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Est. 2015

 

GUIDELINES

Revised 11/18/20


​

The Mission of Deaf Grassroots Movement

 

Deaf Grassroots Movement, DGM is to inspire those to advocate and create leaders to rise to the occasion and actively push for common sense solutions with long overdue legislative and systemic changes. DGM is a movement focused on equal access to Communication, Education, and Jobs (CEJ) and any other relevant issues on both, Federal and State level, for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing* community.

                                                                                ~

Our Vision

 

The vision of the Deaf Grassroots Movement is to live without being judged, to advance and protect communication access, to improve the Deaf education system, and to help grow the economic power of the diversity within the Deaf community with the pursuit of liberty, equality, and happiness.

~

 National-Level Positions:

   

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

​

The DGM National Representative, may be referred to as the NR, position is an elected position and the voting process will be limited to (1) State Representative or his/her designee. Polling will be held in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook, with the final results posted in the Deaf Grassroots Movement - DGM page, and in the DGM - National Forum group on Facebook where State Representatives and/or Assistant Representatives can share with their communities in their respective DGM-Approved State-Affiliation Groups on Facebook.

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Cannot hold a State Representative and/or Assistant State Representative position.

  2. Must be Deaf/Hard of Hearing.

  3. Primarily use American Sign Language.

  4. At least 21 years old. (Further verification may be required.)

  5. A registered voter in your state. (Verification required.)

  6. Shall not have anyone in the Official DGM - REP group on his/her block list on Facebook.

  7. Shall possess an ability to engage the community and build leaders.

  8. Shall possess basic knowledge of the Legislative Process.

  9. Shall possess collaborating skills.

  10. Shall possess strong social skills.

  11. Shall possess navigating skills and user knowledge on Social Media.

  12. Shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.               

​

Length & Terms of Service:

  1. 4 years on a volunteer basis with no term limits. Election held on even-numbered years.

  2. Shall be responsible to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the established entity that manages DGM’s finances upon State Representatives’ approval.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Privileges:

  1. May appoint their own team; up to 3 individuals and they can be anyone in good standing with DGM, at the pleasure of the NR to assist in any specific designated task, delegation process, correspondence and/or any other National-level business. These individuals appointed by the National Representative must be met with approval by a vote of simple majority by the State/Asst. State Representatives and these individuals appointed by the NR to assist the NR with a specified task will have no additional benefits /privileges.

  2. May nominate individuals for specific National-level roles, but cannot participate in any voting process.

  3. May participate in dialogue(s) pertaining to an individual not in good standing, but cannot participate in the removal process of an individual.

  4. May assist in any State-Level business with other states, if requested.

  5. Shall keep all sensitive DGM-related discussion between National Representative and DGM State and Assistant State Representatives inside the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook inside the identified group.

  6. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.                                                                                                                                               

NATIONAL DGM CONTACT PERSON

                            

The Contact Person, may be referred to as the DGM CP, position is an elected position and the voting process will be limited to (1) State Representative or his/her designee  from each officially DGM-Approved State-Affiliation in good standing in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook with the final results posted in the DGM - National Forum on Facebook where State Representatives and/or Assistant Representatives can share with their communities in their respective DGM State-Affiliation Groups on Facebook. The role of the DGM CP will include working with the National Representative closely, answering Official DGM Email correspondence and respond on behalf of Deaf Grassroots Movement, maintain DGM website with impartiality, integrity, and the DGM CP shall be responsible for making appropriate referrals to the appropriate sources if requested. There will be no Contact Person designated for States since the State Representative(s) are essentially the Contact Person for their States, respectively. This position is open to any DGM Official or any qualifying individual outside DGM.

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Must be Deaf/ Hard of Hearing.

