Category: TPR – Announcements

the following are directives or policies within the handbook that are not otherwise stated in the national or savannah bylaws.

Please review and submit amendments as necessary to the above listed email address.

1. The binding nature of policies within the handbook. (Foreword)
2. Amending the handbook can be made by simple majority. (Foreword)
3. The requirement to review annually with the Savannah DSA Convention (Foreword)
4. The ability for the Steering Committee (SC) to make editorial changes to the handbook. (Foreword)
5. Only Members in Good Standing (MIGS) may present motions and deliberate. (1.2.2)
6. The process by which projects and campaigns are initiated. (2.3)
7. Long-Term collaborations/partnerships require membership approval. (2.3)
8. Electoral endorsements require membership approval. (2.3)
9. Process of emergency decisions by SC. (3.1.2)
10. The rights of MIGS. (3.1.3)
11. No officer may act unilaterally. (3.2.1)
12. Routine powers of SC (3.2.2)
13. Inter-org relationships (3.2.4)
14. Reporting & Transparency reqs (3.2.5)
15. Definitions of Committee and WG (3.3.1)
16. Accountability and Establishment of Comm/WGs (3.3.2)
17. Comm’t/WGs meeting frequency (3.3.3)
18. Comm’t/WGs responsibilities (3.3.4)
19. Establishment/Dissolition of ad hoc groups (3.3.6)
20. Record keeping requirements (3.3.7)
21. Accountability and Review of Comm’t/WGs (3.3.8)
22. Steering must include all properly submitted and legal motions in the published agenda and ensure members know how to submit motions.(3.4.2)
23. Code of Conduct (3.5.1)
24. Requirement of Discord moderators (3.5.2)
25. Only the Steering Committee or members authorized by the Membership Body may issue official statements or press releases on behalf of the chapter. (3.5.3)
26. No member may endorse or condemn a candidate, official, organization, or military conflict “as Savannah DSA” without a membership vote. (3.5.3)
27. Confidentiality and Data handling rules (3.5.4)
28. Misconduct – enforcement & accountability (3.5.5 & 3.5.6)
29. FINANCIAL POLICY – (3.6)
30. Committee/WG Charter requirement and term limits (appendix B)

Resolution submitted by: Savannah DSA Steering Committee
Resolution authored by: George Robles, Secretary

Submitted to: Savannah Democratic Socialists of America General Membership Body

Date: 11/24/2025

Whereas, Savannah DSA is a democratic, member-led organization in which the General Membership is the highest decision-making body; and

Whereas, the chapter’s work is strengthened by a clear, accessible handbook that orients members to our structure, decision-making processes, and expectations for comradely conduct; and

Whereas, the document titled “Savannah DSA Members Handbook” compiles and clarifies chapter practices, rules, policies, and guidance in a manner consistent with the Savannah DSA Bylaws and National DSA governing documents; and

Whereas, it is in the interest of transparency and accountability for Savannah DSA to recognize this handbook as an official governing publication;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Savannah DSA General Membership:

Calls on the Steering Committee to create an ad hoc committee to review the handbook at least annually in conjunction conjunction with the chapter bylaws at the chapter Convention. This committee will bring any recommended updates or corrections to the General Membership for debate and vote.

Adopts the attached Savannah DSA Members Handbook as an official governing publication of the chapter, subordinate to the DSA Constitution and Bylaws and the Savannah DSA Bylaws.

Recognizes that the sections of the handbook labeled “Rules and Policies” are standing rules and operational policies of Savannah DSA, binding on officers, committees, working groups, and members unless and until amended by the General Membership.

Affirms that in any conflict of authority, the order of precedence is:
  a. National DSA Constitution and Bylaws;
  b. Savannah DSA Bylaws;
  c. Savannah DSA Members Handbook;
  d. Any other standing rules or policies.

Directs the Steering Committee to maintain and publish the current version of the handbook, including non-substantive edits for formatting, grammar, updated contact information, and links, and to make the handbook easily accessible to members, including on the chapter website and in new member materials.

Establishes that substantive amendments to the handbook must be proposed as resolutions with proper notice and adopted by a majority vote of the General Membership at a General or Special Meeting, and that no amendment may conflict with National DSA governing documents or the Savannah DSA Bylaws.

Establishes that members of the Steering Committee may make administrative-only edits to the document such as contact information, working groups, etc.

