CHARTER OF THE U.S. GREENS ABROAD

ARTICLE 1. NAME AND AFFILIATIONS
1.1. The name of the organization is U.S. Greens Abroad (USGA).
1.2. The USGA supports the two national Green parties in the United States: The Greens/Green Party of the United States of America (G/GPUSA) and the Green Party of the United States (GPUS).
1.2.1. Individuals who wish to be represented in the G/GPUSA may do so by joining the USGA-G/GPUSA Caucus on a voluntary basis.
1.2.2. Individuals who wish to be represented in the GPUS may do so by joining the state party in their respective state on a voluntary basis.
1.2.3. Membership in the USGA is not contingent on membership in either the G/GPUSA or a state party.
1.3. Members may choose to join other Green organizations and local groups on an individual basis.

ARTICLE 2. PURPOSES
2.1. The USGA will support the work of Greens and Green-like organizations (defined as organizations whose aims and policies are consistent with the Ten Key Values) by:
2.1.1. Disseminating information about and organizing support for the American Green movement and parties among U.S. citizens living outside the U.S.
2.1.2. Disseminating information about Green candidates running for office in the U.S. and encouraging U.S. citizens living abroad to vote Green.
2.1.3. Assisting the Green movement in the U.S. through petitions, letter-writing, and other forms of direct support.
2.1.4. Financially supporting U.S. Green organizations through voluntary memberships and donations.
2.1.5. Participating in and sending delegates to national and international Green gatherings as permitted.
2.1.6. Participating in strategic planning and policymaking in national Green organizations as permitted.
2.2. The USGA will support the work of Greens and Green-like organizations in countries where U.S. Greens reside by:
2.2.1. Gathering and disseminating information about Green and Green-like organizations in their countries of residence, networking with such groups, and encouraging U.S. Greens living abroad to participate as individuals in such organizations as they choose.
2.2.2. Directly engaging in individual and group political activities in their host countries, provided that such activities do not conflict with any legal restrictions placed by the respective country on the political activities of foreigners residing there.
2.2.3. Facilitating international interactions between Green and Green-like organizations in both the U.S. and their countries of residence.

ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP
3.1. Membership is open to any U.S. citizen over the age of 18 who has resided, or intends to reside, abroad for a period of more than three months, and who completes a signed application form.
3.2. Members must be in fundamental agreement with the Ten Key Values of the Greens: (1) Ecological Wisdom; (2) Social Justice; (3) Grassroots Democracy; (4) Nonviolence; (5) Decentralization; (6) Community Economics; (7) Feminism; (8) Respect for Diversity; (9) Personal and Global Responsibility; (10) Future Focus.
3.3. The USGA will be funded through donations and other voluntary forms of fund-raising; there are no set dues.
3.4. Members who choose to join the USGA-G/GPUSA Caucus are required to pay annual dues as set by the G/GPUSA; dues may be paid through the USGA Clearinghouse. Members who choose to join state parties or other Green organizations in the United States must do so directly through the respective party or organization.
3.5. A mailing list will be maintained of individuals of any nationality who are unable or do not wish to join the USGA but who wish to be kept informed of its activities. Such individuals may participate in USGA activities at the discretion of the members but do not have voting rights.

ARTICLE 4. ORGANIZATION
4.1. Members will join the USGA as individuals on an equal basis with equal voting rights. Any political activities conducted in the name of the organization, including the issuing of policy statements or positions, endorsements of candidates, planned actions, and so forth must be approved by a majority of the members casting ballots. Any member may put any issue to a vote. All issues which are put to a vote must be publicized in advance to all members and every member must be given an opportunity to vote through whatever means are available (direct voting; e-mail; or mail-in ballots). The USGA Clearinghouse will be responsible for distributing, collecting, validating, and counting ballots. Members may withdraw support from majority-decisions they do not agree with and remain in good standing with the organization. Supporters of a minority position have the right to insist that a statement of their position be included with any majority opinions which are publicized.
4.2. Local chapters of the USGA may be formed in specific countries and regions within those countries to facilitate local initiatives. All local chapters must be registered with the USGA Clearinghouse. Locals may engage in independent activities on issues which concern their own local areas. Actions and policies which affect the whole organization of the USGA, however, must be decided on by the full membership, including official policy statements, endorsements, etc.
4.3. The primary means of communication within the USGA will be through e-mail, regular mail, and telephone. Face-to-face gatherings, including both international and local meetings, may be called by any member; participation is entirely voluntary. Any decisions made at such meetings which affect the USGA as a whole must be approved by the entire membership, through absentee balloting if necessary.

