[History of Bylaws changes]
Bylaws of Free State Project, Inc.
Adopted April 6, 2002, Revised: 12/15/02, 09/13/03,
10/04/03
- Office
- The principal office of the Free State Project, Inc. (henceforth "FSP") is
located in Clark County, State of Nevada.
- The designation of the county or state of the FSP's principal address may
be changed by amendment of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may change the
principal office from one location to another within the named county by noting
the changed address and effective date below, and such changes of address shall
not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these Bylaws:
737 Brick Dr., Henderson, NV 89015 Dated: April 6,
2002
- The FSP may also have offices at such other places, within or without its
state of incorporation, where it is qualified to do business, as its business
and activities may require, and as the Board of Directors may, from time to
time, designate.
Purpose
- Primary activities. The primary activities of the FSP shall be: 1) the
dissemination of information on the benefits of a coordinated move by advocates
of the minimal state to a single state of the United States; 2) the
distribution of a Statement of Intent (definition below) for signature by those
willing to undertake such a move.
- Prohibited activities. The FSP shall not attempt to influence the
election of candidates to public office, nor shall the FSP attempt to influence
the passage of any specific piece of legislation. The primary objective of the
FSP is a coordinated move by persons of a specific ethical philosophy
the achievement of this objective does not depend on any legislation or defeat
of legislation. No part of the net earnings of the FSP shall inure to the
benefit of, or be distributable to, its Directors, Officers, or other private
persons, except that the FSP shall be authorized and empowered to pay
reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and
distributions in furtherance of the purposes of the FSP. The activities of the
FSP shall be limited to exempt purposes as set forth in section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
- Dissolution. Should the FSP dissolve, its remaining assets shall be
distributed for an exempt purpose.
Directors
- Original Directors. There shall be five Directors of the FSP. The
original Directors of the FSP shall be Debra Ricketts, Henderson, Nevada;
Elizabeth McKinstry, Hillsdale, Michigan; Robert Vroman Sternberg, St. Louis,
Missouri; Jason Sorens, Asheville, North Carolina; Joseph Littlejohn,
Vacaville, California. [Following the resignations of Robert Vroman Sternberg
and Joseph Littlejohn, Matthew Cheselka and Timothy Condon became Directors.]
The Directors collectively shall be known as the Board of Directors. Subject
to the provisions of the laws of Nevada and any limitations in the Articles of
Incorporation and these Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be
taken or approved by the members, if any, of this corporation, the activities
and affairs of this corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers
shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
- Term of Directors. As of September 15, 2003, the full term of a Director
shall be sixteen months. Directors shall serve staggered terms as follows:
Position One is occupied by Tim Condon as of September 15, 2003, whose partial
term shall complete January 15, 2004; Position Two is occupied by Mary Lou
Seymour, whose partial term shall complete May 15, 2004; Position Three is
occupied by Matthew Cheselka, whose partial term shall complete September 15,
2004; Position Four is occupied by Amanda Maxwell, whose partial term shall
complete January 15, 2005; Position Five is occupied by Jason Sorens, whose
full term shall expire May 15, 2005.
- Replacing Directors. When a Director's term completes, the Board shall
select a new person as Director for that Position. After four months off the
Board, a former Director is again eligible for election to the Board. If a
Director has fulfilled the remainder of a term (in replacing a vacancy due to
early removal or resignation only) less than six months in duration, that
Director will be eligible for re-election to the same Position without an
interim period of four months. The Board may delegate the right of selection to
FSP Participants and may set the terms, conditions, and requirements of a vote
of the Participants. A Director may be removed before the completion of his or
her term only by a unanimous vote of the other four Directors or by voluntary
resignation. In the event of a resignation or removal, a new Director shall be
elected within a reasonable time period, not to exceed two months. The
affirmative vote of any three of the four remaining Directors shall be
sufficient to elect a new Director. Any new Director must be a signer of the
Statement of Intent and of the age of majority or emancipation in the state of
Nevada and in his or her state of residence.
- Amendment of the Bylaws. These Bylaws, the whole or any part thereof, may
be amended by the affirmative vote of five Directors.
- Duties. It shall be the duty of the directors to:
- Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by
law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws;
- Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and, except as otherwise
provided in these Bylaws, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if
any, of all officers, agents, and employees of the Free State Project, Inc.;
- Supervise all officers, agents, and employees of the Free State Project,
Inc. to assure that their duties are performed properly;
- Meet at such times as required by these Bylaws;
- Register their addresses and e-mail addresses with the Secretary of the
FSP, and notices of meetings mailed or e-mailed to them at such addresses shall
be valid notices thereof.
- Compensation. Directors shall serve without compensation except that a
reasonable fee may be paid to Directors for attending regular and special
meetings of the Board. In addition, they shall be allowed reasonable
advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties.
- Meetings. Meetings shall be held if called by the Chairman of the
Board. The Chairman of the Board must call a meeting when required by these
Bylaws or when requested by any two members of the Board, as certified by the
Secretary. At least one week's prior notice of the meeting must be given to
all Directors by the Secretary. The Board of Directors may hold meetings on an
emergency basis without one week notice, if all five Directors agree. Meetings
may be held in person or via telephone or electronic messaging, and notices of
meetings may be given in likewise fashion. Meetings and valid votes must be
held synchronously. Meetings of the Board shall be presided over by the
Chairman of the Board or, in his or her absence, by such person as chosen by a
majority of Directors present at the meeting. The Secretary of the FSP shall
act as secretary of all meetings of the Board provided that, in his or her
absence, the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act as secretary
of the meeting.
- Non-liability and Indemnification. The Directors shall not be personally
liable for the debts, liabilities, and other obligations of the FSP. The
Directors and Officers of the FSP shall be indemnified by the FSP to the
fullest extent permissible under the laws of Nevada.