Directs existing committees and working groups to bring their charters into compliance with Section 3 of the handbook and the Committee and Working Group Charter Template in Appendix B within thirty (30) days of this resolution’s adoption, or as soon thereafter as practical, and to submit revised charters for approval consistent with chapter rules.

Resolution written by: George Robles and Austin Rojas
Submitted to: Savannah Democratic Socialists of America General Membership Body
Date: 11/09/2025

Whereas, Savannah DSA needs clear, consistent, and principled public messaging that
reflects positions and campaigns adopted by the General Membership (or other bodies
authorized by the bylaws); and
Whereas, effective use of social media, websites, blogs, email, press outreach, and other
communications tools is necessary to educate, recruit, and retain members and to build
working-class power in Savannah and the surrounding area; and
Whereas, design and visual storytelling (including graphics, layouts, photography, and
video) are essential to communicating our politics, building a recognizable chapter
identity, and supporting chapter campaigns and events, and the importance of this work
is reflected in national DSA’s own design guides and standards, which we seek to
implement locally; and
Whereas, coordinating communications and design work across committees, working
groups, and campaigns helps prevent mixed messages, burnout, and duplication of
effort; and
Whereas, there are many members with creative talents that would be extremely
beneficial to our socialist movement;

Therefore, be it resolved:
Savannah DSA hereby establishes a Communications & Design Committee (“C&D
Committee”) as a standing committee of the chapter, with the following structure and
responsibilities.

Purpose
1.1 The purpose of the Communications & Design Committee is to plan, coordinate, and
carry out external communications and design work for Savannah DSA in order to:
1.1.1 Advance the chapter’s democratically decided campaigns and priorities; and
1.1.2 Clearly communicate our politics and demands to the broader public; and
1.1.3 Maintain and develop the chapter’s website and other digital platforms as reliable,
up-to-date hubs for information, resources, and calls to action; and
1.1.4 Develop and steward a coherent visual identity for the chapter across print and
digital media.
1.2 The Comms & Design Committee may also assist with internal communications and
design (e.g., graphics, layouts, templates) when requested by other committees,
working groups, or the General Membership.
1.3 The Comms & Design Committee shall operate in accordance with National and
Savannah DSA’s bylaws, policies, and all guidelines adopted by the General Membership
and Steering Committee.

Implementation
6.1 Upon adoption of this resolution, the Steering Committee shall: 6.1.1 Announce the creation of the Communications & Design Committee;
6.1.2 Solicit members in good standing to join; and
6.1.3 Schedule an initial organizing meeting where members will adopt internal
procedures and elect committee officers.
6.2 Within thirty (30) days of this resolution’s adoption, the Comms & Design
Committee shall:
6.2.1 Hold an organizing meeting at which members of the Comms & Design Committee
elect Co-Chairs, who shall appoint a Secretary from among the committee’s members;
6.2.2 Inventory existing communications and design assets (social media accounts,
website, email lists, branding and design materials, templates, and access credentials);
6.2.3 Develop draft communications, design, and branding guidelines and a basic annual
communications and design work plan; and
6.2.4 Present these to the General Membership or Steering Committee for feedback and
approval.

