Constitution | Bunreacht
Introduction | Intreoir
1.1. The Connolly Youth Movement is a national all-Ireland Marxist-Leninist youth
movement which exists as a vehicle for the elevation of class-consciousness
among the youth.
1.2. The Connolly Youth Movement is a Marxist-Leninist and Socialist-Republican
organisation which bases itself upon the theory and practice of Marx, Lenin,
Connolly and Mellows.
1.3. The Connolly Youth Movement recognises that Imperialism, through its
creation of international monopolies and the interlacing of banking and
industrial capital, is a global system, and that the struggle for Socialism is
therefore international. We stand in solidarity with oppressed people all over
the world.
Aims and objectives | Aidhmeanna agus cuspóirí
2.1. The Connolly Youth Movement aims to organise, educate and mobilise a
critical number of young people, within a wider Communist movement, for the
overthrow of the capitalist system and the construction of Socialism i.e., a
social, economic and cultural system wherein the means of production,
distribution and exchange are owned by the working class and utilised for the
benefit of the people.
2.2. The Connolly Youth Movement will seek to mobilise young people against
capitalism through mass organisations such as trade unions, tenant unions
and student unions, across a plethora of issues, particularly housing, health,
imperialism, the environment, education, worker’s rights, women’s issues, and
civil rights (LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, anti-racism and anti-sectarianism.
2.3. The Connolly Youth Movement will strive to inject Marxist analysis in all fields
in which it struggles, with the singular purpose of raising the consciousness of
other activists and developing a strong mass anti-capitalist movement among
young people.
2.4. The Connolly Youth Movement will align itself to progressive struggles abroad
with organisations committed to objectives and analysis akin to our own.
2.5. The Connolly Youth Movement is a revolutionary organisation; therefore it
does not endorse any social democratic parties in Ireland nor does it advocate
a strategy supporting their formation or advancement. The only way to
constructively influence the progressive elements of the parliamentary and
union movement is through involvement in people’s organisation, agitation
along Marxist-Leninist principles, and direct action.
Organisation | Eagar
3.1. The Connolly Youth Movement is a voluntary organisation of young
communists dedicated to the overthrow of capitalism and the construction of
a Socialist, independent and united Ireland.
3.2. The Connolly Youth Movement’s political mission is class-based. It advocates
young workers and students as being the principal architects of their future.
The Connolly Youth Movement will be embedded in this class and will make
decisions based on consultations with it.
3.3. The Connolly Youth Movement is based on the concrete organisational
method of the Bolshevik Party, otherwise known as democratic centralism,
which entails:
3.3.1. Maximum participation, input and involvement of the membership.
3.3.2. Freedom of criticism of the movement without fear of reprisal.
3.3.3. Diversity of thought wherein comrades debate freely and openly prior to
coming to definitive and concrete solutions.
3.3.4. Unity of action wherein comrades must carry out majority decisions agreed
upon by the relevant elected body are followed up by all CYM members,
irrespective of personal disagreements with said decision.
3.4. Through standing behind a programme and uniting together through the
principles of democratic centralism we will show maximum efficiency and
discipline in the development of a legitimate vehicle committed to the
overthrow of capitalism.
Structure | Struchtúr
4.1. The Connolly Youth Movement comprises five different structures:
4.1.1. The Ard Fheis which is the highest decision-making body of the Connolly
Youth Movement. It is to be convened biennially except in exceptional
circumstances.
4.1.2. The Ard Chomhairle which will be elected at the Ard Fheis and will be the
highest political and organisational body of the CYM between sittings of the
Ard Fheis.
4.1.3. Localised branch structures which oversee the day-to-day work and activity of
local areas. Local branches are to mirror the over-all national structure where
necessary.
4.1.4. Cumann structures which oversee and coordinate localised community
engagement of CYM members in local areas. Cumainn are to mirror branch
structures where necessary.
4.1.5. The National and Branch Women’s Committees which comprise of all women
and misogyny affected members of the Connolly Youth Movement and
function as an additional representative body and safe space for these
members. Additionally, the Women’s Committees guide the activity and
strategy of the Connolly Youth Movement in engaging with feminist and
women’s organisations and in raising consciousness among working class
women.
4.2. The National Ard Fheis endorses amends or drafts the Connolly Youth
Movement programme and constitution, determines key political questions
and elects the Ard Chomhairle by majority vote. All decisions taken by the Ard
Fheis are binding on the Connolly Youth Movement. An extraordinary Ard
Fheis may be convened by two-thirds majority vote of the Ard Chomhairle, or
by an internal motion ratified by majority vote in the majority of full branches.
