[OSGeo-Discuss] Chickens, Boards and Export Restrictions

[Dave Patton]

On 2008/06/12 5:01 PM, Bruce.Bannerman at dpi.vic.gov.au wrote:
> IMO:
> 
> 
> Paul,
> 
> Some Local Chapters are going through this process currently, e.g. 
> OSGeo-AustNZ.
> 
> We will need to incorporate as a non profit within Australia with its 
> overheads of audits, annual fees etc.
> 
> One potential upside is that we may get some protection by way of 
> Directors Insurance for people making decisions on behalf of OSGeo  (or 
> the local chapter).
> 
> During the recent FOSS4G-2009 work, several of us were left high and dry 
> with no protection from the parent body. This situation is not acceptable.

I understand what Bruce is referring to, but, depending on
the relevant legislation, should an issue ever arise where
'the legal system' was potentially going to be involved, the
lack of a "Directors and Officers" or "Volunteers" insurance
policy may not leave people "high and dry".

Sometimes, legislation will protect people who provide
services to an organization on a volunteer basis. The
premise is that if such lay people are acting on a best
effort basis to 'do the right thing', they are protected,
even if it turns out they 'did the wrong thing'.

-- 
Dave Patton
CIS Canadian Information Systems
Victoria, B.C.

Degree Confluence Project:
Canadian Coordinator
Technical Coordinator
http://www.confluence.org/

OSGeo FOSS4G2007 conference:
Workshop Committee Chair
Conference Committee member
http://www.foss4g2007.org/

Personal website:
Maps, GPS, etc.
http://members.shaw.ca/davepatton/