Southern CT Open Source User Group (SCOSUG), Inc. By Laws

Article I - Organization
Article II - Mission
Article III - Members and Voting
Article IV - Officers
Article V - Elections
Article VI - Indemnification, Compensation and Removal of Officers
Article VII - Enacting and Amending Bylaws Rules and Regulations

Article I - Organization

The Southern Connecticut Open Source User Group is organized as an independent non profit group, formed for the promotion of open source software. SCOSUGs principal offices are in New Haven, Connecticut. SCOSUG will maintain relations with local and national non-profit promoters of open source software as well as commercial open source companies and organizations.

Article II - Mission

SCOSUG is to provide information and technical training to its members in the various aspects of open source computing and networking.  To assist in the carrying out of these purposes, the corporation presently maintains and shall continue to maintain an active affiliation with various commercial open source enterprises and other open source user groups. Bylaws and policies shall be formulated and carried out in ways that promote a volunteer friendly environment.

Article III - Membership and Voting

SCOSUG shall have one class of voting members.  Members are those who have fulfilled the qualifications of active membership and are in good standing with SCOSUG. Each member is entitled to one vote on any voting activity. Each member in good standing shall have the right to participate fully in any activity sponsored by SCOSUG.

Article IV - Officers

Officers of SCOSUG shall have all executive powers enumerated in these Bylaws and such other powers are are ancillary to the proper discharge of their duties.

A. President

The President shall be responsible for the overall management of SCOSUG. The President is empowered to appoint committees, committee chairmen and other administrators to organize and supervise programs, perform staff functions, or carry out other tasks. The president is responsible for coordination of meetings, and oversight of committees responsible for sponsored events. The President shall coordinate and direct the activities of all executive officers for the efficient and proper administration of SCOSUG affairs.

B. Treasurer

The Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer of SCOSUG. He/She shall have charge of all monies of the group and shall keep a detailed account of the income and expenditures. The treasurer shall submit a statement of the financial condition of the group at executive meetings. Each year, with the cooperation of the president, the Treasurer shall prepare an Annual Budget of income and expenditures for the following fiscal year. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for the state and federal financial filings of the group.

C. Secretary

The Secretary shall be charged with distribution of information prior to all voting events. The Secretary shall also maintain the state and federal filings of the group including the currently approved By Laws.

D. Director of Public Relations

The Director of Public Relations shall be responsible for interaction with all press, and act as the group spokes-person.  The Director of Public Relations will maintain a place on all event panels and committees for the purpose of coordinating publication, and advertising of the group and group functions.

E. Board of Directors members (3)

There shall be 3 additional members of the executive board. One position shall be held by the departed President. The other two shall be voted upon by the members.  These Directors shall have influence in developing, coordination and executing plans and programs for the group.

Article V- Elections

At the November monthly meeting, any and all members wishing to be considered for election to the following offices shall submit their names, or have them submitted by an authorized representative, designating the office they are seeking. The office of the president shall be a 2 year term, voted on during odd numbered years. If any position receives no nominations, the current officer will be asked to continue their position. If necessary, a person may hold more then one position. A written statement will be circulated via electronic means to the members notifying the positions vacant and the candidates statements of support. Voting will be held during the December meeting. If a member is unable to be present, their vote may be submitted by alternative means as instituted by the group.

Article VI - Indemnification, Compensation and Removal of Officers

A.INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND OTHER DISTRICT OFFICIALS

Any officer or employee of  SCOSUG involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or of any other nature, by reason of the fact that he/she is a member, director, officer, employee or agent of SCOSUG, shall be indemnified and held harmless by SCOSUG to the fullest extent legally permissible against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlements, and expenses, including attorneys fees actually and reasonably incurred by such person in such action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal therein.  Such right of indemnification shall be a contract right which may be enforced in any manner whatsoever.  Such right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights which those indemnified may have or hereafter acquire under any bylaw, agreement, resolution, provision of law or otherwise.

B.COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS  

No officer shall be an employee of the District nor enter into any contract with or receive any compensation from the District.  Officers are entitled to reimbursement for authorized expenditures made on behalf of the District by submitting receipts or other documentation.

C.REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS

An officer may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the members on any of the following grounds

1. Conduct deemed contrary to the best interests of the SCOSUG
2. Failure to attend three consecutive monthly meetings

Prior to entertaining a vote for removal, the President or Secretary shall provide written notice to all members of the Executive Board, including the officer in question, stating the time and place of the meeting where the vote will take place and stating the cause for removal.  The Executive Board may, at any monthly meeting, by majority vote, elect an officer to fill a vacancy on an interim basis.

Article VII - Enacting and Amending Bylaws Rules and Regulations

Enactment of these By Laws is proposed for the February 2002 meeting and requires at least two thirds of the votes cast at the meeting. At all meetings of SCOSUG, Roberts Rules of Order will govern in the absence of any procedural rules adopted by the Executive Board.

Amendments of these By Laws and any of the Rules and Regulations adopted by SCOSUG will be made at regular monthly meetings, provided that the measure to be adopted has been initially proposed at another monthly meeting occurring at least 20 days prior and all members not present are notified via alternative means. All amendments to By Laws or Rules and Regulations of SCOSUG require at least two thirds of all votes cast.