Topics

1

General Discussion / Brother Said: Candidate For EC

« on: February 18, 2012, 09:57:50 AM »

Before we get to my agenda here are my endorsements for other EC members:

Inkera: vote for her because she has the experience and dedication. She is also thoughtful, caring, and wise. She's the one you want in the front seat of the car when the kids are in the back seat acting crazy.

Dahled Jeffries: vote for him because he would be a fresh addition to the EC. We need more new blood with vision on the EC. He's a little overly sensitive, but he's got fresh ideas and he's ALWAYS on the forums.

Alvin Lau: vote for him because he would be a fresh addition to the EC. We need new blood with vision on the EC. He's a little too analytical and too competitive, so he will be challenged to make his exhaustive analyses clear for the "C" students. If he's willing to accept the EC as a service to the community and not a competition - he'll be fine.

Syd Mallicious: a little too new, but another numbers cruncher and we need a numbers cruncher on the EC. Another "A" student like Alvin, so you have to be willing to get her to break her smarts down so we can understand it.

Those are my endorsements for now. I'll update later with additions or subtractions if the need arises. The EC is a service job. People who get authority often lose sight of the fact they have authority for service. It's up to us to keep them honest.

I hereby announce my candidacy for membership on the EC. I've been Slammaster of Houston Poetry Slam for seven years, and the Founding Director and board member of our non-profit Wrighters Ink for seven years. I've been a member of PSI since 2005. I've attended most Slam Master meetings, and if you do a forum search and read my postings - you'll notice that I'm one of the most despised and respected Slam Masters of PSI. So think about that before you vote for me. People often react negatively to me, and that's their right, and that's life, and I'm still living. If you're conflicted about whether to vote for me or someone else, vote for someone else. I view membership on the EC as a service position. If you think I can represent your interest as a member of the EC, then vote for me.  I will serve you well.

Now on to questions posted by the Slam Master from Denver:

1. "The mission of Poetry Slam Incorporated (PSI) is to promote the performance and creation of poetry while cultivating literary activities and spoken word events in order to build audience participation, stimulate creativity, awaken minds, foster education, inspire mentoring, encourage artistic statement and engage communities worldwide in the revelry of language."

How do you plan to help this organization grow and accomplish this mission?  Please be specific.

If elected I plan on promoting efforts to market PSI and it's mission. We need a marketing budget and a marketing plan. We need to follow our bylaws and encourage and empower the Slam Masters Council to elect their own chairman and form their own committees. A marketing committee would be  a good place to start.

2. What experience do you have with non-profit organizations - as an employee, as a volunteer, as a board member?  I am especially interested in hearing about experience working with non-profit ARTS organizations, but I do think that all of your professional experience is relevant.

I've founded a non-profit. I wrote the Articles of Incorporation, and the bylaws. I've run board meetings. I've obtained a $5000 dollar grant locally which involved presenting an artist statement, presenting a proposed budget, and accounting for expenditures at the end of the granting period.

3. How many hours a week do you have available to dedicate to PSI?  And what is your typical availability (days/evenings/weekends)?   

At least 4 hours a week typically. More if and when a specific need arises.

4.  What would you most like to see changed about PSI?  What would you most like to see preserved?

We need to actually enforce the governance system embodied in our bylaws. According to our bylaws, The EC and the Slam Masters Council are two separate bodies. Executive authority is vested in the EC, but it's so that the EC can report to the Slam Masters Council - not run the Slam Master Council meetings. The Slam Master's Council has limited oversight authority over the EC.
(the most important oversight authority being WE vote for who gets on the EC).

I would like most to see The Slam Masters Council with it's own chairman, it's own secretary, and it's own committees like our bylaws say. If we do what our bylaws say the EC wouldn't be so overwhelmed, burnt out, and frustrated.

If we're not going to follow our bylaws, then we need to revise our bylaws to give full executive authority of PSI to the EC.

I won't be in Denver for the Spring Meeting. My proxy will give you my final statement if any is necessary.

2

General Discussion / Paging Scott the Mysterious (Otherwise Known as El Presidente)

« on: January 01, 2010, 02:53:34 PM »

   
Posts: 7615


sewoods1
View Profile WWW Email Personal Message (Offline)
   
   
Hosting a PSi Event - Step 1 - Requirements
« on: August 24, 2009, 07:45:54 PM »
   
All,

You will begin to see in this forum documents posted for the purposes of those people, cities or crews interested in hosting a PSi event. 

I will attempt to post them in the order in which they should be navigated, and add instructional information as we go.  PSi wants anyone who is capable of running these events to have the opportunity to be considered, and we certainly want anyone interested to be aware of the process.  If you've got the venues, the audience and the crew, we WANT to consider you.

