This Constitution was voted on and approved at the First General assembly of Buffalo Class Action on May 28th 2008.

1. Preamble
1. Who we are

Buffalo Class Action is a revolutionary organization of Anarchist Communists in Buffalo, NY. We strive to further our ideas of social revolution while participating directly in the day to day struggles of the working class.

2. Aims and Principles
• We believe that to uphold the well being of our working class communities it is necessary to abolish
  the system of capitalism.
• We recognize the state as a violent and oppressive institution meant to uphold the inequalities
  of society.
• We are opposed to hierarchy which we view as oppression. It is a coercive attempt to consolidate
  power in the hands of the few.
• We believe in the liberation of all people and support the struggles against racism, sexism, heterosexism, and the abolition of all social and class oppression. These struggles have multiple fronts and must be fought within ourselves, our organization,
  and society as a whole.
• We work to promote a social revolution, not a political one.
• We promote taking individual and collective action towards a social revolution.
• We are internationalists. The struggles we face in our communities are not unique. We therefore see the importance in unification with other participants of these struggles in the larger global movement.
• We are proud to be part of an international Anarchist – Communist tradition; one that has an incredible history of struggle within working class communities and that is built fundamentally from our interests. We fight for the immediate needs of our class while proposing the overthrow of capitalism and its state, in favor of a free and equal society where all power belongs to the people.
2. Organizational Principles
1. Theoretical and Tactical Unity

We believe that to organize effectively as a group that we must have a basic level of theoretical and tactical unity. While there are many tendencies and strategies within the anarchist tradition, we identify with anarchist communist principles and organize based on a specific platform -- our Aims and Principles.

2. Federalism and Direct Democracy

We believe that federations of relatively autonomous locals are an essential method of organization, both to face the international struggle against exploitation and to construct a more just world. Our local will be truly democratic with all decision making power emanating from the General Assembly.

3. Collective Responsibility

In accepting collective political positions and a determining line of action, it is evident that each member applies them in their political work. It is also evident that no member may act in the name of Buffalo Class Action without a mandate. If we have agreed on work to be done and a way to do it, we become responsible, to each other, for its execution.

3. Membership
1. What is a member?

Membership means a voice and voting privileges on all important decisions within the organization.

2. Member requirements
1. Agreement with organizational Aims and Principles as well as any current position papers.
2. Attendance at monthly General Assemblies.
3. Activity in a committee when possible.
4. Payment of membership dues.
3. How to become a member

To become a member, individuals must attend a General Assembly where they will be voted into interim member status. As an interim member, they must fulfill all membership requirements. Interim members would not have a vote. On attending a third General Assembly there will be a vote on their membership.

4. Dues

Dues are set at 1% of income with a $5 per month minimum to be paid monthly. Members that cannot pay should consult the Treasurer.

5. Expulsion and Resignation

If a proposal to expel any member is passed by majority vote, they lose membership with the organization. Any member who remains out of contact and fails to pay dues for 3 months will be considered to have resigned.

4. Structure
1. General Assembly

The ultimate decision making body of Buffalo Class Action is the monthly general assembly. At this meeting there will be report backs on all committee activity, membership changes, and discussion and voting on all proposals. Decisions will be made by majority (of the total membership) vote, with the option of a secret vote. Committee report backs should be written in advance of all meetings. Proposals to be voted on must be written and emailed to the General Secretary at least 5 days prior to the meeting. Minutes of the meetings will be made accessible to all members.

1. Emergency Assemblies:
   In extreme cases, the General Secretary can call an emergency assembly
   with 2 days notice.
2. Committees

Buffalo Class Action has three standing committees:

1. Education: Dedicated
   to organizing educational events, speakers, movie screenings, etc.
   Educational work should include ideological issues, current events and
   debates, and hands-on organizer training.
2. Media: Dedicated
   to spreading ideas about anarchism within the Buffalo area as well as
   building publicity for Buffalo Class Action.
3. Social Insertion:
   At all times there should be at least one committee dedicated to active
   participation in on-going local struggles.
3. Working Groups

Temporary working groups may be created to deal with short term issues or to explore the potential to create new standing committees.

4. Elected Positions

Buffalo Class Action has a number of elected positions to help facilitate needs of the organization:

1. Committee organizers: Each committee will have an organizer to ensure that meetings were organized, report backs are written and delivered to the General Assembly, and that mandates to the committee are accomplished.
2. General Secretary: The general secretary should ensure that the General Assemblies are organized, that proposals were distributed to members in advance of the meetings, and that minutes are distributed after meetings.
3. Treasurer(s): The treasurer is responsible for the collection, management, and allocation of dues as mandated by the General Assembly. The treasurer must also ensure that a financial report is given at each General Assembly.

Term Limits: No single person may hold any position for more than two years consecutively.


Election: Each year these positions will be filled by vote at the General Assembly. Nominations must be entered at the General Assembly prior to the election.


Removal: Any elected officer may be removed by proposal and a majority vote at any time. After removal they will be replaced by election for the remainder of their term.

5. List Servs

At least two email lists should be maintained at all times:

1. All-Membership list: A list with all active members must be maintained for essential communications including meeting minutes, distribution of proposals, announcements for events, etc.
2. Supporters list: A list of non-members that are interested and supportive of Buffalo Class Action’s activities would also be kept for mobilization purposes.