User:Andreatl/sandbox

WORK IN PROGRESS (based off http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Step-by-step_chapter_creation_guide)

This document is intended to be an easy to read introduction into the process of chapter creation. While it probably is not exhaustive and does not take into account differences between jurisdictions, it is the first stop for anyone thinking of forming a OLPC Chapter ( need some place where we can record those "officially" recognized).

Please note that in some circumstances it may be possible (or necessary) to go about chapter creation in some other way. You might want to consult (whom?) about variations in procedure. (who is the main point of contact for chapter creation, anyway?)

Step 1: Gather the people

At the very fundamental level, chapters are about people – a group, bound geographically, which wants to contribute to and support the OLPC projects as a whole in a way indicated in some formalized proposal. (see updated projects page for project ideas/tips on getting started)

While there is no required number of people to participate in the creation of a chapter, OLPC would like to know/believe that your group is sufficiently populated/equipped (word choice?) to see a project through.

Step 2: Write the bylaws

This is by far the most important part of chapter creation.

The bylaws (statutes, or whatever the name of this document is in your language) should define the goals and objectives of your association in time and space. They should be precise and to the point. Avoid definitions which are either too vague or too restrictive.

When writing the bylaws you need to take several factors into account (in the order given below):

1. the laws of your country
2. (OLPC requirements, if any exist)
   • the primary goals of your organization should be in line with those of the OLPC, i.e. to promote education and support the laptop project. (this needs to be better defined)
   • where possible, a non-profit status (this is probably a mandatory thing?)
   • avoid ties to political statements/groups that do not fit within the scope of OLPC projects
3. Guidelines (this page does not exist yet)

In order to make sure that those are observed, we advise you to inspire yourself first from bylaws of other organisations in your country and then adapt those to the Wikimedia requirements and guidelines. Do not try and translate existing Wikimedia chapters' bylaws, as legislation differs from one country to another and what seems evident in one country may make no sense in another.

^ Or rather than that, suggest that you inspire yourself from bylaws of other organizations already affiliated with OLPC, as seen where 'x'.

In every part of this process, do not hesitate to ask (relevant people) for advice.

Step 3: Submit bylaws and register with the authorities

When your bylaws are ready (but before you do anything that would make the association official, like opening a bank account, holding a founding assembly, registering with your country's authorities etc.!), you should translate them into English and submit them to the Chapters committee for approval.

The chapters committee will review your bylaws and then will submit them to the Board of the Wikimedia Foundation to approve the creation of your organization as a Wikimedia chapter.

The details of this process are given in the Chapter approval process document.

Once you have received the approval of the Wikimedia Foundation, you can go on and register your association as per is standard in your country.

Note that at this stage various agreements may be signed between the Wikimedia Foundation and the chapter as it is being created.

Step 5: Get some money

By this time you will probably need some money. You may have to pay registration fees, set up a bank account, etc. The first source of funds should be the community behind your organization (e.g. if you have set up a membership organization, now is the time to collect membership fees).

If you require more money than you can reasonably hope to gather from your group, you can ask the Chapters Committee to provide you with some additional funding to get you on your way.

Step 6: Go!

All done! You can now go about chapter business and promote Wikimedia projects in your country.

If you want some hints about possible projects, you can always look at what other chapters have accomplished or are currently doing.

Remember, you can always ask the Chapters committee as well as other chapters for help.

Good luck!