A concrete proposal for a Twin Cities Drupal User Group non-profit corporation

Late last year, Ben raised the issue of forming a local non-profit to manage our TC Drupal activities and budgets. This item is on the agenda for discussion at tonights meetings. Comments are welcome. We very much want to hear the opinions of others.

See agenda:

http://goo.gl/ai9HQU

Ben has shared a draft "Articles of Incorporation" and "By-Laws" for discussion. Here is my own summary of why this is important and how it might be implemented.

Motivation:

Our local Drupal Camp has accumulated a surplus of funds which has in the last year resulted in some proposals to spend Drupal Camp funds on events, trainings, or other initiatives that are not directly to Drupal camp. Currently, we lack any kind of structure or process for making these kinds of decisions. The goal of this proposal (in my mind) is to put in place a simple but formal structure for decision making and organization.

In summary, the by-laws propose that we elect a local board of nine members that will manage our local TC Drupal organization and be responsible for financial decisions. The board is only required to meet once per year and has the power to delegate decision making however it sees fit.

Here are some thoughts on how this MIGHT actually impact how our local group works. These ideas are offered for discussion.

Membership:

Membership is not required. However, the board might be elected by "members" of TC Drupal. Membership in TC Drupal could be determined by payment of "dues" or "participation" in local events. The board would have the authority to define membership.

Decision Making:

Currently, decisions are made by those who "show-up" at meetings with a strong preference towards reaching consensus. In general, this does not have to change, except in situations where the board may be called upon to resolve disputed issues or deal with financial issues.

Management of Finances:

Forming a non-profit does not mean that we sever our financial relationship with the Drupal Association. The board may choose to continue to use the Drupal Association as a fiscal agent. However, having a non-profit does provide us with a structure to make financial decisions. The board would have a treasurer who would be responsible for monitoring and reporting on the fiscal health of the organization.

Personally, I support the continued use of the Drupal Association as a fiscal agent.

Drupal Camp:

I assume that the board might play a role in approving an annual budget for Drupal Camp, but that day to day management would be vested in the Drupal Camp Committee chair.

Most of the above are my own ideas based upon conversations with others. However, they are only ideas for discussion.