About Democrats of Greater Tucson

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Democrats of Greater Tucson is Arizona’s only weekly forum for Democrats. Every meeting has speakers addressing subjects of political or community interest. Frequently, Democratic candidates announce their candidacies and present their platforms at our meetings. Click to join or renew your membership securely online for only $20

You can mail a check to P.O. Box 41573, Tucson, AZ, 85717. Please include your phone number, land address and employer, which we are required by law to request.

To candidates: If you are interested in speaking at a DGT meeting on Mondays at Noon, contact Program Director Mike Bryan via email: mbryan@gmail.com or phone (520) 425-5565. Please complete the Campaign Contact Information form.

The Democrats of Greater Tucson’s meets every Monday at 12 noon, online via Zoom. You can register to attend via your computer on the DGT Events page.

Why DGT?

The Democrats of Greater Tucson celebrated its 42nd year in November 2021. Before 1979 DGT was known as the Young Democrats of Greater Tucson, but as some of our members began to mature we thought a name change was appropriate. We achieved this longevity through the dedication of many volunteers as the maxim that all Democrats get to speak. As long as one is a “Member of the Democratic Party,” one could get on the speaker’s list. As a result, DGT attendees have heard from Democrats across the wide spectrum of the party, leaving all who participate richer as the result.

Democrats of Greater Tucson Board Members for 2022

Larry Bodine
Larry BodinePresident
I’ve served as President since November 2019 and thoroughly enjoy DGT. Membership in 2021 is at an all-time high, and DGT has met safely on Zoom for 2 years, making it possible to bring in Democratic leaders from across Arizona. Our vibrant website holds a searchable collection of 435 concise articles (up from 250) and 100 video recordings of our speakers. Since May 2021, DGT has held popular, monthly Drinking Democratically happy hours for vaccinated members.
Mike Bryan
Mike BryanProgram Director
Michael is a progressive Democrat who founded the liberal Blog For Arizona in 2003. Earlier, he ran Drinking Liberally meetings for six years. From LD9, he manages updating the DGT website.
Christina Early
Christina EarlySecretary
Christina helps with membership list updates and MailChimp entry. She believes her contributions to DGT has helped support the President and Board member.
Susie Anderson
Susie AndersonMembership Director
I have been a member of the Democrats of Greater Tucson for about four years. Working online during the pandemic has made it much more challenging to inform our group and much more fun. It has been a rewarding experience in performing new and different tasks
Steve Linder
Steve LinderTreasurer
Steve has been the DGT Treasurer for several years. He was the Treasurer for Arizona Education Association Retired.
Steve Early
Steve EarlyAt Large
Before meetings went online, I set up the sound system at the restaurant. He feels that he has contributed to the organization by supporting the Board, attending all meetings, and helping the President with ideas and mailings.
Lee Oler
Lee OlerAt Large
A longtime DGT member, Lee donated $100 to buy a webcam for DGT Zoom meetings. She plays violin in the Civic Orchestra of Tucson. Lee is a retired music teacher, is active in the Sierra Club and the Southern Arizona Beagle Rescue, and lives in LD3. In 2008, Lee was honored, along with Felicia May and Marilyn Freed, by receiving the Award for Outstanding Service to DGT.
Sandee Binyon
Sandee BinyonMember at Large
I am in charge of arranging for the weekly speakers and have already started to schedule speakers for the year 2021. I have enjoyed lunch with DGT in many different restaurants over the last 20 years. I am delighted that technology allowed us to continue to hear speakers with information for Democrats of Greater Tucson area.
Kathy Ramage-White
Kathy Ramage-WhiteMember at Large
It’s a wonderful time to be not just a Democrat in Arizona, but an active member of the Democrats of Greater Tucson, as we explore various Democratic candidates and issues. I am honored to play a role in the DGT.
Jeanne Christie
Jeanne ChristieAt Large
Jeanne Christie has been an active Pima County Democrat for more than 10 years. Since then and until March 2020 (Covid), Jeanne was a PCDP Front Desk volunteer at HQs. She is a PC (LD 9), a State Committeeperson and has been a member of DGT since 2011. In 2012, Jeanne became a DGT Board member and has been elected ever since. For four years, she was co-coordinator of the DGT annual fundraising Awards Luncheon, and was also the DGT Representative to the PCDP Executive Committee for many years. Jeanne is proud to be a DGT Board member and hopes to continue as such.
Joseph Daniszewski
Joseph DaniszewskiAt Large
Known affectionately as “Joe D,” Joseph Daniszewski is a business consultant. His skills include strategic planning for organizations, recruiting board members, fiscal management, fundraising, communication, and special event planning. His community activities include the Sportsmen Fund, Send a Kid to Camp and the Catalina Council of the Boy Scouts.

