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Guide to Starting and Maintaining a Computer User Group,
Monterey Bay User Group–PC Volunteer Manual

OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES OF MBUG–PC

The primary objectives and purposes of MBUG–PC established by the bylaws are:

A. To educate the general public in personal computer use, and provide instruction in, and dissemination of, educational material in the public interest including but not limited to, material relating to the fields of computer programming, personal computer software, and personal computer hardware, through publications, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and discussion groups, or otherwise.

B. To collect, reproduce, catalog, and distribute public domain educational software.

C. To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experience in the field of computer literacy at all levels of technical expertise.

In addition, the MBUG–PC application for tax exempt status states:

“(MBUG) was formed with primary purpose of providing educational services in all fields relating to computers, to any and all members of the public. Our motto is “users helping users”; our goal, to provide opportunities to learn about computers for people of all skill levels. Our purpose is accomplished in the following ways: Open public meetings, forums, public discussion groups, community classes, the newsletter, the help line, and the library.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This corporation shall make no provisions for members; however, pursuant to Section 5310(b) of the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law of the State of California, any action which would otherwise, under law or the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of this corporation, require approval by a majority of all members or approval by the members, shall only require the approval of the Board of Directors.

MBUG shall have not less than five (5) nor more than fifteen (15) Directors, with the exact number to be fixed within these limits by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Subject to the provisions of the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law and any limitations in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be taken or approved by the members, if any, of this corporation, the activities and affairs of this corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

It shall be the duty of the Directors to:

A. Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation, or by the Bylaws.

B. Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if any, of all officers, agents, and employees of the corporation.

C. Supervise all officers, agents, and employees of the corporation to assure that their duties are performed properly.

D. Meet at such times and places as required by the Bylaws.

E. Register their addresses with the Secretary of the corporation, and notices of meetings mailed or telegraphed to them at such addresses shall be valid notice thereof.

Directors shall serve without compensation except that they may be allowed and paid their actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending Directors’ meetings. In addition, they may be allowed reasonable advancement or reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their regular duties. Directors may not be compensated for rendering services to the corporation in any capacity other than Director unless such other compensation is reasonable and is allowable under the provisions of Section 6 of the Bylaws.

STEERING COMMITTEE

The Steering Committee is a recognized advisory committee of the Board charged with the task of giving useful input to the Board of Directors in the successful operation of the corporation. It consists of those wishing to monitor and participate in the decisions affecting all operations of MBUG–PC. All interested in MBUG are encouraged to attend the monthly Board of Directors meeting and participate in the deliberations of the Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee affords:

A. Increased knowledge about the many activities of MBUG.

B. Increased interest in all MBUG activities.

C. The opportunity to contribute individual experience toward improving MBUG.

D. The opportunity to volunteer for participating in small jobs.

E. The opportunity to help friends and others by assuming one of the more responsible positions in MBUG.

PRESIDENT

Overall coordination to execute direction provided by the Board of Directors.

A. Monitor and make recommendations to the Board for any refinement in the MBUG goals, objectives, and organization.

B. Preside at the Board of Director/Steering Committee meetings.

C. Make opening remarks at general meetings.

D. Write “President’s Corner” monthly article for Newsletter.

E. Develop and oversee all areas of volunteer activity:

  • Define areas of volunteer activity.
  • Define volunteer job titles.
  • Define the tasks inherent in each job title.
  • Recruit volunteers into jobs.
  • Help volunteers as necessary.

General Meeting Coordinator

Primary person responsible to supervise all activities of the General Meeting. Evaluate and ensure preparation of equipment and facilities available for General Meetings and present recommendations for General Meeting facilities improvement, when needed. Develop an agenda for the General Meeting and coordinate with the following volunteers to ensure success of the meeting:

A. Meeting Room Coordinator

B. Equipment Coordinator

C. Guest Speaker Coordinator

D. Shareware Demo Coordinator

E. Librarian

F. VP Membership

G. Membership Deals

H. General Meeting Fund Raiser

Guest Speaker Coordinator

Schedule and host speakers at the General Meeting to include:

A. Develop a monthly schedule of guest speakers.

B. Invite the guest speakers.

C. Develop and provide information packet to guest speakers.

D. Introduce the guest speaker.

E. Coordinate the guest speaker portion of the program.

Write front-page articles for Newsletter concerning the program at the last meeting and the major presentation at the next General Meeting. Upcoming event should promote the speaker and subject to members. Newsletter deadline is the 20th of each month. Newsletter articles to be sent to Bing Perry at the MBUG address or 649-4078.

