Bylaws Revision: VOTING[2]

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