[Wikipedia-l] Bylaws V

Sat Jan 24 20:37:29 UTC 2004

Anthere wrote:

> Section 1. POWERS. The powers of the corporation shall be exercised, 
> its properties controlled, and its affairs conducted by a Board of 
> Trustees to be comprised initially of five trustees. All trustees must 
> be active (contributing or volunteer) or life members of the Foundation.
>
> What is the difference between a corporation and a foundation ? 

"Corporation" is a broader term that includes "foundation".  More 
generally incorporation is what gives an organization the legal status 
to be treated as a person.  There is some variation in the use of the 
term "foundation" in various jurisdictions.  Here it seems to be used in 
the sense of a general non-profit corporation that is doing good for the 
benefit of the community.  In other places the use of the term 
"foundation" is restricted to those organizations whose primary function 
is the distribution of funds for charitable purposes, often as the 
result of a large bequest.

> When the next elections take place, will there be 2 trustees to elect, 
> or 4 ? 

Two (2) to be elected.  If there were any more there would be a serious 
risk that democratic control would subvert the purposes of the organization.

> Do members have any other role than electing trustees to decide of 
> everything for them ?

Ingrate!  You should be thankful when Big Brother relieves you of the 
stress of participating in mind-numbing decisions. ;-)

Ec