Announce: Proposal to incorporate GNHLUG
Ted Roche
tedroche at tedroche.com
Wed Oct 12 09:41:01 EDT 2005
At the recent Summer Summit, interested activists discussed many
possible futures for GNHLUG.
See: http://wiki.gnhlug.org/twiki2/bin/view/Organizational/
SummerSummit2005Notes
We agreed that one of the most important guiding principles is that
we should continue to make GNHLUG a welcoming organization, with no
hassle to attend meetings, no pressure to "join" or ask for any
monetary "dues" or "membership fees." It's important to all of us, I
think, that GNHLUG continue to be a casual place where folks
interested in Linux or Free/Open Source Software can gather and
learn, at no cost.
We talked a lot about what GNHLUG is, or should be, and came up with
this simple summary: The purpose of GNHLUG is to educate and foster
acceptance of Linux and FOSS. GNHLUG provides an infrastructure for
motivated volunteers to teach, offer support, hold meetings, answer
questions in email and in person and to advocate for Linux and FOSS.
In a sense, GNHLUG doesn't "do" anything: it just provides the
structures and networks off of which volunteers can hold their projects.
As part of that infrastructure, we already have mailing lists
(thanks, Mark and Bruce!), a wiki (thanks Ben and Bruce), meetings
(thanks Ken, Rob, David, Guy and Bill^2!), a cadre of former Fearless
Leaders (maddog, Bruce, Jerry, Rob, Paul and David) and a bunch of
one-off volunteer operations like LinuxWorld, Hosstraders and
Software Freedom Day. Go, us!
Several of the activists feel that we can offer more to the group if
we establish GNHLUG as a legal entity, a registered non-profit
organization. First, it will secure the name "Greater New Hampshire
Linux User Group" against infringement from others. Second, GNHLUG
will have the ability to work with companies that might be interested
in sponsoring GNHLUG events and promotions (many of these really need
to see a 501(c)-something status). Finally, we may be able to raise a
little money by accepting tax-deductible contributions, sponsorships
or grants for projects beyond our ability to "pass the hat" to fund
projects that require printed materials, give-aways, or rented booth
space.
Creating a legal entity does mean that there will be a bit more
paperwork involved. The group will get an EIN and have to file state
and federal returns, establish a bank account, appoint a treasurer,
etc. There will need to be some oversight, and people will need to
step forward and agree to be legally responsible for the group.
Clearly, as part of setting up such an organization, we will need to
agree to rules for dissolving the legal entity, included in the
bylaws and NH application form. We'll need to ensure some oversight,
and tighten up some rules on electing officers and passing the torch
from one to another.
It's a pain in the neck, but the volunteers I've spoken with seem to
be willing to take up the project. No one joins a user group to
debate parliamentary rules, but establishing some structure will
result in a stronger group in the end, in my opinion.
And most importantly, those folks who just want to wander in to a
meeting and learn a little about Linux, or those just out for a beer
and to tell a few war stories, should not be affected in any way. I
do not want to change the experience of what GNHLUG is, I just want
it to be open to more opportunities.
I did a little research on the topic and posted my notes here:
http://wiki.gnhlug.org/twiki2/bin/view/Organizational/GNHLUGNonProfit
The documents for proposed bylaws and NH registration are here:
http://wiki.gnhlug.org/twiki2/bin/view/Organizational/ProposedByLaws2005
So, let's have a discussion. Many members bring a wealth of
experience to GNHLUG. Please share your insights, comments,
criticisms and ideas. The only rule I'd suggest is that we maintain
some decorum: attack the idea and not the messenger. Let's keep the
discussion on-topic.
Ted Roche
Ted Roche & Associates, LLC
http://www.tedroche.com
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