Scope of Work
2.1 The Comms & Design Committee is responsible for the chapter’s external and
internal communications and design infrastructure, including but not limited to:
2.1.1 Social media: Managing and posting to official chapter social media accounts,
developing platform-appropriate content, and moderating comments consistent with
chapter policies.
2.1.2 Website and email: Maintaining and updating the chapter website; coordinating
mass email, newsletters, and event announcements in collaboration with relevant
committees and officers.
2.1.3 Messaging, design, and materials: Developing key messages, talking points,
graphics, layouts, flyers, print pieces, and digital assets for chapter campaigns and
events, in coordination with relevant committees and working groups.
2.1.4 Design and visual identity: Creating and maintaining chapter-wide design
templates and style guides (logos, colors, fonts, layouts), and supporting visual consistency across all chapter materials, including The People’s Report and campaign
collateral.
2.1.5 Press and media relations: Maintaining a local media list; drafting and distributing
press releases and media advisories; fielding press inquiries in coordination with
Steering Committee Co-Chairs or their designees.
2.1.6 Internal communications: Supporting clear communication to members about
meetings, decisions, campaigns, and political education opportunities, in coordination
with Membership, Political Education, Labor, Electoral, and other committees as
appropriate.
2.1.7 Digital security and accessibility: Promoting best practices for password
management, account access, and digital security; and working toward making chapter
communications and designs accessible (including alt text, captions, and screen-reader–
friendly formats) whenever feasible.
2.1.8 Publications and The People’s Report: Coordinating the regular creation, design,
editing, and distribution of The People’s Report as an official chapter publication;
soliciting, accepting, reviewing, and editing written and visual submissions from
members; and ensuring that published content is consistent with positions and
campaigns adopted by the General Membership and any editorial policies approved by
the chapter.
2.1.9 Protest messaging and art builds: Supporting creative messaging and visual design
for demonstrations and art builds (e.g., banners, posters, signage, chant sheets,
projections, and merchandise for chapter use), in collaboration with relevant
committees and working groups.
2.1.10 Multilingual communication: Striving, as capacity allows, to provide translations
of key public-facing materials, announcements, and resources (especially between
English and Spanish) when feasible and requested, and clearly indicating when
translations are available and how members and community members can request
them.
2.2 The Comms & Design Committee may propose communications and design policies
(e.g., branding and design guidelines, social media norms, account security practices,
and translation practices) to the Steering Committee and General Membership for
adoption. 2.3 The Comms & Design Committee does not have the authority to make political
endorsements, take new public positions, or contradict democratically adopted chapter
positions. Public statements that commit the chapter to a new political stance or
endorse candidates must follow the procedures in the bylaws and relevant resolutions.

Membership and Leadership
3.1 Membership in the Comms & Design Committee is open to all Savannah DSA
members in good standing who wish to contribute to communications and design work.
3.2 The Comms & Design Committee shall elect from among its members Co-Chairs,
responsible for convening meetings, coordinating work, and serving as the primary
liaisons to the Steering Committee. The Co-Chairs shall appoint a Secretary from among
the committee’s members, who is responsible for taking minutes, maintaining records,
maintaining access credentials and documentation, and submitting reports.
3.3 Committee officers shall be elected at a regularly noticed Comms & Design
Committee meeting and confirmed according to the procedures for committee
leadership in the chapter bylaws or standing rules. Committee officers are recallable by
a majority vote of the Comms & Design Committee membership, subject to appeal
under chapter grievance or conflict-resolution procedures.
3.4 The Comms & Design Committee shall strive for leadership that reflects the diversity
of the working class in Savannah and shall make deliberate efforts to recruit and
develop members from historically marginalized communities into communications and
design work and leadership.
3.5 The Comms & Design Committee may, by majority vote, designate additional
coordinators or leads from among its members to take responsibility for specific areas
of work, such as:
3.5.1 A Web Administrator responsible for day-to-day website updates and technical
maintenance;
3.5.2 A Social Media Coordinator responsible for organizing content and scheduling
across social platforms;
3.5.3 A Publications Editor (or editorial team) responsible for coordinating The People’s
Report and other publications, including managing member submissions in line with any
editorial policies adopted by the chapter; 3.5.4 A Design Lead or Creative Coordinator responsible for visual identity, design
templates, graphics, layouts, and support for protest art builds.
3.6 These coordinators are accountable to the Comms & Design Committee as a whole
and may be replaced or restructured by the committee as needed.