  2. Shall be at least 21 years old. (Further verification may be required.)

  3. Shall be a registered voter in your state. (Verification required.)

  4. Shall not have anyone in the Official DGM - REP group on his/her block list on Facebook.

  5. Shall possess strong writing skills with comprehension of English.

  6. Shall possess Basic knowledge of the Legislative Process.

  7. Shall possess adequate skills in web-development, editing and user knowledge on social media.

  8. Shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.

 

Length of Service: 2 years on a volunteer basis with no term limits.  Election held on odd-numbered years.

 

Privileges:

  1. May appoint their own assistant and they can be anyone in good standing with DGM or outside DGM with similar qualifications, at his/her pleasure to assist in any correspondence and/or other DGM CP duties.

  2. Shall be allowed to nominate individuals for National-level roles but not vote.

  3. May assist in any State-Level business with other states, if requested.

  4. Shall keep all DGM-related discussion between the National Representative and DGM State and Assistant State Representatives inside the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook inside the identified group.

  5. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

​NATIONAL DGM SECRETARY

                                        

The DGM Secretary position is an elected position and the voting process will be limited to (1) State Representative or his/her designee from each DGM-Approved State-Affiliation in good standing in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook with the final results posted in the Official DGM - REP group and the DGM - National Forum group on Facebook where State Representatives and/or Assistant Representatives can share with their communities in their respective DGM State-Affiliation Groups. The role of Secretary will include working with the DGM National Representative closely, write a report and/or make a summary video of the all DGM meeting minutes from any National-Level and/or the weekly State Representatives Meetings and post on the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook within 48 hours of the meeting.

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Must be a State Representative and/or Assistant State Representative.

  2. Must be Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing.

  3. Shall primarily use American Sign Language.

  4. Shall be at least 18 years old. (Further verification may be required.)

  5. Shall be a registered voter in your state. (Verification required.)

  6. Shall not have anyone in the Official DGM - REP group on his/her block list on Facebook.

  7. Shall possess strong writing skills and comprehension of English.

  8. Shall possess Basic user knowledge on social media.

  9. Shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.

 

Terms of Service: 2 year with no term limits.  Election held on even-numbered years.

 

Privileges:

  1. May appoint their own assistant and they can be anyone in good standing with DGM or outside DGM with similar qualifications, at his/her pleasure to assist in meeting minutes or running the DGM National-Level meetings.

  2. Shall be allowed to nominate individuals for specific National-level roles but not vote.

  3. Shall keep all DGM-related discussion between the National Representative and DGM State and Assistant State Representatives inside the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook inside the identified group.

  4. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

 

​

DGM COMMITTEE (IF NECESSARY) 

                      

DGM Committee is a temporary committee with a fixed deadline to open a dialogue to bring a solution to any complex issue, if deemed necessary by way of a complaint by any DGM-Approved party or individual to any DGM Official with verification of evidence, if necessary, or by a simple majority vote of present quorum to trigger a committee. The members of the committee will be nominated and elected with the voting process limited to (1) State Representative or his/her designee from each officially DGM State-Affiliation Group in good standing currently in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook. Committee Chairperson/Member’s role will include working with the DGM National Team closely, prepare and develop a solution to be submitted for the voting process by 1 State Representative or his/her designee from each officially DGM-Approved state in good standing in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook. Failure to develop a solution before the initial 30-day period will trigger an automatic 30-day extended period to complete the objectives of the established committee. If objectives of the established committee does not come up with conclusion by the end of the extended 30-day period, the National Representative will take over.

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. MUST be a State Representative or his/her designee.

  2. ONLY (1) State Representative or his/her designee in the established committee.

  3. It is strongly encouraged that at least one individual shall possess strong writing skills and comprehension of English and/or possess knowledge of common parliamentary procedures of operating a committee.

  4. At least one individual shall possess strong writing skills and comprehension of English.

  5. Committee members shall possess good problem-solving skills.

  6. Committee members shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.

 

Proper Committee Process:

  1. If a simple majority of quorum; number of STATES currently being represented in Official DGM - REP, comes to a conclusion that they share a common concern, this will trigger a committee to devise a solution and the nominating/voting process for committee begins.