DGT By-laws

As revised January 20, 2020

BY-LAWS OF THE DEMOCRATS OF GREATER TUCSON

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be “DEMOCRATS OF GREATER TUCSON” (DGT)

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

  1. To provide a regular forum for candidates, office holders and any program which may enlighten, instruct, and in general, keep the members informed on current events and
  2. To foster and perpetuate the ideals and principles of the Democratic

ARTICLE III – POLICY

  1. DGT shall support the nominees of the Democratic Party in national, state and local elections. It shall continue to function in order to contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party.
  2. DGT, as a body, shall not publicly endorse the candidacy of any Primary candidate, or in any other manner give its influence as an organization to the cause of any candidate or faction of the Party in any intraparty controversy.
  3. The foregoing shall not be construed to prevent DGT from commenting on or making recommendations on any public issue whenever decided by a vote of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Registered Democrats shall be eligible for membership.

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS, ELECTIONS, AND DUTIES

  1. Elected officers shall include President, First Vice President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six members-at-large. Officers shall hold offices for one year or until their successors are elected.
  2. Appointed officers may include Sergeant-At-Arms and Parliamentarian, neither of whom shall be an Executive Board member. The President, in consultation with the Executive Board, shall make these appointments along with that of Historian.
  3. Officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting which shall be the first meeting in December unless that date is changed by the Executive Board because of special circumstances. The new officers shall assume their positions immediately following adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
  4. At a meeting preceding the Annual Meeting (date to be determined by the Executive Board) nominations shall be made from the floor. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting. A member may nominate himself/herself. Write-ins may be made on the ballot.
  5. The President shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Board, three (3) tellers who shall distribute, collect and count the ballots, and report to the President. Elections shall be by an affirmative vote of a majority of those members eligible to vote who are present and voting, a quorum being present.
  6. Duties of Officers
  7. President: Shall preside over all Membership and Executive Board meetings; preserve order and enforce By-laws; be an Ex-officio member of all committees and perform such other duties as customarily pertain to the office.
  8. First Vice-President: Shall act in the absence of the President, shall be the Program Chairperson charged with the responsibility of providing a program for each meeting.
  9. Second Vice President: Shall act in the absence of the First Vice-President; shall be the Membership Chairperson charged with recruiting new members and shall contact continuing members who have not paid their dues.
  10. Secretary: Shall keep a record of actions taken at Regular, Special and Executive Board meetings; shall keep an attendance record of the Executive Board Meetings; shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President and Vice-Presidents. The Secretary shall attend to all correspondence for DGT, shall supervise the compilation of the Newsletter or all special mailings to the membership or other parties, and shall arrange for the preparation of the ballot for the annual election.
  11. Treasurer: Shall collect dues and be responsible for the safe and timely deposit of the organization’s funds; shall pay by check all bills sanctioned by the organization, shall keep accounts current; shall file timely reports to the Secretary of State; report the financial condition of DGT at each Executive Board The Treasurer shall keep a complete roster of the membership with the assistance of the Second Vice-President for Membership.
  12. Members-At-Large: Shall be members of the Executive Board with full voting rights.
  13. Sergeant-At-Arms: Shall assist the President in maintaining order when necessary, shall be responsible for arranging adequate and proper seating for members and guests; is not a voting member of the Executive Board.
  14. Parliamentarian: Shall rule on parliamentary questions when requested by the Decisions shall be governed by these By-Laws first, then by Robert’s Rules of Order; is not a voting member of the Executive Board.
  15. Historian: a member of the Executive Board, appointed by the President, to compile and keep an ongoing record of decisions made by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD

