A. The name of the organization is Northwest CyberArtists. [1]

B. The purpose of the organization is to nurture, support, and provide technology transfer and collaborative opportunities for CyberArtists and their supporters. [2]

C. Membership. Any person who is interested in the application of technology to art (or vice versa) is welcome to attend meetings and/or join the organization.

D. There are presently no dues or other requirements of membership. Membership implies being on the mailing list and participating in activities of the Organization. [3]

E. It is the intent of the Organization to follow the democratic decision-making process as much as possible and to ensure the continued association of members by dealing with each individual on an equitable and respectable basis.

F. All meetings of the Organization are open to any member. [4]

2. CyberArtist Values:[5]

Each member of Northwest CyberArtists is at once considered a guru and an apprentice. [6]

A. We are local universe problem solvers.

This term was coined by Buckminster Fuller. It means that we take responsibility for problems in our immediate context and find solutions for them. Out primary purpose for being is ethical: to make the world a better place.

B. We stay aware of new technologies.

We accept the reality of technological change. We acknowledge that technology in itself is value neutral. Our use of a technology determines whether technology becomes constructive or destructive. Therefore, as technologists, artists, and entertainers, we have a responsibility to remain informed about technological change.

C. We become experts in existing technologies.

Technology must not be treated as an end in itself. To ensure that technology serves humanistic, creative, and expressive ends, we acknowledge that issues of quality art and entertainment transcend issues of technology. We seek to attain excellence in art and entertainment first and foremost. This may require exercising competence in a familiar technology rather than appropriating a new technology.

D. We separate hype from reality.

We seek to make the public aware of the reality and potential of the current state of technology, rather than using exaggeration, illusion, or novelty to mislead the public for our advantage. We promote technological literacy in ourselves and in the public.

E. We share our knowledge; we acknowledge the limits of our knowledge.

Because the rate of technological change is so fast, and because the realm of technology and arts is so vast, we must learn from each other and share our knowledge with each other. We try to acknowledge the limits of our own knowledge and to request the assistance of others. This idea is expressed in the phrase "100 gurus, 100 apprentices."

E. We are willing to add new dimensions to our work.

We embrace the capacity for new technologies to break down previous barriers between disciplines. We express this through the encouragement of collaborative, multi-disciplinary work in art and entertainment.

F. We value non-hierarchical organization and self-leadership.

We believe that society will benefit from more people who are self-directing. Therefore, we seek to capitalize on and promote people's own capacity for learning and leading. We seek to provide a context in which people can become empowered to exercise their own resources for artistic ends, rather than being a controlling structure. [7]

G. We are a nurturing ground for new artists.

We seek to be a ground in which individuals can be nurtured to begin professional art and entertainment careers. The group itself does not seek to become a professional outlet.

H. We promote the Pacific Northwest as a center for media and technology experimentation.

The Pacific Northwest is rich with researchers and artists working in mixed media, technological arts, and audio and visual technologies. We seek to be a catalyst for recognizing the full creative potential of these talented people, business resources, and technological developments through artistic expression and entertainment.

3. Limitations of the Organization

A. The intent of this organization is to maintain the minimum amount of structure consistent with the need | to resolve conflicts and to effectively fulfill its | purpose.

B. The organization does not represent, nor claim to be an agent for any artist or group of artists except by the express consent of the artist or group and then only on an ad hoc basis for a particular project that may be undertaken by the organization with the full knowledge of the artists involved.

4. Election and Definition of Trustees

A. Re-Boot. The general membership of Northwest CyberArtists, at a meeting specifically designated, will elect a Board of Trustees. This will be a group of between 6 and 14 members. Each Trustee will serve a term of 2 years. The exact number of Trustees and the term of office may be changed from time to time by the Trustees, however it will always be a number divisible by 2 so that terms may be rotated. [8]

At this meeting, nominations will be accepted from the general membership. One half of the Trustees elected will serve a one-year term and the rest a two-year term to start the term rotation. These initial one-year terms are exempt from the term limitations listed below. [9]

B. After the first general election, an election of the general membership will be held once a year to replace any trustee whose term has expired or who has left the board for any reason. [10]

C. Any Trustee may resign at any time or may be removed by the majority of the other trustees at any regular meeting of the trustees.