Shareware Demonstration Coordinator

A. Schedule the Shareware to be demonstrated at the General Meeting.

B. Ensure all equipment is in readiness for the shareware demonstrations.

C. Schedule and assist the demonstrator.

D. Assist or substitute for the General Meeting Coordinator, as needed.

Equipment Coordinator

Maintain custody and control over the use of major MBUG equipment items.

A. Maintain a list of MBUG equipment items.

B. Maintain custody of most equipment items used for SIG and General Meeting presentations. (Does not include Library computer and associated equipment.)

C. Coordinate getting the proper equipment to each MBUG meeting.

D. Provide for the maintenance and repair of equipment.

E. Coordinate insurance requirements on MBUG equipment and ensure policy is kept up to date.

Meeting Room Coordinator

Coordinate meeting room facilities requirements for MBUG meetings.

A. Maintain liaison with parent organization of facilities currently used by MBUG.

  • Monterey County Library, Seaside Branch (Rosie Brewer: 899-2055)
  • Archer Park Center, City of Monterey (Jennifer Devlin: 646-3870)
  • First National Bank of Monterey County (Georgia: 373-4900)
  • Monterey Peninsula College Lecture Forum (Tom or Bill: 646-4088). Lee Keely coordinates overall use of facility. Reschedule LFs with Francesca Graziano (646-4057) each Apr., Aug., & Nov.

B. Confirm yearly schedule of meeting dates as requested by parent organization. Current schedule in effect:

  • Monterey County Library: Third Monday, each month, 7:00–9:00 P.M., third Thursday, each month, 7:00–9:00 P.M.
  • Archer Park Center: Every Wednesday night, 7:00–9:00 P.M.
  • FNB Community Room: As requested (30 days in advance, max)
  • MPC: Second Friday, each month 6:30–9:30 P.M.

C. Inform parent organization when a scheduled date will not be used.

D. With regard to the First National Bank, schedule each meeting using their Community Room 30 days in advance (maximum) by contacting Georgia at (373-4900). Obtain keys on the day of meeting prior to 4:00 P.M., open and secure Community Room (or coordinate with some other person to do). Leave keys in night deposit box.

E. For meetings at Seaside Library, have Thursday night SIG leader obtain keys prior to 6:00 P.M. on the day of the meeting, since Library closes at this time. SIG leader should open and secure meeting room and deposit keys in book deposit box. Library is open until 9:00 P.M. on Mondays so advanced coordination is not required on that day.

F. The use of Hilltop Center for the WordPerfect SIG has been coordinated by Bob Shanteau, SIG leader. Let him coordinate it in future.

G. Call Tom or Bill at MPC on afternoon of General Meeting to coordinate which overhead projectors they should place in room. We have been having them place an extra 3M overhead for our use.

H. As requested by the Board, seek new meeting place for any activity requiring a meeting place not covered by existing assets.

Publicity—Media

Explore all opportunities for promoting MBUG in the local media. Maintain liaison with local newspapers, TV, and radio to ensure the public is aware of MBUG and its activities.

Publicity—Merchants

Develop and coordinate programs to promote MBUG membership.

A. Develop plans and programs for encouraging new members.

B. Report to Board on new ideas for stimulating growth.

C. Develop membership materials to be mailed by Membership Secretary.

D. Coordinate with local computer businesses, schools, libraries, and other resources to promote MBUG–PC.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

The First Vice President assists the President, as needed, and represents the President at MBUG functions when the President is absent.

SIG Coordinator

The SIG Coordinator has responsibility for all SIG activities.