Accountability and Decision-Making
4.1 The Comms & Design Committee is accountable to the Savannah DSA General
Membership and Steering Committee. It is responsible for implementing democratically
adopted positions and priorities, not setting them unilaterally.
4.2 Routine posts and materials (event reminders, meeting announcements, live-posting
during events, sharing campaign materials already approved by the relevant committee,
updating the website, and routine design work consistent with existing campaigns and
policies) may be approved through procedures adopted by the Comms & Design
Committee, as long as they remain consistent with chapter positions and messaging
guidelines adopted by the General Membership or Steering Committee.
4.3 Public statements that:
4.3.1 Announce new chapter-wide initiatives,
4.3.2 Respond to major political developments in the name of the chapter, or
4.3.3 Have a reasonable likelihood of being interpreted as a new chapter position
must be coordinated with and approved by the Steering Committee or the General
Membership, consistent with chapter bylaws and policies.
4.4 Rapid response statements on major political developments:
4.4.1 Electorate and notice: The electorate shall be all members in good standing. The
24-hour clock starts when the Comms & Design Committee sends notice, with the
proposed position and draft messaging, to the chapter email list and posts it in official
channels.
4.4.2 Thresholds: A valid vote requires quorum per the bylaws (10 percent of members
in good standing). Adoption requires at least two-thirds approval of votes cast.
4.4.3 At 24 hours:
4.4.3.1 If quorum is met and two-thirds approve, the committee may issue the position
statement. 4.4.3.2 If quorum is met but two-thirds do not approve, no position statement is issued.
4.4.3.3 If quorum is not met, the committee may issue an informational notice that
acknowledges the development without taking a position.
4.4.4 Extended window: The ballot remains open for up to five (5) days from notice. If
within that period quorum is reached and two-thirds approve, the committee may issue
the position statement.
4.4.5 Issuance and recordkeeping: Approved statements are issued by the Co-Chairs (or
their designee) as the chapter’s spokespersons. The committee records totals and
turnout and reports to Steering and the next General Membership meeting. Statements
must be consistent with positions previously adopted by the General Membership and
the bylaws.
4.5 The Comms & Design Committee shall provide written or oral reports to each
General Membership meeting, summarizing recent work, upcoming plans, and any
proposals requiring membership decision.

Finances and Resources
5.1 All funds for communications and design work (e.g., website hosting, printing,
advertising, software subscriptions, design tools, and production of materials) shall be
held in and disbursed from Savannah DSA’s regular accounts under the supervision of
the Chapter Treasurer, in accordance with chapter financial policies and applicable law.
5.2 The Comms & Design Committee may:
5.2.1 Submit budget requests to the Treasurer and Steering Committee; and
5.2.2 Recommend communications- and design-related expenditures to the General
Membership and Steering Committee, which retain final authority over chapter
finances.
5.3 Any fundraising explicitly for communications or design projects shall be conducted
through normal chapter financial processes, and any funds raised shall remain the
property of Savannah DSA.

Resolution to Establish a 2026 Savannah DSA Convention
Planning Subcommittee
Resolution written by: George A. Robles, Secretary
Submitted to: Savannah Democratic Socialists of America (Savannah DSA) General
Membership
Date: 11-19-2025
Whereas, Savannah DSA will hold its 2026 Chapter Convention on April 5, 2026, which
requires advance planning to ensure a democratic, accessible, and orderly process; and
Whereas, the General Membership is the highest decision-making body of Savannah
DSA and may delegate specific planning and implementation powers to subordinate
bodies;
Therefore, be it resolved that:

Reporting and Sunset
5.1 The Subcommittee shall report regularly to the Steering Committee and provide a
written report to the General Membership at the January, February, and March General
Membership Meetings prior to the 2026 Convention.
5.2 The Subcommittee shall complete a thorough report and/or minutes of the
Convention to the Steering Committee no later than (NLT) seven (7) days after the
conclusion of the 2026 Convention.
5.3 The Subcommittee shall automatically dissolve seven (7) days after the conclusion of
the 2026 Convention.

Establishment and Authority
1.1 The General Membership hereby establishes an ad hoc 2026 Convention Planning
Subcommittee (“the Subcommittee”) to plan and coordinate the 2026 Savannah DSA
Convention, reporting to the Steering Committee and ultimately to the General
Membership.

Formation and Composition
2.1 The Subcommittee shall be formed in December 2025, but no later than January 15,

2.2 The Steering Committee shall solicit volunteers from members in good standing
(MIGS) and appoint an initial membership, and shall designate a Convener responsible
for calling meetings and ensuring notes are kept.
2.3 The Convener shall keep a list of active members of the Subcommittee and is
responsible for ensuring members are MIGS.
2.4 Membership in the Subcommittee shall remain open to any MIGS who wishes to
participate.