D. Vacancies on the board of trustees may be filled until the next scheduled general election, by a majority vote of the remaining trustees present. A quorum is not necessary for such an election so long as all remaining trustees are present. [11]

E. A trustee who has served two consecutive two-year terms of office shall not be eligible for reelection until one year has passed. [12]

F. The trustees will meet monthly at whatever time and place or via whatever media the trustees choose.

G. A special meeting of the trustees may be called at any time by order of the President or any two trustees.

H. A majority of the trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings.

4. Powers and Duties of the Trustees

A. To appoint, elect and remove at pleasure all officers, agents, and employees of the Organization, and to prescribe their duties and compensation, if any is allowed.

B. To conduct, manage and control the affairs and business of the Organization.

C. To prescribe policies and to perform any and all acts they deem necessary to further the general purposes of the Organization, and to transact all of the business affairs of the Organization.

D. To appoint such committees as in their judgment may be necessary and advisable to handle and dispose of the business and affairs of the Organization and to delegate and confer upon such committees such of its powers as it may deem proper. [13]

5. Officers

A. The trustees shall elect annually, from among the trustees, a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer. [14]

B. The President shall preside at all meetings of the general membership and of the trustees. The President and the Secretary shall sign all instruments on behalf of the Organization when directed by the trustees.

C. The Vice President shall, in the absence, disability or refusal of the President to act, have all the powers and perform all the duties of the President.

D. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the trustees and keep the minutes of the proceedings. The Secretary may appoint a recording secretary to take minutes for any meeting.

E. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of any funds of the Organization and shall keep proper accounts of any financial transactions.

6. Standing Committees

A. The trustees shall establish a HOUSE COMMITTEE to arrange for an adequate meeting place for all general meetings. The house committee will also be responsible for any equipment required at any meeting.

B. The trustees shall establish a PROGRAM COMMITTEE to insure the high quality of programs at the monthly general membership meetings.

C. The trustee shall establish an ARCHIVE COMMITTEE to collect, catalog, and display documentation of the events, shows and other accomplishments of Northwest CyberArtists.

D. The trustees will establish an LIAISON COMMITTEE to attend meetings and provide interaction with analogous groups (such as The Media Center and the Digital Media Alliance).

E. The trustees may establish any other standing committees that they may deem useful.

7. Ad Hoc or Project Committees

A. The trustees may establish Ad Hoc committees at any time to carry out projects such as shows. The trustees may delegate whatever authority they see fit depending upon the nature of the project. Such powers conferred by the trustees will expire on a date set by the trustees. At least one trustee shall be a member of any such committee.

B. Project committees may represent the Organization or an artist or group of artists during the duration of the project.

C. The committee chair (Producer, Director, etc.) will report regularly to the general membership on the progress of the project. [15]

8. Indemnification of Trustees and Officers [16]

9. Amendment of the Organization

The above Organization may be altered, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees at any meeting of the Board. [17]

Mike Storie
E-mail: mstorie@nwlink.com
Phone: 324-8768

E-mail your thoughts to the cyberartists e-mail list.

FOOTNOTES

1. I DO FEEL THAT THE TERM "CYBER" HAS BEEN BEATEN TO DEATH BY MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS AND THE MEDIA, BUT IT IS WHAT PEOPLE HAVE COME TO CALL OUR GROUP. BILL RITCHIE OFFERED SOME HISTORICAL INFORMATION AS TO THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM "CYBER." STEVE TURNIDGE POINTED OUT THAT CYBERARTS INTERNATIONAL WAS A GROUP THAT THE LOCAL NEMUS GROUP JOINED AS CYBERARTS NORTHWEST. HE THINKS THAT CYBERARTS INTERNATIONAL IS NOW DEFUNCT. A DEBATE ON THE NAME OF THE GROUP SHOULD PROBABLY BE IN A DIFFERENT FORUM. Return

