Democratic Women of Nevada County

Orientation Handbook Jan 2026 

Guide for Navigating Your Membership in the Democratic Women of Nevada County (DWNC) 

Welcome to the DWNC 

Congratulations on joining our team! We are honored to have you in our membership. This handbook will help familiarize you with the membership of Democratic Women of Nevada County. You will find herein essential information and resources to ensure you understand the roles and responsibilities of members and of the officers that help guide our women members. 

Section 1: Organization Overview: 

Mission DWNC’s mission is to inform, empower and encourage women, including non-binary and transgender women, in the participation of the political process as well as to assure the social welfare, civic engagement, and public education on issues affecting women.     

This is achieved by: 

• Promoting the principles of the Democratic Party. 

• Participating and taking an active role in community projects. 

• Educating and encouraging women regarding the electoral process. 

• Assuring that members are informed about important community events. 

• Awarding scholarships to female high school seniors.  

• Scheduling events for registering women to vote. 

• Maintaining our affiliation with the Nevada County Democratic Central Committee (NCDCC). 

Membership  Active membership: Women who are registered Democrats; and Non-voting associate membership: 

• Minors who express interest in the Democratic Party and support its goals. 

• Men who are registered Democrats. 

Membership Requirements 

• A commitment to Democratic principles & registering as a Democrat. 

• Pay annual membership dues. 

• A member is in good standing when dues are paid. 

• Payment of dues shall not be obligatory to anyone for whom it constitutes an economic hardship after due consideration and approval by the Executive Board. 

• Any member who registers as a member of another political party shall be removed from the DWNC membership roster. 

• Attend monthly meetings and pay monthly meeting donations. 

• Join member activities by participating in committee and community events. 

Meetings 

• A regular monthly meeting shall be held on the first Saturday of every month except July when members are encouraged to participate in community events. 

• Meetings notifications will be provided in writing, via the newsletter and posted on the website in the Calendar Section or texted via the phone at least 24 hours in advance. 

• Meetings are run using revised Rosenberg’s Rules of Order. 

• A quorum for official meetings shall be 15% of the total membership; the membership may adopt events, pass resolutions, and conduct regular business with a vote of 50% +1 of the members present at any meeting. 

Core Values 

The following core values are the guiding principles for Democratic Women of Nevada County’s interactions and decision-making: respect, integrity, innovation, inclusivity, accountability, and collaboration of members. Understanding and embodying these values is essential for the success and well-being of our members. 

We support: 

• A woman’s right to choose how to use her mind, her body and her time.  

• The Violence Against Women Act, Title IX, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; https://cadem.org/issues/women - see full women’s issues platform. 

• Workers’ rights. 

• Protection of the environment. 

• Equal pay, fairness, justice and social and economic equality for all regardless of race, religious practices, ethnicity or sexual orientation. 

Teamwork and Collaboration 

Strong and effective relationships are the foundation of success. Members will welcome new people, will contribute ideas and demonstrate the following: 

• Communication Etiquette. 

• Respectful email and message writing. 

• Constructive contributions in meetings and discussions.  

•  Active listening skills; avoiding interruptions. 

• Respecting diverse perspectives.  

• Timely responses to questions and inquiries. 

• Resolving conflicts thoughtfully and respectfully. 

Members are encouraged to engage in committees, events, and community projects, or volunteer opportunities to deepen connections and support our community. Participation enriches experiences and helps develop new skills and ties to our Democratic Party and community. 

Transitions can be challenging. Be patient with yourself and others. Embrace flexibility, ask for help when needed, and celebrate each milestone along the way. 

Section 2: Officers (Detailed descriptions are available on our webpage: ncdemocraticwomen.org) 

1. The President serves as the chief executive officer and primary leader of the membership. Responsibilities include: 

1. Ensure DWNC comply with the regulations of the NCDCC. 

2. Provide overall direction and leadership for DWNC activities and initiatives. 

3. Preside over DWNC meetings, ensuring they are organized and run efficiently. 

4. Represent DWNC at official functions, events, DCC meetings, and external organizations. 

5. Set goals and strategic vision in collaboration with other officers. 

6. Facilitate communication among officers to foster teamwork and resolve issues. 

7. Under the DWNC charter with the NCDCC its President is a representative to the NCDCC. 

8. Appoint standing and special committee chairs. 

2. Vice President (President Successor) supports the President and acts as a key partner in management. Responsibilities include: 

1. Assist the President in leading DWNC and stepping in when the President is unavailable. 

2. Oversee DWNC committees, ensuring they operate effectively and align with DWNC goals. 

3. Oversee the Awards Luncheon for student scholarships 

4. Oversee the Eleanor Roosevelt Award. 

5. Collaborate with officers to execute DWNC initiatives and address operational needs. 

6. Assist with the organization of meetings and events as needed. 

3. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records. 

