Difference between revisions of "Structure and organization"
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It seems that if we are going to accept money and rent property we are going to have to formalize our structure somehow. Maybe we should look at the pros and cons of some of these options. Also by incorporating in some fashion we reduce the liability each of us faces for being associated with the group. | It seems that if we are going to accept money and rent property we are going to have to formalize our structure somehow. Maybe we should look at the pros and cons of some of these options. Also by incorporating in some fashion we reduce the liability each of us faces for being associated with the group. | ||
=== 503(c) === | === 503(c) === | ||
| + | A 503(c) is a non-profit organizations exempt from some federal income taxes. | ||
==== Pros ==== | ==== Pros ==== | ||
| + | *Donations can be deducted from taxes. | ||
| + | *Don't have to pay federal taxes. | ||
==== Cons ==== | ==== Cons ==== | ||
| + | *Process takes awhile | ||
=== LLC === | === LLC === | ||
==== Pros ==== | ==== Pros ==== | ||
| + | * Fast | ||
==== Cons ==== | ==== Cons ==== | ||
| + | * No tax benefits. | ||
== Notes from Design Pattern on organization == | == Notes from Design Pattern on organization == | ||
Here is a translation of the orginazational section of the [http://hackerspaces.org/Hacker-Space-Design-Patterns.pdf|hackerspace design pattern], posted here so that we can edit/comment on them for our space. | Here is a translation of the orginazational section of the [http://hackerspaces.org/Hacker-Space-Design-Patterns.pdf|hackerspace design pattern], posted here so that we can edit/comment on them for our space. | ||
Revision as of 20:35, 12 June 2009
Contents
Formalizing our structure
It seems that if we are going to accept money and rent property we are going to have to formalize our structure somehow. Maybe we should look at the pros and cons of some of these options. Also by incorporating in some fashion we reduce the liability each of us faces for being associated with the group.
503(c)
A 503(c) is a non-profit organizations exempt from some federal income taxes.
Pros
- Donations can be deducted from taxes.
- Don't have to pay federal taxes.
Cons
- Process takes awhile
LLC
Pros
- Fast
Cons
- No tax benefits.
Notes from Design Pattern on organization
Here is a translation of the orginazational section of the design pattern, posted here so that we can edit/comment on them for our space.
The Plenum Pattern
Problem
You want to resolve internal conflicts, exercise democratic decision making, and discuss recent issues and future plans.
Implementation
Have a regular meeting with all members, if possible. Have an agenda and set goals. Make people commit themselves to tasks. Write down minutes of the meeting and post them on a mailing list and/or Wiki. Go for the only date that works: once a week. Weird dates like “first full-moon after the third Friday” will never work. Likewise, every other week or anything similar won’t work either.
The Tuesday Pattern
Problem
Every weekday sucks. You will not find any day when every hacker can attend a meeting. Someone always has an appointment.
Implementation
Meet on Tuesday. Since all days are equally bad, just pick Tuesday. End of discussion.