  2. Committee shall consist of up to (9) members with a chairperson elected by the members of the committee. The number of committee members shall be odd-numbered.

  3. Committee shall conduct committee meetings via video conferencing (ZOOM), via designated Facebook Messaging group, and/or via group emails.

  4. Committee Chairperson shall attend all committee meetings; if the chairperson is absent, the meeting will cannot be conducted.

  5. Shall keep all dialogue related to issue at hand in the established committee. Sharing information of the process is not allowed.

  6. Shall be courteous with the elected chairperson and other members of the committee.

  7. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

​DGM POLLSTER

​

The DGM Pollster position is an elected role, the nomination process will be open to anyone within Official DGM - REP group and the voting process will be limited to (1) State Representative or his/her designee from each officially DGM State-Affiliation Group in good standing in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook. The role of DGM Pollster will include working with the DGM National Representative closely, participate in National-Level and/or the weekly State Representatives Meetings, and develop polls for the Official DGM - REP group, and shall post polls in other DGM-Approved groups upon approval. The pollster should not be on any one’s block list on Facebook.

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Shall be open to anyone who meets the expected qualifications.

  2. Shall primarily use American Sign Language. (Highly recommended.)

  3. Shall be at least 18 years old. (Further verification may be required.)

  4. Shall be a registered voter in your state. (Verification required.)

  5. Shall not have anyone in the Official DGM - REP group on his/her block list on Facebook.

  6. Shall possess strong writing skills and comprehension of English.

  7. Shall possess user knowledge on social media.

  8. Shall be willing to devote time to DGM.

 

Terms of Service: Length of Term: 1 year with no term limits. Election held every year.

 

Privileges:

  1. Shall develop polls, approved by the states, to produce results to assist DGM reach a conclusion.

  2. Shall post the approved poll within 24 hours of request.

  3. Shall be allowed to participate in the nomination and the voting process.

  4. Shal post polling results with an ASL version explaining the polling results.

  5. Shall not be allowed to participate in the nominating process individuals for specific National-level roles.

  6. Shall not hold another National-Level position.

  7. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

            NATIONAL-LEVEL DGM-APPROVED GROUPS                ADMINISTRATORS                       

National Representative shall be the administrator of ALL National-Level DGM-Approved Groups, including for states that are inactive or just starting their affiliation, for the duration of his/her term to keep these groups secured on behalf of DGM, and shall not have an active administrative role. That duty will fall on the shoulders of the elected moderators. (Refer to General Guidelines for Rules applied to Groups.)

                   DGM -APPROVED GROUPS MODERATORS                                                                  

The Moderator’s position is an elected role and up to (3) Moderators shall be elected to moderate all DGM-Approved Groups on the National Level on Facebook including the Official DGM- REP and the DGM - National Forum group. Moderators shall enforce the Rules established for Official DGM - REP and proper procedures in DGM Guidelines applied to any other DGM-Approved group on Facebook. There is a Zero Tolerance on violations by Moderators.

​

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Shall be Deaf / Hard of Hearing.

  2. Shall primarily use American Sign Language.

  3. Shall not have anyone in the Official DGM - REP group on his/her block list on Facebook.

  4. Shall possess strong social skills.

  5. Shall possess navigating skills and user knowledge on social media.

  6. Shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.

 

Terms of Service:  

Length of Term: 1 year with no term limits. Election held every year.

  1. Shall refrain from removing any individual from the Official DGM - REP group without proper procedures as indicated in General Guidelines related to Removal.

  2. Shall be allowed to produce screenshots and recordings of posts that are unseen by those who may be blocked, on a voluntary basis.