Officers
- Electing Officers. Offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and
Treasurer shall be maintained and filled expeditiously in the event of
vacancies. The affirmative vote of any three Directors shall be sufficient to
pass a motion of election or removal of any Officer. Any person may serve as
an Officer of this corporation. Directors are not prohibited from serving as
Officers, nor are individuals prohibited from serving in two or more Offices at
once.
- President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the FSP
and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, supervise and
control the affairs of the FSP and the activities of the Officers. He or she
shall perform all duties incident to his or her office and such other duties as
may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws,
or which may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Except as
otherwise expressly provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by
these Bylaws, he or she shall, in the name of the FSP, execute such deeds,
mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks, or other instruments which may from time
to time be authorized by the Board of Directors.
- Vice-President. In the absence of the President, or in the event of his
or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice-President shall perform all the
duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and
be subject to, all the restrictions on the President. The Vice-President shall
have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, by
the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or as may be prescribed by
the Board of Directors.
- Secretary. The Secretary shall:
- Certify and keep the original, or a copy, of these Bylaws as amended or
otherwise altered to date, at his or her residence or in electronic format;
- Keep at his or her residence, or in electronic format, a book of minutes
of all meetings of the Directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of
the FSP, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or
special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present
or represented at the meeting, and the proceedings thereof;
- See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of
these Bylaws or as required by law;
- Be custodian of the records and of the seal of the FSP and affix the seal,
as authorized by law or the provisions of these Bylaws, to duly executed
documents of the FSP;
- Keep at his or her residence or in electronic format a record of the
signers of the Statement of Intent, their names and addresses;
- Exhibit at all reasonable times to any Director of the FSP, or to his or
her agent or attorney, on request therefor, the Bylaws, the record of the
signers of the Statement of Intent, and the minutes of the proceedings of the
Directors of the FSP;
- In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and
such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation,
or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by
the Board of Directors.
- Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
- Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and
securities of the FSP, and deposit all such funds in the name of the FSP in
such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the
Board of Directors;
- Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the FSP from any
source whatsoever;
- Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the FSP as may be
directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements;
- Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the FSP's properties
and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities,
receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses;
- Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records
to any Director of the FSP, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request
therefor;
- Render to the President and Directors, whenever requested, an account of
any or all of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial
condition of the FSP;
- Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified,
the financial statements to be included in any required reports;
- In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and
such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation
of the FSP, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from
time to time by the Board of Directors.
- Compensation. The salaries of the Officers, if any, shall be fixed from
time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. In all cases, any
salaries received by Officers of this corporation shall be reasonable and given
in return for services actually rendered to or for the FSP.
Committees
- Committees for special purposes may be formed, elected, and terminated by
the vote of any three Directors. These committees may consist of persons who
are not also members of the Board and shall act in an advisory capacity to the
Board.
- Meetings of the Committees. Meetings and action of committees shall be
governed by, noticed, held, and taken in accordance with the provisions of
these Bylaws concerning meetings of the Board of Directors, with such changes
in the context of such Bylaws provisions as are necessary to substitute the
committee and its members for the Board of Directors and its members, except
that the time for regular and special meetings of committees may be fixed by
resolution of the Board of Directors or by the committee. The Board of
Directors may also adopt rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of
meetings of committees to the extent that such rules and regulations are not
inconsistent with the provisions of these Bylaws.
Execution of Instruments, Deposits, and Funds
- Execution of Instruments. The Board of Directors, except as otherwise
provided in these Bylaws, may by resolution authorize any Officer or agent of
the FSP to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the
name of and on behalf of the FSP, and such authority may be general or confined
to specific instances. Unless so authorized, no Officer, agent, or employee
shall have any power or authority to bind the FSP by any contract or engagement
or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in
any amount.
- Checks and Notes. Except as otherwise specifically determined by
resolution of the Board of Directors, or as otherwise required by law, checks,
drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence
of indebtedness of the FSP shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned
by the President of the FSP.
- Deposits. All funds of the FSP shall be deposited from time to time to
the credit of the FSP in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as
the Board of Directors may select.
- The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the FSP any contribution,
gift, bequest, or devise for the nonprofit purposes of this corporation.
Statement of Intent
- The FSP shall circulate a Statement of Intent, indicating that the signer
will: a) move to the state designated according to the rules laid out in the
Participation Guidelines (which Guidelines shall reflect the provisions set
forth in these Bylaws); b) work toward a society in which the sole role of
civil government is the protection of persons' rights to life, liberty, and
property. The Statement shall become void three years after signing should the
designation of the state not have occurred by that time.
- The Statement of Intent is not a contract and is not intended to be
legally enforced.
- The FSP shall not require dues or contributions of any kind for the right
to sign the Statement of Intent and to participate in the move.
- Participation Guidelines. Once 5,000 people have signed the Statement,
voting shall commence on a state where all participants should move. All
sufficiently small states, as determined by the Directors or a committee set up
by the Directors for this purpose, shall be considered. The voting shall
proceed according to Simple Condorcet's Method (a method of voting whereby
voters rank all candidates, and candidates are then compared against each other
in pairwise contests, the only unbeaten candidate being the winner if no
unbeaten candidate exists, the smallest-magnitude defeats are eliminated until
one candidate is unbeaten). All signers of the Statement of Intent have the
right to participate in the vote; no one who has not signed the Statement of
Intent may participate. All ballots shall be made available for verification
to all voters after the voting has concluded. Postal and electronic ballots
shall be valid methods of voting.
- Once 20,000 people have signed the Statement, the signers shall move to
the state decided upon as expeditiously as possible and absolutely within five
years of the achievement of the 20,000-signer threshold. Should the Statement
never attract 20,000 signers, no signer shall be held responsible to move.
Construction and Terms
If there is any conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the
Articles of Incorporation of the FSP, the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation shall govern. Should any of the provisions of portions of these
Bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining
provisions and portions of these Bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.
