The Linux Counter Organization - Charter

Purpose

The Linux Counter Organization is a non-profit organization established to encourage, promote and support the counting of Linux users.

The Organization is a nonprofit membership organization, registered under Norwegian law.

Membership

In order to become a member, a candidate must be sponsored by an existing member, and agree to support the purposes of the Organization.

Any other obligations on members need the approval of the Membership Meeting.

A Member who acts egregiously against the interests and purposes of the Organization may be stripped of its membership by a 3/5 majority vote of the Board of Directors; this decision may be appealed to the Membership Meeting, which may confirm the expulsion by a simple majority vote.

Initial members are those present at the Inauguration Meeting.

Membership Meeting

The ruling body of the Organization is the Membership Meeting.

The meeting may be physical or electronic, provided adequate proof of the identity of participants can be provided.

Write-in ballots are permitted, provided adequate proof of identity is ensured, such as trustworthy PGP keys or certificates.

The Membership Meetings occur at least once a year.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the decision making body of the Organization whenever the Membership Meeting is not in session.

The Board Of Directors consists of a Chair and five members, and is selected at the Membership Meeting.

The Board conducts its business in any way it sees fit.

Decisions by the Board are made by majority vote; in the case of a tie, the Chair may cast a tie-breaking vote.

Executive Director

The Board may appoint an Executive Director, who can speak on behalf of the Organization.

Changes to the Charter

The Charter may be changed by a vote of the Membership Meeting. At least 1/3 of Members must be represented in the vote, and at least 2/3 of the votes cast must be in favour of the change.

Dissolving the Organization

The Organization may be dissolved by 2/3 majority vote at 2 consecutive Membership Meetings, separated by at least 3 months.

In this case, the final Membership Meeting decides on the disposal of any assets belonging to the Organization.

Commencement

This charter was approved at the Inauguration Meeting on May 1, 1999.