Decision-Making Framework & Procedures
Framework
A proposed decision is considered a motion. In response to a motion, there may be yeas (in support), nays (against), and abstentions.
When making a MINOR decision…
Approving a motion requires two or more yeas and one or fewer nays.
When there are two or more nays, this triggers a vote with a quorum and a simple majority rules.
When making a MAJOR decision…
A vote with a quorum is required, and a simple majority rules.
Procedures
1. Motions are made in Signal. Motions should be made in the most relevant Signal chat. Even if a motion is being debated in-person event, a courtesy message should be sent via Signal.
2. Decision making is time-bound. When proposing a motion, put a time limit on it. For example:
"...Please provide input by tomorrow."
"...Speak up if you don't support this within the next few hours."
2. Minor decisions can be made in an informal atmosphere. Formal announcements, verbiage, etc. may not be required! Context should make it obvious that a decision is being proposed.
The following examples are all acceptable motions.
"Hey y'all, should we endorse X?"
"I've written an op-ed. What do we think about releasing it?"
"We should make a statement about X event on socials. How does this sound?
Similarly, any language clearly in support (such as "I agree!, "Sounds good to me," "Let's do it") or clearly against (such as "I disagree," "I don’t think that’s appropriate," "I don't think that's a good idea") constitutes a yea or nay, respectively.
4. Participation is key. Members should make their best effort to participate during the decision making time period.
5. Follow procedure when there is dissent. If 2+ nays are recorded, a poll in Signal must be initiated with a clearly defined time period for accepting votes.
6. MAJOR decisions require different procedures. For certain decisions, a quorum is required and votes are to be collected with a Signal poll. A simple majority determines the outcome. (Refer to the below chart for what is a major decision and who the motion must be presented to.)
7. Comms is special. Comms committee members with up-to-date JVP national training are deputized to make small decisions that reflect current norms and consensus opinions of the Chapter, i.e., non-controversial.
Refer to the below table for guidance on which body can make a decision, suggested minimum voting periods, and quorum sizes (if necessary when there are two more more nays. ‘Major’ decisions are indicated as such, and these require a full vote with a quorum in all circumstances.
| Type of Decision | Who makes the decision | Min voting period | Quorum size (if required) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JVP CLT endorsements/rebuttals of other org events/actions (including collab posts) | Spokescouncil | 48 hrs | 5 voters (only if 2 or more nays) |
| Use of funds over $250 | Spokescouncil | 48 hrs | 5 voters (only if 2 or more nays) |
| Posts to JVP CLT website or socials promoting a position that is sufficently novel, related to current events, or not already backed by consensus | Comms & Spokescouncil | 72 hrs | 5 voters, each group (only if 2 or more nays) |
| Media statements, op-eds, etc. signed by JVP CLT or stating that author represents JVP CLT | Comms & Spokescouncil | 72 hrs | 5 voters, each group (only if 2 or more nays) |
| Posts to socials promoting existing campaigns, events, and positions | Comms | 24 hrs min | 5 voters (only if 2 or more nays) |
| Decision to host an minor event, make purchase with allotted funds, etc. | Relevant committee | 72 hrs min | 5 voters (each group) |
| *MAJOR* Political endorsements | General membership | 14 days | 15 voters |
| *MAJOR* Changes to Chapter structure and policies | General membership | 1 month | 15 voters |
| *MAJOR* Initiation of a campaign, decision to host a major event, etc. | General membership | 1 month | 15 voters |
| *MAJOR* Relationship to JVP National | General membership | 1 month | 15 voters |
| What else haven't we thoght of? | ... | ... | ... |
Background and rationale
JVP Charlotte has had a formalized decision making process for many years. That being said, in early 2026, the observation was made that the existing process was not being used frequently. By agreement of the Spokescouncil, a new decision making process was drafted and proposed to the membership at a general member meeting on April 19th, 2026. Membership approved the new procedures by vote, with none dissenting.
The decision making process described herein was designed to embody three main principles:
The simpler the procedures are, the more likely they are to be implemented.
Procedures will assume consensus in the absence of dissent, thereby forgoing formal and laborious voting processes when not necessary. Engaged and vocal members are required to enable this approach.
Much of what Comms does could be viewed as a ‘decision.’ As such, the Comms committee is empowered to make small decisions without formal oversight.
Tweaking and modification of the above described procedure is encouraged!