Powers and Responsibilities for Convention Planning 3.1 Within the scope of planning the 2026 Convention, the Subcommittee is authorized
to:
3.1.1 Receive agenda items from members and chapter bodies, including but not limited
to resolutions; officer, committee, and working group reports; and budget/funding
requests.
3.1.2 Draft the proposed Convention agenda and standing rules for April 5, 2026,
including a proposed consent agenda.
3.1.3 Conduct a preliminary review of agenda items for compliance with the chapter
bylaws and rules, and designate as out of order those items that clearly conflict with
existing bylaws, providing timely notice and a brief written explanation to submitters.
3.1.4 Create task-specific Teams to work on specific aspects of Convention planning
(such as budget, bylaws and handbook review, logistics, and donations), provided that
all Task Teams report back to and are directed by the Subcommittee.
3.1.5 Identify and refer appropriate items to the incoming Steering Committee for
adjudication where interpretation or follow-up is needed, including resolutions and
other proposals that are in order but cannot reasonably be taken up at the 2026
Convention (for example, due to time constraints or because they are primarily ongoing
administrative or implementation matters). Such items shall be deferred to the newly
elected 2026–2027 Steering Committee for consideration after the Convention, with a
brief written explanation of the Subcommittee’s recommendation.
3.1.6 Recognize that all such determinations are subject to the General Membership’s
ultimate authority at the Convention to amend the agenda, adopt or reject the consent
agenda, and overrule out-of-order rulings consistent with the bylaws and rules of order.
3.1.7 Ensure that the proposed Convention agenda is submitted to and approved by the
General Membership no later than (NLT) March 5, 2026.

Budget Authority
4.1 For the purposes of funding the 2026 Convention, the General Membership
authorizes the Steering Committee to approve a Convention budget up to two hundred
dollars ($200), upon recommendation from the 2026 Convention Planning
Subcommittee. 4.2 If the proposed Convention budget exceeds two hundred dollars ($200) in total
(including items such as venue, food, materials, speakers, and accessibility costs), the
Steering Committee shall submit that budget to the General Membership for approval.
4.3 Such a vote shall be conducted via OpaVote (or its successor), with a voting window
of no less than seventy-two (72) hours, and the budget shall be adopted if approved by
a simple majority of valid ballots cast, consistent with the chapter’s bylaws and rules.

Our chapter will be electing an interim co-chair to fill a vacancy in our leadership. Kendra is stepping back from her co-chair role in order to focus on her campaign for GA State Representative, and we’re excited to support her in that fight while keeping our chapter leadership strong and accountable.

What this role does

• Political + organizational leadership: Help set chapter priorities, support campaigns, and make sure our work stays rooted in democratic socialist politics in accordance with the will of the Membership Body.
• Meeting facilitation + coordination: Co-chair General Membership Meetings, work with Steering to build agendas, and keep our internal processes transparent and democratic.
• Support for committees + working groups: Stay in regular contact with organizers across the chapter, help troubleshoot, and make sure groups have what they need to win.
• External representation: When needed, represent Savannah DSA in coalitions, media requests, and public events in coordination with the rest of leadership.

Who we especially encourage to run

We strongly encourage Black, Brown, queer, trans, disabled, working-class, and otherwise marginalized comrades to consider running, including folks who haven’t held chapter-wide leadership before. If you care about building power for the many and can commit some time each month, you’re eligible to be in the conversation.

How to nominate

Members can nominate themselves or another member in good standing before or during the January 4th General Membership Meeting. Whoever is elected as co-chair will be the interim co-chair until the Savannah DSA Convention, April 5, 2026.

If you’re curious about the role or want to talk it through before deciding, reach out to Steering or email info@savgadsa.org and someone will connect with you.

Let’s thank Kendra for her leadership and send her into the State House fight with our full solidarity, while making sure our chapter stays strong, democratic, and ready for the struggles ahead.

In accordance with the Savannah DSA Bylaws, the Steering Committee has formed a subcommittee to assist the Membership Coordinator in their duties. The subcommittee will be named Membership & Engagement Committee.

The chair will be whoever the Membership Coordinator is. The current interim-Membership Coordinator is Lindsey.

If you wish to be a part of this subcommittee, please email membership@savgadsa.org!

Our Mutual Aid Sharing table is a weekly drop-in space where Savannah DSA members and neighbors look out for each other on the corner of Waters & 37th. Every Saturday from 1–3 PM, we redistribute food and supplies with no hoops to jump through and no questions asked.

Our next General Membership Meeting is where the whole chapter comes together to share updates, debate strategy, and make decisions about our work in Savannah. If you’re looking for the best “big picture” view of what Savannah DSA is doing, this is it. Note: This meeting is open to the public, but only members in good standing may vote or deliberate on motions.