Catching up on emails...
On 4/28/07, gerald lists geraldablists@gmail.com wrote:
On 4/28/07, Ray Saintonge saintonge@telus.net wrote:
Given that Delphine is chair of the Chapters Committee, and she has been present in these discussions, I'm sure that she will be pleased to raise any concerns that the Foundation. In view of her recent comments on another list I'm sure that she would prefer this to having a lot of comments come out after everything has been written.
yes. This said, the input of the Foundation in the bylaws altogether is usually quite simple. The one thing we're going to look at is the mission (goals) and the way the relationship to projects and the Foundation are talked about. Unless you actually come up with really weird goals, there isn't much that the Foundation can do.
I'm not sure what the formal process is; but since we would like the Foundation's support, it would make sense to seek that. If Delphine's presence here is enough, I'd be happy to cut out that part of the process.
No, there is a "formal process" which consists of asking the chapter committee to review the bylaws as they are being made so that we can give directions as to the things that may be unacceptable. Once you have the final draft of the bylaws, the chapters committee presents a resolution to the board of the Foundation which usually says "aye", and off you go.
All of it is explained here: http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Step-by-step_chapter_creation_guide requirements and guidelines should give you a good idea of what is "needed".
If you think that you want legal advice before the comment period feel free to do so, but it should be made clear that any expense for that advice is entirely yours.
Well, I don't think it makes much sense to craft up an entire package of bylaws, have a public review and then find out they have no basis in law. It only seems prudent to have some legal advice -- it might even save us time in debate later. As for expenses, I've indicated before that we need to come up with a budget. Once the chapter is formed, there will be some expenses just as a matter of existing. Before that, there will be some legal expenses for getting set up. Once we determine what these are (or at least have an estimate), then we can see how/where they would be funded.
Legal advice can be spared at the very beginning if you find standard bylaws which are probably easy to find anywhere for a Canadian non profit-like association. In any case, I do agree that starting from scratch is not the best way to go.
At this point I would much rather see interested persons taking an active interest, and making constructive comments for writing these by-laws. We will need an initial Board of Directors, and a willingness to actively participate in the process should be a positive indicator for choosing who will be on that board. When someone says, "I will be on the board if you can't find anyone else," I am inspired to look for someone else. Remember, that being on the board means accepting legal responsibility for Wikimedia Canada.
While I agree that active participation is necessary, I think that most people are better equipped to participate in things other then legal details like the bylaws. I've worked in a number of community organizations and really haven't dealt much with cause to be involved with the bylaw aspect of things.
yes. However, make sure that the bylaw writing is advertised as much as you can. People only start to join, even in the not-so-fun stuff when you've finally reached a consensus and decide to change everything at the last minute (the wiki way ;-)) or are unhappy that you've done this without them. :-)
A call on various lists and such probably is something you want to do at some point, don't forget the French speakers ;P
As I've commented before, this has been "in planning" for quite some time. I'd like to put together a plan that has some kind of timetable, to ensure we're moving forward. I'm open to suggestions as to how to do this, as I think we are all after a common goal.
Again, nothing better than someone pushing along that does not stop in mid-flight.
Go go go, they will join :-)
Delphine