I've done some more thinking about how SPI should work with respect to how decisions are made. Below are my thoughts on the matter, now its just a question of deciding on how to implement them in the voting system (if people agree with them, that is).
Please comment- I think the general guidelines are fairly good, but I'm sure there are details missing. (Ean- you commented on voting earlier when we were discussing the membership- now's your chance! :) Nils. VOTING ------ - The voting procedures should be similar to a company and its stockholders. - the system needs to relatively be fast and reactive, but needs checks and balances to ensure the wishes of the membership are carried out by the board - non contributing members should not be able to vote - all votes (unless otherwise stated) are approved by a majority (>50%) General ------- - There are too many members to ask them to vote every time an issue is raised, therefore the board acts on behalf of its members - The board of directors together with the committees run the organization. - the board of directors (and its committees) represent the membership and acts in accordance with its wishes. - from time to time the board of directors will pose questions to the members when it is not clear how the membership feels about an issue Board appointments ------------------ [this may go into the 'board' section of the bylaws, but its important to keep an eye on in the voting section] - the members will approve the appointments on the board of directors - the members ultimately control the actions of the organization - removal of board members .. this should be relatively difficult... 2/3 majority vote of the board or of the membership maybe? Resolutions ----------- - resolutions are voted on by the board of directors - Members and committes may put resolutions before the board of directors for voting - Members have the power to override the board of directors by a majority vote -- Nils Lohner Software in the Public Interest, Inc. E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] PO Box 1326 Board Of Directors <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Boston, Ma. 02117 USA