A. Survey members to develop SIG requirements.

B. Recruit SIG leaders.

C. Coordinate the SIG schedule.

D. Submit SIG schedule to Newsletter editor.

E. Monitor SIG meetings, as feasible.

F. Report to Board of Directors on SIG activities.

G. Lead the discussion of SIG activities at the General Meetings.

H. Evaluate equipment and facilities available to SIG leaders.

I. Present recommendations for improvement, when needed.

Assistant SIG Coordinator—Monterey

A. Assist the SIG Coordinator to establish Monterey SIGs.

B. Insure that each Monterey SIG has an appropriate meeting place.

C. Inform the SIG leaders as to all of the facilities and procedures established for a SIG.

D. Assist SIG leaders in the conduct of their SIG.

F1 Coordinator

The F1 program consists of a group of volunteers organized to take computer related calls and questions from anyone. They are prepared to answer the question or attempt to locate an MBUG– PC member who is more expert in the problem area. They will attempt to support shareware and legitimate retail products.

The F1 Coordinator recruits and coordinates the F1 volunteers from MBUG–PC members who are willing to field questions from other members. The F1 Coordinator will:

A. Continue to refine the goals and objectives of the F1 program.

B. Obtain volunteers to participate in the F1 program.

C. Provide identification tags for F1 volunteers.

D. Publicize the F1 program.

Mail Coordinator

Coordinate pickup and distribution of MBUG mail.

A. On Mondays through Saturdays, pick up MBUG mail from Box A354, The Mailbox, 177 Webster Street, Monterey, CA 93940.

B. Coordinate distribution in accordance with guidelines established by the President, MBUG. Current guidelines are:

  • Screen newsletters received from other user groups and distribute to appropriate MBUG officers and members of the staff.
  • Give shareware software items to the Librarian.
  • Open and review letters addressed to the President. If contents pertain to official club business, they are given to the President. Otherwise, they are given to the MBUG staff member who has that area of responsibility or expertise.
  • Give items addressed to the Newsletter Editor and evaluation copies of software for review by a club member to the Newsletter Editor.
  • Refer telephone messages to an appropriate person for return call (reverse charges for long distance calls). Frequently the Mail Coordinator will return the call to assist in answering the inquiry.
  • Forward bills and bank statements to the Treasurer.

Reference Librarian

  • Accumulate all newsletters and other items of incoming mail which may be of use as future reference by MBUG.
  • Maintain a repository for these items.
  • Exercise full authority for decisions on the retention or disposal of reference library items, subject to the general guidelines issued by the Board of Directors.

APCUG Representative

A. Act as official liaison to APCUG and vote on APCUG related matters.

B. Report to the Board as necessary and as directed on these matters.

BBS Coordinator

A. Maintain liaison with IBM and APCUG support BBSs.

B. Coordinate with various BBSs to ensure MBUG representatives have access as needed.

C. Capture messages and files affecting, or of interest to, MBUG officers and staff including: APCUG Representative, Librarian, Newsletter Editor, and others.

D. Report to Board of Directors on BBS activities.

E. APCUG BBS:

  • Maintain regular contact via modem with APCUG BBS (Scotts Valley).
  • Appointment to this position by the MBUG President and MBUG’s
  • APCUG Representative enables access to all APCUG BBS message bases and file directories. Association of PC User Groups (APCUG) BBS is accessed via TYMNET (free).
  • Upload MBUG–PC monthly newsletter file.

F. IBM BBS

  • Maintain regular contact via modem with IBM National Support BBS (Atlanta).
  • IBM is accessed via an 800-number (free). IBM BBS can also be accessed via its 404-area code (not free). Two MBUG–PC representatives may be authorized by the President to have free access to this BBS. These are normally the BBS Coordinator and the Librarian.
  • Upload MBUG–PC monthly newsletter file.

G. Cricket BBS

  • Download monthly MBUG newsletter file.
  • Upload monthly and weekly MBUG–PC schedule.
  • Maintain currency of MBUG Bulletins on Cricket.
  • Post messages to Cricket as requested.

VICE PRESIDENT—NEWSLETTER

Coordinate all editorial, publishing, distribution, and marketing functions of the MBUG–PC Newsletter. The Vice President—Newsletter shall normally also perform the duties of the Editor.

