Our Values

Christian Democrats of Newberg is a political organization committed to advancing democratic ideals rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We believe that faith and civic engagement are inseparable in the pursuit of a just, compassionate, and equitable society. Our mission is to embody Christ’s call to love our neighbors, seek justice, and uphold the dignity of all people through democratic participation and public policy.

We affirm the following principles:

1. Human Dignity and the Imago Dei
   
   We believe every person is created in the image of God and therefore possesses inherent worth and dignity. Public policy must protect the marginalized, advocate for the vulnerable, and uphold human rights, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and fairness.
   
   
2. Justice and Equity
   
   Inspired by the biblical mandate to “let justice roll down like waters” (Amos 5:24), we are committed to addressing systemic injustice, inequality, and oppression. We support policies that promote racial equity, gender equality, economic opportunity, and the elimination of poverty.
   
   
3. The Common Good
   
   We believe government has a God-given responsibility to promote the common good. Democracy flourishes when policies reflect compassion, shared responsibility, and solidarity with the poor, the sick, the stranger, and the oppressed.
   
   
4. Stewardship of Creation
   
   We affirm our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation. We support environmental policies that protect the earth, address climate change, and ensure sustainability for future generations.
   
   
5. Peace and Nonviolence
   
   We follow Christ’s call to be peacemakers in a broken world. We advocate for diplomacy, reconciliation, and nonviolent solutions to conflict, both domestically and globally.
   
   
6. Religious Freedom and Pluralism
   
   We believe in the freedom of religion and conscience for all people, recognizing the diversity of faiths within a democratic society. Our Christian witness compels us to defend the rights of others, even as we live out our faith publicly.
   
   
7. Democratic Participation and Civic Responsibility
   
   We affirm that democracy is strengthened when citizens actively participate in public life. Voting, advocacy, and service are expressions of faithful citizenship. We encourage engagement that reflects integrity, humility, and love for neighbor.
   
   
8. Compassionate Immigration Policy
   
   We affirm the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35). We support immigration policies that are just, humane, and reflect America’s promise as a refuge for the persecuted and a land of opportunity for all.
   
   
9. Economic Justice and Worker Rights
   
   We believe that work should be dignified and that economic structures must serve people, not the other way around. We support living wages, workers’ rights, and economic policies that reduce inequality and foster shared prosperity.
   
   
10. Health and Wholeness
    
    We affirm access to affordable, quality healthcare as a moral imperative. Healing was central to Jesus’s ministry, and we advocate for policies that prioritize public health, mental health, and care for the sick.
    
    
11. Women’s Healthcare and Reproductive Justice
    
    We affirm that women are created in the image of God, endowed with dignity, agency, and moral authority over their own bodies. We support access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare for all women, including reproductive healthcare, maternal care, and protections against gender-based violence and discrimination. We believe healthcare decisions should be made with compassion, wisdom, and respect, free from unjust barriers or political interference.
    
    
12. Full Inclusion and Equality for LGBTQ People
    
    We affirm the full humanity, dignity, and belovedness of LGBTQ individuals as children of God. We support policies that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and healthcare. We advocate for the legal recognition of LGBTQ relationships and families, and for the right of every person to live openly and authentically without fear of violence or exclusion. As followers of Christ’s radical love, we commit to building a community where no one is marginalized for their sexual orientation or gender identity.
    

In all things, we seek to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We are committed to embodying the radical love of Christ through political action, standing for a democracy that reflects God’s vision of peace, justice, and abundant life for all.

Constitution of the Christian Democrats of Newberg

ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE

Section A. NAME

1. The official name for this organization is the Christian Democrats of Newberg.
2. This organization will use the name or its acronym, CDoN, in all publicity materials and correspondence.

Section B. PURPOSE

1. The purpose of this organization is to voice, defend, and multiply progressive politics and related positions within the city of Newberg and Yamhill County. Special attention is given that all policies of the organization fall within a Christian worldview as affirmed by the Apostles’ Creed and the 66 book canon of the Bible. 
2. All activities of this organization must be directed toward this purpose.

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

Section A. REQUIREMENTS

1. All currently enrolled students, both undergraduate and graduate, and GFU staff, faculty, alumni, and alumnae are eligible to be voting members.
2. All members who are not currently enrolled GFU students or GFU staff, faculty, alumni, and alumnae are eligible to be voting members.
3. All members are required to demonstrate support for the purpose of this organization.
4. Membership decisions will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran.

Section B. RIGHTS

1. All members are eligible to attend all meetings and events of this organization.
2. The membership will establish a fee scale as appropriate if a fee is charged to attend a particular event.

Section C. WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERSHIP

1. Members may have their membership withdrawn due to failure to adhere to the requirements for membership as stated above.
2. A simple majority vote of the quorum of membership at a regular or special meeting shall be sufficient to withdraw membership.
3. Members to be voted upon in this regard will be notified of the intention to do so in writing at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote will be taken.