4.3. The Ard Fheis will be composed of all on file members who have passed
probation. Probationary members may attend as observers, engaging in
debate but possessing no vote.
4.4. A document compiling all motions, amendments and nominations for an Ard
Fheis must be prepared and disseminated amongst the membership at least
one month prior to the Ard Fheis itself.
4.5. Candidates for Ard Comhairle positions must be nominated by one member
and seconded by another prior. No nominations are to be officially
disseminated unless the nominated individual accepts their nomination.
4.6. Ard Fheiseanna require an attendance of 50% of the on-file membership to be
considered legitimate.
Branches | Brainsí
5.1. Branches form the basis of the Connolly Youth Movement and are the most
important organ on a day-to-day basis. Members shall be organised in
branches around the country which meet the requisites.
5.2. When you become a member of the CYM, you are a member of the
geographically closest branch. If you decide to leave, you must terminate your
membership formally via letter or email to the AC or branch secretary.
5.3. Under exceptional or necessary circumstances, members may operate without
a branch structure with agreement of the Ard Chomhairle. If a member leaves
Ireland they will operate with guidance of Article 7.7 of the Membership
section.
5.4. A minimum of five members is needed to form a provisional branch. A branch
committee shall be elected to direct the work of the branch consisting of a
chairperson, secretary, women’s officer and Ard Chomhairle representative. A
minimum of ten members is needed to apply to the Ard Chomhairle or Ard
Fheis for full branch status, which will be accepted or rejected based on
criteria determined by the Ard Chomhairle. Upon reaching ten or more
members the branch will elect a Treasurer, Youth Protection and Welfare
Officer, and Education Officer. The branch may also elect any number of
general officers to sit on the branch committee who may be assigned specific
roles and responsibilities as required.
5.5. A branch shall hold an annual general meeting, at which the work of the
branch shall be reviewed and a programme of activities for the year ahead
decided upon. The annual general meeting shall elect the branch officers by
majority vote and shall occur within one month following the Ard Fheis.
5.6. The branch committee is tasked with the regular convening of meetings of
members, for the political and organisational direction of the branch, for the
initiation of internal and public activities of the branch, for the collection of
members subscriptions and other fund-raising activities, and for making
regular reports on branch work and problems which are to be submitted to
the Ard Chomhairle and appropriately filed for reference within the branch.
5.6.1 The Chairperson of the branch is tasked with: Organisation of branch and
committee meetings, set the agenda in liaison with the branch secretary and
committee, direct and encourage the branch to work towards the fulfilment of
the Programme.
5.6.2. The Secretary of the branch is tasked with: Accurately minuting branch and
committee meetings, assisting the Chairperson in the creation of an agenda
for branch and committee meetings. Assisting the Chairperson in the
organisation and direction of the branch for the fulfilment of the Programme.
It is the role of the Secretary to be in regular liaison with all branch members.
5.6.3. The Treasurer of the branch will manage the financial affairs of the branch,
including the investigation of sources of income for the branch, the approval
or disapproval of any branch expenses, collection of dues when appropriate,
and the preparing of regular and accurate reports on all income and expenses
to be submitted to the national treasurer and the branch committee.
5.6.4. The Youth Protection and Welfare Officer of the branch will assist the national
youth protection and welfare officer in the carrying out of their duties as
outlined in Article 6.14.8 of the Ard Chomhairle section. They will be the
primary point of contact with the parents/guardians of any underage branch
members.
5.6.5. The Women’s Officer of the branch will oversee the branch women’s
committee and act as a liaison between the branch and national women’s
committees and the branch committee. This officer will be elected by the
women and misogyny-affected members of the branch.
5.6.6. Outgoing branch offices are to provide an introduction, explanation and full
hand over of their office to the newly elected branch officer across a period of
two weeks.
5.6.7. Branch officers and their deputies are both considered elements of the same
office, and so collectively carry one vote on the branch committee.
5.6.8. The deputy secretary and deputy chairperson of the branch will be nominated
by their respective incoming officers and then ratified by majority vote of the
branch at the first branch meeting following the AGM.
5.7. If three members of a local branch are present in a smaller local area, they are
advised to form a Cumann to carry out community work in the local
immediate area. They must elect a Cumann officer who will sit on the Branch
Committee and report Cumann activity to the branch.
5.8. Branch officers may be recalled by majority vote of the branch. A branch
officer who is absent from three consecutive branch or branch committee
meetings without apologies will be assumed to have resigned from their
position
National Executive Committee | Ard Chomhairle
6.1. The Ard Chomhairle is the standing committee of the Ard Fheis, overseeing
the political and organisational direction of the CYM on a day-to-day basis,
meeting at least once per month.