Please find attached the simplest sheet we have: the Events Requirement Sheet.  It basically lists the infrastructure requirements we need to run the tournament, primarily venues.  If you have these items in reasonable distance to an acceptable hotel and to each other, you may very well be a contender for running a PSi event.

This is step 1: Do you have the things we need to even consider your city?  This document gives you the broadest stroke possible to determine that.

If you feel you pass this test then you should get in contact with me, any EC representative or our Executive Director Steve Marsh and see what events are available for bids, and in what years.  We try to award bids to cities with a two year lead time when possible, so it is possible that even if we haven't announced a city for a particular year we are considering one or more already.

Also: hosts for NPS and iWPS go before a SlamMaster vote (when the window for bids hasn’t passed or no acceptable cities are found in that window).  Hosts for all WOWps events are picked by the EC only.

Also: Anyone can bid on an event.  It need not be a SlamMaster or even a member of PSi...but it would sure help your case.

More info and process to come!

Thank you family,
Scott Woods

President, PSi

So Whereis the attachment for this info, again.

3

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article Nine

« on: June 29, 2008, 11:35:47 PM »

As of 2008, this Article is up to date.

BYLAWS

of
Poetry Slam, Inc.


ARTICLE IX
Amendments of Bylaws
Bylaws may be adopted, altered, amended, or repealed at any meeting of the Executive Council of the corporation by a 3/5 majority vote of the Executive Council voting members present at the meeting, said change in Bylaws to be enacted after a 3/5 majority ratification vote of the Slammaster’s Council and after a 3/5 majority ratification vote of the Slam Family at its regular annual meeting.

CERTIFICATE
   
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Bylaws of the corporation named in the title thereto and that such Bylaws were duly adopted by the Executive Council of said corporation on the date set forth below.
DATED:
Secretary
(seal)

4

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Agenda Items or Propsals????

« on: January 31, 2008, 05:50:44 PM »

The 2008 Spring Slammaster Council Meeting is nearly here. Are there any proposals based on previous discussions in this thread that someone wants to propose for the 2008 Spring Agenda? If so, you can make write your proposed amendment in the agenda thread in the PSI members forum

5

General Discussion / Justaslamblog: New Slam Needs Contributors

« on: December 08, 2007, 05:21:37 PM »

I've started a blog at www.justaslam.blogspot.com for the presentation of slam tricks, tips, and strategy. You can even use a dictionary and play hangman.

If you'd like to submit about a 300 word article or so or merely comment, please do so. Please don't be pissed if your comment isn't up immediately, but I have to screen comments to avoid spam. So even critical comments will be posted.

You can e-mail articles to slammaster@houstonpoetryslam.org and I'll post it as soon as I can. I try to post new content daily.

6

Slam Selection Processes / Houston Poetry Slam Qualifying Process

« on: August 19, 2007, 09:33:26 AM »

Houston Poetry Slam
presents the Annual Super Slam Week:
Preliminaries, Semifinals, and Houston Slam Team Grand Slam Final all in one week!
For details visit our websites:
www.houstonpoetryslam.org
www.myspace.com/houstonpoetryslam

SUBSTITUTIONS POLICY

1. Vacancies on the Houston Slam Team may be referred to the next ranking individual or team contestant on the grand slam results list. Next, vacancies may be referred to poets on the semi-finals results list, and then finally the preliminary ranking list. The Slammaster reserves  the right to hold an Alternates Slam at any time to fill vacancies on the slam team or openings for IWPS or WOWPS.

The 2013 Houston Poetry Slam Qualifying Rules and Format

Poets, here's how to qualify to be a member of the Houston Slam Team  for 2013 Nationals in Chicago or Boston or where ever it's going to be. Here are your options:

1. OPTION ONE: At least 8 INDIVIDUAL POETS need to contact me BEFORE DEC. 31ST  to schedule at least six competitions at our monthly open mic poetry series. POETRY SLAM INC. REQUIRES AT LEAST SIX EVENTS, WHICH IS WHY I DO TOO.

2. OPTION TWO:  Form your own team of poets. BUT AT LEAST  two teams of 4 or five poets each must call me BEFORE Dec. 31st to schedule AT LEAST SIX competitions between at least those two teams at our monthly open mic poetry series. POETRY SLAM INC. REQUIRES AT LEAST SIX EVENTS, WHICH IS WHY I DO TOO.

3. We can get the  six competitions done in one week. We can get the six competitions done in six months - BUT they have to be done BEFORE DEC. 31ST. IT'S UP TO YOU.,

4. If we have just eight individuals competing this season, after the required six competitions, the eight individual poets will go to a Grand Slam Final. The top individuals 4 poets of the Grand Slam will form the 2013 Houston Slam Team. You will have the option of taking a 5th poet as Alternate.

