminal justice portfolio. As Programming Director for CHSA, she seeks to continue uplifting other Latinx staffers like herself.
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Jose Garcia
Recruitment Director Jose is the Education Staff Assistant for the Senate HELP Committee (Majority). He is a East Los Angeles native, who is a first-generation graduate of Assumption College, where he majored in Political Science, History and Spanish, as well as a Graduate Degree from the George Washington University. Jose has worked on the Hill for two years and hopes to continue working in government to be able to provide government by the people for the people.
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Questions? Want to contact a board member? Email chsa.dc@gmail.com.
Bylaws
Bylaws of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association
Last Updated January 17, 2020
ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION NAME
The name of the organization shall be the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. Herein after referred to as “CHSA”.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
The Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) is an official, non-partisan Congressional staff organization whose mission is to advance the interests of current and prospective Hispanic staffers and the Latino community at large. CHSA is dedicated to encouraging career development, increasing opportunities, and advocating on behalf of the Latino community by strengthening civic participation and representation at all levels.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP OF ORGANIZATION
Section 1: General Member
A. Any person who is employed by the United States Congress, including the Library of Congress, is eligible for general membership.
B. Payment of dues is required in order to be an active general member.
C. General Membership dues shall be paid as described in Article X.
Section 2: Intern and Fellow Membership
A. Any person who serves as an intern or fellow in the United States Congress, including the Library of Congress, is eligible for general membership.
B. General Membership dues shall be paid as described in Article X.
Section 3: Membership shall not be restricted on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, political party affiliation, economic status or sexual orientation.
ARTICLE IV OFFICERS
Section 1: BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS: The Board of Directors shall consist of the following elected officers:
A. President;
B. Vice President;
C. Treasurer;
D. Secretary;
E. Communications Director;
F. Programming Director;
G. Recruitment Director;
H. Professional Development Director;
I. Social Events Director; and
J. Placement Director.
Section 3: Each elected officer shall be limited to two terms in the same position and to four terms as an elected officer.
Section 4: APPOINTED OFFICERS
A. The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, shall have the prerogative to select appointed officers to take on additional responsibilities within CHSA.
Section 5: The term of appointed officers expires at the end of the President’s term.
ARTICLE V DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1: The CHSA President shall:
A. Call and preside during all meetings;
B. Nominate officers, non-elected committee chairs, and ad-hoc task force chairs;
C. Have general supervision of the affairs of CHSA; and
D. Represent CHSA in external relations, including but not limited to the Committees of jurisdiction as applicable.
Section 2: The CHSA Vice President shall:
A. Assume the duties of the President in the event of his/her absence; and
B. Assist the President as necessary.
Section 3: The CHSA Treasurer shall:
A. Collect membership dues;
B. Have charge of all funds of CHSA;
C. Deposit all monies in bank/trust as selected by Executive Board within 7 business days of receipt of funds;
D. Pay authorized bills;
E. Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions;
F. Request and receive receipts for expenditures of CHSA;
G. Receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to CHSA from any sources;
H. Provide written monthly reports on expenditures and balances to membership; and
I. Manage the pay-it-forward program as described in Article X, Section 4.
Section 4: The CHSA Secretary shall:
A. Maintain the CHSA membership list and an accurate attendance record of all meetings;
B. Maintain copies of all CHSA correspondence and policy statements; and
C. Publish a regular membership e-newsletter, in addition to an agenda for each regular membership meeting prior to the meeting and subsequent minutes after each regular membership meeting.
Section 5: The CHSA Communications Director shall:
A. Develop, implement, and evaluate a communications plan to advance CHSA’s purpose, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase visibility both on and off Capitol Hill;
B. Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, brochures, and the website;
C. Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact CHSA.