ARTICLE III. OFFICERS

Section A. OFFICER TITLES

President
Vice President
Secretary (Fearless Archival Leader)/Treasurer
Program Committee Chair

Section B. DUTIES

1. The President will chair all meetings of Christian Democrats of Newberg and will call special meetings as needed. The President will vote on CDoN matters only in case of a tie.
2. The Vice President shall chair any ad hoc committees or task forces of the organization.
3. The Secretary/Treasurer will take, record, and file meeting minutes; produce all official correspondence for the organization, and maintain records and report on the financial transactions of CDoN.
4. The Program Committee Chair, which may be held by any member or officer in conjunction with their previous position, will direct the planning of the organization's education and social programs. The Chair shall work in direct consultation and with the consent of the President and Vice-President. 

Section C. REQUIREMENTS FOR RUNNING FOR AND HOLDING OFFICE

1. All officers and candidates for office must be current members of the Democratic Party.
2. All officers must be voting members of CDoN.

Section D. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

1. Nominations for all offices will be taken from the floor of the final meeting of November each year.
2. Any member may nominate any other member, including himself or herself.
3. Elections will be held at the first meeting of December each year
4. Nominations may also be made during the election meeting itself, prior to closing of nominations and taking the vote.
5. A simple majority vote of the quorum present at that meeting will be sufficient to elect an officer. If there are more than two candidates and no candidate receives a majority, there will be a run-off vote between the top two vote recipients in the general meeting.

Section E. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

1. Officers may be removed from office for failure to perform duties or for violation of membership clause.
2. Officers to be voted upon in this regard will be notified of the intention to do so in writing at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote will be taken.
3. A two-thirds majority of quorum present at a regularly scheduled meeting shall be sufficient for removal from office.
4. Any officer may resign by submitting a letter to the President. The President may resign by submitting a letter to the Vice President.

Section F. TERMS OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES

1. The term of office shall be from the final meeting of December to the final meeting of the following November.
2. Should a vacancy in office occur, there will be another nomination procedure and election for the vacant office.
3. In the meantime, the Vice President will assume the duties of the President, the Secretary/Treasurer will assume the duties of the Vice President, and the Program Chair will assume the duties of the Secretary/Treasurer should those offices be vacant.

ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS

Section A. Regular meetings will be held.

Section B. Special meetings may be called by any combination of three of the officers. Notice of special meetings must be communicated to all members at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

Section C. To conduct business at any meeting, one half of the entire voting membership must be present to form quorum.

ARTICLE V. COMMITTEES

Section A. PROGRAM COMMITTEE

1. The only standing committee of CDoN is the Program Committee, whose purpose is to plan events and programs for the organization.
2. All decisions of the Program Committee involving committing organization funds in amounts greater than $25.00 will require the approval of the majority of those members present at the regular or special meeting of the officers. Similar decisions, but for $25.00 or less may be approved by the Program Chair with consent from two officers.

Section B. OTHER COMMITTEES

1. Other committees may be appointed by a majority vote of the members at a regular meeting of CDoN.
2. In appointing such committees, CDoN members must specify the purpose and chair or co-chair of that committee, and establish its duration.

ARTICLE VI. AFFILIATIONS

Section A. GFU

1. This organization is not a recognized student organization at George Fox University.
2. In all correspondence and business transactions, it may refer to itself as an organization in the city of Newberg, but not as part of GFU itself.
3. CDoN accepts full financial and production responsibility for all activities it sponsors.
4. CDoN agrees to abide by all pertinent city of Newbery and George Fox University policies and regulations. Where policies and regulations of Newberg and GFU, and those of CDoN differ, the policies and regulations of Newberg and GFU will take precedence.
5. This organization recognizes and understands that the city of Newberg and GFU assume no legal liability for the actions of the organization.

Section B. NATIONAL AFFILIATION

1. CDoN is an unofficial chapter of the Democratic National Committee.
2. Where CDoN’s guidelines, regulations, or policies differ from those of the DNC, CDoN’s policies, regulations, and guidelines take precedence.

ARTICLE VII. ORGANIZATIONAL ADVISOR

Section A. ADVISOR REQUIREMENTS

1. This organization may appoint a primary advisor by majority vote of membership.
2. Other persons may serve as special advisors as needed.

Section B. DUTIES

1. The advisor must sign the recognition application each year.
2. Officers should meet with the advisor at least three times per year.
3. An advisor may not vote in CDoN matters, hold office, or unduly influence decisions of the student organization.

ARTICLE VIII. BY-LAWS AND AMENDMENTS

Section A. BY-LAWS

1. By-laws can be added to this constitution by a simple majority vote of the entire membership at a regular meeting of CDoN.
2. This constitution takes precedence over any and all by-laws.
3. University policies and local, state, and federal laws take precedence over this constitution and any and all by-laws.

Section B. AMENDMENTS

1. This constitution can be amended by a two-thirds vote of the entire membership at a regular meeting of CDoN.
2. Notification of such a motion must be made to members at least one meeting in advance of the one in which the actual vote is taken.