5. If we have at least two teams competing this season, after the six competitions, the top team of the season will form the 2013 Houston Slam Team. If at least two teams are tied after the six competitions, then they will go to a Grand Slam Fina. The top team of the Grand Slam Final will become the 2013 Houston Slam Team.

Here are the basic rules for ALL Poetry Slam Incorporated certified slam contestants:

1. Write and compete with your own poems up to three minutes long using: no props, no costumes, no musical accompaniment. At 3:10:01 you start losing .5 of a point for every 10 seconds you go over after 3:10.

2. You will be judged by 5 judges who may be picked out of the audience. The judges will score you Olympic style 0 to 10 points judging such criteria as performance, originality, and content.

Here are the local qualifying rules and the local format for the Houston Poetry Slam open season between August and February.

1. The format for qualifying slams is no elimination, for no more than three bouts per night (maximum eight contestants).

2. For the six qualifying slams the first two bouts may be head -to-head match-ups in four rounds (teams or individuals). Individual scores from each round add up. The first round of qualifying slams  is random order. The rotation in succeeding round is:
Round 1: A,B
Round 2: A,B
Round 3: A,B
Round 4: A,B

3. The last bout will consist of 4 contestants (individuals and/or teams), 4 rounds, individual scores add up each round.The first round of qualifying slams  is random order. The rotation in succeeding round is:
Round 1:ABCD (random)
Round 2:CADB
Round 3:DCBA
Round 4:BDAC

4. In head-to-head bouts, placing 1st earns four ranking points. Placing 2nd earns two ranking points. Total accumulated scores determines lead within a ranking group.


5. In 4x4 bouts, winners earn ranking points determined by placing as follows, with scores determining lead within a ranking group:

Placing 1st earns four ranking points.

Placing 2nd earns three ranking points.

Placing 3rd earns two ranking points.

Placing 4th earns one ranking point.

6. A grand slam will be held with no less than 4 contestants.

7. The format for the Grand Slam Final  is no elimination,  no more than two bouts (maximum eight contestants) with 4 contestants per bout (individuals and/or teams), 4 rounds per bout, individual scores are added together each round. Top two contestants from each bout become the Houston Slam Team.

8.  Teams competing against individuals MUST send one individual member on stage to perform in a a head-to-head.

9. Individual poets cannot be on more than one team, and teams may not share poets.

The mission of Houston Poetry Slam is to promote poetry slam as one tool to help organize a nurturing, vibrant local poetry community. If you chose to form your own team, coach or captain your own team - beware of the self indulgent, egotistical poet. Their actions serve <strong><em>only</em></strong> their own personal advancement and maybe the advancement of their small cliques which can subvert concepts of team work and good sportsmanship.  The Slammaster is available for consultation, but the team you form is your own problem should problems occur. You've been warned.

The Slammaster reserves the right to clarify these rules throughout the season, make additions or changes as needed  - all at his discretion. If you wish to protest these rules or their alleged violation or manipulation, notify the Slammaster in writing. Your protest will be decided by the Slammaster. You may appeal decisions not to your liking to the Wrighter's Ink Executive Committee, and then if necessary to the Wrighter's Ink Board of Directors.

7

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Unofficial Ground Rules

« on: August 17, 2007, 10:06:26 AM »

This is a formal committee (Roberts Rules calls it a Committee of the Whole) with no official chairman. We can be informal, but we can keep proposed amendments uniform by following a certain procedure. The way this forum works I think it will keep down confusion if we discuss or debate issues concerning each article in it's own thread. Can we keep it that way, please? Let's not create a "Discussion of Article One" thread.  Let's try not to discuss an article at length outside of it's thread. And if you want to make amendments, that is , if you want to alter, strike, or make additions of words, phrases, clauses, or whole paragraphs  - can we make and keep our purposes clear?

For example, if you want to alter Article One:
1. Quote it 

ARTICLE I
Location
The principal executive office of the corporation in the State of Illinois shall be located in the City of Berwyn and County of Cook. The corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Illinois, as the Executive Council may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.
 
 

2. Then state your purpose: MOVE TO STRIKE "state of Illinois"

ARTICLE I
Location
The principal executive office of the corporation in the State of Illinois shall be located in the City of Berwyn and County of Cook. The corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Illinois, as the Executive Council may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.
 
 

3. Or: move to ALTER all occurences of "Executive Council" to the " High Poetry Slam Command". 

4. Or: move to ADD "or whatever" after every occurence of corporation:

The principal executive office of the corporation or whatever in the State of Illinois shall be located in the City of Berwyn and County of Cook. The corporation or whatever may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Illinois, as the Executive Council may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation or whatever may require.

