Revision 2004

Revision 2004	Current
Article I Notes It is recommended that the AB establish policy regarding display of the ® when the project name is displayed as header style text. In order to establish a "first user" advantage for any future registration of state names AB adoption of a resolution such as the following is recommended. "USGenWeb" is a registered mark of "The USGenWeb Project". XXGenWeb where "XX" stands for the two-letter federal postal code for any US state, territory and the District of Columbia, is hereby reserved as a service mark as a logical local extension of the "USGENWEB" registered mark by The USGenWeb Project.
ARTICLE I. NAME The name of this organization shall be "The USGenWeb Project." The name of associated state projects shall be "The XXGenWeb Project" (where XX is the two-letter postal code abbreviation for each state).	ARTICLE I. NAME The name of this organization shall be "The USGenWeb Project." The name, "The USGenWeb Project," and "The XXGenWeb Project" (where XX is the two-letter postal code abbreviation for each state) are service marks and reserved exclusively for The USGenWeb Project and any websites representing The USGenWeb Project.
ARTICLE II Notes The old Article III was incorporated into the new Article II as Section 1 and makes a "declaration" of our status, we are what we say we are. Repetition of wording regarding links or linking was eliminated. Note in section three "website coordinator or other contributors" establishes that a CC is a "contributor" to local websites. There are several special projects associated with USGenWeb that are not an integral part of The USGenWeb Archives yet also provide information that when considered collectively create a "digital library". Special projects have historically been self-governing provided they comply with USGenWeb bylaws. Special projects which are national in scope and agree to abide by project bylaws may be "authorized" by majority vote of the AB.
ARTICLE II. STATUS AND PURPOSE Section 1. The USGenWeb Project, as a group of volunteers participating in a not-for-profit organization, is an "Unincorporated Non-Profit Association." Section 2. The purpose of the association shall be to gather genealogical and historical information for free online access by researchers and other interested parties. Section 3. This purpose shall be accomplished by presenting websites which shall be central repositories of historical and genealogical research data, donated either by the website coordinator or other contributors. In presenting this information, the foundation of the association shall be at the local websites (county, township, parish, town, etc.) which shall be linked to the state websites which shall be linked to the national website. The USGenWeb Project shall also provide access to authorized special projects.	ARTICLE II. PURPOSE Section 1. The USGenWeb Project is an organized group of volunteers working to create an online center for genealogical research by linking every county in the United States. The purpose of this organization shall be to gather genealogical and historical information for free online access by researchers Section 2. This purpose shall be accomplished by presenting websites which shall be central repositories of historical and genealogical research data, donated either by the website coordinator or other contributors. In presenting this information, the foundation of the organization shall be at the local websites (county, township, parish, town, etc.) which shall be linked to the state websites which shall be linked to the national website. The USGenWeb Project shall also provide a "digital library" called The USGenWeb Project Archives. ARTICLE III. STATUS AS AN ORGANIZATION The USGenWeb Project, as a group of volunteers participating in a not-for-profit organization, is considered to be an "Unincorporated Non-Profit Association."
ARTICLE III Notes Membership is specifically defined and also linked to "good standing" with the requirement to maintain that status. Much of the wording describing good standing comes from the old Article VI Section 9 with some clarification and additions. Good standing is directly related to the "behavior" of members in interactions with researchers and other members. Past precedent provides that loss of "good standing" has included specific corrective actions required on the part of the affected member to regain good standing status. Failure to comply with specified corrective action subjects the member to possible disciplinary action.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Members of The USGenWeb Project are those individuals of "good standing" within The USGenWeb Project who maintain a website (county, township, parish, town, etc.) as part of an XXGenWeb, or who function as file managers for a part of an authorized Special Project. Section 2. Members shall maintain "good standing" status, which includes but is not limited to, the following requirements; responding to email in a timely manner, actively supporting researchers, maintaining websites with appropriate content, working to promote The USGenWeb Project public image and respecting the rights and opinions of other members. Section 3. The USGenWeb Project is an equal opportunity organization and will not tolerate discrimination in any form on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation.	ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP Section 1. The only requirement for membership in The USGenWeb Project is a desire to assist in gathering and disseminating genealogical and historical information for free online access by researchers. Section 2. The USGenWeb Project is an equal opportunity organization and will not tolerate discrimination in any form because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, etc.