Section 6: The CHSA Programming Director shall:
A. Plan, direct, and coordinate all events for CHSA;
B. Collaborate with other Directors on any CHSA events;
C. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications; and
D. Assist in establishing and maintaining active and positive working relationships with Hill and off-Hill partners.
Section 7: The CHSA Recruitment Director shall:
A. Conduct recruitment initiatives to grow and retain membership;
B. Create and oversee a committee of CHSA members interested in volunteering in recruitment efforts. Membership in the Committee shall expire at the end of the Board of Directors’ term;
C. Pursue nonpartisan, inclusive recruitment efforts to attract prospective CHSA members; and
D. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 8: The CHSA Professional Development Director shall:
A. Plan, direct, and coordinate all professional development activities for CHSA;
B. Coordinate with the Placement Chair to ensure activities meet the professional needs of current members;
C. Collaborate with the Programming Director on professional development events; and
D. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 9: The CHSA Social Events Director shall:
A. Plan, direct, and coordinate all social, athletic, and community service activities for CHSA;
B. Collaborate with the Programming Director on all social events;
C. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 10: The CHSA Placement Director shall:
A. Be responsible for managing the CHSA resume bank;
B. Lead efforts to place CHSA members in hiring offices;
C. Coordinate with the Professional Development Director to ensure that professional development activities meet the needs of prospective applicants;
D. Create and oversee a committee of CHSA members interested in volunteering in Placement Committee efforts. Membership in the Committee shall expire at the end of the Board of Directors’ term; and
E. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 11: Board of Directors Transition
A. To facilitate the transition of duties from the current Board of Directors to the new Board of Directors, the current Board of Directors shall, at the end of its term, prepare and make available a Final Executive Summary Report to the new Executive Board.
B. The Final Executive Summary Report shall include all of the following items: all minutes from meetings, a final budget report, a comprehensive membership list, a list of all Association activities and events, access to any websites (including passwords), and any other information or recommendations that the current Board of Directors sees beneficial to the transition.
ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES AND AD-HOC TASK FORCES
Section 1: The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, has the prerogative to establish standing committees and ad-hoc task forces to assist in fulfilling the mission and goals of CHSA.
Section 2: The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, will appoint the non-elected chairs of committees and ad-hoc task forces.
Section 3: Committees can be established to carry out functions consistent with the goals and mission of CHSA and shall exist for the duration of the Board of Directors’ term.
Section 4: Ad-hoc task forces can be established to carry out a temporary function, of less than one year, consistent with the goals and mission of CHSA.
Section 5: Any active general member is eligible to be appointed chair of a committee or ad-hoc task force.
Section 6: The membership of committees and ad-hoc task forces shall be determined by the committee or ad-hoc task force chair, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors.
Section 7: Any active general member is eligible to be serve on a committee or ad-hoc task force.
Section 8: The Board of Directors, with the advice and consent of the President, may appoint an Advisory Committee Chair.
A. The Advisory Committee Chair shall work in conjunction with the Board of Directors to create an Advisory Committee to assist CHSA in executing its mission;
B. The membership of the Advisory Committee must reflect the nonpartisan nature of CHSA’s mission and should consist of at least one previous CHSA board member; and
C. The Advisory Committee Chair’s and the Advisory Committee’s terms shall expire at the end of the Board of Directors’ term.
ARTICLE VII ELECTIONS
Section 1: Two Election Officers shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors within the first 30 days of each board term. The Election Officers shall:
A. Serve as a separate entity from the Board of Directors with no voting power;
B. Serve through the nomination, tallying, and completion of the annual and special election(s), as well as any proposed amendments to the Bylaws;
C. Serve for one term and may serve two total terms if the Election Officers are re-nominated and confirmed by the incoming President and the Board of Directors.
D. Should an Election Officer decide to resign, the Election Officer must notify the Board of Directors in writing at least two weeks before the Election Officer’s intended resignation date.
E. Any disagreements between the Election Officers regarding decisions about the election will be reconciled by the Chair of the CHSA Advisory Committee.
Section 2: The Election Officers shall not be eligible to run for any office or campaign for any candidate running for office in the year of the current election.