Addresses of Original Directors:
Jason P. Sorens
385 Canner St., Apt. 2
New Haven, CT 06511
jsorens@freestateproject.org
Joseph Littlejohn
5107 Midway Rd.
Vacaville, CA 95688
freelinjpl@mac.com
Debra Ricketts
737 Brick Dr.
Henderson, NV 89015
dricketts@subdimension.com
Robert Vroman Sternberg
6659 Washington 1W
St. Louis, MO 63130
vroman18@yahoo.com
Elizabeth McKinstry
32 State Circle
Hillsdale, MI 49242
emckinst@hotmail.com
[History of Bylaws changes]
Bylaws of Free State Project, Inc.
Adopted April 6, 2002, Revised: 12/15/02, 09/13/03
- Office
- The principal office of the Free State Project, Inc. (henceforth "FSP") is
located in Clark County, State of Nevada.
- The designation of the county or state of the FSP's principal address may
be changed by amendment of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may change the
principal office from one location to another within the named county by noting
the changed address and effective date below, and such changes of address shall
not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these Bylaws:
737 Brick Dr., Henderson, NV 89015 Dated: April 6,
2002
- The FSP may also have offices at such other places, within or without its
state of incorporation, where it is qualified to do business, as its business
and activities may require, and as the Board of Directors may, from time to
time, designate.
Purpose
- Primary activities. The primary activities of the FSP shall be: 1) the
dissemination of information on the benefits of a coordinated move by advocates
of the minimal state to a single state of the United States; 2) the
distribution of a Statement of Intent (definition below) for signature by those
willing to undertake such a move.
- Prohibited activities. The FSP shall not attempt to influence the
election of candidates to public office, nor shall the FSP attempt to influence
the passage of any specific piece of legislation. The primary objective of the
FSP is a coordinated move by persons of a specific ethical philosophy
the achievement of this objective does not depend on any legislation or defeat
of legislation. No part of the net earnings of the FSP shall inure to the
benefit of, or be distributable to, its Directors, Officers, or other private
persons, except that the FSP shall be authorized and empowered to pay
reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and
distributions in furtherance of the purposes of the FSP. The activities of the
FSP shall be limited to exempt purposes as set forth in section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
- Dissolution. Should the FSP dissolve, its remaining assets shall be
distributed for an exempt purpose.
Directors
- Original Directors. There shall be five Directors of the FSP. The
original Directors of the FSP shall be Debra Ricketts, Henderson, Nevada;
Elizabeth McKinstry, Hillsdale, Michigan; Robert Vroman Sternberg, St. Louis,
Missouri; Jason Sorens, Asheville, North Carolina; Joseph Littlejohn,
Vacaville, California. [Following the resignations of Robert Vroman Sternberg
and Joseph Littlejohn, Matthew Cheselka and Timothy Condon became Directors.]
The Directors collectively shall be known as the Board of Directors. Subject
to the provisions of the laws of Nevada and any limitations in the Articles of
Incorporation and these Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be
taken or approved by the members, if any, of this corporation, the activities
and affairs of this corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers
shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
- Term of Directors. As of September 15, 2003, the full term of a Director
shall be sixteen months. Directors shall serve staggered terms as follows:
Position One is occupied by Tim Condon as of September 15, 2003, whose partial
term shall complete January 15, 2004; Position Two is occupied by Mary Lou
Seymour, whose partial term shall complete May 15, 2004; Position Three is
occupied by Matthew Cheselka, whose partial term shall complete September 15,
2004; Position Four is occupied by Amanda Maxwell, whose partial term shall
complete January 15, 2005; Position Five is occupied by Jason Sorens, whose
full term shall expire May 15, 2005.
- Replacing Directors. When a Director's term completes, the Board shall
select a new person as Director for that Position. After four months off the
Board, a former Director is again eligible for election to the Board. If a
Director has fulfilled the remainder of a term (in replacing a vacancy due to
early removal or resignation only) less than six months in duration, that
Director will be eligible for re-election to the same Position without an
interim period of four months. The Board may delegate the right of selection to
FSP Participants and may set the terms, conditions, and requirements of a vote
of the Participants. A Director may be removed before the completion of his or
her term only by a unanimous vote of the other four Directors or by voluntary
resignation. In the event of a resignation or removal, a new Director shall be
elected within a reasonable time period, not to exceed two months. The
affirmative vote of any three of the four remaining Directors shall be
sufficient to elect a new Director. Any new Director must be a signer of the
Statement of Intent and of the age of majority or emancipation in the state of
Nevada and in his or her state of residence.
- Amendment of the Bylaws. These Bylaws, the whole or any part thereof, may
be amended by the affirmative vote of five Directors.
- Duties. It shall be the duty of the directors to:
- Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by
law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws;
- Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and, except as otherwise
provided in these Bylaws, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if
any, of all officers, agents, and employees of the Free State Project, Inc.;
- Supervise all officers, agents, and employees of the Free State Project,
Inc. to assure that their duties are performed properly;
- Meet at such times as required by these Bylaws;
- Register their addresses and e-mail addresses with the Secretary of the
FSP, and notices of meetings mailed or e-mailed to them at such addresses shall
be valid notices thereof.
- Compensation. Directors shall serve without compensation except that a
reasonable fee may be paid to Directors for attending regular and special
meetings of the Board. In addition, they shall be allowed reasonable
advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties.
- Meetings. Meetings shall be held if called by the Chairman of the
Board. The Chairman of the Board must call a meeting when required by these
Bylaws or when requested by any two members of the Board, as certified by the
Secretary. At least one week's prior notice of the meeting must be given to
all Directors by the Secretary. Meetings may be held in person or via
telephone or electronic messaging, and notices of meetings may be given in
likewise fashion. Meetings and valid votes must be held synchronously. Meetings
of the Board shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board or, in his or
her absence, by such person as chosen by a majority of Directors present at the
meeting. The Secretary of the FSP shall act as secretary of all meetings of the
Board provided that, in his or her absence, the presiding officer shall appoint
another person to act as secretary of the meeting.