ARTICLE IV Notes State Coordinator and Special Project representatives are reduced to one (1) each. Local Coordinator (CC) representatives remains at eight (8), however the regions are increased providing one representative per region.
Article IV Composition of Advisory Board The Advisory Board membership shall consist of the National Coordinator, one Representative at Large, one State Coordinator Representative, one Special Projects Representative and eight (8) Local Coordinator Regional Representatives. All shall have voting privileges except the National Coordinator who shall vote only when the vote determines the outcome of an issue. The following regions shall elect one Local Coordinator Representative; North East - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York; Mid-Atlantic - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, D.C.; South East - Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida; Great Lakes - Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota; Plains - Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota; South West - Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona; Rocky Mt. - Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada; Pacific - Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii Regions Map	ARTICLE V. COMPOSITION OF ADVISORY BOARD The Advisory Board membership shall consist of: the National Coordinator, four (4) State Coordinator Regional Representatives, eight (8) Local Coordinator Regional Representatives, one (1) representative each from The USGenWeb Archives Project, The USGenWeb Census Project, and The USGenWeb Tombstone Project, and beginning in 1999, one (1) at-large representative. All shall have voting privileges except the National Coordinator who shall vote only in the case of a tie. The regions from which State Coordinator and Local Coordinator Representatives are elected shall be decided by the Advisory Board on an annual basis.
ARTICLE V Notes
ARTICLE V DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE ADVISORY BOARD Section 1. The Advisory Board shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, by the parliamentary authority, and by adopted standing rules and policies. Section 2. The National Coordinator (NC) is the principal administrative officer of The USGenWeb Project with decision authority subject to approval of the Advisory Board. The NC serves as the public representative for the project and presides at all meetings of the Advisory Board. The NC shall serve as an ex officio member of all committees and maintain the national organizational e-mail lists and any appropriate national sub-lists. The NC shall appoint a Recording Secretary and Parliamentarian to the Advisory Board to serve for the term of the NC or until relieved. The NC is authorized to appoint "special committees" deemed necessary or when directed by the Advisory Board. The appointment of "special committees" shall be subject to confirmation by the Advisory Board. A simple majority vote of the AB shall confirm the appointment. Section 3. The Advisory Board is responsible for promptly addressing and resolving national issues, intervening in state issues only upon breach of USGenWeb bylaws. Duties of the Advisory Board include appointing a Webmaster to maintain the national website, appointing and overseeing all standing committees including, but not limited to an Election Committee and a Grievance Committee, and appointing special committees as necessary. Section 4. It shall be the responsibility of the Webmaster and the Advisory Board to ensure that the national website is in compliance with the stated bylaws of The USGenWeb Project. Section 5. The Advisory Board is authorized to remove links from the national website, as appropriate, to websites which fail to comply with the bylaws, rules or policies of The USGenWeb Project or to websites which display inappropriate content. Coordinators of non-compliant websites shall be given a 14 day "Notice to Comply". During the 14 days covered by this notice, the coordinator may request extension, subject to approval of the Advisory Board. Section 6. The Advisory Board shall be responsible for administering internet domains registered to The USGenWeb Project. Section 7. In the case of a vacancy in the office of National Coordinator, a special election shall be completed within 60 days to seat a National Coordinator for the remaining term of office. The Representative at Large shall serve as Acting National Coordinator until the special election is completed. In the event that the Representative at Large is unavailable or otherwise unable to serve in this capacity, the Advisory Board shall choose an Acting National Coordinator from among its membership. Section 8. In the event a board member is unable to complete his/her