5. THEN let the discussion ensue. This way people know exactly  what they are discussing and can keep discussions focused.

I've purposely used somewhat humourous or ridiculous examples above. I don't mean to imply that we all play around with the bylaws. I hope we all try to keep proposals serious and keep debate respectful.


[Topic Stickied -hellslam]

8

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article One of the Bylaws

« on: August 17, 2007, 09:45:05 AM »

As of 2008, this article is now up to date.

BYLAWS of Poetry Slam, Inc.

ARTICLE I
Location
The principal executive office of the corporation in the State of Illinois shall be located in the City of Berwyn and County of Cook. The corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Illinois, as the Executive Council may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.
 

9

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article Two of the Bylaws

« on: August 17, 2007, 09:42:42 AM »

As of 2008, this Article is up to date.

BYLAWS of Poetry Slam, Inc.

ARTICLE II: Slam Family

Section 1. Membership. Any person who wishes to advocate, promote, support, witness, enjoy and/or practice the art of performance poetry may become a member of Poetry Slam, Inc.  Members need not be residents of Illinois or citizens of the United States. Membership, with all benefits, commences upon the payment of an initiation fee. Dues are renewable at any time. Unless renewed, membership shall expire on the annual anniversary of payment of dues. Payment of dues entitles a member to full voting privileges at Slam Family meetings, the right to run for election to Executive Council, the right to participate in the National Poetry Slam (pursuant to local regulation for qualification) and such additional benefits as fixed from time to time by the Executive Council. First time members are entitled to a handsome certificate suitable for framing and a wallet sized poetic license.

Section 2. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Slam Family shall be held concurrently with the annual National Poetry Slam or at such other place, within or without the State of Illinois, as the Executive Council shall determine.

Section 3. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Slam Family shall be held on the Saturday of the National Poetry Slam at 11:00 A.M. in each year, for the purpose of reviewing and discussing procedures associated with the National Poetry Slam or Poetry Slam, Inc.; for reviewing and discussing the actions of the Executive Council and the Slammaster Council; for discussing and voting on all issues presented to the Slam Family by either the Executive Council or the Slammaster Council; and/or for the transaction of such additional business as necessary. If the day fixed for the annual meeting shall be inconvenient for the director of the National Poetry Slam, the meeting shall be held, with appropriate notification, at his/her convenience during the National Poetry Slam.

Section 4. Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Slam Family may be called by the president, by the Executive Council, or by not less than a simple majority of all members of the Slammaster Council.

Section 5. Meeting of the Slam Family. If all of the Slam Family shall meet at any place and time, either within or without the State of Illinois, and consent to the holding of a meeting at such place and time, such meeting shall be valid without call or notice, and at such meeting any corporate action may be taken.

Section 6. Fixing of Record Date. For the purpose of determining members of the Slam Family entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of the Slam Family, or in order to make a determination of Slam Family members for any other purpose, the Executive Council shall cause to be maintained an official list of addresses. The Executive Council may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of Slam Family membership, such date in any case to be not more than sixty days and, for a meeting of Slam Family, not less than ten days, or in the case of a merger, consolidation, dissolution or sale, lease or exchange of assets, not less than twenty days, immediately preceding the meeting. If no record date is fixed for the determination of Slam Family members entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Slam Family, or Slam Family entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the Executive Council declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of Slam Family membership.

Section 7. Voting Lists. The officer or agent having charge of membership shall make, by the Friday night prior to the annual Slam Family meeting, a complete list of the membership entitled to vote at such meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of each, which list, for a period of ten days prior to such meeting, shall be kept on file at the registered office of the corporation and shall be subject to inspection by any Slammaster, and to copying at the Slammaster's expense, at any time during usual business hours. Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any Slammaster during the whole time of the meeting. The original membership list, or a duplicate thereof kept in this State, shall be prima facie evidence as to who are the Slammasters entitled to examine such list or to vote at any meeting of the Slammasters or of members entitled to vote at any meeting of the Slam Family. Failure to comply with the requirements of this section does not affect the validity of any action taken at such meeting. An officer or agent having charge of the membership list who shall fail to prepare the list of membership, or keep the same on file for a period of ten days, or produce and keep the same open for inspection at the meeting, as provided in this Section, shall be liable to any member suffering damage on account of such failure, to the extent of the damage.

Section 8. Quorum of Slam Family and Voting by Slam Family. Unless a greater or lesser quorum is provided in the Articles of Incorporation,
a majority of the outstanding votes, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Slam Family, but in no event shall a quorum consist of less than five (5) percent of the votes represented on the membership list. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a 3/5 majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on a matter shall be the act of the Slam Family, unless the vote of a greater number or voting by classes is required by The Business Corporation Act or the Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation may require any number or percent greater than a majority up to and including a requirement of unanimity to constitute a quorum.