2. BRET FELT THAT "TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER" IMPLIED HARDWARE, AND SHOULD IT BE SOMETHING LIKE KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER. I FELL THAT "TECHNOLOGY" AND "TECHNIQUE" ARE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME. A DIFFERENT VERSION MIGHT BE:

B. The purpose of the organization is to nurture, support, and provide the sharing of techniques, knowledge, ideas and collaborative opportunities for Cyber Artists and their supporters. Return

4. THIS CONCEPT CAN DO A GREAT DEAL TO DE-FUSE BAD FEELINGS OR MISTRUST AS LONG AS ALL MEMBERS FOLLOW THE RULES OF GENERAL POLITENESS. Return

5. THE FOLLOWING IS A PRETTY LONG AND WORDY SECTION. WHAT IT SAYS IS IMPORTANT BUT WOULD IT BE BETTER BE PLACED IN A DIFFERENT DOCUMENT? Return

6. I SORT OF BOILED THIS DOWN FROM THE 100 GURUS + 100 APPRENTICES = 100 MEMBERS CONCEPT. Return

7. DOES THE ABOVE CONFLICT WITH THIS NEW ORGANIZATION? I DON'T THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM HERE. SEE SECTION 3. A. BELOW. Return

8. THE TERM "REBOOT" HERE MERELY MEANS THAT WE ARE STARTING THIS NEW STRUCTURE FROM SCRATCH. THE EXISTING NON-STRUCTURED GROUP IS GENERALLY AGREEING TO HAVE SOME STRUCTURE AND TO HAVE AN ELECTION OF TRUSTEES. THE TERM IS NOT REALLY NECESSARY HERE.

HOW ABOUT THE TERMS OF OFFICE? WE COULD AS EASILY HAVE THREE-YEAR TERMS AND ELECT 1/3 OF THE TRUSTEES EACH YEAR. I FELT THAT THIS WAS TOO LONG A TERM GIVEN THE RAPIDLY CHANGING NATURE OF WHAT WE ARE DOING. THOUGHTS? Return

9. SHOULD WE ALLOW FOR A WRITE-IN BY MAIL NOMINATION PROCESS? THIS TAKES TIME AND EFFORT BUT IT WOULD COVER THOSE WHO CAN'T ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING. Return

10. DO WE NEED A TIE-BREAKING MECHANISM IN CASE OF A SPLIT WITH AN EVEN NUMBER OF TRUSTEES? I FIND THIS SELDOM HAPPENS IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO WHICH I BELONG. Return

11. THIS MEANS THAT IF SOMEONE RESIGNS FROM THE TRUSTEES, THE REMAINING TRUSTEES CAN ELECT SOMEONE ELSE TO REPLACE THAT PERSON UNTIL THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION. Return

12. TERM LIMITS! DO WE WANT THEM? Return

13. THE TRUSTEES WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF THE PRESENT RESOURCE COMMITTEE. Return

14. NOTE THIS IS NOT A GENERAL ELECTION. I THINK THAT THE OFFICERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE TRUSTEES. THE MORE CORRECT TITLE OF ANY OF THE ABOVE WOULD BE "PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES." COMMENTS? I'M TRYING TO AVOID WASTING ONE GENERAL MEETING OUT OF TWELVE TO HAVE ELECTIONS. Return

15. THE ABOVE DISCUSSION OF A PROJECT COMMITTEE WAS MODELED AFTER THE EXISTING BUMBERSHOOT COMMITTEE WHICH I FEEL IS VERY WELL ORGANIZED. Return

16. IF WE LATER DECIDE TO INCORPORATE AS A NON-PROFIT, WE WILL NEED SOME LEGAL JARGON HERE. Return

17. LEARN TO TRUST YOUR TRUSTEES! OR SHOULD WE REQUIRE ANY SUCH CHANGES TO COME TO A GENERAL VOTE? Return