term. The Advisory Board will appoint a replacement within 21 days to serve until the next scheduled election. Section 9. Nominees for National Coordinator and Representative at Large shall have the following qualifications: at least one year (the twelve months immediately preceding an election) of continuous service and current activity as a member in good standing, and eligibility to vote within The USGenWeb Project. Qualifications of nominees for State Coordinator Representative, Local Coordinator Representative, and Special Project Representative are the same with the addition that their service shall have been as a State Coordinator, Local Coordinator, or one of the various positions associated with the Special Projects, respectively. Section 10. Any elected Advisory Board member may be removed from office for cause by 2/3 majority action of the AB, or, by a recall vote initiated by petition of constituents (if 100 votes elected, 51 petitioners shall cause a recall vote). Cause for removal by the AB is limited to continued, gross, and willful neglect of the duties of office. Causes for removal by constituents may include, but is not limited to, the following offenses: dereliction of duty, excessive failure to participate in Advisory Board votes, ethics violations, and behavior unbecoming an Advisory Board member. The petition must be posted on the BOARD-L mailing list at least thirty (30) days before the vote takes place. Any vote to remove an officer must be preceded by a presentation of facts showing cause for removal and shall allow for rebuttal by the officer in question before the vote takes place.	ARTICLE VI: DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS OF ADVISORY BOARD Section 1. The Advisory Board shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, and by accepted parliamentary procedures. Section 2. The National Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of The USGenWeb Project and serves as the public representative for the project. The National Coordinator shall preside at all meetings of the Advisory Board, serve as an ex officio member of all sub-committees, and maintain the national organizational mail lists (i.e., State Coordinators, Advisory Board, and any appropriate sub-lists). Section 3. The responsibilities of the Advisory Board shall include: addressing any problem issues as they arise, aiding the state projects upon request, overseeing elections, advising and mediating, if necessary, any grievances or appeals, and appointing a Webmaster to maintain the national website. Section 4. It shall be the responsibility of the Webmaster and the Advisory Board to ensure that the national website is in compliance with the stated bylaws of The USGenWeb Project. Section 5. The Advisory Board shall also have the responsibility to remove links from the national website, as appropriate, to websites which fail to meet the established guidelines/standards for The USGenWeb Project or to websites which display inappropriate content. Coordinators of any websites found to be in non-compliance shall be notified of such and shall be given a period of two (2) weeks in which to bring their website into compliance. The two-week time limit shall be flexible based on justifiable reasons presented by the website coordinator. Section 6. The Advisory Board shall also be responsible for administering the domains, usgenweb.com, usgenweb.net and usgenweb.org, over which The USGenWeb Project membership has control and for which the members are the official lessees. Section 7. In the case of a vacancy in the office of National Coordinator, the Advisory Board shall elect an Acting National Coordinator from its membership to serve until a special election can take place within 90 days. Section 8. In the event a board member is unable to complete his/her term, the Advisory Board will appoint a replacement to serve until the next scheduled election. Section 9. Nominees for National Coordinator shall have the following qualifications: at least one year (the twelve months immediately preceding an election) of continuous service and current activity as a member in good standing, and eligibility to vote within The USGenWeb Project. Qualifications of nominees for State Coordinator Representative, Local Coordinator Representative, and Special Project Representative are the same with the addition that their service shall have been as a State Coordinator, Local Coordinator, or one of the various positions associated with the Special Projects, respectively. "In good standing" is demonstrated by responding promptly to email, actively supporting researchers' efforts to find information, maintaining their website with appropriate, up-to-date content, and serving as a good example of the guidelines and standards of The USGenWeb Project.