  3. Moderator(s) shall justify any removal of post(s) after taking action, according to Guidelines. (Official DGM-REP Rules)

  4. Shall refrain from a display of favoritism.

  5. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

DGM RALLY CHAIRPERSON

​

The DGM Rally Chairperson position is an appointed position and the appointment shall be made by the National Representative. The role of Rally Chairperson will include working with the DGM National Representative closely, participate in majority of National-Level and/or the weekly State Representatives Meetings, and shall post all announcements and/or pertaining information on Rallies in the Official DGM - REP group first before posting anywhere else on behalf of DGM. The length of this position will be determined on an as-needed basis.

​

Qualifications of this role:

  1. A DGM-Official or anyone outside DGM in good standing.

  2. Shall be at least 21 years old. (Further verification may be required.)

  3. Shall be a registered voter in your state. (Verification required.)

  4. Shall possess strong organizational skills.

  5. Shall possess strong social skills.

  6. Shall possess the ability to engage the community.

  7. Shall possess strong writing skills and comprehension of English.

  8. Shall possess knowledge/navigation skills on social media and on the world wide web.

  9. Shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.

 

Terms of Service:

  1. Shall be the Point of Contact ONLY for Rally purposes.

  2. Shall appoint his/her own committee and they can be anyone in good standing with DGM or outside DGM with similar qualifications.

  3. Shall be responsible to organize a National Rally on behalf of DGM.

  4. Shall be responsible to acquire any necessary permit(s).

  5. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

  1. State-Level Positions:

​

 STATE REPRESENTATIVE

​

The State Representative position is an elected position and the voting process shall be limited to residents of each State in their DGM State-Affiliation Group on Facebook representing their state, respectively. In light of an inactive state, the National Representative is responsible to seek and appoint a temporary State Representative, and this person may hold an election for a permanent State Representative and/or gather a team together to take the lead. Any or all final results will be accepted by the National Representative and posted in the Deaf Grassroots Movement official website and in the DGM - National Forum group on Facebook.

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Shall be Deaf/Hard of Hearing.

  2. Shall primarily use American Sign Language. (Highly recommended.)

  3. Shall be at least 18 years old. (Further verification may be needed.)

  4. Shall be a registered voter in your state. (Further verification may be needed.)

  5. Shall be motivated, ambitious, and energetic.

  6. Shall possess knowledge of their state’s Legislative Process. (Recommended.)

  7. Shall possess strong writing skills and comprehension of English.

  8. Shall possess collaborating skills.

  9. Shall possess strong social skills.

  10. Shall possess the ability to engage the community and build leaders.

  11. Shall possess navigating skills/user knowledge on social media and on world wide web.

  12. Shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.

 

Length of Service: To be determined by the State.

 

Privileges:

  1. May appoint and/or hold elections for their own team of activists (This title is suggested but official titles within the state are up to states themselves. For example, some states have Regional Representatives..)

  2. May assist in any State-Level business with any other DGM State-Affiliations, if requested.

  3. May collaborate with other States in any positive manner on behalf of DGM.

  4. Shall keep all sensitive DGM-related discussion with other DGM State and Assistant State Representatives inside the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook inside the identified group.

  5. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.
     

      ASSISTANT STATE REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE                                                                                                                                    

The Assistant State Representative position is an appointed position but may be elected if the residents of the State in question wishes to conduct an election. The voting process shall be limited to residents of each DGM State-Affiliation Group in good standing in their own DGM-Approved Group on Facebook representing their state, respectively. Any or all final results will be accepted by the State Representative, the National Representative then announced in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook and posted in the Deaf Grassroots Movement official website.

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Shall be Deaf/ Hard of hearing.

  2. Shall primarily use American Sign Language.

  3. Shall be at least 18 years old.

  4. Shall be a registered voter in your state.

  5. Shall be motivated, ambitious, and energetic

  6. Shall possess collaborating skills.

  7. Shall possess knowledge of their state’s Legislative Process.

  8. Shall possess strong writing skills and comprehension of English.

  9. Shall possess the ability to engage the community.

  10. Shall possess navigating skills and user knowledge on social media.

  11. Shall be willing to devote a significant amount of time to DGM.

 

Terms of Service:

Length of Term and/or title: To be determined by the State.

