Simplify the articles #18
Description
It seems to me that the hackerspace has a strong but small community that has been fairly steady in numbers over the decade. Also there are a core group of members/directors who are long standing and by their very nature bring protection to the hackspace. It is my view that the articles are unnecessarily complex, prescriptive and a simplier version would better mirror the company. Appreciate this is quite a significant change to propose and considerable effort has been put into these articles but here goes...💣 (also other proposed changes to articles will need to be incorporated appropriately, e.g. #17
The process by which we simplify them may be difficult and it might just be easier to leave them as is 😅 Also to agree the specific words by the AGM may be too shorter timeframe, and perhaps time would be spent determining if simplifying is worth doing, and agreeing on the top priorities for the articles, then work the actual words later and altered by way of written resolution later.
Here's an attempt which tries to capture what I think are the key items from the original articles to get us started:
Articles of Association for 57North Hacklab Ltd
1. Name and Location
- The organisation is called 57North Hacklab Ltd ("the Hacklab").
- The Hacklab is based in Scotland and holds activities in Aberdeen.
2. Purpose
The Hacklab exists to:
- Support creativity and learning in tech, science, and art.
- Run events for the community.
- Encourage the use of open technologies and ideas.
- Provide shared tools, space, and equipment to members.
3. Membership
- Open to anyone aged 18 or over.
- Members pay a monthly fee.
- Members can bring guests and use Hacklab resources.
- Membership ends if:
- A member resigns or dies.
- Fees are unpaid for 2 months (after at least one reminder).
- A general meeting votes to expel them (with 21 days' notice and an opportunity to respond).
4. Governance
The Board
- The Hacklab is managed by a board of 5 directors, including a Treasurer.
- The Board handles finances, operations, and policy.
- Board decisions require a quorum of 3 directors and are made by majority vote.
- Only members can be directors.
- Directors must act in the best interests of the Hacklab.
- Directors are not paid.
- Once per year, the board must notify members and provide an opportunity for existing directors to step down and for new directors to be nominated from the membership. If there are more nominees than available positions, an election will be held.
Member Decisions
- Members can make decisions at general meetings or through written agreement.
- A general meeting can be called if requested by at least 5 members.
- Meetings require 14 days’ notice, and 5 members present to be valid.
- Most decisions are made by simple majority; key decisions (such as, expelling a member, changing articles, dissolving the Hacklab) require a two-thirds majority.
- Members can vote in person or by proxy.
- A member is considered present if they can communicate with others at the meeting.
5. Finances
- Proper accounts must be kept and appropriately reported to the membership on an annual basis
- Operation of financial accounts shall be conducted by one or more directors
- Operations must be pre-approved at a board meeting or via mailing list consensus requiring two directors' approvals unless opposed by a board majority.
6. Dissolution
- If the Hacklab closes, any remaining assets (after debts) will be distributed among members, proportional to their contributions over the last 5 years.
7. Changes to Articles
- These articles can be changed by a two-thirds majority of members at a general meeting or by written agreement of two-thirds of members.