ARTICLE VI. ELECTION PROCEDURES Section 1. A standing Election Committee (EC) shall be appointed by the Advisory Board to conduct national-level elections and other referenda in accordance with Standing Election Procedures and these bylaws. The Election Committee shall also conduct state-level elections or referenda upon request. Section 2. It shall be the responsibility of the Elections Committee to announce those positions for which nominations are needed. Section 3. Nominations shall be received June 1 through June 14 from prospective constituents of the nominee. A list of candidates, with hyperlinks to available individual campaign pages, shall be posted to the EC website before the voting period begins. The voting period shall be July 14 through July 31. Terms of office shall begin on September 1. In the event a member is nominated for more than one position, the nominee shall notify the EC Chair for which office they wish to declare their candidacy. Section 4. A majority of those members voting shall elect. No member shall hold more than one voting office at any one time. Unopposed candidates for election shall be announced the winner by acclamation by the EC Chair. In the event of multiple candidates for the same office and no majority is achieved the two candidates with the greatest number of votes shall be candidates in a run-off election. Section 5. All members of the Advisory Board, with the exception of the National Coordinator, shall be elected to two-year terms. The National Coordinator shall be elected to a one-year term. Section 6. All members as defined in Article III of these bylaws shall have the right to vote. Section 7. For elections of regional County Coordinator Representatives, each member shall have one vote in each region in which they maintain one or more eligible county or local sites. For elections of State Coordinator Representative, each member holding the position of State Coordinator or Assistant State Coordinator shall have one vote. For elections of Special Projects Representative, each member holding the position of File Manager within one or more eligible Special Project shall have one vote. Each member shall have one vote for the offices of National Coordinator and Representative-at-Large.	ARTICLE VII. ELECTION PROCEDURES Section 1. A subcommittee to oversee elections shall be appointed by the Advisory Board. The Elections Subcommittee shall consist of Advisory Board members and volunteers from the members of The USGenWeb Project. Section 2. It shall be the responsibility of the Elections Subcommittee to announce those positions for which nominations are needed. Section 3. Nominations shall be received during the first two weeks of June. A list of candidates shall be posted to the national website on or before the voting period begins on July 1, with profiles/bios to be posted on July 1. The voting period shall be July 1 through July 31. Terms of office shall begin on September 1. In the event a member is nominated for more than one position, the nominee shall notify the Elections Subcommittee for which office they wish to declare their candidacy. Section 4. A majority of those members voting shall elect. No member shall hold more than one voting office at any one time. Section 5. All members of the Advisory Board, with the exception of the the National Coordinator, shall be elected to two-year terms. The National Coordinator shall be elected to a one-year term. Section 6. All members of The USGenWeb Project, excluding Look-Up Volunteers and Transcribers, shall be eligible to vote.
ARTICLE VII. ADVISORY BOARD PROCEDURES Section 1. A majority of the current voting members of the Advisory Board shall constitute a quorum. Section 2. The vote requirements for motions to be adopted shall be in accordance with the parliamentary authority, except as specified in these bylaws. In all cases determination shall be made by the legal votes cast. Section 3. The Advisory Board shall utilize "roll call votes". Members are responsible for expeditiously responding to vote calls. The duration of voting time for motions shall be a minimum of 24 hours. The maximum duration shall be at the discretion of the presiding officer, except that the voting period shall not exceed 72 hours. Section 4. Voting records of the Advisory Board shall be posted publicly.	ARTICLE VIII. ADVISORY BOARD PROCEDURES Section 1. Nine (9) voting members of the Advisory Board shall constitute a quorum. Section 2. Issues shall require a 2/3 majority, of those board members voting, to pass. Section 3. For major issues, the Advisory Board will announce, at least 48 hours in advance, when the vote will be taken in order for members to have the opportunity to voice their opinion. Section 4. Voting records of the Advisory Board membership shall be posted publicly.