  1. Shall assist the State Representative in all kinds of State-Level business on behalf of their DGM State-Affiliation, respectively.

  2. Shall keep all sensitive DGM-related discussion with other DGM State and Assistant State Representatives inside the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook inside the identified group.

  3. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

ACTIVIST 

​

The Activist position, although this title is suggested but official titles within the state are up to states themselves. For example, some states have Regional Representatives or Trustees. This position is an appointed or an elected if the residents of the State in question wishes to conduct an election. The voting process will be limited to residents of each DGM-Approved State-Affiliation Group in good standing in their DGM-Approved group on Facebook representing their state, respectively. Any or all final results will be accepted by the State Representative then announced in their DGM State-Affiliation Group on Facebook. (This title, “Activist” is suggested but official titles within the state are up to states themselves. For example, some states have Regional Representatives.)

 

Qualifications of this role:

  1. Shall be Deaf/Hard of Hearing.

  2. Shall be at least 18 years old.

  3. Shall be a registered voter in your state.

  4. Shall be motivated, ambitious, and energetic.

  5. Shall possess the ability to engage the community.

  6. Shall possess basic user knowledge on social media.

  7. Shall be willing to devote a productive amount of time to DGM.

 

Terms of Service:

  1. Shall assist the State/Asst. State Representative in all kinds of State-Level business on behalf of their DGM State-Affiliation, respectively.

  2. Shall refrain from behaving in a manner that would blemish DGM in any way.

General Guidelines

​

NOMINATION & VOTING PROCESS FOR NATIONAL-LEVEL POSITIONS

​

  1. The nomination process for the National Representative, Contact Person, Secretary and Rally Chairperson positions will be open to the public and recorded in DGM - National Forum on Facebook.

  2. Verification of qualifications to be elected shall be verified by either the nominator or the nominee.

  3. The voting process will be limited to ONE VOTE PER STATE (State Representative or his/her designee) on all DGM-facilitated Polls in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook.

  4. Any individual serving in a DGM capacity officially will be allowed to participate in the  nomination process for DGM Guideline Chairperson, Pollsters, Moderators or any other DGM National-Level positions.

  5. Nominees shall share a biography, a 5-minute vlog introducing themselves after accepting the nomination for a specific position, and provide any verification if necessary. Nominees are allowed to decline for any reason(s).

  6. The nomination process for expiring and/or qualifying positions shall start on August 15 and end on August 31 of every year.

  7. Panel Discussion of nominees shall run between September 1 - October 31 of every year.

  8. Voting period to begin on November 1 and end on November 15 of every year.

  9. Terms to go into effect immediately after election results are finalized, accepted by the National Representative and then posted in the appropriate DGM-Approved Groups.

  10. All Voting results for any National-Level positions shall be posted in the DGM - National Forum Group on Facebook and only the voting result for the election of the National Representative will be posted on the DGM - National Forum group and in the Official Deaf Grassroots Movement Page on Facebook.                                                                                                                              

TERMS OF SERVICE

  1. Refer to the Guidelines established for each specific role.

 

*  DEAF/HARD OF HEARING DEFINITION

  1. Deaf/Hard of Hearing includes individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and Deaf-Plus.

Refer to National Association of the Deaf’s position statement on the use of terminology.

        NOMINATIONS

​

All elected/appointed positions on the National level and/or DGM-Approved State in Good Standing are allowed to freely nominate any individual(s) whether that person is already a DGM Official or not, for a position with DGM.

​

     VOTING

​

Each State are limited to ONE VOTE PER STATE in all DGM-facilitated National-Level Polls.

  1. The National Representative shall not participate in any DGM-facilitated Polls.

  2. Votes are limited to 1 State Representative or his/her designee.

  3. If any specific state(s) is absent or not actively involved in the movement, there will be no votes counted for the state(s) in question.

