Hello all,
The last meeting ended with agreement that membership dues would be
set at $10, with the fine details on how membership works to be
decided at a later time. I have determined that we can use the mailing
list to debate these details in a way that is congruous with our
bylaws. Here is how. We will debate the details on this mailing list,
with no action being taken (as action can only be taken at meetings
held in the meatspace). As a result of the debate, someone will
prepare a motion that will be introduced before the Board at the next
meeting. Debate will certainly be allowed on it, but the idea is that
since much of the debate will have already taken place on the mailing
list, we won't be at square one. As this is a member organization I
believe the actual membership structure should be in place as soon as
possible, and by debating it on the mailing list we won't have to
delay that debate until the next meeting.
Here are the current issues:
1. It was agreed that membership is to be on an annual basis; i.e.,
each member pays $10 per year. But how will that work out? Can someone
sign up at any time and then there will be rolling renewal? Or will
all registrations and renewal take effect at the beginning of the new
fiscal year on October 1? I personally recommend the rolling renewal
system, since those who will want to take part will be able to do so
right away. Someone who is interested in March may lose their
enthusiasm by the time September comes along. Furthermore, a system to
keep track of registration dates should honestly not be that difficult
to make or maintain (I could create a tool on the toolserver that
sends reminders).
2. If we agree to adopt the plan where registrations and renewals can
only take effect at October 1, what should be done for registrations
in the interim period between now and the next meeting? Should there
be discounted registration, or perhaps free registration which expires
September 30? (In other words, you would be able to register for free
for the four month interim period, but to be a member through the next
fiscal year would cost $10.)
Any other issues regarding membership? (If anyone is unsure about
payment, I as the treasurer am willing to collect dues via cash, check
made out to Wiki Society of Washington, DC, Inc., or possibly PayPal.)
Discuss.
--
James Hare