  1. There shall be an Executive Board composed of the elected officers and six (6) members-at-large. The immediate Past President shall be a member of the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall constitute the governing board of the Democrats of Greater Tucson, and shall, in addition to other duties specified in the Bylaws, act as the general managing, supervisory, and administrative body of the Democrats of Greater Tucson between meetings. The President shall be the Chairperson of the Executive Board.
  2. The Executive Board shall meet monthly and at such times and places as the Executive Board may decide. The President, or majority of the voting members of the Board, may call a special meeting with at least 3 days’ notice to the other members of the Board. No proxies shall be allowed at the Executive Board meeting.
  3. The President may from time to time appoint such other committees as the President, the membership or the Executive Board may deem necessary or advisable.
  4. The membership shall elect the President or First Vice-President should a vacancy occur. The Executive Board may fill any vacancies that may occur among other officers of the Executive Board.
  5. Any member of the Executive Board may be removed following three consecutive absences from regular Executive Board meetings. The Secretary will notify the member if action is to be taken.
  6. A quorum of the Executive Board shall be a majority of the voting members.

ARTICLE VII – MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

  1. The Annual Meeting of the Democrats of Greater Tucson shall be held at the first regular meeting in December unless the date is changed by the Executive Board because of special circumstances.
  2. Special Meetings of the Democrats of Greater Tucson shall be held upon such occasions as the President and the Executive Board may specify. Notice of each special meeting shall be given at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.
  3. If voting is required, a quorum must be present.

ARTICLE VIII – DUES

  1. Annual dues shall be paid in the amount determined by the Board. The membership year begins on January 1st. Membership dues for the current year must be paid by November 15th to participate and vote in any matter put before the membership and in the Annual Meeting for the election of officers of the Executive
  2. The membership Chairperson shall contact continuing members who have not paid their dues.
  3. New members paying dues on or after October 1 shall be considered members for the current year and the subsequent year. They may participate in the Annual Meeting provided they pay their dues by November 15th.

ARTICLE IX – VOTING QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Members whose dues are paid by November 15th for the current year are eligible to vote on any matter put before the membership, to vote in the elections at the Annual Meeting, and to hold office in DGT.
  2. A delinquent member recovers eligibility and good standing for the current year at the time dues are paid, provided the dues are paid by November 15th.

ARTICLE X – EXPENDITURES

  1. DGT may expend funds for the purpose of a specific nature or in response to a specific request as follows:
    1. If for $300 or less by the President. The expenditures will be reported to Executive Board
    2. If for more than $300 with prior approval by the Executive Board
  2. Receipts for all expenditures shall be submitted to the Treasurer in a timely manner.
  3. All Executive Board decisions for expenditures of more than $300 shall be reported to the membership at a subsequent regular meeting.

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

This document may be amended by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present and voting provided that the amendment or amendments are submitted in writing at a prior meeting of the membership.
ARTICLE XII – QUORUM

A quorum for the conduct of general business shall be at least twenty-five (25) members presided over by an officer or member of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE XIII – ORDER

These By-Laws shall govern the organization and operation of DGT. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern situations not covered by these Bylaws.

                                                                                                                        1/20/2020       

President of Democrats of Greater Tucson                                    Date

PO Box 41573. Tucson, AZ 85717                                                                          www.thedgt.org

Past Newsletters