[Foundation-l] Chapters Committee Rules of Procedure draft update

[Michael Bimmler]

Dear all,
the ChapCom has drafted changes to its current Rules of Procedure, as
they were quite out of touch with reality (and it seemed less
convenient to change reality).

The rules as they are in force can be seen at
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Resolution:Chapters_committee/Rules_of_procedure

I'm posting the new draft below, as it is currently only on the
private chapcom wiki.

Note, to avoid misunderstandings: This is *not* a document (discussed
here) for aspiring chapters or other interested parties to see how the
chapters approval process works. This here is a rather
technical-formal set of rules which legally determine our internal
meeting, voting, membership and resolutions procedures. But still, if
you have any specific opinions on this, we're interested. In the end,
we'll submit it for approval to the board.

Regards,
Michael


==Rules of Procedure of the Chapters Committee, draft of amended
version as of 11/16/08==

'''Membership'''<br>
The committee will comprise no fewer than five voting "members" and a
number of non-voting "advisers", serving at the pleasure of the board.
The committee can choose how to conduct its ordinary business, either
through regular meetings or through other means (wiki, mailinglist).
The term "meeting" refers both to virtual and physical meetings.

Additional members and advisers will be appointed by 2/3 vote of the
committee, and removed in the same manner.  A member or adviser may
resign at any time by notifying the committee of this intent in
writing. The Board of Trustees, after consultation with the committee,
has the power to remove or appoint any further members and advisers if
desired.

The Board of Trustees will appoint at least one of its members as
adviser to the Chapters committee.

The committee will be presided over by a chairperson, appointed by
resolution of the committee.
A vice chairperson will also be appointed by resolution, to stand in
the chairperson's stead as required. The chairperson's and the vice
chairperson's term end with their voluntary resignation, the
appointment of a successor by the committee or their removal by the
board. If the board decides to remove a chairperson or vice
chairperson from its office, it is required to consult the Committee.
After a chairperson or vice chairperson is removed by the board, the
committee shall elect a successor at the earliest convenience.

The committee will decide on the responsibilities of the chair person
and the vice chairperson. It may also create additional roles and
assign them such responsibilities as desired.

'''Resolutions and motions'''<br>
Actions effected by the committee are usually to take the form of a
resolution.  Resolutions may be proposed by a member or adviser, or by
an individual from outside the committee with the support of a member
or adviser.  A resolution will be considered adopted once a majority
of members has voted in favour.

The usual manner of proposing a resolution is by notice on the
committee mailing list, referring to a draft of the resolution on the
wiki. Votes will usually be taken on the wiki or during a meeting. If
a vote on a resolution is to be taken during a meeting, the resolution
has to be proposed at least seven days in advance of the meeting,
unless two/third of the committee decide to waive this requirement
("emergency motions"). If a vote is to be taken on the wiki, after the
notice of the proposed resolution, members have seven days to vote
either in favour of or against, after which point they are considered
to have abstained.  The resolution will then be considered adopted or
defeated if a majority of members has so voted; otherwise, the
committee will decide by consensus (or vote) to extend the period of
voting, to let the motion lapse or to reconsider the motion at a later
date.