Post by knossos on Dec 26, 2004 2:20:29 GMT -5
TEXT
USNS Members:
In order to form a more perfect Society, and in keeping with the spirit of discussions and debates on our alternate pre-USNS website, the UnrecognizedStatesNumismaticSociety@yahoogroups.com, there may be the need from time to time to propose motions, officer nominations, consider a structural framework, whether to consitute the Society as a non-profit corporation or unincorporated association, whether to expend funds on an advetising campaign and other such issues as pertaining to future development, growth and new member recruitment.
As of the time posting this message we have thirteen members, a fantastic website and the enthusiasm of founder Oded Paz.
Before officially nominating individuals or making motions, it seemed appropriate to get some feedback from members with respect to how they wish decisions to be made. Shall we simply elect individuals to three or four offices, such as president, treasurer, website keeper and such, and then let that officer have realatively free reign to perform his duties, or shall we as much as possible vote on detailed motions? Shall we only make motions and hold votes when discussing expenditure of funds? How long should a matter be pending before setting a deadline on submitting a vote?
This is your Society. Oded Paz created this Society to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of a unique variety of world coins. You have paid the dues. Mr. Paz has been left to do much of the organizational work because many of us do not volunteer to assist. Others, such as the host of this website, have made outstanding contributiion witth their own skills and talents.
Where we go from here is yours to decide. There even has been discussion of how we shall decide the direction in which we are headed. As of the posting of this message, advertising is being considered in major publications around the world from Britain to Australia to Sweden and across the USA. Ads mean new members and growth.
One issue much discussed recently has to do with formal constitution as a non-profit organization, incorporated or unincorporated, the benefits and drawbacks of taking this step. If the decision is made to formalize and constitute ourselves as a non-profit corporation or unincorporated assocoation it would mean the following possible benefits;
1) Internal Structure: The adoption of articles of association or incorporation. A formalized method of decision making, including motions, vote taking and election of officers with specific spheres of responsibility. The method of reaching a consensus on controversial topics or debated directions.
2) Financial: Income derived from dues, donations or fund raising would be free of taxation. Donations to the Society may be tax deductable, thus increasing liklihood of donations. The US Postal Service offers lower postage costs. Some advertisers may be willing to offer reduced rates.
3) Workers and Employees: Non-Profit status does permit the formal emplyment of workers or employees who can be paid something akin to a salary. When our budget may at some stage permit.
4) Increased Recognition: Greater recognition by felllow numismatic societies which have gone through a similar process. The opportunity to open bank accounts, receive funds and take other actions under the name of the USNS.
Draw-backs of non-profit status include:
1) Limitations on methods of raising funds: Only certain percentages of funds can be raised in unaffiliated methods. This means that we cannot raise 90% of funds from bake sales. A relief to most of us.
2) Mountains of paperwork: No explanation need be given, but I will. Numerous filings with local, state and federal government agencies (primarily the Federal Internal Revenue Service, the Franchise Tax Board - if in California), and local agencies., including deadlines, and some nominal fees. The local government is likely to ask for a ficticious name statement within the municipality of our founding, to formalize the name USNS. This may entail some local fees, an inexpensive local publication ad, and perhaps a little more costly notification requirements.
For those who may be saying to themselves "it is all Greek to me" (excluding those of us who may be Greek). I would like to direct you to a small 10 page summary for consideration. The website is available via an attorney locator service in California, but it seems an excellent summary of what we may be considering. This is; www.weblocator.com/attorney/ca/law/b09.html
From this same site we may, if need be, and if budget permits find the services of a local attorney who can at least assist with the formative documentation.
Another valuable source on non-profit formation, benefits and operations is a website sponsored by GE donations; www.boardsource.org
The IRS site can be a bit more cumbersome to plod thru. I've become quite aware of that. But, it does even include examples of organization Charters, Articles and Declaration.
But, as stated, this is your Society. Even if you have decided that time and other obligations does not permit
you the luxury of volunteering yourself for service, the Society still needs your input to help steer it's course.
The floor is now yours. Leave a motion or even just an opinion for procedure, expenditures, advertising, the taking of votes, proposals for offices or even a formal nomination of an individual to an office.
The normal rules of parlimentary procedure would hold that a quorem of members must vote, and a majority of votes cast be in approval of a motion or nomination to pass. A time deadline would need to be set, perhaps a week, or even a month at a specific hour.
If you see that a member has left a motion or nomination, please just take a moment to cast your vote. Mr. Paz created this Society for you, and you have paid your fees. Where do you want to go from here?