  4. State-Level elections will be held at the discretion of the State Representative and will be limited to the residents within the state where the election is being held. National Representative will actively seek out and appoint a Temporary State Representative in an inactive state, go over DGM Guidelines and provide this individual with basic training and knowledge in DGM’s conduct of business and so forth. (See Appointments.)

  5. Only one poll taken at a time and it shall be pinned in the Official DGM - REP for the duration of the poll.

  6. Voting will not be allowed by State/Asst. State Representatives of DGM State-Affiliation Group that is not in Good Standing.

  7. In case of resignation, death or removal of the National Representative, a special election will be triggered.

 

Committee Voting Process:

​

Voting on an issue in question within the committee shall be limited to those designated on the committee and a simple majority vote shall be accepted. Voting can be conducted in private via poll in DGM Guidelines Committee group on Facebook or by show of hands in Zoom meeting.

 

DGM GUIDELINES

​

  1. DGM Guidelines shall be followed in all conduct of business relevant to DGM.

  2. Revisions to DGM Guidelines may only be made once every even-numbered year.

   (Refer to Guidelines related to DGM Guidelines Committee above.)

 

DGM NATIONAL-LEVEL AND STATE/ASST. REPRESENTATIVES MEETINGS

​

DGM National-Level, weekly State/Asst. Representatives, special meetings and/or any kind of other meetings are to be held via video conference and the meeting minutes shall be posted in the Official DGM-REP group, and in any other DGM-Approved Groups on Facebook upon approval.

  1. DGM National-Level meetings may be held at any date the National Representative chooses or called by State Representative(s).

  2. State/Asst. Representatives Meetings with either, the National Representative, the DGM CP, and/or the Secretary are to be held at least once a week.

  3. Committee Meetings are scheduled and run by the Committee Chair.

  4. State/Asst. Representatives may request a meeting by contacting either the National Representative, the DGM CP, the Secretary and/or your Committee’s designated chair.

  5. DGM Secretary shall record minutes of every National-Level meeting facilitated by DGM and post an ASL version on the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook.

  6. Any DGM Official shall be allowed to request a specific issue to be added to the meeting agenda 1 week prior to the next meeting and there will be a limit of (4) items on the agenda to be discussed in the meeting.

  7. Meetings in Zoom Video Conferencing will be limited to 25 people at a time, and only 1 Representative; State Representative, Asst. State Representative or their designee that is present in Official DGM - REP Group on Facebook per state will be allowed to represent their state in the said video conference meeting.

 

 

DGM-APPROVED GROUPS

​

DGM-Approved Groups are officially recognized by DGM, used to engage the community, share information, and/or delegate duties. Official DGM National-Level groups are as follows:

  1. Deaf Grassroots Movement - DGM: Official National DGM Page authorized by DGM on Facebook and operated by the National Representative and the page’s founder. This page serves as the centralized “headquarters” for DGM, sharing vital information and national news relevant to DGM’s mission and activities.

  2. DGM - National Forum: Official DGM National DGM group authorized by DGM and operated by administrators and moderators approved by DGM-Approved State-Affiliations in Good Standing. This group is open to the public for purpose of dialogue and sharing information.

  3. DGM - (State Name): States affiliated with National DGM platform is considered as DGM-Approved Groups representing a designated group anywhere on the world wide web including on Social Media, that is officially recognized by DGM, meets expectations of National DGM Guidelines, remains current, loyal and working parallel with DGM’s mission. State groups should be under supervision of the State Representative, Asst. State Representative or their designee.

  4. Official DGM - REP: Official National DGM group designated as a private meeting area limited to National Representative, State Representatives and Asst. State Representatives and those holding National-Level positions to share pertaining information and business relevant to DGM business. Only up to FOUR (4) State/Asst. State Representatives from each State are allowed in this group at a time and rotating is allowed. All information in this group shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed to the public without approval from other DGM-Approved State-Affiliations in Good Standing. Moderators shall have the oversight and enforcing authority of rules established for this group.

