Establishment of Chapters
Any ISOC Global Member in good standing may submit an application to form a Chapter to ISOC.
If the application
is approved, the Chapter will be granted a status of "In Formation". During
this time applicants recruit members, draft a set By-laws for the Chapter,
and complete other such requirements as set forth by ISOC procedures.
Upon receipt of the
By-laws and other application requirements, ISOC will review the application and determine if a Charter is to
be granted. If an application is rejected, applicants may appeal to the CEO and
President of ISOC by submitting a written request (email is acceptable).
Purpose of Chapters
Chapters of the Internet
Society are expected to serve the interests of a segment of the global
Internet community in a manner consistent with the mission and principles
of the Internet Society. Through a presence local to its community of
interest, a Chapter focuses on issues and developments important to its
community. A Chapter recognizes, honours, and uses the culture, customs,
and language of its community. Every Chapter shall have an explicit statement
of purpose.
Scope of Chapters
Chapters may be established
on a non-exclusive basis to serve the needs of any specific, cohesive
community of interest. Multiple Chapters serving overlapping communities
are not permitted.
Funding of Chapters
Chapters are expected
to establish their own source of funding. Permitted sources include the
following:
- Chapters may establish
a fee-based membership model, charging either or both individuals and
organizations to participate in its activities. The fees may be structured
according to the activities or paid according to a regular renewal schedule.
- Chapters may solicit
funding or resources from local organizations or other sponsors to support
its activities.
Public Positions and Statements
Specific officials
of Chapters, acting on behalf of their Chapter, may make public statements
and establish public positions as long as they meet the following requirements:
- They must advance the purposes of the Internet Society, which includes advancing the purposes
of a Chapter in good standing.
- They must not be contrary to any position of the Internet Society.
- They must be prepared
and presented in a professional manner.
- They must be clearly and unambiguously identified as originating from the Chapter of the Internet
Society.
- It should be unlikely they will give rise to any significant legal or juridical liability.
Where there is any
question or doubt regarding the appropriateness of a public position or
statement, the Chapter is expected to consult with the ISOC
at least one week prior to its release or announcement. Chapters must
notify the ISOC no later than the same day of the release
of any public position or statement.
Members
All individuals and
organizations falling within the defined scope of the Chapter shall be
eligible for membership without discrimination.
All members of a Chapter
shall also be members of ISOC. Membership is not necessary, however, for
participation in the activities of the Chapters.
The Chapter shall
have at least 25 individual members none of whom are listed as one of
the 25 members used by any currently active Chapter to get its Charter.
Liabilities
The Internet Society
shall not be liable for any act or omission or incurred liability of any
kind of any Chapter.
Organization
Chapters will be encouraged
but not required to constitute themselves as not-for-profit corporate
entities.
Chapters must have a set of By-Laws.
Chapters must have a fixed postal address.
Chapters must have
a defined set of leadership roles for which it conducts regular elections
to select individuals from its membership to serve. Such roles may be
appointed for at most 1 year when the Chapter first receives its Charter.
Such roles may have whatever title is customary to the segment of the
community being served.
The roles must include at least the following:
- One person designated
as the most senior of all the leaders. This role frequently has the title
of Chairman or President.
- One person to be responsible for the administrative duties. This role frequently has the
title of Secretary.
- If the Chapter
has financial resources to manage there must be one person responsible
for the financial duties. This role frequently has the title of Treasurer.
Chapters must meet
any requirements set forth by ISOC procedures by action of the ISOC Membership Team, including but not limited to at most an annual review of its Charter and the annual submission of a financial report.
Activities
Chapter may undertake any activity reasonably related to and in furtherance of its purpose and the purpose and mission of Internet Society.