ARTICLE VIII. STANDARDS FOR WEBSITES/MEMBERS Section 1. All USGenWeb web sites shall display an official USGenWeb logo prominently, on the home or index page, in such a way that the entire image is visible without scrolling down on a standard browser screen. The USGenWeb logo used shall be at least 100 pixels by 100 pixels in size. Section 2. USGenWeb web sites may show only a single project affiliation - that of The USGenWeb Project. If a coordinator chooses also to host a local, state or special topic site with another organization, it must have a separate home or index page. Section 3 All USGenWeb web sites shall display the following disclaimer on the home or index page: "Links to external web sites are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval of any of the products, services or opinions contained in any external web site." Section 4. Solicitation of funds on a USGenWeb affiliated web site is prohibited. It is permissible, however, to provide a link to a non-USGenWeb affiliated personal web site where genealogical services or materials are offered for sale. It is also permissible to acknowledge any entities who host or provide server space at no cost and to include a link to that entity's web site. If a coordinator lists materials or services for sale or hire by third parties, such as genealogical societies or commercial interests, the home or index page may include a link to the listing, but the materials and services themselves may not be listed on the home or index page. Any such listing of materials or services for sale or hire by third parties should include a disclaimer on the listing page saying that The USGenWeb Project and the site coordinator make no warrantee as to the contents or accuracy of any of the materials for sale by these third parties, nor the expertise of any professional researchers listed.	ARTICLE IX. GUIDELINES/STANDARDS FOR WEBSITES/MEMBERS Section 1. All websites shall include prominent display of The USGenWeb Project logo on the home page. A state project logo may be required depending on the guidelines/standards in effect for that state. Section 2. Solicitation of funds for personal gain is inappropriate. This is defined as the direct appeal on the home page of any of the websites comprising The USGenWeb Project for funding to do research, to pay for server space, to do look-ups, etc. A website may, however, acknowledge any entities who may host their website (i.e., provide server space at no cost) or may include a link to a coordinator's personal page on which they offer research services for reimbursement. The acknowledgement may include a link to the hosting entity's website. A website may list research materials and/or services which may be for sale/hire, either by the coordinator, a genealogy society, or others. Such a listing shall not be on the main web page for the site, but may be linked from the main web page. It may be appropriate to include a disclaimer that the coordinator and The USGenWeb Project do not guarantee the contents of such research materials and/or the expertise of any professional researchers.
ARTICLE IX. COPYRIGHT Section 1. Members of The USGenWeb Project shall comply with copyright laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code).	ARTICLE X. COPYRIGHT Section 1. In The USGenWeb Project, copyright of websites resides solely with the creator of the web page(s). Their inclusion as part of The USGenWeb Project does not give any irrevocable right, implied or otherwise, to The USGenWeb Project to permanently use the material. Section 2. In The USGenWeb Project, copyright to queries and any other data submitted to any state or local websites resides with the submitter. The submission of queries and other data to The USGenWeb Project implies that The USGenWeb Project may continue to post the material until/if such time the submitter requests removal. Section 3. In The USGenWeb Project, copyright to data contributed to any special projects resides with the contributor, who agrees that The USGenWeb Project, as a not-for-profit group, has permanent use of the data. The permanent use agreement is conditional upon the non-profit nature of The USGenWeb Project and will become null and void if The USGenWeb Project should ever cease to be non-profit. Section 4. All members of The USGenWeb Project shall be responsible for adhering to The USGenWeb Project's Official Copyright Policy which may be found, along with further information about copyright, at The USGenWeb Project national website, http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.html.
ARTICLE X. LOCAL PROJECTS Section 1. Each state organization shall provide local websites which reflect whatever divisional structure is appropriate for that state. Section 2. Local Project Coordinators shall be appointed by the State Coordinator in accordance with national and state bylaws, rules and policies. In making Local Coordinator appointments, consideration should be given to knowledge and interest in genealogy in the area, technical ability, and existing workload. Local Project Coordinators are authorized to nominate one Local Project Co-Coordinator and as many Assistant Coordinators as desired for appointment by the State Coordinator. State Coordinators may reject nominees only for valid cause. Local Projects are limited to one Local Project Coordinator and one Local Project Co-Coordinator, if desired, who will each have full voting rights within The USGenWeb Project. Assistant Local Project Coordinators shall not have national voting rights. All Local Coordinators shall be subscribed to the state mailing list. Section 3. The local website shall be created and maintained in accordance to all national and state bylaws, rules and policies. The website should include on the home page, a direct link to the state and national projects; an easily accessible area devoted to researcher's queries, the name(s) of the coordinator(s) with current email link(s), and any additional requirements specified by the state organization. Contents of the website should be updated at least quarterly and reviewed under the supervision of the state coordinator. Section 4. If a Local Coordinator can no longer perform their duties for any reason, (including, but not limited to, abandonment of the site, resignation or dismissal for valid cause), content of the website submitted by contributors shall remain with the website, unless the contributor(s) otherwise request.	ARTICLE XI. LOCAL PROJECTS Section 1. Each state organization shall provide local websites which reflect whatever divisional structure is appropriate for that state. Section 2. Each local project shall have a Local Coordinator who is appointed according to whatever rules/guidelines are appropriate for their state. All Local Coordinators shall be subscribed to the state mailing list. Section 3. The local website shall also include a direct link to the state project, an easily accessible area devoted to researcher's queries, and any additional requirements specified by the state organization. Section 4. If a Local Coordinator can no longer perform their duties for any reason, those sections of the website submitted or donated by contributors other than the website coordinator, shall remain with the website, unless the submitter(s)/contributor(s) indicates otherwise.