Section 3: Elections for CHSA’s elected officers positions will be held annually at an election day meeting in February. The exact date and time of the election day meeting and close of voting shall be determined by the Elections Officer and communicated to the entire CHSA membership at least 30 days before election day.
Section 4: Any general member who has been an active member for at least 30 days is eligible to vote. But, any general member who only became eligible to become a general member in January or February prior to the election shall be eligible to vote in the February election.
Section 5: Any general member who has been an active member for at least 90 days and who is currently employed by the United States Congress and is not the Election Officers is eligible to run for office.
Section 6: Any candidate who wishes to have their name appear on the ballot must make a written statement of their candidacy to the Election Officer at least 15 days prior to election day.
Section 7: The Election Officers shall notify all CHSA members 14 days prior to election day via e-mail which candidates have chosen to place their name on the ballot.
Section 8: There shall be a meeting 7 days before Election Day at which candidates are given the opportunity to address the membership.
Section 9: A candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot may run as a write-in candidate.
Section 10: The Election Officers shall send a sample ballot and voting instructions via e-mail to all CHSA members at least 10 days prior to election day. This communication must include written notification in Spanish that the sample ballot and voting instructions are available in Spanish upon request.
Section 11: It is the responsibility of the Election Officers to make any elections-related materials available in Spanish upon the request of any active member.
Section 12: All active members will be provided a secret ballot 7 days before election day.
Section 13: All ballots must be returned to the Elections Officers by the close of voting on election day.
Section 14: No votes shall be counted until after the close of voting.
Section 15: The Elections Officers shall begin counting the ballots immediately after the close of voting and announce the results at the election day meeting.
Section 16: New officers will take office 7 days after the announcement of election results.
Section 17: Electronic voting: Any active member may vote via electronic mail by sending an e-mail message to the Election Officer stating their choice for each office and including the voter’s first and last name for verification purposes by the election committee.
Section 18: Proxy voting: Any active member may give their ballot to someone else to submit to the Election Officers under the following procedures:
A. The ballot must be placed in a sealed envelope; and
B. The envelope must bear
1. The voter’s printed name, and
2. The voter’s signature.
Section 19: If an officer position is vacated before the end of the current term, the President shall announce the vacancy to the membership via e-mail, and instruct the Election Officers to conduct a special election to fill the vacancy.
ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS
Section 1: The CHSA Board of Directors shall meet formally at least once a month and in addition can be convened at any time by the President to address issues requiring immediate attention.
Section 2: CHSA shall hold regular membership meetings at least once a month.
Section 3: Regular membership meetings shall be held for the purposes of hearing and approving actions taken by committees and ad-hoc task forces; discussing issues of relevance; announcements; receiving presentations from special guests; discussing and voting on policy position proposals; amending CHSA bylaws; and other business as agreed to by the Board of Directors.
Section 4: A meeting notice and agenda will be sent to members via e-mail at least 6 days before the meeting is scheduled.
ARTICLE IX POLICY POSITIONS
Section 1: CHSA will not take public positions on any policy issues.
ARTICLE X DUES
Section 1: Annual membership dues for general members is $25 of which shall be paid by personal funds.
Section 2: Annual membership dues for interns and fellows is $10 of which shall be paid by personal funds.
Section 3: Upon payment of dues, an individual will be considered a member from the date of payment received through January 31st of the subsequent calendar year.
A. For individuals that join after June 1st of any given calendar year, the Board of Directors may reduce dues payable to be considered an active general member at its discretion.
Section 4: The Board of Directors may instate a “pay-it-forward” program in which active paid members may contribute additional personal funds to CHSA to offset membership dues of an intern, fellow, or designated junior staffer who is eligible for membership under Article III, Section 2.
A. The pay-it-forward funds will be tracked, managed, and disbursed by the CHSA Treasurer.
B. With the advice and consent of the President, the Treasurer will determine eligibility for receipt of funds from the program on an individual basis.
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENNTS
Section 1: Any active member may propose an amendment to the CHSA bylaws at a regular membership meeting.