Editor

A. Responsible for the overall operation of the Newsletter and its staff. Selects items for publication in each issue.

B. Coordinate the control, disposition, and review of software, books, and other items submitted to MBUG–PC for review. Guidelines for these reviews were adopted by the MBUG Board of Directors via Resolution 89-1 on 2/23/89.

Production Manager

A. Convert raw editorial material into camera-ready pages for publication.

B. Work with Editor in layout and final determination of items for publication in issue.

C. Upload MBUG–PC monthly newsletter file to Cricket.

Advertising Manager

Promote member, local business, and software publisher advertising in the MBUG Newsletter. The total amount of advertising in the Newsletter is at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor, but normally is restricted to well less than half of the newsletter content.

Contributing Editor(s)

A. Under general direction of the Editor, write and/or select material for publication in the Newsletter.

B. Editors may include regular contributing columnists, such as The Frugal Hacker and the MBUG–PC Librarian, and Special Interest Group leaders and others who may regularly or from time to time submit columns on their activities.

VICE PRESIDENT—SOFTWARE LIBRARIAN

Maintain the MBUG–PC Public Domain and User Supported software library and the library computer, and serve as the MBUG–PC advisor on these software distribution programs. The library computer, software library, and its contents are the sole possession of MBUG–PC. Use of the library computer, software library, and/or its contents, except for official MBUG–PC business, is prohibited.

A. Maintain the library software which is currently stored on floppy disks (5-1/4"). All disks will be write protected and labeled with a unique disk number. The disks will be kept in paper sleeves with each sleeve indicating a matching disk number. The disks will be stored in suitable media handlers. Maintain and replenish an inventory of blank diskettes used in library activities.

B. Select additions to the library. These additions may include regular PC-SIG Library disks and/or other disks at the discretion of the librarian or requested by the membership.

C. Make the software library and library computer available at each General Meeting and other designated meetings. The software library hours generally begin at least 1/2 hour prior to the start of each General Meeting and end at the close of the meeting. At the General Meetings, the Librarian will make the following available to the membership:

  • MBUG–PC software library
  • Current PC–SIG Library Catalog(s)
  • Current Public software Library Catalog(s)
  • Current list of disks in the library
  • Any other material to assist members in selecting software from the library

D. Account for all proceeds from the sales of copies of MBUG–PC library disks. Each sale will be evidenced by a receipt, the original of which is given to the member purchasing the software. A receipt copy will be retained by the Librarian along with any funds received. Prepare a monthly report detailing sales and receipts from library activities. The report, along with any funds received that month, will be delivered to the MBUG–PC Treasurer for review and deposit.

E. Reimbursement for expenses incurred in the administration of the Librarian’s duties is provided for by submitting an expense voucher to the MBUG–PC Treasurer.

Assistant—Diskette Review

Review all shareware diskettes received by MBUG–PC, identify those which should be accessioned into the library, and write reviews, as appropriate.

Assistant Librarians—General Meeting

A. Assist the Software Librarian, as needed, in duplicating and distributing shareware diskettes.

B. Assist the Software Librarian, as needed, in collecting and recording money and receipts for the shareware diskettes.

VICE PRESIDENT—MEMBERSHIP

A. Maintain membership records.

  • Enter new member and renewal information into database.
  • Develop new member forms and send to inquiries about new membership.
  • Develop first and second reminder forms and send as memberships expire.
  • Phone ex-member if no response to two reminders.
  • Send receipts for membership payments and cash donations. Include information on free shareware disks and Membership Directories.
  • Send welcoming letter (packet?) to each new member.

B. Prepare reports for the Steering Committee/Board meetings.

  • Provide multiple reports as requested by Board of Directors.
  • Discuss statistical report on Membership activities.

C. Use Cricket BBS, Conference 5.

  • Upload MBUG Membership database (MBDBmmdd.ZIP) monthly.
  • Upload MBUG Telephone list (MBGRmmdd.ZIP) monthly.
  • Use Conference 5 to interact with other Board members.

Directory Publisher

Publish and mail MBUG Membership Directories in January and July.

New Member Table

Set up Membership Table at General Meetings.

A. Take necessary paperwork to accept new memberships.

B. Give Newsletters and Membership Directories to new members.

MBUG Benefits

Search for discount opportunities available to MBUG–PC members and inform members of these opportunities.