 Responsibilities include: 

1. Record, maintain and ensure timely distribution of minutes of all meetings. 

2. Keep up-to-date records of DWNC activities, membership, and important documents. 

3. Assist with the organization of meetings and events as needed. 

4. The Treasurer oversees the financial management of the DWNC. Responsibilities include: 

1. Serve as Primary Bank Contact: Be a primary signatory on the financial account(s) of DWNC in conjunction with the President. 

2. Manage the DWNC finances, including banking, receipts, and payments. 

3. Prepare and monitor the DWNC budget in collaboration with other officers. 

4. Track income and expenses, ensuring accurate and transparent financial records. 

5. Provide regular financial reports to the Executive Board and members, ensuring compliance with accounting financial policies and practices to ensure proper tax filing. 

6. Hold the DWNC post office box key. Pick up mail, deliver all non-financial correspondence to the President. 

7. Track the number of members and associate members. 

8. Track the total amount of donations. 

9. Assist with the organization of meetings and events as needed. 

     5. The Communications Director is responsible for managing all aspects of DWNC communication. Responsibilities include: 

1. Coordinate internal and external communications to keep members informed and engaged. 

2. Manage DWNC’s social media presence. 

3. Draft and distribute the monthly newsletter, announcements, and event invitations. 

4. Ensure clarity and consistency in DWNC messaging. 

5. Develop and manage DWNC marketing platforms. 

6. Assist in the development and maintenance of the DWNC social media outlets, including webpage, and Facebook. 

7. Assist with the organization of meetings and events as needed. 

1. Oversees the check-in of members and guests at events. 

6. The Operations Director ensures the smooth execution of DWNC events and day-to-day functions. Responsibilities include: 

1. System Setup & Management 

1. Set up and manage systems for meetings, events, ticketing, and activities. 

2. Administer and maintain platforms including Email (Brevo), Google Workspace, Squarespace, domain hosting, Facebook, website, and Zeffy. 

2. Social Media & Cross-Promotion 

1. Coordinate and maintain social media channels. 

2. Manage cross-promotional opportunities and partnerships across platforms. 

3. Membership Management 

1. Maintain and update the membership database. 

2. Create and manage audience segments for communications and events. 

d. Information Technology Oversight 

1. Oversee and manage IT systems and infrastructure related to DWNC operations. 

2. Generate and distribute applicable reports to the Executive Board. 

Section 3: Standing Committees & Subcommittees 

There are 4 standing committees: 

• Logistics Committee: responsible for meeting locations, reservations, payments, refreshments coordination. 

• Membership Committee: responsible for reaching out to women, developing and distributing orientation handbook, conducting orientation sessions, assigning volunteers for meeting setup and closing, developing a membership handbook with contact information. 

• Marketing Committee: responsible for development of an information brochure for Democratic Women of Nevada County promoting group mission, and benefits. Develop a PR plan, reach out to the media, and develop merchandized swag to promote our team’s mission. 

• Events Committee: responsible planning presentations, luncheon for student awards & Eleanor Roosevelt recognition, rallies, protests, parades, fair booth, and postcard writing events. 

There are 4 Subcommittees: 

• Scholarships & Luncheon 

• Eleanor Roosevelt Luncheon 

• DWNC Women Leading Meetup 

• Booth at the County Fair 

Note: Members will be asked to volunteer and help with committee and community projects. 

Section 4: Additional Resources 

DWNC Website 

https://www.ncdemocraticwomen.org/ 

DWNC Website Resources for the Bylaws, Minutes, Meeting Agendas, and All Forum Videos 

https://www.ncdemocraticwomen.org/bylaws 

Website Calendar Events – Website Page 

https://www.ncdemocraticwomen.org/eventcalendar 

DWNC Org page of events for direct sign-ups 

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/democratic-women-of-nevada-county 

Facebook Private Group 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/901228825972105 

Section 5 : Final Words of Encouragement 

Your decision to join Democratic Women of Nevada County is the beginning of an exciting and important adventure. By engaging proactively, seeking support, being open to the differences people offer, and learning the Democratic process, determining the path forward for women, working on challenges and solutions, you will find your place and make a positive impact. Remember: every member brings unique strengths, and your contributions matter. Be patient with yourself and humble with others, as we grow toward an empowered team that meets the challenges of these times.