ARTICLE XI. STATE PROJECTS Section 1. The state web site shall include direct links to the state's local and state-level special project sites, The USGenWeb Project national site, The USGenWeb Archives (Digital Library) and other USGenWeb Special Projects' national home pages, and The USGenWeb Archives (Digital Library) and other USGenWeb Special Projects' table of contents pages for the individual state. In addition, each state web site shall provide links to information for current and prospective local coordinators, including but not limited to any state bylaws, rules and/or policies, official national and state logos, and The USGenWeb Project Bylaws, Rules and Policies, and Copyright Information pages. Section 2. Each state shall have a State Coordinator (SC) elected by majority of state members voting. A State Coordinator may not serve more than 36 consecutive months unless re-elected. Each state shall hold an election for State Coordinator every 36 months, or sooner if specified by adopted state bylaws/rules. Each state shall have a Assistant State Coordinator (ASC) appointed by the State Coordinator or elected by the state membership pursuant to adopted state bylaws or rules. The State Coordinator, as primary administrative officer of the state project may appoint additional ASC's as necessary to assist in administration of the state project. Assistant State Coordinators who are "appointees" are not eligible to be a candidate for the national office of State Coordinator Representative. Section 3. State projects are required to comply with all USGenWeb Project bylaws, rules, and policies. State projects are encouraged to adopt additional bylaws, rules or policies, as appropriate for their state, provided they do not conflict with national bylaws, rules or policies. Section 4. State Coordinators must remain subscribed to the State Coordinator's mailing list. State Coordinator duties include, but are not limited to, oversight and maintenance of the state web site, administering the state mailing list for Local Coordinators, maintaining an up-to-date roster of names and email addresses of the state's Local Coordinators and state-level Special Project Coordinators and providing this list to the Election Committee promptly when requested, supervision of the development and implementation of state procedures for the periodic review of component websites of the state project, and promptly forwarding messages pertaining to USGenWeb Project business to the state mailing list for Local Coordinators when requested to do so by the Advisory Board Chair or the Chair of an appointed committee. Section 5. The state project has authority and responsibility to remove links to websites which fail to comply with national or state adopted bylaws, rules and policies. Notice must be given and ample time to comply must be allowed as circumstances warrant. Local Coordinator(s) may request an extension of time to comply subject to approval by the state authority. Section 6. If a State Coordinator is unable to perform his/her duties, the Assistant State Coordinator, or other support team, shall serve until an election can take place within 60 days. A majority shall elect. Section 7. State Coordinators and Assistant State Coordinators are subject to removal for valid cause; by vote of the Advisory Board, or by majority vote of the Local Coordinators within the state subsequent to a recall petition submitted to and approved by the Advisory Board.	ARTICLE XII. STATE PROJECTS Section 1. Each state shall have a State Coordinator who manages the state website and oversees the state project. In addition, each state shall have an Assistant State Coordinator or other support team in place that can take charge in case the State Coordinator becomes unavailable for a period of 30 days, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Section 2. The state website shall include direct links to the county pages, The USGenWeb Project national website, The USGenWeb Project Archives (Digital Library) at both their own state and the national levels, The USGenWeb Project's Guidelines/Standards for county websites (which includes a link to the Official Project Name/Logo page), The USGenWeb Project Copyright Information page, and the WorldGenWeb Project. Section 3. It shall be the responsibility of each state organization to ensure that the state project is in compliance with the stated bylaws of The USGenWeb Project. Section 4. State Coordinators shall remain subscribed to the State Coordinators mailing list and maintain a current mailing list of all local-level coordinators. State Coordinators shall provide their name, postal address, and phone number to the National Coordinator to be held in strictest confidence and only used in the case of an emergency. Section 5. State projects are empowered to develop/adopt any additional rules/bylaws and guidelines, as appropriate, for their state so long as they do not conflict with these bylaws. State projects shall be highly encouraged to develop and adopt rules/bylaws that cover grievance procedures within the state Section 6. It shall be the responsibility of each state project to periodically review local-level project websites to ensure compliance with The USGenWeb Project/XXGenWeb Project established guidelines/standards. Section 7. The state project shall have the responsibility to remove any links to websites which fail to meet The USGenWeb Project/XXGenWeb Project established guidelines/standards. Section 8. State Coordinators shall be elected to those positions by the local-level coordinators within the state. Those State Coordinators and Assistant State Coordinators in place at the time these bylaws are adopted shall be exempt from election procedures, unless he/she/they are removed, resign, or are unable to perform their duties. Section 9. State Coordinators and Assistant State Coordinators are subject to possible removal by a 2/3 vote of the Advisory Board and a 2/3 vote of the Local Coordinators within the state. A quorum of 75% of the Local Coordinators shall participate in order for the vote to be binding. Section 10. If a State Coordinator is unable to perform his/her duties, the Assistant State Coordinator, or other support team, shall serve until an election can take place within the state. In the case of state projects with more than one Assistant State Coordinator, they shall choose one among themselves to serve in the interim.