- Non-liability and Indemnification. The Directors shall not be personally
liable for the debts, liabilities, and other obligations of the FSP. The
Directors and Officers of the FSP shall be indemnified by the FSP to the
fullest extent permissible under the laws of Nevada.
Officers
- Electing Officers. Offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and
Treasurer shall be maintained and filled expeditiously in the event of
vacancies. The affirmative vote of any three Directors shall be sufficient to
pass a motion of election or removal of any Officer. Any person may serve as
an Officer of this corporation. Directors are not prohibited from serving as
Officers, nor are individuals prohibited from serving in two or more Offices at
once.
- President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the FSP
and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, supervise and
control the affairs of the FSP and the activities of the Officers. He or she
shall perform all duties incident to his or her office and such other duties as
may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws,
or which may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Except as
otherwise expressly provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by
these Bylaws, he or she shall, in the name of the FSP, execute such deeds,
mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks, or other instruments which may from time
to time be authorized by the Board of Directors.
- Vice-President. In the absence of the President, or in the event of his
or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice-President shall perform all the
duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and
be subject to, all the restrictions on the President. The Vice-President shall
have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, by
the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or as may be prescribed by
the Board of Directors.
- Secretary. The Secretary shall:
- Certify and keep the original, or a copy, of these Bylaws as amended or
otherwise altered to date, at his or her residence or in electronic format;
- Keep at his or her residence, or in electronic format, a book of minutes
of all meetings of the Directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of
the FSP, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or
special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present
or represented at the meeting, and the proceedings thereof;
- See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of
these Bylaws or as required by law;
- Be custodian of the records and of the seal of the FSP and affix the seal,
as authorized by law or the provisions of these Bylaws, to duly executed
documents of the FSP;
- Keep at his or her residence or in electronic format a record of the
signers of the Statement of Intent, their names and addresses;
- Exhibit at all reasonable times to any Director of the FSP, or to his or
her agent or attorney, on request therefor, the Bylaws, the record of the
signers of the Statement of Intent, and the minutes of the proceedings of the
Directors of the FSP;
- In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and
such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation,
or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by
the Board of Directors.
- Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
- Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and
securities of the FSP, and deposit all such funds in the name of the FSP in
such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the
Board of Directors;
- Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the FSP from any
source whatsoever;
- Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the FSP as may be
directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements;
- Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the FSP's properties
and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities,
receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses;
- Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records
to any Director of the FSP, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request
therefor;
- Render to the President and Directors, whenever requested, an account of
any or all of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial
condition of the FSP;
- Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified,
the financial statements to be included in any required reports;
- In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and
such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation
of the FSP, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from
time to time by the Board of Directors.
- Compensation. The salaries of the Officers, if any, shall be fixed from
time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. In all cases, any
salaries received by Officers of this corporation shall be reasonable and given
in return for services actually rendered to or for the FSP.
Committees
- Committees for special purposes may be formed, elected, and terminated by
the vote of any three Directors. These committees may consist of persons who
are not also members of the Board and shall act in an advisory capacity to the
Board.
- Meetings of the Committees. Meetings and action of committees shall be
governed by, noticed, held, and taken in accordance with the provisions of
these Bylaws concerning meetings of the Board of Directors, with such changes
in the context of such Bylaws provisions as are necessary to substitute the
committee and its members for the Board of Directors and its members, except
that the time for regular and special meetings of committees may be fixed by
resolution of the Board of Directors or by the committee. The Board of
Directors may also adopt rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of
meetings of committees to the extent that such rules and regulations are not
inconsistent with the provisions of these Bylaws.
Execution of Instruments, Deposits, and Funds
- Execution of Instruments. The Board of Directors, except as otherwise
provided in these Bylaws, may by resolution authorize any Officer or agent of
the FSP to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the
name of and on behalf of the FSP, and such authority may be general or confined
to specific instances. Unless so authorized, no Officer, agent, or employee
shall have any power or authority to bind the FSP by any contract or engagement
or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in
any amount.
- Checks and Notes. Except as otherwise specifically determined by
resolution of the Board of Directors, or as otherwise required by law, checks,
drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence
of indebtedness of the FSP shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned
by the President of the FSP.
- Deposits. All funds of the FSP shall be deposited from time to time to
the credit of the FSP in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as
the Board of Directors may select.
- The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the FSP any contribution,
gift, bequest, or devise for the nonprofit purposes of this corporation.
Statement of Intent
- The FSP shall circulate a Statement of Intent, indicating that the signer
will: a) move to the state designated according to the rules laid out in the
Participation Guidelines (which Guidelines shall reflect the provisions set
forth in these Bylaws); b) work toward a society in which the sole role of
civil government is the protection of persons' rights to life, liberty, and
property. The Statement shall become void three years after signing should the
designation of the state not have occurred by that time.
- The Statement of Intent is not a contract and is not intended to be
legally enforced.
- The FSP shall not require dues or contributions of any kind for the right
to sign the Statement of Intent and to participate in the move.
- Participation Guidelines. Once 5,000 people have signed the Statement,
voting shall commence on a state where all participants should move. All
sufficiently small states, as determined by the Directors or a committee set up
by the Directors for this purpose, shall be considered. The voting shall
proceed according to Simple Condorcet's Method (a method of voting whereby
voters rank all candidates, and candidates are then compared against each other
in pairwise contests, the only unbeaten candidate being the winner if no
unbeaten candidate exists, the smallest-magnitude defeats are eliminated until
one candidate is unbeaten). All signers of the Statement of Intent have the
right to participate in the vote; no one who has not signed the Statement of
Intent may participate. All ballots shall be made available for verification
to all voters after the voting has concluded. Postal and electronic ballots
shall be valid methods of voting.
- Once 20,000 people have signed the Statement, the signers shall move to
the state decided upon as expeditiously as possible and absolutely within five
years of the achievement of the 20,000-signer threshold. Should the Statement
never attract 20,000 signers, no signer shall be held responsible to move.
