2013 OSMF Articles of Association Update: Difference between revisions

These proposals are for a large part based on the [http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Strategic_working_group/Articles_of_Association_Review deliberations] of the defunct AoA working group. We expect to have the major urgendurgent non-controversial items decided on at the 2013 AGM. From a timeframetime frame point of view this implies that a final legal text be available latest beginning of August 2013. Controversial topics may have to be decided at a later date if it becomes clear that no consensus can be reached by roughly June 2013.

Currently the OSMF members have an unclear status. If they were considered to be members as described in the companies act, the foundation would have to gather complete address information and on request provide such information to members and third parties. Further the copaniescompanies act requires the board to formally accept members. The OSMF has to date done neither.

The AoA are silent on how membership can be terminated if at all. This is highly impractical. Further there may be situations in which we would want to exclude individuals from membership (membership fee not paispaid, asocial behaviour etc).

Modify the AoA to allow members to voluntary renounce their membership by sending a notice to the foundation secretary. Further allow the board to expellexpel members, such decisions can be appealledappealed to the AGM.

The current AoAs are not clear on if members that have not paid there membership fees are allowed to vote. Further there is no minimum membership duration specified making it posslblepossible to join immediately before an AGM and have voting rights there.