Section 2: No vote can be held on the proposed amendment until a subsequent regular membership meeting.
Section 3: A proposed amendment must be approved by a vote of two-thirds of the active CHSA membership at a regular membership meeting to be adopted.
Last Updated January 17, 2020
ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION NAME
The name of the organization shall be the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. Herein after referred to as “CHSA”.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
The Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) is an official, non-partisan Congressional staff organization whose mission is to advance the interests of current and prospective Hispanic staffers and the Latino community at large. CHSA is dedicated to encouraging career development, increasing opportunities, and advocating on behalf of the Latino community by strengthening civic participation and representation at all levels.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP OF ORGANIZATION
Section 1: General Member
A. Any person who is employed by the United States Congress, including the Library of Congress, is eligible for general membership.
B. Payment of dues is required in order to be an active general member.
C. General Membership dues shall be paid as described in Article X.
Section 2: Intern and Fellow Membership
A. Any person who serves as an intern or fellow in the United States Congress, including the Library of Congress, is eligible for general membership.
B. General Membership dues shall be paid as described in Article X.
Section 3: Membership shall not be restricted on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, political party affiliation, economic status or sexual orientation.
ARTICLE IV OFFICERS
Section 1: BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS: The Board of Directors shall consist of the following elected officers:
A. President;
B. Vice President;
C. Treasurer;
D. Secretary;
E. Communications Director;
F. Programming Director;
G. Recruitment Director;
H. Professional Development Director;
I. Social Events Director; and
J. Placement Director.
Section 3: Each elected officer shall be limited to two terms in the same position and to four terms as an elected officer.
Section 4: APPOINTED OFFICERS
A. The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, shall have the prerogative to select appointed officers to take on additional responsibilities within CHSA.
Section 5: The term of appointed officers expires at the end of the President’s term.
ARTICLE V DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1: The CHSA President shall:
A. Call and preside during all meetings;
B. Nominate officers, non-elected committee chairs, and ad-hoc task force chairs;
C. Have general supervision of the affairs of CHSA; and
D. Represent CHSA in external relations, including but not limited to the Committees of jurisdiction as applicable.
Section 2: The CHSA Vice President shall:
A. Assume the duties of the President in the event of his/her absence; and
B. Assist the President as necessary.
Section 3: The CHSA Treasurer shall:
A. Collect membership dues;
B. Have charge of all funds of CHSA;
C. Deposit all monies in bank/trust as selected by Executive Board within 7 business days of receipt of funds;
D. Pay authorized bills;
E. Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions;
F. Request and receive receipts for expenditures of CHSA;
G. Receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to CHSA from any sources;
H. Provide written monthly reports on expenditures and balances to membership; and
I. Manage the pay-it-forward program as described in Article X, Section 4.
Section 4: The CHSA Secretary shall:
A. Maintain the CHSA membership list and an accurate attendance record of all meetings;
B. Maintain copies of all CHSA correspondence and policy statements; and
C. Publish a regular membership e-newsletter, in addition to an agenda for each regular membership meeting prior to the meeting and subsequent minutes after each regular membership meeting.
Section 5: The CHSA Communications Director shall:
A. Develop, implement, and evaluate a communications plan to advance CHSA’s purpose, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase visibility both on and off Capitol Hill;
B. Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, brochures, and the website;
C. Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact CHSA.