Section 9. Voting of Individual Members. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of this Article, each person present, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted at a meeting of Slam Family, unless the Articles of Incorporation provide otherwise. The Articles of Incorporation may limit or deny voting rights or may provide special voting rights as to any class or classes of members of the corporation.

Section 10. Proxies. At all meetings of Poetry Slam, Inc., a member may vote either in person or by proxy executed in writing by the member or by his/her duly authorized agent or representative. No proxy shall be valid after 11 months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 11. Voting of Slam Family.  Membership standing in the name of another corporation—domestic or foreign—may be voted by such officer, agent, or proxy as the Bylaws of such corporation may prescribe, or, in the absence of such provision, as the Executive Council of such corporation may determine.
      Membership registered in the name of a deceased person, a minor ward, or a person under legal disability, may be voted by his or her administrator, executor, or court-appointed guardian, either in person or by proxy. Membership standing in the name of a trustee may be voted by him or her, either in person or by proxy.

Section 12. Voting. Unless specifically limited or eliminated in the Articles of Incorporation, every member shall be entitled to exercise voting rights. In so doing, each member shall have the right to vote, in person or by proxy, on all matters brought before the Slam Family.

Section 13. Inspectors. At any meeting of the Executive Council, the Slammaster Council or the Slam Family, the chairman of the meeting may, or upon the request of any member shall, appoint one or more persons as inspectors for such meeting.
   Such inspectors shall ascertain and report the number of votes represented at the meeting, based upon their determination of the validity and effect of proxies; count all votes and report the results; and do such other acts as are proper to conduct the election and voting with impartiality and fairness to all the Slam Family.
   Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or by a majority of them if there be more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of members represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

Section 14. Action without Meeting. Any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the Executive Council, the Slammaster Council or the Slam Family may be taken without a meeting and without prior notice if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by the members entitled to vote or signed by such lesser number of members as may be provided for in the Articles of Incorporation that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting.

10

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article Three of the Bylaws

« on: August 17, 2007, 09:39:32 AM »

As of 2008, this is the most up to date version of this Article.

BYLAWS

of
Poetry Slam, Inc.

ARTICLE III
Executive Council Members
Section    1. Powers. Subject to any provision in the Articles of Incorporation, including the stipulation that the corporation be run under a shareholder’s agreement according to the Close Corporation Act of 1977, the business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by an Executive Council.
Section 2. Number. The authorized number of voting members serving on the Executive Council shall be seven (7) until changed by amendment to these Bylaws. Additionally, the Executive Director shall serve on the Executive Council in a non-voting status.

Section    3.  Election and Term of Directors.  Election and Term of Directors. Each Executive Council member, excluding the Executive Director shall hold office until the second annual meeting of the Slammaster Council after his/her election or until his/her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his/her prior resignation or removal. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, an Executive Council member may be removed, with or without cause, by vote of a majority of the Slammaster Council members entitled to vote at an election of Executive Council members, subject to Section 8.35 of The Business Corporation Act. Executive Council members need not be residents of Illinois. The Executive Director shall be appointed by the voting members of the Executive Council and shall serve, at the will of the Executive Council, a renewable term not to exceed one year.

Section 4. Vacancies.  Any vacancy occurring in the Executive Council and any Executive Council membership to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of Executive Council members may be filled by election at an annual meeting or at a special meeting of the Slammaster Council called for that purpose. An Executive Council member elected to fill a vacancy shall serve until the next annual meeting of Slammaster Council at which Executive Council members are to be elected.

Section 5.  Regular Meetings.  A regular meeting of the Executive Council shall be held without other notice than this Bylaw, immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of Slam Family. The Executive Council may provide, by resolution, the time and place, for the holding of additional regular meetings without other notice than this Bylaw.

Section    6. Manner of Convening Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Executive Council may be called by or at the request of the president or any two Executive Council members.

Section 7. Place of Special Meetings. The person or persons authorized to convene special meetings of the Executive Council may fix any place, either within or without the State of Illinois, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Executive Council.

Section    8. Notice of Executive Council Meetings.  Special meetings of the Executive Council shall be held upon at least four days' prior notice in writing, delivered personally or mailed to each Executive Council member. Any Executive Council member may waive notice of any meeting.  Attendance of an Executive Council member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where an Executive Council member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any regular or special meeting of the Executive Council need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

Section   9. Quorum of Executive Council.  A simple majority of the number of Executive Council voting members fixed by the Bylaws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of the majority of the Executive Council voting members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Executive Council.

Section 10. Informal Action by Executive Council. Unless specifically prohibited by the Articles of Incorporation, any action required to be taken at a meeting of the Executive Council may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the Executive Council members entitled to vote.

