We believe that the biggest threat to free speech are the forces that are designed to undermine democracy. Both government and corporations foster a state of affairs where media is less and less controlled by people, and under the control of the those that own just about everything else. Of course, you already know that!

If we want a democratic medium, and ultimately a democratic society, we have to be consistent with what we advocate. So, we adopted these bylaws, so we are clear on what kinds of decisions we make collectively, and so no one can take and abuse power. And it works!

These bylaws can be adopted by anyone trying to start a community micro-powered radio station, or most other projects for that matter! It ain't great reading, but you'll get the idea.

Bylaws and operational structure of the Committee for Democracy on the Public Airwaves and North Seattle Grassroots Radio

The purpose of the Committee for Democracy on the Public Airwaves (CDPA) will be to facilitate free speech on the public airwaves, which will engage the listenership of the neighborhoods being served, and involve them in the process of a community radio station under democratic control by its participants. We shall seek to forward the ideals of a democratic society by using such principles in the daily operation of this media entity.
All decisions shall be made by, or shall be fully accountable to all radio station participants as defined by those participating in the open general meetings. All of those elected to carry out mandates of the group, coordinate various station operations, and account for finances, may be recalled and replaced by the majority of those at a general meeting. Such persons carrying out tasks by their own empowerment shall be encouraged to do so, but shall be held accountable in the same manner as those elected for specific tasks, and a vote of confidence may be called at any time to ensure accountability. All committees shall be held to these same conditions, and shall report all business to the general meetings of the CDPA.
All programming decisions shall rest in the individual programmers, or any combination of radio participants. The members shall make all efforts to reach out to all elements of the listernership who wish to have a democratic voice in public affairs, with the exception of those institutions that are a direct threat to democracy, such as government and private enterprise. No member shall inhibit the free speech of another, but retains the right of criticism of differing points of view.
All by-laws, operations procedures, and any other action that involves the station [as a whole] shall come before a general meeting, or shall be mandated by the same through an individual or a committee through elections or volunteers at a general meeting.
All participants shall be encouraged to defend one another in the case of government harassment or repression, through the understanding that harm to one participant affects the well being of the entire project, to the best judgment and choice of the individuals involved.
Working rules for the general meeting shall be based upon Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure, and meeting participants shall respect the process and the expression of all points of view from all participants. A rule of majority shall be binding in all decisions that may come before all general meetings and committees, except as provided in paragraph 10 of these working rules.
Voting rights shall be vested in all participants that have attended 3 meetings within the last 60 days prior to the day of the meeting of which any question shall come before the body, provided that there have been 3 official meetings within the last 60 days. General meetings shall be held at least twice per month.
All of those using studio equipment shall be respectful to all checklists, logs, and procedures as established by a mandate of the general meeting
A participant may be held accountable for directly threatening the existence of the station through the abuse of procedures by the following process:
1. A motion is passed at a general meeting to ask the person to come before a meeting to explain his or her actions
2. A representative of the group shall attempt to contact said person
3. Upon contact, the person shall attend the next general meeting or special meeting set up, and shall be barred for 60 days if they do not attend, and this shall have final approval of the general meeting before taking effect.
All changes in these working rules shall be approved by a 2/3 majority at a general meeting, provided that the intention to modify or amend these rules are announced at the previous general meeting.
In an emergency situation, any member may call a meeting. If one half + 1 voting members meet, business concerning the call for the meeting may be conducted to remedy the immediate situation, provided that all voting participants are contacted in an attempt of good faith.

Adopted as amended, November 9, 1998

A primer on "Robert's Rules"

Main Motion: The proposed action or policy
"Second": Someone "seconds" the motion, before it goes to discussion; otherwise, the original motion is deferred, or dropped.
Discussion: All motions are up for debate before a vote.
Motion to Amend: During discussion, someone may amend the main motion. If the amendment is offered as "friendly", the amendment is not voted on if it is accepted by the maker of the main motion
Calling the Question: Ends the debate; floor may vote on whether or not to call the question, or the chair may rule to put the question to vote.
Appealing the ruling of the Chair:All decisions in regards to proceeding made by the chair are subject to override by majority.
Point of Order:Is always in order, used to point out that debate has wandered off of the subject at hand
Procedure Etiquette:
- Respect each others' opinions, and the process.
- Raise hand to get on speaking list (chair maintains list).
- All should have a chance to speak before anyone speaks twice on a motion.
- Allow for ample debate before calling the question.