  5. DGM National Core Group: This is a private group for all National Level staff to meet and discuss issues.

 

Rules applied to Official DGM - REP group:

​

  1. Rule #1: Vlogs will be allowed in this group with an enforced 5-minute limit. Transcripts are encouraged. Good lighting and solid-colored shirt without prints with a solid background are strongly encouraged to provide ease of access for those who have may have a certain degree of blindness.

  2. Rule #2: Absolutely NO personal attacks, bullying, name calling or coarse profanity. Such posts will be removed.

  3. Rule #3: ONLY the National Representative, DGM State Reps, DGM Assistant State Reps, Administrators, Moderators, and any National-Level designees are allowed in this page. Activists or the general public are not allowed in this page.

  4. Rule #4: Your name must be your name. Alias names, business name will not be allowed in this page.

  5. Rule #5: When it comes to DGM Officials’ personal Facebook page, mind your own business. Share any other DGM Official’s personal posts on Facebook into this group is prohibited. Please keep it separate.

  6. Rule #6: Vlogs about personal issues directed at other DGM Officials will not be tolerated. They will be removed by the moderators. If you have a problem with a specific person, talk to that person in private like adults.

  7. Rule #7: The purpose of Official DGM - REP is to allow DGM Officials to have a dialogue without the distraction of the general public and all dialogue should be relevant to DGM such as Communication, Education, Jobs, and any other issues affecting our community. If the subject of a post is irrelevant to the purpose of DGM, it shall be removed.

  8. Rule #8: Routine maintenance will include removal of any issues that are outdated and/or became irrelevant or a conversation that became negative, shall be removed by the moderators. Under the direction of the NR, posts that are important will be kept for the purpose of future references, shall be abided by the moderators.

  9. Rule #9: Violation of Rules by any moderators will not be tolerated. They will terminated immediately.

  10. Rule #10: ONLY the Rules of this page may be updated accordingly to stay current. (Refer to DGM Guidelines)

  11. Penalties for Violations of Official DGM - REP Rules:

 

We will use the “3-Strikes” Policy.

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  1. First strike: You will be reprimanded.

  2. Second strike: You will be suspended for one (1) week.

  3. Third strike: You will be suspended for two (2) weeks.

  4. If you violate any rule once after your two-week suspension, you will be terminated permanently.

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DGM STATE-AFFILIATION IN GOOD STANDING

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  1. DGM State-Affiliation in Good Standing defines a designated group anywhere on the world wide web including on Social Media, that is officially recognized by DGM, meets expectations of DGM Guidelines, remaining current and working parallel with DGM’s mission.

 

APPOINTMENTS

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  1. In the event of resignation, death, and/or removal of any DGM National-Level roles, the National Representative will make an appointment to fill the vacant position to serve out the remainder of the term, upon approval by the State Representatives.

  2. National Representative will actively seek out and appoint a Temporary State Representative in an inactive state, go over DGM Guidelines and provide this individual with basic training and knowledge in DGM’s conduct of business and so forth.

 

VIDEO CONFERENCING (ZOOM)

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Video conferencing, typically via Zoom, is the primary method in which DGM uses to conduct any kind of DGM-facilitated meetings and shall be video-recorded with a simple majority approval of those who are present in the meeting by show of hands. Video-recorded meetings will be stored by the National DGM Secretary for future references.

 

Proper Meeting Procedures:

  1. The Secretary shall record the meeting minutes and will be posted within 24 hours in the Official DGM - REP Group on Facebook and other appropriate DGM-Approved Groups.

  2. Any DGM Official can request to add any concerns/issues onto the meeting’s agenda at least one week prior and this request shall be sent to the Secretary.