Section 11. Dissent. An Executive Council member of the corporation who is present at a meeting of its Executive Council at which action on any corporate matter is taken is conclusively presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his/her dissent is entered into the minutes of the meeting or unless s/he files his/her written dissent to such action with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or forwards such dissent by registered mail to the secretary of the corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent does not apply to an Executive Council member who voted in favor of such action.

Section 12. Compensation. By the affirmative vote of a majority of Executive Council members, the council shall have authority to establish reasonable compensation for all Executive Council members in payment for actual services to the corporation as Executive Council members, officers, or otherwise. A fixed sum and expenses for actual attendance at each regular or special meeting of the council may also be authorized. Beginning with the Spring meeting of 1998, Executive Council officers and trustees shall receive a $1 per diem for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Executive Council. No elected or appointed voting member of the Executive Council shall simultaneously hold a subordinate position within the structure of the corporation for which financial remuneration is subject to the approval or oversight of the Executive Council. This restriction shall not be construed to include reimbursement for expenses associated with the performance of duties for and of the Corporation, nor does this restriction prevent the changing of financial remuneration standards for Executive Council members.

11

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article Four of the Bylaws

« on: August 17, 2007, 09:37:07 AM »

As of 2008, this Article is up to date.

BYLAWS

of
Poetry Slam, Inc.

ARTICLE IV

Officers
Section 1. Number. The officers of the corporation shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary and a treasurer and three trustees, as well as other additional officers whose titles and duties shall be determined by the Executive Council. Annually, Council shall appoint an Executive Director who shall serve on the Executive Council as an ex officio member. The Executive Director may be removed from office, or replaced at any time by a simple majority vote of the Executive Council. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.

Section 2. Election. An officer of the corporation shall be chosen by the Executive Council. Each officer shall hold office until his/her death, resignation or removal as hereinafter provided. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation or removal or other cause shall be filled by the Executive Council at either an annual or special meeting.

Section 3. Resignation and Removal. An officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the corporation. An officer may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by the Executive Council, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.

Section 4. President. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation, and, subject to the direction and control of the Executive Council, shall manage the business of the corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Executive Council are carried out. He or she shall preside at all meetings of the Slam Family and Executive Council and shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Executive Council or Bylaws.

Section 5. Vice-President. During the absence or disability of the president, the vice-president, or, if there are more than one, the executive vice-president, shall possess all powers and functions of the president. Any vice-president may sign, with the secretary, certificates for membership in the corporation, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Executive Council or the Bylaws.

Section 6. Secretary. The secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at the principal executive office of the corporation, the minutes of all meetings of the Slam Family and of the Executive Council. The secretary shall see that all notices of meetings are given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law. The secretary shall have charge of the corporate seal and shall affix it to any instrument when authorized by the Executive Council. The secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at the principal executive office of the corporation or at the office of the corporation's transfer agent, a membership register, showing the names of the Slam Family and their addresses, and the date of membership held by each. The secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at the principal executive office of the corporation, the original or a copy of the Bylaws and amendments, the resolutions of the Slam Family, and other documents of the corporation, and shall certify that all such documents of the corporation are true and correct copies. The secretary shall perform whatever other duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Council.

Section 7. Treasurer. The treasurer shall have charge of the corporate funds and securities; shall keep or cause to be kept complete and accurate account books of corporate receipts and payments; deposit all money and other valuables in the name of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as designated by the Executive Council; prepare and present financial reports to the annual meeting of the Slam Family and the regular meetings of the Executive Council, and perform such other duties as are assigned to him or her from time to time by the Executive Council.

Section 8. Executive Director. The Executive Director shall assist the officers in the performance of their duties. Duties shall include, but not be limited to: maintaining the corporate non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service; complying with all regulations and filing requirements; acting as an advisor to the Executive Council to be sure they, the Slam Family, and the Slammasters fulfill all the requirements of the corporation by-laws; in coordination with the Treasurer, maintaining an accounting record of all day to day business transactions; making sure all contract obligations are fulfilled; assisting the Executive Council in the venue certification process and maintaining records of certified venues; in coordination with the Secretary, maintaining a record of membership; supervising the Publicist's work and maintaining a press archive; in coordination with the Executive Council, supervising the process for securing public and private funding for Poetry Slam, Inc.; in coordination with the Executive Council, protecting any intellectual property of Poetry Slam, Inc.; maintaining an up-to-date file of all business correspondence.

Section 9. Sureties and Bonds. If required by the Executive Council, any officer of the corporation shall give to the corporation a bond for the faithful performance of his or her duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Executive Council shall determine.