ARTICLE 5. ADMINISTRATION
5.1. Day-to-day administrative activities will be conducted by a Coordinating Committee comprised of any and all members who volunteer to help with the administrative work of the organization. All volunteers for the Coordinating Committee must be approved by a vote of the membership, with a majority of those voting giving their approval. Geographical, ethnic/racial, and gender diversity on the Coordinating Committee should be encouraged. The Coordinating Committee may not make independent decisions on political matters. The Coordinating Committee will, however, retain final decision-making power for internal administrative affairs, such as record-keeping procedures, the assignment of specific tasks, and other functions as listed below. All records may be reviewed by any member at any time upon request.
5.2. The Coordinating Committee will consist of at least two Coordinators, who will endeavor to perform the functions listed below. Decisions of the Coordinators can be made independently but may be subjected to review by the other Coordinators. Any number of individuals can act as Coordinators in a particular area and individuals may serve as Coordinators in more than one area.
5.2.1. The Clearinghouse Coordinator(s) will maintain membership roles and take charge of all administrative tasks. The Clearinghouse will act as the primary point of contact for the USGA.
5.2.2. The Communications Coordinator(s) will facilitate communications by maintaining a website, publishing a newsletter, and issuing press releases and other information on activities and policies of the USGA through the mainstream and alternative media.
5.3. The Coordinating Committee will communicate with each other and/or meet as necessary, and distribute to all USGA members an annual report which includes a financial statement and reports on activities conducted during the previous year by the Coordinating Committee.

ARTICLE 6. DELEGATION
6.1. Decisions related to national and international organizations other than the G/GPUSA, including the selection of delegates and other decisions, will be made by the USGA membership as a whole on the basis of consensus when possible or on the basis of proportional representation when consensus cannot be reached, in accordance with rules and procedures established by the respective national or international organization. Delegates to national and international gatherings are bound by any decisions made by the membership as a whole.
6.2. Decisions related to the G/GPUSA, including the selection of delegates and other decisions, may be made only by the USGA-GPUSA Caucus, which consists of all USGA members who are members in good standing with the G/GPUSA, on the basis of consensus when possible or on the basis of proportional representation when consensus cannot be reached, in accordance with rules and procedures established by the G/GPUSA. Delegates to G/GPUSA gatherings are bound by any decisions made by the USGA-GPUSA Caucus.
6.3. Delegates to all national and international gatherings should prepare and distribute to all members a report of their attendance.

ARTICLE 7. WORKING GROUPS
7.1. Working groups may be established on a permanent or ad hoc basis for specific purposes, such as: electoral work; research and campaigns on particular issues; the formulation of policy; and other areas of concern to members.
7.2. Any member may volunteer to participate in any working group. Groups may consist of one or more members and members may belong to more than one group.
7.3. Working groups are free to publish/publicize their work as individuals, but any statements, actions, or policies promoted under the name of the USGA must be approved by a majority of the members (see Article 4.1.).

ARTICLE 8. RATIFICATION AND AMENDING THE CHARTER
8.1. This charter will go into effect if it is ratified by at least five individuals who join the group as members; if there are at least two individuals who are willing to volunteer to serve on the Coordinating Committee; and if each of the coordinating positions (Clearinghouse Coordinator and Communications Coordinator) can be filled.
8.2. The group may be dissolved if there are fewer than five members or fewer than two individuals serving as volunteers on the Coordinating Committee or if one of the coordinating positions (Clearinghouse Coordinator or Communications Coordinator) cannot be filled.
8.3. Amendments to the charter must be approved by at least two-thirds of the members.