[Charlug] Re: new affiliation with PC3.org

[Don Parris]

Personally, I am more interested in the idea of "cross-pollination" with PC3
(thanks, Justin!) than in becoming one of their SIGs.  I find Sean's point
(supported by Joe) rather valid: independence enables us to maintain our
purpose & direction - and to re-examine/re-determine that for ourselves.
Becoming a SIG would subject us to the by-laws of our parent organization,
and thus limit our self-governance.

As to Joe's concern about our status, I don't believe we would have to give
up our non-profit status, even if they are not incorporated. That said, I am
not sure how an un-incorporated umbrella organization would impact the
status of an incorporated organization.

I'm grateful for the discussion on this issue, and look forward to getting
more input.  And thanks for keeping the discussion thoughtful!

Don


On 9/21/07, Joe Josey <jjosey at jomist.net> wrote:
>
> I am  interested in seeing us do what we feel is best to grow CharLUG,
> Linux and F/OSS in the Metrolina area.  I feel associating CharLUG with
> PC3.org should be completely discussed and considered before we take a
> "vote" on how to proceed.
>
> Do we know the status of PC3.org?  Are they an unincorporated user
> group, an incorporated user group, a formal organization or just a group
> with common interests?
> Are they a non-profit, tax-exempt organization?
> We have worked hard to achieve this status and I, for one, would not
> like to see it given up as I feel firmly that our future could be
> affected.
> Would becoming a SIG of PC3.org require CharLUG to be subject to their
> By-Laws?  Would this conflict with our By-Laws?  Would we have any
> choice?  Would we have any input over the direction PC3.org takes in the
> future?
> Would a Linux/F/OSS SIG of PC3.org be independent; ie, with it's own
> leadership, ability to set meeting days/times, able to decide on items
> such as dues, membership and voting requirements, etc.  If so, then what
> are the advantages of association again?
> A broader base would have some advantages such as greater opportunity to
> get presenters, sponsors, etc.
> However, our charter is to educate and serve the Linux and F/OSS
> community, not the general PC community.  Association might give us the
> opportunity to spread the word on Linux and F/OSS, but as a SIG with
> separate meetings, etc. this could be a limited opportunity.
>
> The more questions and discussion we have the more likely we are to make
> a good, long-term decision about this possibility.  Let's keep the talk
> and ideas going.
>
> My 2 cents worth.
> Joe
> Even as a SIG of PC3.org what guarantees would CharLUG have that PC3.org
> would support (and continue to support) Linux and F/OSS?
>
> Ken wrote:
> > Because of the subject matter Pat made a contribution
> > to the presentation, if I recall correctly.
> >
> > On the subject of our affiliation, maybe it could be
> > an unofficial affiliation, club-wise, even if some of
> > us pay the $15/year dues. I mean, PC3 could have a
> > Linux SIG which happens to be primarily populated by
> > members of CharLUG, still an independent organization.
> > We don't have to subordinate CharLUG to PC3, but
> > rather affiliate our individual selves to the Linux
> > SIG.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >
> >
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-- =

D.C. Parris
Minister, Journalist, Free Software Advocate
https://www.xing.com/profile/Don_Parris
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dcparris
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