Democratic Transhumanists at the University of Chicago

Constitution and Bylaws: “Democratic Transhumanists”

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be “Democratic Transhumanists.”

Article II: Scope and Purpose

Section One: The mission of “Democratic Transhumanists” is to promote the stance of transhumanists who espouse liberal, social or radical democratic political views. Transhumanists support morphological freedom and the ethical use of human enhancement technologies. The philosophy stems from the assertion that human beings will generally be happier when they take rational control of the natural and social forces that control their lives. The ethical foundation of democratic transhumanism rests upon rule utilitarianism and non-anthropocentric personhood theory. This organization aims to encourage democratic transhumanists to unite and influence public policy, raise objections to right-wing and left-wing bioconservatism, and encourage think tanks, scientific research, and bioethical debate within the organization concerning the proper definition and scope of democratic transhumanism. The organization will be doubly focused on the advancement of technology, and the implications of their use on ethics, politics, and society.

Section Two: “Democratic Transhumanists” abides by established University of Chicago policies, as well as State and Federal laws.

Article III: Membership

Membership shall be open to registered students at the University of Chicago. Honorary memberships shall be open to the public at large. “Democratic Transhumanists” most definitely does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, disability, military service, species, or enhancements.

As a member, one is required to attend meetings regularly, at a frequency determined by a vote at the start of each quarter, or at the request of members. Additionally, a member must pay dues if required, and actively support organization projects. Membership will be revoked by a majority vote (>50%) of the officers plus a majority vote of the general membership if actions or nonactions are deemed inappropriate by the membership.

Article IV: Officers and Elected Positions

Election of officers will require a majority vote from the general membership. If a candidate fails to receive a majority of votes, a run off election will be held between the two candidates that received the most votes. Members interested in becoming officers must meet the following requirements: (1) Have a minimum GPA of 2.00 at the University of Chicago, (2) Be in good standing with the university, and be enrolled at least part time during their term in office, and (3) maintain the requirements outlined in (1) and (2) for the duration of their time in office. If an officer becomes ineligible during the course of their term, a special election will be held.

General officer duties are as follows:

President

*Preside over all meetings

*Represent “Democratic Transhumanists” on campus

*Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by the University of Chicago and ORCSA

*Maintain communication with organization adviser(s)

*Coordinate organization promotion and publicity of events

*Preside over meetings in absence of the President

*Schedule meetings/events with appropriate University offices and as necessary

*Coordinate organization promotion and publicity of events

*Serve as general ombudsperson

Vice President

*Preside over meetings in absence of the President

*Schedule meetings/events with appropriate University offices and as necessary

*Coordinate organization promotion and publicity of events

*Serve as general ombudsperson

Recording Secretary

*Maintain an accurate record of all organization meetings and post for members

*Maintain membership directory

Corresponding Secretary

*Correspond when necessary with University administration and other organizations

*Work with Webmaster to maintain communications through listserve

*Maintain integrity of constitution and bylaws

Treasurer

*Maintain accurate record of organization transactions

*Collect dues if required

*Develop organization budget and present to membership for ¾ vote

*Co-sign organization checks along with the President and the advisor

*Arrange fundraising opportunities for the organization

*Solicit additional funding if needed from the Student Government

*Association in conjunction with the President

*Provisions allow for two treasurers to hold office and cooperatively share duties

Public Relations Officer

*Plan a public relations program

*Prepare publicity materials for events

*Set goals for membership growth

*Plan membership campaigns and contests

Webmaster/Computer Specialist

*Design and maintain “Democratic Transhumanists” website

*Coordinate costs of hosting, domain name, advertising, etc with Treasurer

*Maintain/update listserve (democratic_transhumanists@listhost.uchicago.edu)

Faculty Adviser

*Maintain regular communication with officer(s)

*Awareness and approval of financial expenditures

*Ensure that the organization if operating in conformity with university, ORCSA, and federals standards

Any duties not explicitly enumerated here shall be delegated by the officers among themselves at their discretion. If there are no members eligible or willing to hold an above post, more than one position may be held by an officer when necessary.

An officer may be removed by a majority vote of the other officers and a ¾ vote of the general membership if his/her actions are deemed inappropriate by the membership. The officer is permitted to speak before the Executive Committee and the general membership about the charges made concerning his/her performance. The officer is not permitted to participate in the deliberation of the Executive Committee regarding his/her charges.

Article V: Funds and Expenditures

All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at an approved institution/office. All funds must be deposited within 48 hours after collection. The Treasurer and President must approve and sign each expenditure before payment.

The organization may establish reasonable dues to be paid by all members. The amount of dues will be determined in the beginning of the academic year by the Executive Committee. If there is a dispute, the proposed dues will be presented to the general membership for a ½ vote. Dues must be paid by third week of the quarter. The treasurer shall maintain all financial records and shall co-sign with the president for all organization transactions.

Article VI: Amendments and Ratification

Amendments to this constitution and bylaws must be submitted in writing at a regular meeting of the organization. Said amendment(s) will be voted on at a subsequent meeting. An amendment requires a 2/3 vote of the general membership for adoption.