Stephen
USNS Members:
In order to form a more perfect Society, and in keeping with the spirit of discussions and debates on our alternate pre-USNS website, the UnrecognizedStatesNumismaticSociety@yahoogroups.com, there may be the need from time to time to propose motions, officer nominations, consider a structural framework, whether to consitute the Society as a non-profit corporation or unincorporated association, whether to expend funds on an advetising campaign and other such issues as pertaining to future development, growth and new member recruitment.
As of the time posting this message we have thirteen members, a fantastic website and the enthusiasm of founder Oded Paz.
Before officially nominating individuals or making motions, it seemed appropriate to get some feedback from members with respect to how they wish decisions to be made. Shall we simply elect individuals to three or four offices, such as president, treasurer, website keeper and such, and then let that officer have realatively free reign to perform his duties, or shall we as much as possible vote on detailed motions? Shall we only make motions and hold votes when discussing expenditure of funds? How long should a matter be pending before setting a deadline on submitting a vote?
This is your Society. Oded Paz created this Society to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of a unique variety of world coins. You have paid the dues. Mr. Paz has been left to do much of the organizational work because many of us do not volunteer to assist. Others, such as the host of this website, have made outstanding contributiion witth their own skills and talents.
Where we go from here is yours to decide. There even has been discussion of how we shall decide the direction in which we are headed. As of the posting of this message, advertising is being considered in major publications around the world from Britain to Australia to Sweden and across the USA. Ads mean new members and growth.
One issue much discussed recently has to do with formal constitution as a non-profit organization, incorporated or unincorporated, the benefits and drawbacks of taking this step. If the decision is made to formalize and constitute ourselves as a non-profit corporation or unincorporated assocoation it would mean the following possible benefits;
1) Internal Structure: The adoption of articles of association or incorporation. A formalized method of decision making, including motions, vote taking and election of officers with specific spheres of responsibility. The method of reaching a consensus on controversial topics or debated directions.
2) Financial: Income derived from dues, donations or fund raising would be free of taxation. Donations to the Society may be tax deductable, thus increasing liklihood of donations. The US Postal Service offers lower postage costs. Some advertisers may be willing to offer reduced rates.
3) Workers and Employees: Non-Profit status does permit the formal emplyment of workers or employees who can be paid something akin to a salary. When our budget may at some stage permit.
4) Increased Recognition: Greater recognition by felllow numismatic societies which have gone through a similar process. The opportunity to open bank accounts, receive funds and take other actions under the name of the USNS.
Draw-backs of non-profit status include:
1) Limitations on methods of raising funds: Only certain percentages of funds can be raised in unaffiliated methods. This means that we cannot raise 90% of funds from bake sales. A relief to most of us.
2) Mountains of paperwork: No explanation need be given, but I will. Numerous filings with local, state and federal government agencies (primarily the Federal Internal Revenue Service, the Franchise Tax Board - if in California), and local agencies., including deadlines, and some nominal fees. The local government is likely to ask for a ficticious name statement within the municipality of our founding, to formalize the name USNS. This may entail some local fees, an inexpensive local publication ad, and perhaps a little more costly notification requirements.
For those who may be saying to themselves "it is all Greek to me" (excluding those of us who may be Greek). I would like to direct you to a small 10 page summary for consideration. The website is available via an attorney locator service in California, but it seems an excellent summary of what we may be considering. This is; www.weblocator.com/attorney/ca/law/b09.html
From this same site we may, if need be, and if budget permits find the services of a local attorney who can at least assist with the formative documentation.
Another valuable source on non-profit formation, benefits and operations is a website sponsored by GE donations; www.boardsource.org
The IRS site can be a bit more cumbersome to plod thru. I've become quite aware of that. But, it does even include examples of organization Charters, Articles and Declaration.
But, as stated, this is your Society. Even if you have decided that time and other obligations does not permit
you the luxury of volunteering yourself for service, the Society still needs your input to help steer it's course.
The floor is now yours. Leave a motion or even just an opinion for procedure, expenditures, advertising, the taking of votes, proposals for offices or even a formal nomination of an individual to an office.
The normal rules of parlimentary procedure would hold that a quorem of members must vote, and a majority of votes cast be in approval of a motion or nomination to pass. A time deadline would need to be set, perhaps a week, or even a month at a specific hour.
If you see that a member has left a motion or nomination, please just take a moment to cast your vote. Mr. Paz created this Society for you, and you have paid your fees. Where do you want to go from here?
Stephen