Section 10. Compensation. The salaries of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Executive Council. No officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary due to the fact that he or she is also a member of the Executive Council of the corporation.

12

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article Five of the Bylaws

« on: August 17, 2007, 09:35:32 AM »

As of spring 2008, this Article is up to date pending an Amendment presented at the summer 2008 Slammasters Council meeting.

BYLAWS

of
Poetry Slam, Inc.

ARTICLE V
Slammaster Council

Section    1. Eligibility. Subject to any provision in the Articles of Incorporation, members of the Slammaster Council shall be comprised of any individual who legitimately runs and organizes a regular Slam event.  The Executive Council will determine an individual Slammaster’s eligibility for council membership.

Section 2. Number. The authorized number of individuals serving on the Slammaster Council shall be unlimited until changed by amendment to this Article of these Bylaws.

Section    3. Appointment and Removal.  Each Slammaster shall maintain membership on the Slammaster Council so long as s/he continues to organize or host a regular slam event and/or the Executive Council removes him/her from the Slammaster Council. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, a Slammaster may be removed, with or without cause, by vote of a majority of the Executive Council members entitled to vote at any Executive Council meeting, subject to Section 8.35 of The Business Corporation Act. Slammasters need not be residents of Illinois.

Section 4.  Challenges of Legitimacy. Any member of the corporation may challenge the legitimacy of a Slammaster’s inclusion on the Slammaster Council at any meeting of the Slam Family. All determinations of legitimacy by the Executive Council are considered to be prima facie evidence of an individual member’s legitimacy.

Section    5. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the Slammaster Council shall be held without other notice than this Bylaw, at least twice a year, one of which will take place on a weekend in the Spring before May 4, each year for the purpose of electing Executive Council members and for the transaction of such additional business as necessary. The Executive Council may provide, by resolution and public notification, either personally, via mail or electronic methods at least four days prior, the time and place, for the holding of additional regular meetings without other notice than this Bylaw.

Section    6. Manner of Convening Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Slammaster Council may be called by or at the request of the president or any two directors of the Executive Council or by five members of the Slammaster Council representing five different cities.

Section    7. Place of Special Meetings. The person or persons authorized to convene special meetings of the Slammaster Council may fix any place, either within or without the State of Illinois, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Slammaster Council. Meetings may be held either in person or via electronic methods.

Section    8. Notice of Special Slammaster Council Meetings.  Special meetings of the Slammaster Council shall be held upon at least four days' prior notice in writing, delivered personally or via electronic methods, or mailed to each Slammaster. Any Slammaster may waive notice of any meeting.  Attendance of a Slammaster at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Slammaster attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any regular or special meeting of the Slammaster Council need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

Section    9.  Quorum of Slammaster Council.  At least fifteen cities must be represented at Slammaster Council meetings (either through personal attendance or through letters of proxy) for official business to be conducted. The act of the majority of the Slammasters present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Slammaster Council.

Section 10. Duties. The duties of the Slammaster Council shall include, but not be limited to the following: to elect or agree upon a presiding chairperson and secretary at each of its meetings who will prepare and distribute reports of its proceedings and actions to the Slam Family and the Executive Council; to monitor the actions taken by the Executive Council; to solicit from membership and propose to the Executive Council new projects; to establish committees for ongoing projects; to review and propose revisions and additions to the bylaws of Poetry Slam, Inc.; to review and propose revisions and additions to the rules of National Poetry Slam; to review and vote upon all financial considerations presented to it by the Executive Council; to review and discuss presentations made by cities wishing to host the National Poetry Slam and to vote on the site of the next annual National Poetry Slam.

13

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article Six of the Bylaws

« on: August 17, 2007, 09:33:54 AM »

As of 2008, this Article is up to date

BYLAWS

of
Poetry Slam, Inc.

ARTICLE VI
Limitation on Liability

Section 1.  Liabilities.

