[wellylug] Group Formalization

[Colin Klenner]

On considering the proposal to formalize the group somewhat I have drafted 
for comment a simple set of Rules sufficient to cover the group - just like 
a regular Club.
Try to be rational and thoughtful. After all this is your group.

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RULES OF THE WELLINGTON LINUX GROUP

1)      TITLE
The name of the Group shall be the " WELLINGTON LINUX GROUP"  hereafter 
referred to as "the Group".
The Group shall consist of an unlimited number of members who are 
interested in Linux and Open Source Software and Open Source Software.

2)      OBJECTS
The objects of The Group shall be:-
a)      To exchange Linux and Open Source Software knowledge and experience.
b)      To encourage the use of Linux and Open Source Software
c)      To foster the spirit of Linux and Open Source Software.

3)MEMBERSHIP
A person becomes a member of the Group on payment of subscription to the Group
A person may resign at any time by submitting their resignation to the 
Group in writing.

4)      SUBSCRIPTION
The amount of the annual subscription shall be fixed at the A.G.M. each 
year and subscriptions shall be payable each year not later than the Group 
meeting in May.
The Group year shall be deemed to commence on the first day of April and 
end on the 31st day of March.  If a member's subscription for the previous 
year remains unpaid, that person's membership shall cease.

5)      COMMITTEE
An executive committee (hereafter called the Committee) shall be elected at 
each AGM to manage the affairs of the Group.
The Committee shall not be more than five in number, including the 
President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
The Committee shall fill a casual vacancy from among the members of the 
Committee for the remainder of the term.

6)      DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
The Treasurer shall collect all subscriptions and other revenue and shall 
keep a correct account of all moneys paid to and by the Group, and prepare 
an annual Statement of Income and Expenditure and Balance sheet of the Group.

7)      AUDITOR
An independent Auditor shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting of 
the Group to independently audit the accounts, statements, and books of the 
Group.

8)      POWERS OF COMMITTEE
The Committee shall have the management and control of all the property and 
funds of the Group subject to the provisions of these rules, and to any 
resolutions passed in pursuance of the same by the Group in a general meeting.

9)      MEETING OF COMMITTEE
a)      The Committee shall meet at such times as shall be deemed to be 
advisable.
b)      Meetings of the Committee shall be presided over by the President, 
or in her/his absence, by one of the committee.
c)      Decisions by the Committee shall be decided by a majority of votes, 
and in the case of equality of votes, the chairperson shall have a second 
or casting vote.
A quorum of the Executive Committee shall consist of four members.

10)PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Group shall hold an Annual Meeting not later than June each year to
a)      Receive the Report of the Executive Committee.
b)      Receive the audited statement of accounts, the balance sheet 
auditor's report.
c)      Elect executive officers for the ensuing year.
d)      Elect an Auditor.
e)      Receive and vote on any other matters requiring the consideration 
of the Group members.
11)SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Special General Meetings of the Group may be convened at the request of at 
least three members of the Group. Notice of the meeting shall be given to 
all members by mail at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting.
Special General Meetings shall be for the specific purpose of dismissing 
the Committee, or for making changes to the Rules where such a change 
cannot wait until and AGM, or for the winding up of the Group.

12)VOTING AT ANNUAL OR SPECIAL MEETINGS
Any motion put to the Group at an AGM or SGM shall be decided by a show of 
hands. The chairperson of that meeting shall, in the case of an equality of 
votes, have a casting vote.

13)AFFILIATION WITH OTHER GROUPS OR ASSOCIATIONS
The Group shall authorize a member to represent the Group to the New 
Zealand Open Source Society. Notice of this authorization or any change to 
the representative shall be in writing to the Secretary of the Association.

The committee shall have the right to affiliate with other Groups or 
associations subject to the approval of members being obtained at a general 
meeting.

14)LIQUIDATION
If The Group were to be liquidated, all assets are to be distributed at the 
members' discretion, providing that no member may have pecuniary gain.

15)GENERAL
Any case not provided for in these rules, or any question arising from 
their interpretation, shall be decided by the Committee and subject to 
ratification an a general meeting.

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Remember this is for your comment so be objective.