2009/3/17 AndrewRT raturvey@yahoo.co.uk:
Tom,
Thanks for your response here.
Any member/s representing more than 5% of total membership (i.e. one person at the moment) can propose a resolution for the AGM. The Board is duty bound to circulate it. However, as special resolutions require notice, they cannot be amended after a discussion at the AGM. The exact text must be put as stated in the notice and will only pass if it receives 75% support. Without the Board's support the chance of a special resolution passing is, frankly, remote.
I can't find where it says about the notice requirements, so I can't verify this, but I think as long as the proposed amendment is included in the notice there shouldn't be a problem. I would request that a statement of mine be included with the notice (I think that has the same 5% requirement) explaining my reasons (I can supply that tomorrow, it will be heavily based on my above email).
You need to decide how you want your resolution to be worded. If you actually want it to pass, I think you should take on board people's concerns and reword it.
You're not asking me to reword it, you are asking me to completely change it.
The Board has suggested a compromise - preventing the Board from unilaterally withdrawing from the Agreement. As already pointed out, any amendment would require WMF approval.
As I've explained, that proposal is a complete non-starter. The proposal to restrict terminating it or amending it to remove the fundamental trademark portion is a better option and I suggest someone propose that as an amendment. I still prefer my option since I'm yet to be convinced that there will be able changes so urgent they can't wait until the next AGM.