  3. The DGM CP may appoint anyone present to be the designated Sergeant-at-arms to assist in enforcing meeting procedures and may also appoint a Mirroring Interpreter to provide participants more access to the dialogue in the meeting.

  4. The meeting shall be focused on decision-making for DGM, updates, and rally.

  5. Each State may make up to 2 proposals in each meeting.

  6. Meeting(s) shall run in this order:

  7. Call to Order

  8. Agenda

  9. Discussion

  10. Adjournment

  11. Up to 2 minutes for per question and answer. (This can be monitored by the DGM CP, Secretary, and/or the designated Sergeant-at-arms of the meeting.

  12. Only 1 State present in each meeting (Up to 25 states at a time and limited to State Representatives and/or Assistant State Representatives that are present in the Official DGM - REP Group only)

  13. You shall identify yourself with Name/State listed on your screen in Zoom meetings for purpose of recording minutes. For Example:  < John Doe - Your state >

  14. There is no voting during video conferences (ZOOM) except for committee meetings to approve or deny any proposal to be officially polled by the representing body. (Refer to Guidelines for DGM Committee)

  15. Respect proper meeting procedures, the DGM CP, the Secretary , Mirroring Interpreter and the designated Sergeant-at-arms of the meeting.

DGM takes no responsibility or ownership of any sound(s) in background in all video conference recordings. (Turning off your microphone during Zoom meetings is recommended.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NEPOTISM                                                                                                                                     

Nepotism is prohibited.

Definition:  Favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship.

                                       DGM FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

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  1. A designated entity entrusted to oversee and manage all monetary transactions of National DGM’s finances shall be approved by State Representative(s) or their designees.

  2. The National Representative shall be responsible to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the entity entrusted to oversee and manage all DGM Financial affairs on behalf of DGM.

  3. The National Representative shall appoint (2) Auditors and the appointments shall be approved by the State Representative(s) or their designees and they shall serve for the duration of the National Representative’s term.

  4. Any significant outgoing transactions on behalf of DGM should be approved by a simple majority vote of 1 State Representative or his/her designee from each DGM State-Affiliation in Good Standing.

  5. The designated entity managing DGM Financial Affairs shall submit a monthly Treasurer’s Report of the DGM Financial Affairs by submitting it to the National Representative in a .pdf file to post in the Official DGM - REP Group on Facebook.              

                                                   RESIGNATION

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  1. Those resigning from a National-Level position shall write a formal letter or submit a vlog to formally announce his/her resignation and submit to either the National Representative, the DGM CP, and/or the Secretary. The resignation shall be announced in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook and the Official DGM website shall be updated.

  2. Those resigning from a State-Level position must write a formal letter or submit a vlog to formally announce his/her resignation and submit to either the National Representative, the DGM CP, and/or the Secretary. The resignation will be be announced in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook and the individual resigning should make a courtesy announcement in their respective DGM State-Affiliation group.

  3. Refer to Appointments for replacing those who have resigned from a National-Level position.

 

                       REMOVAL OF A NATIONAL-LEVEL POSITION

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  1. Those serving a National-Level Position may be removed from their position, with the exception to Administrator and Moderators where a single violation will trigger an immediate termination;

  2. AT LEAST (2) REASONS MUST BE PRESENTED AND VERIFIED*

  3. Failure to adhere to DGM guidelines.

  4. Failure to perform their duties, as suggested in Guidelines, adequately.

  5. Misconduct, inappropriate behavior and/or placing the DGM’s reputation at jeopardy.

  6. *Hearsay shall not be accepted as proof of violation(s).

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VOTING PROCESS FOR REMOVAL

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  1. A special meeting will be called via video conference and/or by opening a dialogue in the Official DGM - REP group on Facebook.

  2. All polling results will be accepted with a simple majority with exceptions listed below:

  3. A super majority of ⅔ of votes are required to remove a person holding a National-Level position with the exception of the National Representative.

  4. A super majority of ¾ of votes will be required to remove the National Representative.

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