   (a) Liability to Corporation. A member of the Executive Council who is a volunteer director (defined herein as anyone elected to and serving on Executive Council as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee and who receives less than $100 (one hundred dollars) per year in salary or wages from Poetry Slam, Inc.) is not personally liable to the corporation or its members for monetary damages for breach of the Executive Council member’s fiduciary duties; provided, however, this does not pertain to and the Executive Council member remains liable for:
      (1) Breach of the member’s duty or loyalty to the corporation or its members;
      (2) Act or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;
      (3) A violation of any local, state or federal law restricting or relating to making unauthorized dividends or distributions;
      (4) A transaction from which the member derived an improper personal benefit;
      (5) An act or omission that is grossly negligent.
   (b) Claims by Third Parties. The corporation assumes liability to any person other than the corporation or its members for acts or omissions of an Executive Council Member who is a volunteer director (as defined above) incurred in the good-faith performance of the Executive Council’s duties. The corporation also assumes the liability for all acts or omissions of a nondirector volunteer if all the following are met:
      (1) The volunteer was acting or reasonably believed he or she was acting within the scope of his or her authority.
      (2) The volunteer was acting in good faith.
      (3) The volunteer’s conduct did not amount to gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.
      (4) The volunteer’s conduct was not an intentional tort.
      (5) The volunteer’s conduct was not a tort arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle for which tort liability may be imposed under local, state or federal laws.
   (c) Indemnification. The corporation indemnifies all Executive Council members, officers, and nondirector volunteers of the corporation in any action, suit or proceedings applicable under local, state and federal law, in the manner permitted and to the extent not prohibited either by local, state or federal law, or by Chapter 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Executive Council may contract for the purchase of insurance against liability as permitted by Section 567 of that Act.

Section 2. Reimbursement.

   (a) To the extent that an Executive Council member, officer, employee, nondirector volunteer or agent of the corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 1 or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or heir in connection with the defense.
   (b) Any indemnification under Section 1 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the Executive Council member, officer, employee, nondirector volunteer, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1. Such determination shall be made in either of the following ways:
      (1) By the executive Council by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Executive Council members who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding; or
      (2) If such quorum is not obtainable, or, even if a quorum is obtainable if a quorum of disinterested Executive Council members so directs, by written opinion of independent legal council.

Section 3. Advancement of Expenses. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding described in Section 1 may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized in the manner provided in subsection (b) of Section 2 upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Executive Council member, officer, employee, nondirector volunteer, or agent to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.

Section 4. Limitations. The corporation shall make no provisions to indemnify Executive Council members, officers, employees, nondirector volunteers, or agents in any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 1 which shall be in conflict with the provisions of this Article. Nothing contained in this Article shall affect any rights to indemnifications to which persons other than Executive Council members, officers, and nondirector volunteers may be entitled by contract or otherwise by law. The indemnification provided for in this Article shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be an Executive Council member, officer, employee, nondirector volunteer, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs and personal representative of such person.

Section 5. Insurance. The Executive Council may, in the exercise of its discretion, from time to time authorize by resolutions duly adopted, purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was an Executive Council member, officer, employee, nondirector volunteer, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the nondirector volunteer, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as an Executive Council member, officer, employee, nondirector volunteer, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity or arising out his or her stature as such, whether or not the corporation would have power to indemnify him or her against such liability under Section 1 of this Article.

Section 6. Merger and Reorganization. For the purposes of Section 1 through 5 of this Article, references to the corporation include all constituent corporations absorbed in a consolidation merger and the resulting or surviving corporation, so that a person who is or was an Executive Council member, officer, employee, nondirector volunteer, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he or she would if he or she had served the resulting or surviving corporation in the same capacity.

Section 7. Application of the Articles of Incorporation. The provisions of this Article shall apply except to the extent they may be inconsistent with and prohibited by the Internal Revenue Code and the Regulations promulgated thereunder or any other applicable law or regulations.

14

PSi Bylaws Discussion / Article Seven and Eight of the Bylaws

« on: August 17, 2007, 09:31:46 AM »

As of 2008 this Article is up to date

BYLAWS

of
Poetry Slam, Inc.


ARTICLE VII
Waiver of Notice

Any notice required to be given under the provisions of these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, or the provisions of The Business Corporation Act may be waived by the individual entitled to such notice. A waiver in writing signed by said individual, whether before or after the time stated in the notice, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

ARTICLE VIII
Parliamentary Authority

All meetings of the SlamFamily, the Executive Council and the SlamMasters, whether regular or special, live or virtual, shall be conducted according to the rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised and shall govern the corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the corporation or its individual governing bodies may severally adopt.

15

General Discussion / Southeast Slam Teams: Come to the H-Town Showdown

« on: June 09, 2007, 05:06:49 PM »

If your slam team will be driving from the Southeast to Austin for Nationals, you might be interested in some pre-Nationals poetic slam down in Houston:

1. I've already reserved Saturday August 5th at our regular venue. There is a stage with lights, sound system, and an outside patio for smokers. There's food and coffee, and the owner is in the process of getting his liquor license, right now it's a byob (but you don't need to be slamming and drinking anyway)

2. I've already talked to Austin Ego's (2nd in last years final) about coming down. Their definitely interested. Of course the Houston Slam Team will defend home turf. I think I could accomodate at least three more teams.

3. There will be no registration fee. Everybody (including your poets and entourage) will pay the door - and we'll split the proceeds.

If you're interested sign up here, so I can start planning for lodging for those who plan to sleep over. You can also call me 832-656-7829.