Section 6: The CHSA Programming Director shall:
A. Plan, direct, and coordinate all events for CHSA;
B. Collaborate with other Directors on any CHSA events;
C. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications; and
D. Assist in establishing and maintaining active and positive working relationships with Hill and off-Hill partners.
Section 7: The CHSA Recruitment Director shall:
A. Conduct recruitment initiatives to grow and retain membership;
B. Create and oversee a committee of CHSA members interested in volunteering in recruitment efforts. Membership in the Committee shall expire at the end of the Board of Directors’ term;
C. Pursue nonpartisan, inclusive recruitment efforts to attract prospective CHSA members; and
D. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 8: The CHSA Professional Development Director shall:
A. Plan, direct, and coordinate all professional development activities for CHSA;
B. Coordinate with the Placement Chair to ensure activities meet the professional needs of current members;
C. Collaborate with the Programming Director on professional development events; and
D. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 9: The CHSA Social Events Director shall:
A. Plan, direct, and coordinate all social, athletic, and community service activities for CHSA;
B. Collaborate with the Programming Director on all social events;
C. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 10: The CHSA Placement Director shall:
A. Be responsible for managing the CHSA resume bank;
B. Lead efforts to place CHSA members in hiring offices;
C. Coordinate with the Professional Development Director to ensure that professional development activities meet the needs of prospective applicants;
D. Create and oversee a committee of CHSA members interested in volunteering in Placement Committee efforts. Membership in the Committee shall expire at the end of the Board of Directors’ term; and
E. Provide support to executive leadership in the areas of planning, management, program execution, and communications.
Section 11: Board of Directors Transition
A. To facilitate the transition of duties from the current Board of Directors to the new Board of Directors, the current Board of Directors shall, at the end of its term, prepare and make available a Final Executive Summary Report to the new Executive Board.
B. The Final Executive Summary Report shall include all of the following items: all minutes from meetings, a final budget report, a comprehensive membership list, a list of all Association activities and events, access to any websites (including passwords), and any other information or recommendations that the current Board of Directors sees beneficial to the transition.
ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES AND AD-HOC TASK FORCES
Section 1: The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, has the prerogative to establish standing committees and ad-hoc task forces to assist in fulfilling the mission and goals of CHSA.
Section 2: The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, will appoint the non-elected chairs of committees and ad-hoc task forces.
Section 3: Committees can be established to carry out functions consistent with the goals and mission of CHSA and shall exist for the duration of the Board of Directors’ term.
Section 4: Ad-hoc task forces can be established to carry out a temporary function, of less than one year, consistent with the goals and mission of CHSA.
Section 5: Any active general member is eligible to be appointed chair of a committee or ad-hoc task force.
Section 6: The membership of committees and ad-hoc task forces shall be determined by the committee or ad-hoc task force chair, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors.
Section 7: Any active general member is eligible to be serve on a committee or ad-hoc task force.
Section 8: The Board of Directors, with the advice and consent of the President, may appoint an Advisory Committee Chair.
A. The Advisory Committee Chair shall work in conjunction with the Board of Directors to create an Advisory Committee to assist CHSA in executing its mission;
B. The membership of the Advisory Committee must reflect the nonpartisan nature of CHSA’s mission and should consist of at least one previous CHSA board member; and
C. The Advisory Committee Chair’s and the Advisory Committee’s terms shall expire at the end of the Board of Directors’ term.
ARTICLE VII ELECTIONS
Section 1: Two Election Officers shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors within the first 30 days of each board term. The Election Officers shall:
A. Serve as a separate entity from the Board of Directors with no voting power;
B. Serve through the nomination, tallying, and completion of the annual and special election(s), as well as any proposed amendments to the Bylaws;
C. Serve for one term and may serve two total terms if the Election Officers are re-nominated and confirmed by the incoming President and the Board of Directors.
D. Should an Election Officer decide to resign, the Election Officer must notify the Board of Directors in writing at least two weeks before the Election Officer’s intended resignation date.
E. Any disagreements between the Election Officers regarding decisions about the election will be reconciled by the Chair of the CHSA Advisory Committee.
Section 2: The Election Officers shall not be eligible to run for any office or campaign for any candidate running for office in the year of the current election.
Section 3: Elections for CHSA’s elected officers positions will be held annually at an election day meeting in February. The exact date and time of the election day meeting and close of voting shall be determined by the Elections Officer and communicated to the entire CHSA membership at least 30 days before election day.