6.2. The Ard Chomhairle consists of:
6.2.1. Voting Officers, elected at the Ard Fheis, and their deputies
6.2.2. Branch Representatives
6.2.3. Non-voting Officers, co-opted by the Voting Officers and Branch reps after
each Ard Fheis following a screening process appropriate to each Officer
position
6.3. AC representatives will be elected by branch members at each respective
branch AGM. Only AC representatives of full branches will have a vote on the
AC. AC representatives act as representatives of the AC at the branch level. AC
representatives must assist the Secretary of their respective branch in ensuring
that the Constitution and Programme are respected and understood within
the Branch.
6.4. Ard Chomhairle officers may be recalled by majority vote of an Ard Fheis, or
by an internal motion ratified by majority vote in the majority of branches.
Once a motion of recall is ratified by one branch, it must be added to the
agenda for the next meeting of each other branch. An Ard Chomhairle officer
who is absent from two consecutive Ard Chomhairle meetings without
apologies will be assumed to have resigned from their position.
6.5. A branch representative may be recalled by a majority vote of their branch.
6.6. While sitting on the AC, officers and representatives may be assigned
specialised roles in addition to their existing duties.
6.7. The AC must be transparent about the frequency of its sessions. If the AC fails
to meet monthly, any branch may direct the AC to initiate an extra-ordinary
Ard Fheis to address a vote of recall. This extra-ordinary Ard Fheis must occur
within 40 days.
6.8. The AC will have a working quorum of two-thirds of the membership of the
AC.
6.9. In the event of personal issues such as illness, an AC member may deputise a
member to represent them during their absence or may be represented by a
pre-assigned deputy.
6.10. The outgoing AC is obligated to pass on all documentation, including minutes
and email records, to the incoming AC on their departure.
6.11. Prior to Ard Fheiseanna, the national education officer is to propose a new
recommended reading list for the organisation to be published on the
website, in consultation with the membership. This is to be ratified by the Ard
Chomhairle, and released after the Ard Fheis.
6.12. AC officers and their deputies are both considered elements of the same
office, and so collectively carry one vote.
6.13. The outgoing AC is obligated to hand over full control of all accounts and
websites, including social media, to the incoming AC.
6.14. The Voting Officers of the Ard Chomhairle and their responsibilities are:
6.14.1 The General Secretary will carry out internal organisation, co-ordination
between branches for the implementation of the national programme and
maintain an active roster of members and mobilisation capability through
conferral with branch committees. They will minute the meetings of the AC
and see that plans are enacted.
6.14.2 The Chairperson will chair meetings of the AC, setting the agenda and co-
ordinating its internal organisation. The Chairperson will publicly represent the
CYM when needed nationally, for example in the writing and delivery of press
statements.
6.14.3 The National Treasurer will handle the finance of the organisation, oversee the
collection of dues, deliver reports to the AC and examine revenue sources.
6.14.4 The National Education Officer will oversee and direct the education of the
movement. They will advise and support branch education officers, and
cooperate with other national officers to promote a coherent and unified
understanding of issues throughout the organisation.
6.14.5 The International Officer will distribute public statements internationally,
maintain links with fraternal bodies and attempt to attend global gatherings
where possible.
6.14.6 The Women’s Officer will be a voting position elected by the National
Women’s Committee to represent the National Women’s Committee, act as a
liaison between each branch’s Women Committees and the Ard Chomhairle,
and will ensure that issues within the organisation and outside of it relating to
the struggle for women’s liberation are approached correctly.
6.14.7 The Communications Secretary will advise on the overall media strategy of the
organisation. This role will manage all information delivery for the Connolly
Youth Movement, promote and maintain the public relations of the Connolly
Youth Movement, defend the reputation of the Connolly Youth Movement,
ensure the creation of propaganda; both digital promotion and physical
media, develop relationships with journalists and media outlets, and ensure
that social media posts and promotional material are scheduled and
published.
6.14.8 The Youth Protection and Welfare Officer will develop a program to ensure
the wellbeing of our members and act as a mediator in any personal disputes.
This role will also coordinate Youth Protection and Welfare Officers in each
respective branch. Duties to include: liaising with branch officers, overseeing
the development and implementation of relevant policy, act in an advisory
role to all officers and members on matters pertaining to youth protection
and welfare, and act as the point of contact for parents and guardians for
underage members. Members who wish to run for the role of YPWO have to
submit an application to the Ard Chomhairle no less than two weeks ahead of
the Ard Fheis, to allow a screening process of the applicants’ suitability for the
role. Only if the application is approved by the Ard Chomhairle can the
applicant run for the position of YPWO at that Ard Fheis.
