DRAFT

(Nearly Done)

OpenNIC is chartered as a community interested in restoring the power of DNS back to the people who use it. OpenNIC accepts membership from anyone who can use a computer and who choose to use the services offered by OpenNIC.

Mission

To continue offering open access to DNS services to everyone.
To provide a foundation for further research and experimentation in areas related to DNS and the Internet.
To promote the benefits of an Internet that is open and free (as in "freedom") for all to use.

Organization

OpenNIC is governed as a meritocracy by a Council consisting of five members who have demonstrated commitment to the OpenNIC project over the long term. The size of the Council may vary, and new members to the Council are voted in by the Council on majority vote. The Council is ultimately responsible for all matters that pertain to the continue well-being of OpenNIC, and may delegate operational decisions to other OpenNIC members.

- [ if you must give this a label then a Sociocracy would more fitting ] - ChrisP
Sociorcracy - It literally means rule by the "socios," people who have a social relationship with each other - as opposed to democracy: rule by the "demos," the general mass of people.
Meritocracy - is a system of a government or another organization wherein appointments are made and responsibilities are given based on demonstrated ability (merit) and talent rather than by wealth (plutocracy), family connections (nepotism), class privilege, cronyism, the will of the people (as in democracy) or other historical determinants of social position and political power.

To me they both sound rather suitable for the OpenNIC goverenace model we are trying to find. Both do not take the power away from our users. I think I tend to sway towards Meritorcracy because it already has the plus sides from Sociocracy as all the conucil members would already have a social relationship with each other. Meritocracy then extends on Sociocracy furthure by using a merit based system as to only allow those dedicated to OpenNIC by means of contributions(not just the social side). --JulianDemarchi

Membership

A member is anyone who participates on the OpenNIC mailing list and/or forums and uses the services offered by OpenNIC.
A council member is an OpenNIC member appointed to the Council who has demonstrated commitment to OpenNIC by offering continuing help over a period of 6 months or more that has been of value to OpenNIC as determined by the other Council members.

Council Members

Initially, there are five council members who have each been instrumental in the reorganization of OpenNIC. These five members have proven their dedication to the OpenNIC project by providing contributions on a regular basis and/or by providing a continuing service to the OpenNIC project. The council is here to provide leadership to OpenNIC and to lead the working groups.

Council Member Selection

From time to time, the Council will solicit applications for one or more Council positions. Council members will review all applications and determine which applicant(s) are to be selected. The decision of the Council is final.

To be eligible for a promotion from a member to a council member, you must have demonstrated your commitment to the OpenNIC project by contributing regularly to OpenNIC, either on your own or as part of one of OpenNIC's working groups. Below are the minimum requirements for applying for a position on the OpenNIC Council:

Regular contributor to the OpenNIC mailing lists/forums
Have been with OpenNIC for 6 months
Known and trusted within the OpenNIC community

If you meet the above criteria, and the Council has posted notice that applications are being accepted for new Council members, send an e-mail stating your interest in becoming an OpenNIC council member to council@lists.opennicproject.org.

Council Member Resignations/Demotions

Council members may resign at any time.

Demotions will only occur at the request of another council member. To demote a OpenNIC council member, requires a simple majority vote by the Council. For a demotion the following criteria must be met prior to consideration:

- A council member becomes inactive or no longer contributes to Council business
- A council member becomes difficult to work with, becomes abusive toward other OpenNIC members, or attempts to undermine the project contrary to the OpenNIC principles and policies set forth by the Council and the membership

Voting

Any changes to OpenNIC will be discussed then voted upon by its members. This includes peering arrangements, new TLDs and policy amendments. The vote process starts by a 7 day discussion on the issue. Then a member of the OpenNIC community will motion a vote. This will then last for a 7 day period, where at the end votes are tallied up and a decision is reached. The voting mechanism is not set forth in stone, and thus not covered by the charter.

Contributions

OpenNIC is an open community, and as of such any contributions to OpenNIC must be Open Source. OpenNIC will not accept any contributions that are closed source. This includes;

Websites
Applications
Code
Documentation

OpenNIC Wiki : OpenNICCharter

Revision [1517]