NPO information

[Arantor]

There is some information visible about the NPO, including a list of members (incidentally, it's buggy, as http://www.simplemachines.org/about/members.php includes some coding mismatches!)

But nowhere does it say about applying. How does someone apply to join the NPO?

[NanoSector]

I got asked to join the NPO when I joined the team, and refused. Have seen nowhere to apply anymore.
Maybe you can contact an admin, but I get your point, it should be clear.

[mashby]

Additionally, although membership in the NPO is currently limited to current and former project team members, we have plans to eventually allow enrollment of other individuals into the membership.

http://www.simplemachines.org/about/

[Arantor]

I, and others, qualify under that criteria...

[mashby]

I'm trying to remember how I applied. I remember filling out some form and faxing or emailing it somewhere. I've since resigned though. Hopefully someone with the right answer will come along.

[Mick.]

I think i was once. I had to fax some forms.

[Arantor]

* Arantor finds this a bit disconcerting.

[NanoSector]

* Arantor finds this a bit disconcerting.

^ The reason I did not want a membership over there.

I needed a signature from my parents and they were like "dafuq, you're not going to do this", one of the agreements actually mentioned something about payment (not going into details).

IMO (opinion) the whole NPO thing is BS, but we've discussed that already.

[Arantor]

^ The reason I did not want a membership over there.

That's part of why I'm interested. I have a big stick and I'm not afraid to use it.

I needed a signature from my parents

That's because you're not legally an adult.

one of the agreements actually mentioned something about payment (not going into details)

Quite correct, as per the bylaws. I seem to recall the deal is $50 a year, waived in consideration of team duties. This, to me, seems like a bargain.

IMO (opinion) the whole NPO thing is BS, but we've discussed that already.

Mahomet called the hill to come to him, again and again; and when the hill stood still, he was never a whit abashed, but said, If the hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the hill.

[Kays]

Not certain for sure, but I think that most applications outside of the team came via the Friends board, which is of no help to you.

Or try direct contact with a member of the BOD. Since the name don't seem to be posted, Joshua Dickerson, Motoko-chan, AngelinaBelle, Oldiesmann and CoreISP are most of the current board.

I thought that there as more information posted somewhere. The WIKI perhaps.

[emanuele]

http://www.simplemachines.org/about/bylaws.php
Section 4 Members.

It doesn't enter into the details but it gives the "big picture".

[LiroyvH]

In theory, pretty much anyone can apply for a membership if they have a current member as their sponsor and nominates the person applying.
(Which shouldn't be too hard to obtain really if you're known or a ex-member.)

However, as per the bylaws there are limitations to the amount of people off-team that can in fact become a member.
Under Section 4.1, and I quote:

At no time shall more than thirty percent (30%) of the membership be held by individuals who are not also members of one of the project teams. If the application for membership and nomination of a potential member is submitted and such acceptance would result in more than thirty percent (30%) of the members who do not belong to the project team, acceptance of such application shall be postponed until additional project team members have been accepted or other, non-team members have withdrawn or converted to emeritus.

This limitation is currently reached, although there is some debate to raise it slightly. (The idea is that project related teams will always hold a majority "stake" in the organization to prevent non (project)team members being able to change things that the projects themselves do not want.) No guarantees there though, so at this time it is highly likely that a membership application from someone not on the team would be put on hold. (Note: that could change next month or the month after as some people *might* be converted to emeritus.)

And yes, indeed. A membership costs $50 USD per year and is waived when the member is in a project or SM team position and is sometimes waived in exceptional circumstances, eg: when someone contributes a highly valuable contribution to the org: it's waived by the BoD.

Hope that cleared it up.
You want to become a member, Arantor?

[Kindred]

Arantor is correct though...   we should have a "how to join" page under the organization's pages.
Even if the instruction is "we are not currently accepting applications, but, if you have a sponsor, your name can be added to a waiting list for consideration when memberships become available"

and then list the instructions

1- talk to someone who is currently a member of the "Simple Machines" corporation.
2- have them agree to sponsor your membership application and fill out an application.
(If you are a minor (under the age of 18), per US federal and Nevada state laws, your parent or guardian must also sign)
3- Your membership application will be reviewed and considered by the membership committee or the Board of Directors.
4- Do note: The number of members who do not also belong to a Simple Machines project is specifically limited per the Bylaws of the corporation. Your application may be placed on a waiting list if that number is currently filled.
5- Once your membership is accepted, a dues payment of $50 will be assessed (and repeated yearly, within a month of your anniversary date for as long as you remain a member).

[Arantor]

Yes, I would be interested in being a member of the NPO, without becoming a member of the project team. The situation seems straightforward enough, now to find a willing accomplice...