ARTICLE XII. SPECIAL PROJECTS Section 1. Special projects which support the purpose and goals of The USGenWeb Project may apply to the USGenWeb Advisory Board for approval as an official USGenWeb Special Project. Section 2. The name of the special project shall be The USGenWeb ______ Project. Section 3. The members of each officially-approved USGenWeb Special Project shall together elect one Special Projects Representative to serve as a member of The USGenWeb Project Advisory Board. Section 4. Each official Special Project shall have a Coordinator (SPC) to oversee its operations. The founding SPC shall hold that office until such time as he or she steps down or is otherwise unable to continue. Thereafter, a new SPC shall be elected by a majority of that Special Project's members every 36 months, or sooner if specified in the Special Project's bylaws/rules. The SPC, as primary administrative officer of the project may appoint one or more Assistant Special Project Coordinator(s) (ASPC) as necessary to assist in administration of the Special Project. Section 5. Special Project Coordinators and Assistants are subject to removal for valid cause; by vote of the Advisory Board, or by majority vote of the members within the special project subsequent to a recall petition submitted to and approved by the Advisory Board. Section 6. If a Special Project Coordinator (SPC) is unable to perform his/her duties, an Assistant SPC, or other support team, shall serve until an election can take place within 60 days. A majority shall elect.	ARTICLE XIII. SPECIAL PROJECTS Section 1. Special projects shall be established by The USGenWeb Project to promote the gathering of information in specialized areas. A coordinator shall be appointed by the Advisory Board to organize the project and enlist volunteers. In addition, each special project shall have an Assistant Project Coordinator or other support team in place that can take charge in case the Project Coordinator becomes unavailable for a period of 30 days, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Special projects shall be repositories for public domain or research documents and shall provide an easily accessible website for online research by the genealogical community. A collection of links does not constitute a special project, although links to appropriate websites maintained by other individuals or organizations are encouraged. Section 2. The name of the special project shall be The USGenWeb ______ Project Section 3. The staff members of The USGenWeb Archives Project, The USGenWeb Census Project, and The USGenWeb Tombstone Project shall each elect one Special Project Representative to serve as a voting member of The USGenWeb Project Advisory Board. Section 4. Project Coordinators shall be elected to those positions by the project staff. Section 5. Project Coordinators are subject to possible removal by a 2/3 vote of the Advisory Board and a 2/3 vote of the project staff. A quorum of 75% of the project staff shall participate in order for the vote to be binding. Section 6. If a Project Coordinator is unable to perform his/her duties, the Assistant Project Coordinator, or other support team, shall serve until an election can take place among the project staff. In the case of special projects with more than one Assistant Project Coordinator, they shall choose one among themselves to serve in the interim.
