[TriLUG] Trilug -- Current Status

[Brian McCullough via TriLUG]

On Wed, May 15, 2024 at 03:40:25AM -0400, Triangle Linux Users Group discussion list wrote:
> 
> I have a suggestion at the end, but first let me explain the basis for
> my suggestion...
> 
> 
> So some LUGs vanish and some become online-only with no official
> organization. These online, no organization LUGs are easy to maintain:
> You need one volunteer to keep the mailing list (and please make a
> gofundme to pay that person for the cost of his or her web provider),
> one person to act as the Publicity Coordinator (that's me for GoLUG),
> and one very reliable person to assume ownership of the LUG domain name
> (and once again, Gofundme for the $20/year or whatever).
> 
> Unwinding an organized LUG, especially an incorporated one, is tricky
> because what do you do with the bank account? If corporate, just do
> what the bylaws say: Typically give it to charity. If not corporate,
> I'd still give it to a charity. Or perhaps charity plus giving a couple
> hundred to the person willing to do the mailing list and maybe sixty to
> the person assuming ownership of the domain name. Or you can do what one
> corporate LUG I know of did, just let the bank fee it out of existence
> because the LUG couldn't locate enough board members to withdraw money
> from the bank. Or maybe pay a lawyer to minimize legal risk to current
> and former officers.
> 
> Unwinding the organized LUG might or might not call for a new name and
> domain name.
> 
> Once again, don't feel badly that attendance at your new, not
> organized, online only LUG is minimal. This is happening to all LUGs.
> Even the gigantic Atlanta LUG, ALE, is a shadow of their former selves,
> although they still have in-person meetings.
> 
> By the way, as long as there's a vestige of Trilug, I'll be there!
> 
> HTH,
> 
> SteveT
> 
> Steve Litt 


Thank you, Steve, for the obviously well-considered thoughts.

Fortunately, we are not officially incorporated, so that removes one
hurdle to your suggestions.   Unfortunately, we have some physical
assets and sponsorship, besides the ( small ) bank account.

As far as the 501(c)3 status, as was mentioned, it lapsed, was
reinstated, and lapsed again.


Some ( a few? ) of us would like to see TriLUG continue in some manner,
although your suggestions may be the direction that helps it continue.

I am expecting an announcement very soon from our current Chairman of
the TriLUG Steering Committee, regarding elections and a June meeting.


Brian


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