[svlug] Define Policies and By-Laws

[Warren Turkal]

On Dec 1, 2007 10:54 PM, Bill Teeple <bill at teeple.tv> wrote:
> I don't think that excluding anyone will have any benefit at all at this
> point - this is the basic premise of why we are starting this conference
> to develop by-laws.

I agree.

> That being said - I think it is a simple operation:
>
> 1 person to organize and moderate - but no say in what goes in or what
> goes out - that is up to the committee of volunteers/appointees to
> decide.  The moderator is there just to ensure everyone has a fair shake
> - other than that - the rest of the group have equal say and equal votes
> and a majority (majority being 51% or greater) decides what goes into
> our new by-laws.

These rules should be set by the committee. That should be the focus
of the first meeting. I don't believe that we need a moderator. I
think that we are mature adults and should be able to

I believe the the first meeting should set a few rules:
* quorum - minimum number of people to actually have a meeting or vote
* how issues are raised at meetings
* how the bylaws will be approved
* I am sure there are others I have not considered

> When the committee has 'finalized' what it thinks (or knows) the SVLUG
> would like to see in their by-laws, then we post it - and look for
> ratification which should require at least 2/3 if not 3/4 approval from
> the group.

This isn't as simple as you imply. At the most basic level, who makes
up the membership? I think the bylaws will have to address this
question.

> We are not going to be able to please everyone with these rules but it
> will help govern this organization and set the tone for the upcoming
> years so we can focus on moving SVLUG forward and not be plagued with so
> much infighting.

I believe that we have to face the very real possibility that the
bylaws cannot be all things to all people. However, I think that we,
as mature adults, should be able to compromise and come up with
something workable.

wt