6.15. The Non-Voting Officers of the Ard Chomhairle and their responsibilities are:
6.15.1 The Editor of Forward will be appointed by the AC as a non-voting position to
manage, run and direct the affairs of Forward. A screening process
appropriate to the position will be established by the AC.
6.15.2 The System Administrator will be appointed by the AC as a non-voting
position to manage, run and direct the website and all other technical online
requirements of the Connolly Youth Movement. The System Administrator will
also fulfil the role of Data Protection Officer where required. A screening
process appropriate to the position will be established by the AC.
6.16. Branch representatives to the Ard Chomhairle will submit regular reports on
branch activity to the Ard Chomhairle and ensure all correspondence from the
Ard Chomhairle is shared with the branch in an appropriate and timely
manner. They will also assist Ard Chomhairle officers with carrying out their
duties and may be assigned additional roles and responsibilities as required.
6.17. The Ard Chomhairle may co-opt at any point a non-voting Ordinary
Committee Member, who will sit on the AC, fulfilling a specific role and
function within a predetermined timeframe. The OCM position will be
dissolved once its purpose has been resolved.
manner. They will also assist Ard Chomhairle officers with carrying out their
duties and may be assigned additional roles and responsibilities as required.
6.17. The Ard Chomhairle may co-opt at any point a non-voting Ordinary
Committee Member, who will sit on the AC, fulfilling a specific role and
function within a predetermined timeframe. The OCM position will be
dissolved once its purpose has been resolved
Membership | Ballraíocht
7.1. Membership of the Connolly Youth Movement is open to all people aged 16
up until their 30th birthday who accept the Connolly Youth Movement
constitution and programme and commit to working towards the programme.
7.2. Every member will have the right to membership of the trade union of their
choice.
7.3. The duties of membership shall include:
7.4.1 Playing an active part in the development of the Connolly Youth Movement
programme and organisation.
7.4.2 Reading, contributing and assisting in the distribution of the Connolly Youth
Movements publications, statements etc.
7.4.3 Playing an active part in the working class movement, be it through a trade
union, self-organised community group, tenants and residents associations,
civil rights organs and other mass organisations of the working class.
7.4.4 Proactively struggle against male chauvinism, racism, sectarianism, fascism,
misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, national chauvinism, religious extremism
and all forms of bigotry.
7.4.5 Engaging in political and ideological discourse and education.
7.4.6 Successful completion of the probation period, determined either by the local
branch structure or in certain circumstances, the Ard Comhairle. Passing of
probation should be based upon their commitment and ability to fulfil their
membership duties under Article 7.4. In order to successfully complete
probation and become a full member of the CYM, all probational members
must:
7.4.6.1 Complete an educational programme of study set out by their branch
committee. This is to be completed at their own pace.
7.4.6.2 Partake in a minimally fixed number of branch activities and meetings (to
be decided on a branch by branch bases based on abilities and activity of
the branch).
7.4.6.3 Partake in a discussion with one or more fellow branch members in which
they are encouraged to share what they have learned over the
probationary period to assess if they are equipped to become full
members
7.4. No member of the Connolly Youth Movement may hold membership of
another political party.
7.5. Members under the age of 18 are not permitted to hold Officer positions
within the organisation, including but not limited to branches and the Ard
Chomhairle.
7.6. If a member of the CYM leaves Ireland or is not based in Ireland, their
membership will be considered “frozen” and available upon return – but they
are not to be inside any internal communication channels and will be notified
of this before being removed. Exceptions determined either by a Branch or the
AC can be arranged for example if a member knows they will be back or is
fulfilling a job for the CYM while abroad.
7.7. Probation for all new members is set at three months and to be reviewed in an
accept, extend or decline format by relevant branch and/or national officers.
7.8. The Connolly Youth Movement accepts applications from those who have left
another political organisation over 90 days ago, but they may be subject to an
extended probationary period determined by their branch committee or the
Ard Comhairle in consultation with the branch committee in certain
circumstances. If applicants have a history in a previous political organisation,
that organisation will be contacted to enquire about the applicant. Applicants
will also be screened by having their social media checked.
7.9. If a member neglects to attend three consecutive branch meetings without
sending apologies, their membership will be automatically withdrawn. Said
member will be contacted by a member of their branch committee after their
second absence. Once removed, the individual in question will have the right
to reapply. Following this, the branch committee will review whether to accept
or deny the application, and whether a renewed probationary period is
necessary.