ARTICLE XIII. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES AND APPEAL PROCESS Section 1. All members of The USGenWeb Project have the right to submit a grievance or appeal to the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board, as the governing body of the project, has authority to resolve grievances or appeals as the situation warrants. Section 2. Grievances should be submitted to the National Coordinator, the Regional Representative, or the Representative at Large.	ARTICLE XIV. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES AND APPEALS PROCESS Section 1. All members of The USGenWeb Project have the right to request that the Advisory Board advise on issues related to grievances and appeals and to mediate, if necessary. Section 2. Members should submit their grievance or appeal to one or more of the board representatives from their region.
ARTICLE XIV. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The USGenWeb Project shall be governed by the current edition of "The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure" in all cases not provided for in the law, bylaws or adopted rules.	ARTICLE XV. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The USGenWeb Project shall be governed by accepted parliamentary procedure, except in those cases where such procedure conflicts with the existing bylaws of The USGenWeb Project.
ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended by the membership of the USGenWeb Project through a majority vote by members who vote on the proposed amendment to the bylaw. Section 2. Members of any XXGenWeb may submit an amendment proposal (in proper format with desired wording) to their State Coordinator for review and presentation to the XXGenWeb membership by referendum. A majority vote of approval shall cause the proposal to be forwarded to the Advisory Board to be posted on the national website and notice to be sent to the membership via appropriate email lists. Section 3. Proposed amendments from state projects must be posted for display on the national website (with attribution of the state sponsor and date ) not later than 1 June. To qualify for placement on the annual election ballot proposed amendments must have an additional four (4) states as co-sponsors. State projects may co-sponsor an amendment proposal by majority of legal votes cast by its members to support the amendment. Section 4. Voting on proposed amendments to the bylaws shall occur during the annual voting period concurrent with voting in the annual election. A majority of members voting within that time frame is required to adopt. Section 5. In the case of an urgent matter affecting the operations of The USGenWeb Project, the Advisory Board may amend the bylaws by 2/3 majority vote. Amendments adopted by the Advisory Board must be ratified by majority vote of the membership during the voting period of the regularly scheduled election. Section 6. Amendment proposals of XXGenWeb's posted on the national website which do not obtain the required co-sponsors shall be removed on 1 June annually and may not again be proposed without modification. Amendment proposals which fail to be adopted by the membership may remain posted on the national website for 1 year and placed on the ballot a second time provided additional co-sponsors or modification is made to those proposals. Any amendment proposal that fails to be adopted after appearing on the ballot twice shall not be reconsidered.	ARTICLE XVI. AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended by the membership of The USGenWeb Project through a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those members participating during the voting period. Section 2. Any state project may propose an amendment by sending their proposal to one or more of the Advisory board members representing their region and including the exact wording of the proposed amendment. Upon receipt of the proposed amendment, the Advisory Board representative(s) shall request the Webmaster to post the proposed change on the national website and the National Coordinator to post to the State-Coord-L List, and any other appropriate lists, for dissemination to the members. Section 3. The proposed amendment, with the sponsor's name and date of posting, shall remain posted for a period of at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual voting period of July 1-July 31. Any proposed amendment shall require a minimum of five (5) states as co-sponsors to command that it be placed on the ballot. State projects wishing to co-sponsor the amendment shall notify the Advisory Board and make an announcement on the USGenWeb-All Mailing List. Section 4. Voting on any proposed amendment to the bylaws shall be during the annual voting period of July 1-July 31 and a two-thirds (2/3) majority, of the members voting within that time frame, is required for the amendment to pass. Section 5. In the case of an urgent matter affecting the well-being of The USGenWeb Project, the Advisory Board may propose an amendment and disseminate it to the membership without the required co-sponsorship. In this case, the proposed amendment shall be posted to the national website and disseminated to the membership within two (2) business days. The proposed amendment shall remain posted for a minimum of three (3) business days. A special ballot shall be prepared and voting shall be for a period of five (5) business days. A two-thirds (2/3) majority, of The USGenWeb Project membership, voting within that time frame, shall be required for the amendment to pass. Section 6. Any proposed amendment, not obtaining the required co-sponsorship, may not be proposed again until the next regularly scheduled voting period. Any proposed amendment not obtaining the approval of the membership after appearing on the annual ballot three (3) times shall be considered a dead issue.