[DRAFT 3] Bylwas Revision: COMMITTEES

[Nils Lohner]

[- changed the opening sentence again to read better
 - defined permanent committees a little better
 - are any permanent committees missing? 
 - does anything else need changing?
 - voting discussions are on the horizon...

--Nils.]


COMMITTEES
----------

 Committees are an extension of the board of directors and take care of the 
day to day business of the organization.  They should not be formed for 
one-time or short term situations.

 Committees are governed by the board of directors and are accountable to 
the board and the membership.

 Committees may propose resolutions and motions within the scope of their 
charter.  Discussions should be held in a public forum, but the committee 
may have private discussions if they are deemed necessary.


Charter
-------
 The committee charter completely describes the rights and responsibilities 
of the committee, as well as its structure, membership policies, and any 
other relevant details.  The charter should also provide an outline for how 
discussions will be conducted, and how the membership and public are to be 
informed of its actions.  Charters are issued and revoked by the board of
directors.  The charter shall be put before the membership for review and 
discussion before it is voted on by the board of directors.
 
 The charter shall also define the membership structure of the committee.  
Both contributing and non contributing members are eligible to serve on 
committees.


Permanent Committees
--------------------
 Permanent committees are in charge of issues that are vital to the basic 
functionality of the organization.  Their charters shall not be revoked but 
may be modified by the board of directors if necessary.

The permanent committees shall be as follows: 

- Membership Committee 
  This committee is responsible for handling all membership related 
issues, including verifying the identity of new members and ensuring that 
the membership rules are being observed.

- Administrative Committee
  This committee is responsible for maintaining the computers and other 
technical systems that Software In The Public Interest, Inc. is using and 
other technical resources.



-- 
Nils Lohner                         Software in the Public Interest, Inc.
E-Mail: lohner at spi-inc.org          PO Box 1326 
Board Of Directors <board at spi-inc.org> Boston, Ma. 02117 USA