7.10. From time-to-time members may wish to take breaks from the Connolly Youth
Movement. During such breaks their apologies will be accounted for and they
will not be expected to carry out the full duties of membership. Where
possible and except in exceptional circumstances, a minimum of a week’s
notice is to be provided to the relevant branch committee and/or the Ard
Chomhairle before the break starts, and the duration of the break is to be set
before it begins. Before going on break, the member is required to fully hand
over any ongoing work and the resources required to complete it to another
member. If the member holds an officer role, a deputy must be appointed to
fill the role for the duration of the break.
Finance | Airgeadas
8.1. The precarious nature of work and standard of living for young people means
that we cannot in good faith base memberships on ability to contribute
financially. Members may pay dues should they have the means to do so.
Contribution is to be according to the financial situation of each member.
8.2. While in no way mandatory, the paying of dues by members is to be
encouraged by the branch treasurer. Not paying dues is not a valid reason to
terminate an individual’s membership.
8.3. The treasury of the movement shall be managed and articulated by the
National Treasurer in coordination with local treasurers.
8.4. Local branches will organise the accumulation of funds as they see fit,
including the collection of membership dues where appropriate.
Discipline | Smacht
9.1. Full policies on disciplinary procedures and conflict mediation are to be made
available on request to any member. These policies may be updated by the
Ard Chomhairle with input from branches at any time, however any
disciplinary decisions must follow the policy that was in place at the time the
incident under investigation occurred.
9.2. The branch is the main court of arbitration for all disputes in a local area.
However, in instances where the dispute is between branch committee
members or the branch is unable to reach a conclusion, arbitration may be
escalated to the Ard Chomhairle.
9.3. If a member commits an infraction against the constitution, programme or
policies of the CYM their branch committee may, after sufficient investigation,
place said member on probation or suspend them by majority vote of the
committee. The committee may also put forward a motion to expel the
member by majority vote of the branch.
9.3.1. To place a member on probation refers to the temporary revoking of certain
rights afforded to members. Probation is to last for a minimum time period
and until some requirement is met, as determined by the branch committee.
9.3.2. Suspension refers to the temporary removal of a member from the CYM.
Suspension is to last for a minimum time period and until some requirement is
met, as determined by the branch committee. When the suspension is lifted
the member will be required to complete a minimum of two weeks probation.
9.3.3. If it is believed a member poses a safeguarding risk to other members, they
may be suspended pending investigation for a maximum of eight weeks. If the
investigation finds no infraction was committed, they will not be subject to a
required probationary period when the suspension is lifted.
9.3.4. Expulsion will only be considered in extreme circumstances or after multiple
infractions. Expulsion of a member is the complete removal of said member
from the CYM and results in the automatic rejection of any subsequent
applications they make to join the CYM.
9.4. Except in cases of gross misconduct, if a member is not satisfied with the
disciplinary procedure of the branch committee or the Ard Chomhairle they
are entitled to appeal to the Ard Chomhairle or the Ard Fheis within 21 days of
the disciplinary action. If an appeal submitted to the Ard Chomhairle is
rejected, the member is entitled to submit a second appeal to the Ard Fheis
within 21 days of the rejection occurring. Once an appeal is rejected by the
Ard Fheis no further appeals relating to the same incident may be submitted.
9.4.1. The rejection of a member’s probation and subsequent removal of the
member from the Connolly Youth Movement is not considered a disciplinary
action and so cannot be appealed.
9.4.2. Within two weeks of receiving an appeal the Ard Chomhairle will establish an
ad-hoc committee to investigate the disciplinary process and review the
appeal. Following this the ad-hoc committee will submit a recommendation to
the relevant body, the Ard Chomhairle or the Ard Fheis, on whether to accept
or reject it.
9.4.3. The ad-hoc committee will be made up of one national officer who will
convene meetings of the committee but will not hold a vote on it, and four
members who are not on the Ard Chomhairle and are in different branches to
the member who has submitted the appeal. No one involved in the initial
disciplinary process may sit on the ad-hoc committee.
9.4.4. The Ard Chomhairle is bound to accept the recommendation of the ad-hoc
committee.
9.4.5. If the ad-hoc committee fails to produce a report within eight weeks of its first
meeting the Ard Chomhairle may dissolve it and investigate the appeal itself.
General | Ginearálta
10.1. The Connolly Youth Movement maintains a fraternal relationship with
Connolly Youth societies present in universities.
10.2. The Ard Chomhairle is empowered to interpret these rules and subsequently
lay down procedures as seen fit and necessary.
10.3. The Irish language is protected within the organisation; Irish speakers are not
obliged to speak English when engaging in organisational activities, though
translation may be requested when necessary.
CYM Ard Fheis 2023, Béal Feirste