Construction and Terms
If there is any conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the
Articles of Incorporation of the FSP, the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation shall govern. Should any of the provisions of portions of these
Bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining
provisions and portions of these Bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.
Addresses of Original Directors:
Jason P. Sorens
385 Canner St., Apt. 2
New Haven, CT 06511
jsorens@freestateproject.org
Joseph Littlejohn
5107 Midway Rd.
Vacaville, CA 95688
freelinjpl@mac.com
Debra Ricketts
737 Brick Dr.
Henderson, NV 89015
dricketts@subdimension.com
Robert Vroman Sternberg
6659 Washington 1W
St. Louis, MO 63130
vroman18@yahoo.com
Elizabeth McKinstry
32 State Circle
Hillsdale, MI 49242
emckinst@hotmail.com
[History of Bylaws changes]
Bylaws of Free State Project, Inc.
Adopted April 6, 2002, Revised December 15, 2002
- Office
- The principal office of the Free State Project, Inc. (henceforth "FSP") is
located in Clark County, State of Nevada.
- The designation of the county or state of the FSP's principal address may
be changed by amendment of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may change the
principal office from one location to another within the named county by noting
the changed address and effective date below, and such changes of address shall
not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these Bylaws:
737 Brick Dr., Henderson, NV 89015 Dated: April 6, 2002
- The FSP may also have offices at such other places, within or without its
state of incorporation, where it is qualified to do business, as its business
and activities may require, and as the Board of Directors may, from time to
time, designate.
- Purpose
- Primary activities. The primary activities of the FSP shall be: 1) the
dissemination of information on the benefits of a coordinated move by advocates
of the minimal state to a single state of the United States; 2) the
distribution of a Statement of Intent (definition below) for signature by those
willing to undertake such a move.
- Prohibited activities. The FSP shall not attempt to influence the
election of candidates to public office, nor shall the FSP attempt to influence
the passage of any specific piece of legislation. The primary objective of the
FSP is a coordinated move by persons of a specific ethical philosophy
the achievement of this objective does not depend on any legislation or defeat
of legislation. No part of the net earnings of the FSP shall inure to the
benefit of, or be distributable to, its Directors, Officers, or other private
persons, except that the FSP shall be authorized and empowered to pay
reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and
distributions in furtherance of the purposes of the FSP. The activities of the
FSP shall be limited to exempt purposes as set forth in section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
- Dissolution. Should the FSP dissolve, its remaining assets shall be
distributed for an exempt purpose.
- Directors
- Original Directors. There shall be five Directors of the FSP. The
original Directors of the FSP shall be Debra Ricketts, Henderson, Nevada;
Elizabeth McKinstry, Hillsdale, Michigan; Robert Vroman Sternberg, St. Louis,
Missouri; Jason Sorens, Asheville, North Carolina; Joseph Littlejohn,
Vacaville, California. [Following the resignations of Robert Vroman Sternberg
and Joseph Littlejohn, Matthew Cheselka and Timothy Condon became Directors.]
The Directors collectively shall be known as the Board of Directors. Subject
to the provisions of the laws of Nevada and any limitations in the Articles of
Incorporation and these Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be
taken or approved by the members, if any, of this corporation, the activities
and affairs of this corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers
shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
- Replacing Directors. A Director may be removed only by a unanimous vote
of the other four Directors or by voluntary resignation. In the event of a
resignation or removal, a new Director shall be elected within a reasonable
time period. The affirmative vote of any three of the four remaining Directors
shall be sufficient to elect a new Director. Any new Director must be a signer
of the Statement of Intent and of the age of majority in the state of Nevada
and in his or her state of residence.
- Amendment of the Bylaws. These Bylaws, the whole or any part thereof, may
be amended by the affirmative vote of five Directors.
- Duties. It shall be the duty of the directors to:
- Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by
law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws;
- Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and, except as otherwise
provided in these Bylaws, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if
any, of all officers, agents, and employees of the Free State Project, Inc.;
- Supervise all officers, agents, and employees of the Free State Project,
Inc. to assure that their duties are performed properly;
- Meet at such times as required by these Bylaws;
- Register their addresses and e-mail addresses with the Secretary of the
FSP, and notices of meetings mailed or e-mailed to them at such addresses shall
be valid notices thereof.
- Compensation. Directors shall serve without compensation except that a
reasonable fee may be paid to Directors for attending regular and special
meetings of the Board. In addition, they shall be allowed reasonable
advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties.
- Meetings. Meetings shall be held if called by any two members of the
Board. At least one week's prior notice of the meeting must be given to all
Directors by the Secretary. Meetings may be held via telephone, e-mail, or
other means of electronic messaging, and notices of meetings may be given in
likewise fashion. Meetings of the Board shall be presided over by the
President of the FSP or, in his or her absence, by the Vice President of the
FSP or, in the absence of both of these persons, by such person as chosen by a
majority of Directors present at the meeting. The Secretary of the FSP shall
act as secretary of all meetings of the Board provided that, in his or her
absence, the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act as secretary
of the meeting.
- Non-liability and Indemnification. The Directors shall not be personally
liable for the debts, liabilities, and other obligations of the FSP. The
Directors and Officers of the FSP shall be indemnified by the FSP to the
fullest extent permissible under the laws of Nevada.
- Officers
- Electing Officers. Offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and
Treasurer shall be maintained and filled expeditiously in the event of
vacancies. The affirmative vote of any three Directors shall be sufficient to
pass a motion of election or removal of any Officer. Any person may serve as
an Officer of this corporation. Directors are not prohibited from serving as
Officers, nor are individuals prohibited from serving in two or more Offices at
once.
- President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the FSP
and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, supervise and
control the affairs of the FSP and the activities of the Officers. He or she
shall perform all duties incident to his or her office and such other duties as
may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws,
or which may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The
President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. Except as
otherwise expressly provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by
these Bylaws, he or she shall, in the name of the FSP, execute such deeds,
mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks, or other instruments which may from time
to time be authorized by the Board of Directors.
