Re: Proposed constitution for society (needed for bank account)

[Thomas Wood <thos gnome org>]

Rob Bradford wrote:
> Here is a revised constitution based on feedback. Remember the main
> purpose is to get a bank account. The feedback seems to point towards
> HSBC: http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/business/accounts/treasurer-acc

Fine by me, if that's the general consensous. It does mention a turnover 
of less than £100,000, which we would have to check with Quim and the 
board that this is reasonable.

On the constitution side, I'm still slightly weary about restricting 
membership to only those that have already made a contribution. I don't 
see why being part of GNOME-UK couldn't be the first contribution 
someone makes to the project. Maybe 'significant contribution' can 
include using GNOME on a recent and regular basis ;-)

I also want to make sure we include all the organisations that have 
expressed interest in the decision making process, especially with 
regards to GUADEC.

However, we do need to make sure everyone understands that the only 
benefit of being a member of 'the society' is to be able to vote for and 
volunteer for the posts of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Everything 
else (getting involved in discussions, helping out at events, attending 
meet ups) remains the same as it is now, with anyone and everyone welcome!

I propose we have a meeting at some point during LinuxWorld in London 
(25-26 October) to finalise the constitution, and to vote for the 
positions. I suppose the next thing to do is ask for volunteers to fill 
the positions. If there aren't any volunteers, then maybe we shall have 
to pull some foundation member names out of a hat ;-)


-Thomas