The George Washington University Progressive Student Union

 

I.                    The George Washington University Progressive Student Union was established in 1980 as a multi-issue, social peace and justice student organization working to combat all forms of oppression.

 

II.                 The George Washington University Progressive Student Union is a non-hierarchical student-run organization.  We serve as a coalition-building group, a direct action group, a campaign planning group, an event sponsor, and a provider of solidarity.  We work on a broad spectrum of social justice issues (including but not limited to racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, homelessness, poverty, US foreign and domestic policy, environmental destruction, corporate control of the media, corporate control of educational institutions, increasing corporate power globally, exploitative labor policies, union busting, animal exploitation, censorship, free trade agreements, violence, war, and corporate globalization) with a variety of campus, community, national, and international organizations.  We emphasize the interconnectedness of these issues.  The Progressive Student is willing to abide by and support the established University policies at The George Washington University.

 

III.               Membership is open to all currently enrolled GW students.  One becomes a member through participation and identification with the group.

 

a.       We do not collect dues, as this restricts membership opportunities of those who are unable to pay.

b.      We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, class, color, creed, religion, sexuality, sexual orientation, sex, disability, national origin, hairstyle, musical preference, or any other facet of one’s identity.

 

IV.              We do not adhere to hierarchical systems.  Thus, we make all decisions (to the best of our ability) by consensus.  We choose to focus more on our work as a social justice organization than on the structure of our group.  As The George Washington University requires individual names for the purposes of scheduling rooms, office access, and financial transactions, we have designated various members of our organization as “contact people”.  These contact people are not elected.  They volunteer and are agreed upon by consensus.  In general, they change every year, but this may vary as needed/desired.

 

V.                 We request and receive funding from The George Washington University Student Association by submitting annual and mid-year budget proposals.  Additionally, we may submit special requests to other campus groups for funding and/or co-sponsorship for our events and activities.  We also reserve the right to request in-kind donations (such as photocopies, food, t-shirts) from our allies.

 

VI.              Articles and amendments to this constitution can be proposed at general meetings by any member, and will be discussed and decided upon through the decision making process outlined in Article IV.

 

 

Matthew Brokman                                9/08/06

Brian Tierney                                        9/08/06