Constitution of the CPUSA

Proposed resolution submitted by the Oak Park, Illinois Club of the Communist Party USA to the National Convention of the Communist Party USA

Whereas, our 27th National Convention will be reviewing and revising our Party's Constitution; and

Whereas, there is a discussion in the Party about the nature of the Party and the criteria for Party membership; and

Whereas, it is imperative that we recruit the most advanced and class-conscious sections of the working class; and

Whereas, the history of the world Communist movement shows that any weakening of Leninist organizational standards weakens the Party politically;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Oak Park Club reaffirms the Leninist definition of Party membership, embodied in the following Sections of Article III of our Party's Constitution:

SECTION 2. An applicant for membership shall be endorsed by at least two members of the Communist Party in good standing. Such application shall be subject to approval by a majority vote of the club to which the applicant is presented. In unorganized territory, in the absence of a club, the application shall be presented for processing and approval to the next leading committee having jurisdiction.

SECTION 3. A Party member shall study and accept the Party Constitution and the Party Program as determined by the Convention, belong to a Party club, be willing to participate in the work of the club and the Party, carry out its decisions and pay dues. Membership in the Communist Party is a voluntary act of the individual.

SECTION 4. Party members three months in arrears in payment of dues cease to be members in good standing and shall be so informed by their club leadership. Members who are six months in arrears shall be dropped from Party membership after effort has been made by the club leadership, through personal interviews, to bring such members into good standing. They may, however, apply for readmission within six months, and upon approval of the club be permitted to pay back dues and regain their former standing.

Be it further resolved that the Oak Park Club calls upon the Constitution Committee, the Illinois State Convention, and the 27th National Convention of our Party to likewise reaffirm and maintain these sections of our Party's Constitution.

Passed by the Oak Park Club on April 12, 2001.