- Vice-President. In the absence of the President, or in the event of his
or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice-President shall perform all the
duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and
be subject to, all the restrictions on the President. The Vice-President shall
have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, by
the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or as may be prescribed by
the Board of Directors.
- Secretary. The Secretary shall:
- Certify and keep the original, or a copy, of these Bylaws as amended or
otherwise altered to date, at his or her residence or in electronic format;
- Keep at his or her residence, or in electronic format, a book of minutes
of all meetings of the Directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of
the FSP, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or
special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present
or represented at the meeting, and the proceedings thereof;
- See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of
these Bylaws or as required by law;
- Be custodian of the records and of the seal of the FSP and affix the seal,
as authorized by law or the provisions of these Bylaws, to duly executed
documents of the FSP;
- Keep at his or her residence or in electronic format a record of the
signers of the Statement of Intent, their names and addresses;
- Exhibit at all reasonable times to any Director of the FSP, or to his or
her agent or attorney, on request therefor, the Bylaws, the record of the
signers of the Statement of Intent, and the minutes of the proceedings of the
Directors of the FSP;
- In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and
such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation,
or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by
the Board of Directors.
- Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
- Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and
securities of the FSP, and deposit all such funds in the name of the FSP in
such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the
Board of Directors;
- Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the FSP from any
source whatsoever;
- Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the FSP as may be
directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements;
- Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the FSP's properties
and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities,
receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses;
- Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records
to any Director of the FSP, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request
therefor;
- Render to the President and Directors, whenever requested, an account of
any or all of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial
condition of the FSP;
- Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified,
the financial statements to be included in any required reports;
- In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and
such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation
of the FSP, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from
time to time by the Board of Directors.
- Compensation. The salaries of the Officers, if any, shall be fixed from
time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. In all cases, any
salaries received by Officers of this corporation shall be reasonable and given
in return for services actually rendered to or for the FSP.
- Committees
- Committees for special purposes may be formed, elected, and terminated by
the vote of any three Directors. These committees may consist of persons who
are not also members of the Board and shall act in an advisory capacity to the
Board.
- Meetings of the Committees. Meetings and action of committees shall be
governed by, noticed, held, and taken in accordance with the provisions of
these Bylaws concerning meetings of the Board of Directors, with such changes
in the context of such Bylaws provisions as are necessary to substitute the
committee and its members for the Board of Directors and its members, except
that the time for regular and special meetings of committees may be fixed by
resolution of the Board of Directors or by the committee. The Board of
Directors may also adopt rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of
meetings of committees to the extent that such rules and regulations are not
inconsistent with the provisions of these Bylaws.
- Execution of Instruments, Deposits, and Funds
- Execution of Instruments. The Board of Directors, except as otherwise
provided in these Bylaws, may by resolution authorize any Officer or agent of
the FSP to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the
name of and on behalf of the FSP, and such authority may be general or confined
to specific instances. Unless so authorized, no Officer, agent, or employee
shall have any power or authority to bind the FSP by any contract or engagement
or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in
any amount.
- Checks and Notes. Except as otherwise specifically determined by
resolution of the Board of Directors, or as otherwise required by law, checks,
drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence
of indebtedness of the FSP shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned
by the President of the FSP.
- Deposits. All funds of the FSP shall be deposited from time to time to
the credit of the FSP in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as
the Board of Directors may select.
- The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the FSP any contribution,
gift, bequest, or devise for the nonprofit purposes of this corporation.
- Statement of Intent
- The FSP shall circulate a Statement of Intent, indicating that the signer
will: a) move to the state designated according to the rules laid out in the
Participation Guidelines (which Guidelines shall reflect the provisions set
forth in these Bylaws); b) work toward a society in which the sole role of
civil government is the protection of persons' rights to life, liberty, and
property. The Statement shall become void three years after signing should the
designation of the state not have occurred by that time.
- The Statement of Intent is not a contract and is not intended to be
legally enforced.
- The FSP shall not require dues or contributions of any kind for the right
to sign the Statement of Intent and to participate in the move.
- Participation Guidelines. Once 5,000 people have signed the Statement,
voting shall commence on a state where all participants should move. All
sufficiently small states, as determined by the Directors or a committee set up
by the Directors for this purpose, shall be considered. The voting shall
proceed according to Simple Condorcet's Method (a method of voting whereby
voters rank all candidates, and candidates are then compared against each other
in pairwise contests, the only unbeaten candidate being the winner if no
unbeaten candidate exists, the smallest-magnitude defeats are eliminated until
one candidate is unbeaten). All signers of the Statement of Intent have the
right to participate in the vote; no one who has not signed the Statement of
Intent may participate. All ballots shall be made available for verification
to all voters after the voting has concluded. Postal and electronic ballots
shall be valid methods of voting.
- Once 20,000 people have signed the Statement, the signers shall move to
the state decided upon as expeditiously as possible and absolutely within five
years of the achievement of the 20,000-signer threshold. Should the Statement
never attract 20,000 signers, no signer shall be held responsible to move.
- Construction and Terms
If there is any conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the
Articles of Incorporation of the FSP, the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation shall govern. Should any of the provisions of portions of these
Bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining
provisions and portions of these Bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.
Addresses of Original Directors:
Jason P. Sorens
385 Canner St., Apt. 2
New Haven, CT 06511
jsorens@freestateproject.org
Joseph Littlejohn
5107 Midway Rd.
Vacaville, CA 95688
freelinjpl@mac.com
Debra Ricketts
737 Brick Dr.
Henderson, NV 89015
dricketts@subdimension.com
Robert Vroman Sternberg
6659 Washington 1W
St. Louis, MO 63130
vroman18@yahoo.com
Elizabeth McKinstry
32 State Circle
Hillsdale, MI 49242
emckinst@hotmail.com
[History of Bylaws changes]
Free State Project Talking Points
by Amanda Phillips 6/7/04
I thought that some of you might find this helpful... these are the talking
points that I give to media folks before we do an interview. Most interviews
don't cover everything, but this helps give the host some ideas on what they
might be most interested in talking about. (I'm constantly updating &
revising these, so make sure you do the same if you rip these off & use
them for yourself). Also, feel free to e-mail me any time if you'd like the
latest version of the talking points.
