I. Name and Purposes

1. NAME The name of the corporation is OlyBlog.

2. PURPOSES The purpose of OlyBlog is to provide a civic space for hyperlocal news and discussion specifically about Olympia, Washington, through a not-for-profit cooperative organization that relies on consensus decision making. We strive to create a better informed public with an emphasis on civic particiation and community building. Our goals are to:

a. Distribute information about local history, events and politics;
b. Provide an open forum for citizen journalism;
c. Provide a civic forum for the discussion of important
local issues;
d. Support efforts to increase democratic process;
e. Support efforts to foster communication across social and economic differences;
f. Assist in the development of local community resources.

II. Membership

1. ELIGIBILITY Membership in OlyBlog is open to any person who meets all qualifications set forth in these bylaws and who agrees to abide by the Social Contract.

2. NON-DISCRIMINATION OlyBlog strives to be egalitarian in all aspects of its business operations. OlyBlog works to serve a diverse population by incorporating procedures and practices that remove barriers to classes of people who are oppressed or are denied power and privilege in society generally. These classes of people include people who are discriminated against based on race, sex, religious creed, age, disability, size, sexual orientation, gender orientation, marital status and economic status.

3. MEMBER STATUS An active member may be demoted to a probationary member if that member;

a. fails to abide by the Social Contract; or
b. attempts to use the blog for predominately commercial purposes.

4. ANNUAL ELECTION The membership shall elect at least five, but no more than nine, Docents each year. The slate of candidates for Docent shall be posted on OlyBlog at least 10, but not more than 50 days, prior to the election.

5. MEMBER VOTING All instances of member voting shall take place on OlyBlog. No proxies are allowed and each active member shall have one vote. Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, or by law, a simple majority vote is required for elections and other membership actions. The Docents may prescribe additional rules and procedures for elections as appropriate. The Docents shall take steps to encourage maximum participation by the membership.

6. QUORUM An election must meet a quorum of 100 active members to be considered valid.

III. Docents

1. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The day-to-day affairs of OlyBlog shall be managed by an elected group of Docents.

2. NUMBER, AND TERM There shall be seven docents at all time. Docents will be elected by the membership and shall serve two year terms.

3. ELIGIBILITY Any active member is eligible to serve as a Docent of OlyBlog.

4. ELECTION OF DOCENTS Docents shall be elected by the membership. The Docents may prescribe the manner and procedures for membership elections, except that elections shall be held annually.

5. VACANCIES In the event of a vacancy among the Docents, the remaining Docents may appoint a new Docent. The appointed Docent shall serve until the next election. Any appointed Docent is eligible to run for an elected term at the next election.

6. MEETINGS Docents shall meet quartely in person to discuss issues pertaining to the administration of OlyBlog.

7. DECISION MAKING Decisions are made by consensus of the Docents.

8. QUORUM For purposes of action on OlyBlog, a quorum shall be a majority of the Docents.

9. REMOVAL Any individual Docent may be removed from the Blog whenever the Docents determine that such removal will be in the best interest of OlyBlog. Before a Docent is removed that Docent shall be given reasonable prior notice and a reasonable opportunity to speak on OlyBlog. Removal shall require a consensus minus-one vote of the Docents.

10. DOCENT DUTIES Except as to matters reserved to membership by law or by these bylaws, the business and affairs of OlyBlog shall be directed by the Docents. The major duties of the Docents are to:

a. Contribute regular content to the blog.

b. Monitor comment threads, and carry out the social contract.

c. Be a point of contact for the membership to the Docents.