Section 4: Any general member who has been an active member for at least 30 days is eligible to vote. But, any general member who only became eligible to become a general member in January or February prior to the election shall be eligible to vote in the February election.
Section 5: Any general member who has been an active member for at least 90 days and who is currently employed by the United States Congress and is not the Election Officers is eligible to run for office.
Section 6: Any candidate who wishes to have their name appear on the ballot must make a written statement of their candidacy to the Election Officer at least 15 days prior to election day.
Section 7: The Election Officers shall notify all CHSA members 14 days prior to election day via e-mail which candidates have chosen to place their name on the ballot.
Section 8: There shall be a meeting 7 days before Election Day at which candidates are given the opportunity to address the membership.
Section 9: A candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot may run as a write-in candidate.
Section 10: The Election Officers shall send a sample ballot and voting instructions via e-mail to all CHSA members at least 10 days prior to election day. This communication must include written notification in Spanish that the sample ballot and voting instructions are available in Spanish upon request.
Section 11: It is the responsibility of the Election Officers to make any elections-related materials available in Spanish upon the request of any active member.
Section 12: All active members will be provided a secret ballot 7 days before election day.
Section 13: All ballots must be returned to the Elections Officers by the close of voting on election day.
Section 14: No votes shall be counted until after the close of voting.
Section 15: The Elections Officers shall begin counting the ballots immediately after the close of voting and announce the results at the election day meeting.
Section 16: New officers will take office 7 days after the announcement of election results.
Section 17: Electronic voting: Any active member may vote via electronic mail by sending an e-mail message to the Election Officer stating their choice for each office and including the voter’s first and last name for verification purposes by the election committee.
Section 18: Proxy voting: Any active member may give their ballot to someone else to submit to the Election Officers under the following procedures:
A. The ballot must be placed in a sealed envelope; and
B. The envelope must bear
1. The voter’s printed name, and
2. The voter’s signature.
Section 19: If an officer position is vacated before the end of the current term, the President shall announce the vacancy to the membership via e-mail, and instruct the Election Officers to conduct a special election to fill the vacancy.
ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS
Section 1: The CHSA Board of Directors shall meet formally at least once a month and in addition can be convened at any time by the President to address issues requiring immediate attention.
Section 2: CHSA shall hold regular membership meetings at least once a month.
Section 3: Regular membership meetings shall be held for the purposes of hearing and approving actions taken by committees and ad-hoc task forces; discussing issues of relevance; announcements; receiving presentations from special guests; discussing and voting on policy position proposals; amending CHSA bylaws; and other business as agreed to by the Board of Directors.
Section 4: A meeting notice and agenda will be sent to members via e-mail at least 6 days before the meeting is scheduled.
ARTICLE IX POLICY POSITIONS
Section 1: CHSA will not take public positions on any policy issues.
ARTICLE X DUES
Section 1: Annual membership dues for general members is $25 of which shall be paid by personal funds.
Section 2: Annual membership dues for interns and fellows is $10 of which shall be paid by personal funds.
Section 3: Upon payment of dues, an individual will be considered a member from the date of payment received through January 31st of the subsequent calendar year.
A. For individuals that join after June 1st of any given calendar year, the Board of Directors may reduce dues payable to be considered an active general member at its discretion.
Section 4: The Board of Directors may instate a “pay-it-forward” program in which active paid members may contribute additional personal funds to CHSA to offset membership dues of an intern, fellow, or designated junior staffer who is eligible for membership under Article III, Section 2.
A. The pay-it-forward funds will be tracked, managed, and disbursed by the CHSA Treasurer.
B. With the advice and consent of the President, the Treasurer will determine eligibility for receipt of funds from the program on an individual basis.
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENNTS
Section 1: Any active member may propose an amendment to the CHSA bylaws at a regular membership meeting.
Section 2: No vote can be held on the proposed amendment until a subsequent regular membership meeting.
Section 3: A proposed amendment must be approved by a vote of two-thirds of the active CHSA membership at a regular membership meeting to be adopted.