- Overview of the FSP
- Plan to move 20,000 freedom activists to a small state where we can make a
difference
- when we reach 20,000 committed participants, then we start to move
- demographics (mostly young, upwardly mobile, professional, educated)
- are we associated with any political parties?
- are we moving to specific areas within NH?
- why the porcupine as the mascot?
- (small-l) libertarianism
- believe in personal & economic freedom
- what kinds of personal freedoms? Why?
- what kinds of economic freedoms? Why?
- what would an ideal libertarian society look like?
- won't there be chaos?
- History of the FSP
- how did it get started?
- Jason's idea as a Yale grad student
- the research -- other migratory movements
- we created the Statement of Intent & the Participation Guidelines...
only after we reach 20,000 commitments do we start to move
- we researched 10 small population states and decided on NH as the best choice
- high profile friends & endorsements (Governor Benson, Walter Williams,
LP presidential candidates)
- Why NH?
- extensive research on the states, membership voted on NH
- NH has many political, cultural, economic advantages
- small population + 400-seat legislature
- a libertarian culture ("Live Free or Die")
- near a major economic center
- strong projected job growth
- Governor signed on as a Friend
- legislators make $100/year
- constitution is only one in the world that protects the citizens' right to
revolution
- Status of the FSP today
- 5,800 participants
- about 300 in NH today
- expect many more to move this summer
- Randall Wolfe's Walk to NH
- Free Staters appointed to Governor's Task Force for Government Efficiency
- 2 Free Staters in the NH State House
- HOW TO JOIN!
Project Tracking Feb '05
by
Jason Sorens
| Project |
Latest Work |
Next Step |
Goal Date |
| 501c4 application
| Application filled out except finances
| Insert financial #'s
| 11/1/04 *overdue
|
| NHLF, Inc.
| Filed
| 501c3 app
| 2/1/05
|
| Thank-yous to donors
| gifts and letters ready
| need donor addresses from Treasurer
|
|
| 2-part fundraising model
|
| Varrin
| postponed
|
| Merchandise web updates
| version 1.1
| Add shopping cart (Adam/Steve)
| under consideration
|
| Influential libertarians mailing
| packets completed
| Need addresses
| 1/1/05 *overdue
|
| Website redesign
| Adam
|
| 1/31/05 *overdue
|
| Lose Your Chains
|
| need project mgr
| ?
|
| Conference schedule
|
| Phil/Sandy Pierre
| ?
|
| Mass mailing to Seth's list
| written
| needs funding approval
| 3/1/05
|
| Project funding mechanism
| conceptualizing
|
|
|
| Revised trifold brochure
| Steve
|
| ?
|
|
Completed |
| MA Libertarians letter
| completed
|
|
|
| Donor recognition
| completed
|
|
|
| Outsourcing to Bureaucrash
| completed
|
|
|
| Individual liaison reports
| completed
|
|
|
| PorcFest letter
| completed
|
|
|
Operations Meeting 5/3/04 Notes
Participating: Seth Atwood, Phil Denisch, Kat Dillon, Lisa Goodwin,
Margot Keyes, Evan Nappen, Tom Parker, Amanda Phillips, Karen Pratt, Adam Rick,
Brian Sullivan, Alan Weiss
- Announcements
-
Seth A needs to step back due to family obligations. We need a new
Publicity Director to carry on.
-
Adam R announced the board election, urged everyone to go vote. E-mail
data@fsp with any issues.
- Upcoming Events
- 5/10 - GONH legislative shoot-out, Amanda attending
-
5/13-5/15, Las Vegas NV, FreedomFest, Seth & Jason organizing,
Jason speaking, 6 FSP participants attending the booth, need banners, will have
sign up forms, FSP business cards, etc
-
5/21-5/23 - CO LP convention,
James Reyes is speaking on a panel with Boston T Party, Amanda P will contact
James & help prepare him for some of the tough questions that might arise.
-
5/21 - Fresno, CA, RLC conference, Varrin organizing & speaking
-
5/23+ Randall's Walk to NH
timeline, details, etc, should mostly be on the forum. Lets send him t-shirts,
shoes, gift certificates, etc. Lisa will look into generating sponsorships
& support for Randall. People can donate to the walk via Paypal. (Info is
on the forum.)
-
5/27-31 Atlanta GA, National LP convention. Alan organizing.
Justin, Doug, Jason, Chris, Amanda, Keith, Trevor attending. Will sell
t-shirts.
-
6/6 - Evan is doing outreach at a knife trade show. Evan shared lots
of tidbits about why the knife rights community should be receptive to the FSP.
- ?/? Killington Airlift, Amanda organizing
- Friends of the FSP
-
We have a large community of people who do want to help. (Phil owns up
to being "just a Friend".)
-
We should encourage Friends to join & support their Local Groups
so they will provide some continuity as Local Group members move to NH.
-
Also, we will send fundraising letters to the Friends as part of the
campaign. We can also ask Friends to volunteer their time. Refer them to the
How to Help FAQ.
-
The
Friend sign-up page is functional.
-
Friends in NH are very helpful in relocation assistance. (Welcome Wagon)
-
We should hook the Friends into the Greeter program.
-
Friends can become Participants; all it takes is a little government
persecution to push them into joining the FSP.
-
NH Friends are a new third category, as their role is very different
from the out-of-state Friends.
-
Brainstorming on the name for the NH Friends, came up with lots of
good suggestions. All agreed to think on it. Settled on Pioneers the day
after the meeting.