A. Receive any mail concerning discounts or software trial offers, etc., received by MBUG–PC.

B. Review newsletters of other user groups searching for special ferings for users groups.

C. Solicit special membership benefits from local and national mpanies, as appropriate.

D. Make information available at the General Meetings via the Membership Bonus Table.

E. Provide a monthly article to the Newsletter publisher concerning Bonus opportunities.

SECRETARY

Perform all duties incident to the office of the Secretary and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

Certify and keep at the principal office of the corporation, or at such other place as the Board may determine, the original, or a copy, of all official records.

A. Keep at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place as the Board may determine, a book of minutes of all meetings of the Directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of Directors and of members, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present or represented at the meeting, and the proceedings thereof. Assure all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws or as required by law.

B. Serve as the official custodian of the records of the corporation including but not limited to the Bylaws and the minutes.

C. Exhibit at all reasonable times to any Director of the corporation, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request therefor, the Bylaws, the membership book, and the minutes of the proceedings of the Directors of the corporation.

Recording Secretary

The Recording Secretary attends all Board of Directors meetings and prepares the minutes of the meetings.

A. Deliver a copy of the signed minutes to the Minutes Distributor.

B. Deliver the signed original to the Secretary at the next meeting of the Board of Directors.

Minutes Distributor

A. Duplicate sufficient copies of the minutes for each officer and Director.

B. Distribute copies of prior Board of Directors meeting to those members present at the next General Meeting.

C. Distribute remaining copies at the next Board of Directors meeting.

TREASURER

Perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by the Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors.

The Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer of the corporation and, subject to the provisions of the Bylaws relating to the “Execution of Instruments, Deposits, and Funds,” shall:

A. Maintain custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the corporation, and deposit all such funds in the name of the corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors.

B. Receive, and give receipt for, moneys due and payable to the corporation from any source whatsoever.

C. Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the corporation as may be directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.

D. Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the corporation’s properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses.

E. Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records to any Director of the corporation, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request therefor. Render to the President and Directors, whenever requested, an account of any or all of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation.

F. Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified, the financial statements to be included in any required reports.

Assistant Treasurer—Bookkeeper

A. Maintain Items D. and E. under the Treasurer’s description above.

B. Prepare the monthly financial statements for the Board of Directors, having it completed in time for the Minutes Distributor to make copies of it and hand out to Board members at the General Meeting.

C. Coordinate the preparation of the budget.

Assistant Treasurer—Tax Coordinator

A. Prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, all federal, state, and local tax and other informational returns required by law.

B. Give a copy of each return so filed to the Custodian of Corporate Records.

C. Maintain a copy of each return so filed along with all papers documenting the returns.

D. Report on the standing of the corporation with all government authorities to the Board.

E. Make all documents within his/her control reasonably available as per the Bylaws.

Fund Raising Coordinator

Identify needs and coordinate programs for raising funds above the regular operating budget.

A. Develop an annual budget/program for fund raising.

B. Support an annual budget for major equipment upgrades.

C. Support any needs outside the normal operating budget.

D. Coordinate programs for raising money for special needs.

E. Report to Board of Directors on Fund Raising Programs.

Annual Auction Coordinator

Coordinate the preparation and execution of the annual MBUG auction.

A. Develop overall plan and strategy for the auction.

B. Promote the procurement of items for the auction.

C. Schedules facilities and equipment necessary for the auction.

General Meeting—Fund Raising

A. Solicit and procure items to be auctioned or raffled at the General Meetings.

B. Conduct or coordinate auctions, raffles and door prizes at the General Meetings.

Donor Programs

Develop programs for generating donations to MBUG–PC.

A. Solicit donations from organizations.

B. Solicit donations from members.

C. Send letters of appreciation/receipt.

  • Prepare thank-you letters for gifts of equipment or money. The letters should include information on the gift as well as the verification of the tax-deductible nature of the gift to MBUG–PC as a public charity.
  • Note: VP—Membership will send an appropriate letter for donations coming to MBUG with membership renewal.

LEGAL ADVISOR, Attorney

Advise the Board of Directors in legal matters.

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