Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Organization
What is the California College Democrats (CCD)?
CCD is the official statewide organization representing Democratic student clubs at California colleges and universities. It organizes campus chapters, builds student power, and advocates for Democratic values.
How is CCD affiliated with CYD, CDA, and the California Democratic Party?
CCD is a distinct organization from the California Young Democrats (CYD), and is a standalone chartered organization of the California Democratic Party (CDP), and an affiliate of the College Democrats of America (CDA).
What is the difference between CCD and CYD?
CYD is the umbrella youth organization for Democrats under 36 in California. CCD is its college-based partner, specifically focused on organizing college students.
What counties are part of each CCD region?
Bay Area: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Marin
North State: Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Plumas, Butte, Sierra, Glenn, Lake, Colusa
North Valley: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Mono, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Alpine, Amador, Calaveras
South Valley: Kings, Tulare, Inyo, Kern
North Coast: Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito
South Coast: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
Los Angeles: Los Angeles, Ventura
Inland Empire: San Bernardino, Riverside
Orange County: Orange
San Diego: San Diego, Imperial
How often does CCD meet?
CCD holds general membership meetings at least four times per year, aligned with CYD’s State Leadership Committee meetings.
Who can be a member of CCD?
Any student enrolled part-time or full-time at a California college or university who is a registered Democrat or intends to register when eligible.
Can I join CCD if my campus doesn’t have a College Democrats chapter?
Yes. Students at schools without a chapter may join as At-Large Members with full rights if they meet CCD membership criteria.
How do I start a new chapter of College Democrats on my campus?
Submit a charter application with a chapter roster, officer list, and bylaws to CCD and CYD during the Open Chartering Period (Nov 1–Dec 31).
What is the process for chartering a chapter with CCD and CYD?
A chapter must submit required documents (membership list, officer list, and bylaws) and be approved by the Rules and Credentials Committees during the chartering window.
What materials are required in the chartering packet?
A membership roster with full names, DOB, addresses, contact info, officer list, chapter bylaws, and graduation years.
Leadership & Elections
What positions exist on the CCD Executive Board?
Officers include President, VP of Membership, VP of Finance, VP of Political Affairs, Executive Director, and 10 Regional Organizing Directors.
How are members of the CCD Executive Board elected?
Officers are elected at a general meeting held during the annual California Democratic Party convention by chartered chapters and current board members.
What are the eligibility requirements to run for CCD Executive Board?
Candidates must be active members of a CCD chapter or At-Large, enrolled in school at the time of election, and planning to remain enrolled the following fall.
When and where are CCD elections held?
Elections take place at the general membership meeting held during the annual CDP convention, unless otherwise designated by the Executive Board.
How does voting work for CCD elections?
Each chartered chapter and Executive Board member gets one vote. Voting is done via roll call after candidate speeches.
What happens if a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board?
If the President resigns, the VP of Membership becomes President. For other roles, the President appoints a successor with Executive Board approval.
What are the responsibilities of Regional Organizing Directors?
They support chapters in their region, help charter new ones, coordinate regional meetings, and represent CCD locally.
What are the duties of the President and Vice Presidents of CCD?
The President leads CCD and represents it to the CDP and DNC. Vice Presidents oversee membership recruitment, finances, or political affairs.
What are the rules about campaign endorsements and public campaigning in CCD elections?
No public campaigning is allowed before the official filing period closes. All candidates must remain impartial while serving as election officers.
How are election disputes or removals handled?
Officers can be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board for malfeasance or nonperformance, following due process and a hearing.
Chapters and Voting
How many votes does each chapter get at a general meeting?
Each chapter gets one vote in CCD general membership meetings, cast by the chapter president or their proxy.
Who casts the vote for a chapter?
The chapter president or a designated proxy who is a member of the chapter.
Can a chapter president assign someone else to vote for their chapter?
Yes, with a signed and dated letter authorizing the proxy submitted before the meeting.
What happens if a chapter doesn’t submit their leadership roster?
The chapter loses voting privileges until the updated leadership roster is submitted.
Can chapters vote on endorsements?
Yes. Chapters vote on endorsements during general meetings, requiring a two-thirds supermajority to pass.
Caucuses
What is a CCD Caucus?
A CCD Caucus is an identity-based or issue-based group within CCD that organizes and advocates for targeted constituencies.
How do I start a caucus within CCD?
Submit a letter of intent to the President and VP of Membership. If approved by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board, the caucus is recognized.
What are the responsibilities of a caucus chair?
Caucus chairs must host meetings every 3 months, maintain membership, and submit reports to the Executive Board each semester.
How are caucus chairs elected and removed?
They are elected annually using the same process as CCD Executive Board elections and can be removed by the Executive Board with cause.
Conduct & Compliance
What is the CCD Code of Conduct and how is it enforced?
The Code of Conduct prohibits harassment, bullying, and discriminatory behavior. Violations are investigated and may result in censure, suspension, or expulsion.