-
Activist
Activator Kat reports that all is going well. We have lots of jobs
& volunteers.
-
NH Guestbook Cal requests
(through Karen) that we find a link for the NH Guestbook on the main page.
Amanda will ask Tom.
-
Welcome Wagon the forum
poll didn't get a lot of responses, but those that did seemed to like the name
Welcome Wagon. Amanda reluctantly agrees we will go with the hokey name.
-
Lisa suggests that we have an announce list sign-up sheet at all of
our events. Margot reports that she has one. Margot will send it to Tom to put
on the operations page for all to rip off.
-
PorcFest Phil wants to
know if there's a spot on the forum for ridesharing? Someone suggests that we
create a Message Board devoted to the PorcFest. Everyone agrees it is a good
idea. Amanda will create the new forum.
-
Website suggestions it's difficult to notice the Member Center.
Can we do something to draw attention to it? Someone reminds us that when
everything is of high importance, then nothing really is. Amy is redoing
Alan's website, perhaps someone can ask Amy for a suggestion here. Also,
someone mentions that the Donate & Join buttons aren't really prominent.
-
Next Meeting third Thursday, 5/20 at 9 p.m. Eastern.
FSP Operations Meeting
3/18/04, 9 p.m. eastern, 6 p.m. pacific
Dial 800-416-4956, passcode = 18590405#
If you have trouble accessing the conference call on Thursday, please call
Amanda P at 617-763-1996 for help.
Note: The meeting will be no more than 1 hour. If we don't get to all of
the agenda items within 50 minutes, we will table remaining agenda items for
the next meeting. We'll reserve the last 10 minutes for general Q&A.
Meeting Agenda
- Hello again!
- Announcements & upcoming events (NORML, LP Con, Killington Airlift)
- FSP 2005 budget update, discussion
- Activist Center update
- Publicity Director update
- Redundancy train your replacement!
- FSP Communications thoughts, suggestions, ideas, improvements
- Operations reports
- Non-voters Status
- FSP calendar
- Recruiting Incentives
- Fundraising Ideas
- Pioneer Directory, Underground Railroad
- Membership Surveys
- Friends of the FSP
- Endorsements
- General Q&A
Please contact
Amanda P with
agenda additions & changes.
Operations Meeting 2/19/04 Minutes
Participating: Seth A, Jean A, Dave M, Amanda P, Matt C, Phil D, Tom P,
Justin S, Doug H, Keith M, Kelton B
Intros
Guidelines for call
Amanda -- vision statements
- bottom-up kind of manager
- facilitate
- phone meetings once or twice a month, will taper off as we get things
humming smoothly
- org chart
- budget
- everything done is above and beyond since we're all volunteers
- committed to devote 40 hrs / week to FSP
- have fun!
Strategic Goals
- 501c3 status
- $90k before year end
- paid president
- publicity expenditures
- 7k by year end
- local groups network
- automated member database
Doug -- Activist Center on Forum
- members want to help but don't know what to do
- we need to provide a way to help us
- explanation and instructions
- moderators keep the discussion "constructive"
- get us all talking to one another in a single place
Org Chart
- each person comes up with a job description for what they're doing and
whom they work with, send to Amanda within a week
- need a treasurer
- fundraising: need a "Director of Development"
- need a publicity director
Budget
- each person proposes a budget for their own area, send to Amanda and Jean
within a week
Speakers Bureau
- 25 active speakers
- a dozen upcoming events
- a Speaker's Workshop at the PorcFest
- list of speakers is on freestateproject.org/operations
- suggestion: a centralized FSP calendar
Local Groups
- groups going gangbusters
- 23 local groups, 3 brand new ones in the last few days
- list on website cleaned up
- all info updated
- advertising local meetings to promote the FSP, first one is in Washington
this week.
Q & A Time
- Dave: more direct and personal contact with phone calls
- Pioneer Directory:
- has to be a welcome wagon
- divide up the state and deal with the people coming into NH
- Underground railroad
Next meeting: 3/1/04 9pm ET.
Operations Meeting 3/1/04 Minutes
Participating: Amanda P, Tim C, Dave M, Seth, Doug H, Adam Rick, Eric
Williams, Matt C, Tom P, Jean A, Phil D
- AEI Meeting
- Panel discussing the FSP and Federalism
Amanda reports:
- 1/2 hour TV show in New England
- Amanda's been getting a lot of "random" email and "random" people
- Board members resign
- Reason magazine doing an article on FSP
- Liberty magazine also working on an article on the FSP
Org chart
- based on a "post-heroic" model
- The Quill -- Member Services and/or Publicity?
- Tim will do Member Services
- Director of Development position open
- fundraising experience good, but not necesssary
- writing/communication skills
- not afraid of asking for money
- Starting Wednesday, Doug will focus on outreach, but not as intensly
for the next month. Amanda will focus on strategy, finance, and
administration.
Budget
- Amanda and Jean working on it and it'll be finalized in the next coupla
weeks. Please send any other budget requests if you think of them.
Activist Center
- Going live on Wednesday or Thursday, but maybe not if we
can't get some membership database issues solved.
- Matt will check database integrity
- Eric and Adam will continue to look for programmers and
database managers
Finding Ways to get volunteers to work - Dave Mincin
- Amanda's list:
- mention on libertarian internet forums
- write LTEs
- call into talk radio
- attend meeting of other orgs
- ask for speaking engagements
- ask someone to join (SOI)
- shadow ad ops
- local group meeting or start one
- donate
- Dave
- will take 'How to Help' list and Amanda's and put it on the activist
center
- doesn't want to make too long of a list, maybe we can
categorize the list instead
- personal interaction
The Chuck Issue
- local groups feel free to ban him from yahoo groups if he's being disruptive.
- We need to make it clear to people who are moving whom they should
contact
Office in NH
- some leads, but nothing concrete
Q & A
- Are we actively pursuing media contacts?
- Media analysis
- how do we increase news items?