BYLAWS OF THE

DELEGATION OF PUERTO RICO AND THE DELEGATES.US NATIONAL NETWORK

The Delegation of Puerto Rico and the Delegates.US National Network (“the Delegation” or “Delegates.US”) is a national civic organization dedicated to advancing the cause of statehood for Puerto Rico. Our mission is to mobilize U.S. citizens across the island and the mainland to support Puerto Rico’s full integration as a state. We aim to accomplish this through building a well-structured, data-driven, and self-sustaining network of leaders and volunteers capable of influencing federal decision-makers about the issue and properly educating the electorate.

Founded by Former Governor Dr. Ricardo Rosselló, Delegates.US is headquartered in Puerto Rico and represented in all 50 states, as well as all U.S. territories. Guiding every aspect of our operations is a clear vision of building a national civic movement defined by dignity, integrity, collaboration, and accountability, unified by the shared purpose of Puerto Rican statehood.

We take great pride in our core values, which are respectful civic dialogue, transparency, accountability, and service. These principles shape our work at all levels, from grassroots events to national advocacy campaigns.

Delegates.US operates through a structured leadership framework. A National Board provides overarching governance, while a National Executive Director oversees operations, communications, and support for individual state chapters. Each U.S. state and Puerto Rico has a State Chair responsible for recruitment, training, and reporting, supported by Regional and Local Chairs who coordinate boots-on-the-ground activities. Local chapters host regular meetings and events, driving community involvement and continuous advancement toward our shared goal.

Our leadership model emphasizes genuine connection, personal accountability, and steady development. Regular meetings follow a set forum format designed to promote trust, set priorities, and encourage growth among our members. Standing committees manage important areas such as legislative outreach, event planning, communications, data management, ethics, and recruitment.

Delegates.US is volunteer-based and committed to transparency in all our operations, including financial management. Our purpose is to cultivate capable, ethical leaders who will work together in building a movement that is simultaneously national in reach, but also deeply rooted in Puerto Rico—and above all else, laser-focused on achieving statehood for Puerto Rico.

NAME, PURPOSE, AND MISSION

Name

This organization shall be known as the Delegation of Puerto Rico and the Delegates.US National Network (“the Delegation” or “Delegates.US”).

Purpose

The Delegation unifies and coordinates a national network of delegates and supporters advocating for equality and statehood for Puerto Rico, through organized, measurable, and civically responsible action.

Mission

To mobilize U.S. citizens across Puerto Rico and the mainland to achieve equality under the U.S. flag by becoming a state and establishing a structured, data-driven, and self-sustaining network of leaders and volunteers that can exert pressure on the decision makers in the federal government and provide orientation and education to the electorate.

Vision

To create a national civic movement that reflects strength, integrity, collaboration, and accountability—anchored in Puerto Rico and represented in all 50 states and territories.

Core Values

Unity in purpose • Respectful civic dialogue • Transparency • Accountability • Growth • Service

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

National Board

  1. The National Board shall serve as the highest governing authority of the Delegation.
  2. The Board shall consist of seven (7) members.
  3. The initial National Board shall be appointed by Dr. Ricardo Rosselló, Founder of the Delegation.
  4. Future members shall be elected by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of State Chairs and confirmed by a majority of sitting National Board members.
  5. The Board oversees national governance, finances, and coordination of all chapters.

National Executive Director

  1. The National Executive Director (NED) shall serve as the chief operational officer of the Delegation.
  2. The NED implements national plans, manages operations and communications, and supports all state chapters.
  3. The NED may receive compensation funded through 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) donations, sponsorships, or grants.
  4. The NED reports directly to the National Board.
  5. The NED is selected by the Board.

State Leadership

  1. Each U.S. state and Puerto Rico shall have a State Chair responsible for recruitment, training, reporting, and event execution.
  2. Each Chair is expected to comply and produce value, KPIs, and reports to the national level.
  3. State Chairs appoint Regional Chairs to coordinate local operations.
  4. State leadership may include:
    • Communications Director
    • Events Director
    • Grassroots & Recruitment Coordinator
    • Legislative Liaison
    • Finance and Compliance Office
  5. State Chairs must hold monthly meetings and report quarterly to the National Executive Director.
  6. State and Regional Chairs shall be evaluated annually on participation, event completion, and delegate growth metrics.

Regional and Local Chapters

  1. Regional Chairs supervise local chapters within their geographic areas.
  2. Local Chapters consist of a Chair, a small leadership team, and active delegates.
  3. Local Chapters meet biweekly and conduct at least one monthly event aligned with the Delegation’s objectives.

MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE

Frequency

  • National Board: Quarterly (or as required).
  • State Leadership (State and Regional Chairs): Monthly.
  • Local Chapters: Biweekly.

Attendance Requirement

  1. All leadership meetings are mandatory.
  2. Leaders at every level (National, State, Regional, and Local) are expected to attend all scheduled meetings.
  3. Each leader is permitted two (2) excused absences per calendar year, granted by the meeting Moderator or Chair for legitimate reasons.
  4. Additional absences without justification may result in review or replacement by the next higher level of leadership.
  5. Persistent absence (three or more missed meetings in a year) constitutes cause for reassignment or suspension from leadership duties.

