Bylaws Revision: VOTING[2]

[Nils Lohner]

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: lohner at spi-inc.org          PO Box 1326 
Board Of Directors <board at spi-inc.org> Boston, Ma. 02117 USA