[DRAFT 1] Article 3: Membership

[Nils Lohner]

[Here is the first 'real' cut at writing the article since most people 
seemed to agree with the basic principles.  I think this looks fairly 
good, but I'm sure it could use a little polishing.

--Nils.]


MEMBERSHIP
----------

Membership in this organization shall be open to all who meet the approval 
of the membership committee.  Members have the right and responsibility of 
overseeing the board members, officers, and committees and ensuring that 
they operate in accordance with the goals and principles of the 
organization.  All board members, officers, and committees are ultimately 
responsible to the membership, and should act in accordance with its 
wishes.

Contributing and non-contributing membership are available within 
this organization.  Members agree to help further and support the 
principles and goals of this organization.  All membership applications 
and renewals will be reviewed by the Membership Committee.  Applicants 
must meet the criteria set forth in the charter of the Membership 
Committee.

Members wishing to leave the organization may do so at any time by 
notifying the membership committee of their desire for the membership to 
be terminated.


Contributing Members
--------------------

  To become a contributing member the applicant must apply for a 
contributing membership and include a list of projects or free software 
related activities that they have participated in (and what they 
specifically have done) within the last two years (more may be included if 
desired).

   The contributing membership will expire two years from the date of 
issue of the membership.  The member will be notified one month before the 
expiration of the membership and will be asked to send a renewal 
application with a list of projects or free software related activities 
that they have participated in within the last two years.  If the 
membership is not renewed, the member status will be downgraded to a 
non-contributing member.  To again become a contributing member at a later 
time, the person can simply follow the renewal process.

   Board members, by virtue of their office, are automatically granted the 
status of contributing members.


Non-contributing Membership
---------------------------

 To become a non contributing member, the applicant must apply for a 
non-contributing membership. The membership will not expire.