In-Person and Virtual Meetings

  1. The Delegation values in-person engagement as foundational to leadership and community building.
  2. Meetings should be primarily conducted in person whenever possible.
  3. Virtual participation is allowed only under special circumstances such as verified travel, health, or distance constraints.
  4. Hybrid participation models (in-person and virtual) are acceptable for geographically dispersed members, provided that interaction and accountability are preserved.

Meeting Moderator

  1. Each meeting shall be led by a Moderator, who may be the Chair or a rotating member.
  2. The Moderator oversees the agenda, ensures participation, and may delegate segments of the meeting to others.

Leadership Meeting Format/Framework

All leadership meetings shall follow the Delegates Leadership Forum Format designed to promote alignment, trust, and performance.  This is meant to work as a scaffolding for specific topics to be addressed effectively and growth promoted.

  1. Centering Exercise (2–3 minutes): Brief reflection or breathing practice to create separation from daily routines and enhance focus.
  2. One-Word Opening: Each participant provides a single word that reflects their current mindset.
  3. Clear the Air: Dedicated time for participants to share both positive and negative updates.
    • Guidelines: Speak from personal experience; no interruptions; maintain confidentiality.
  4. Financial or Operational Update: Brief metrics or status reports (once chapters have financial structure to report). 
  5. Discussion Starter: One participant introduces a thought-provoking question or scenario (2–3 minutes reflections).
  6. Individual Updates (4 minutes max each): personal and Delegation-related update per leader that they’d like to share.  
  7. Deep Dive Topic: Extended discussion of one key or urgent issue. This is the bulk of the meeting and where growth happens.  
  8. Meeting Close:
    • One-word reflection or takeaway
    • “Parking Lot” items for later follow-up
    • Confirm next meeting date and topic
    • Discuss and/or calendar any upcoming events/activities/ from the delegation

Purpose

Meetings are not merely procedural; they exist to build connection, accountability, and shared growth among members.

COMMITTEES AND DUTIES

Standing Committees

The following committees shall operate at the National and State levels:

  1. Legislative & Policy Committee — Oversees congressional outreach, letters, and coordination with allies.
  2. Events & Mobilization Committee — Manages national events, Equality Gatherings, and grassroots actions.
  3. Communications & Media Committee — Handles media strategy, messaging, and digital engagement.
  4. Data & Metrics Committee — Tracks performance, delegate registrations, and outreach results.
  5. Ethics & Compliance Committee — Ensures adherence to laws and the established code of conduct.
  6. Recruitment Committee — Develops outreach programs, trainings, and delegate onboarding systems.

Duties of Members

All Delegates and officers shall:

  1. Uphold the mission and values of the Delegation.
  2. Participate in required meetings and assignments.
  3. Support at least one monthly chapter event.
  4. Engage respectfully and maintain confidentiality.
  5. Participate in at least two national advocacy efforts per year, including:
    • Toma del Congreso (Congressional Advocacy Week) — coordinated visits to members of Congress.
    • Confirm next meeting date and topic
    • National Equality or Awareness Events — high-visibility gatherings that advance the Delegation’s mission.

THE PUERTO RICO CHAPTER

Role

The Puerto Rico Chapter is the foundational branch of the Delegation, ensuring island-wide coordination and continuity with national initiatives.

Structure

The Chapter shall include a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Operations Director, and Finance Officer, elected every two (2) years.
The Puerto Rico Chair shall serve as an ex-officio voting member of the National Board.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate with municipal leaders and civic organizations.
  • Host one island-wide event per quarter.
  • Maintain clear communication and data exchange with the National Board.

ETHICS, CONDUCT, AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Standing Committees

  1. Members must conduct themselves with integrity, civility, and respect for all viewpoints.
  2. Harassment, intimidation, or misrepresentation are grounds for disciplinary action.
  3. Disputes unresolved at the local or regional level shall escalate to the State Chair, and if necessary, to the National Ethics & Compliance Committee.
  4. Findings of the Ethics & Compliance Committee shall be binding upon review by the National Board.

FINANCE AND TRANSPARENCY

Standing Committees

  1. The Delegation operates as a primarily volunteer-based entity.
  2. All funds collected shall be used for advocacy, education, and mission-aligned activities.
  3. Funds may be collected only when the appropriate federal or local structure is in place to ensure clarity and transparency.
  4. Financial reports shall be presented to the National Board biannually.
  5. The National Executive Director shall manage financial operations under the oversight of the Board.

AMENDMENTS

  1. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the National Board.
  2. Approval requires a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote of the National Board and ratification by a majority of active State Chairs.

IMPLEMENTATION AND TRANSITION

  1. These bylaws take effect immediately upon ratification by the Founder and initial National Board.
  2. The inaugural National Board, appointed by Dr. Ricardo Rosselló, shall:
    • Charter all State and Regional Chapters.
    • Initiate the appointment of the National Executive Director within 12 months.
    • Establish reporting and communication systems for all levels.
  3. Subsequent leadership cycles and elections will follow the processes defined in these bylaws.

FINANCE AND TRANSPARENCY

  • Each voice carries equal value.
  • Confidentiality and respect are mandatory.
  • Speak from observation and experience; advice is offered only when invited.
  • Meetings are designed to connect, align, and inspire action.
  • The goal of leadership is to develop others into capable, ethical leaders who advance equality and service.