Seattle Community Network Association - Frequently Asked Questions List

1. Why did you create Seattle Community Network?

Seattle Community Network was getting too big to be run as a project of the 
local chapter of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR), 
where it began. One of the problems is that the local chapter has an 
exemption from certain kinds of reporting via the national organization, but 
only if the chapter has an income from donations that is less than $25,000 
in one year. 

2. What are the goals of SCNA and are they different from SCN?

SCNA's major project will continue to be the support and expansion of the 
system we call SCN. The goals of SCNA include all the goals of SCN, the 
system. Here's our current mission statement:

SCNA provides, maintains and supports free community computing resources 
primarily to the citizens of the King County area. SCNA encourages community 
development and on-line citizenship by promoting equal and diverse access to 
technology and educating the public, including opinion leaders.

3. I just registered as a user of SCN. Does this mean I'm a member of SCNA?

No. SCNA is a membership organization. You do not need to be a member of SCNA 
to use SCN or become a registered user of SCN, but you do need to be a member 
of SCNA if you wish to be able to fully participate in shaping the 
organization. Members can become Board Members, and only members can vote for 
the Board. Other benefits of membership (possibly a newsletter), will be 
determined as the new organization takes shape. Being a user of SCN and a 
member of SCNA are really two different things.

In order to be a member of SCNA, you have to pay dues. The Bylaws stipulate 
that the Board "may, at its discretion, adjust the dues for membership over 
time, and may also reduce or waive dues on a case by case basis." We want 
membership to be available for everyone, so it is possible to 'work off' your 
dues by volunteering for SCNA and spending 5 hours on SCNA volunteer 
activities. 

4. I'd like to become a member, but I don't have a job/money/home.

See #3, above. 

5. I had just made a donation to SCN shortly before I received your 
Membership letter. Does this mean that I am a member?

We definitely thank you for your generosity. But if you read 3 above, the two 
actions really are separate at this point. Also, we think that we made the 
membership low enough that it shouldn't be a hardship to too many people. 

Here is the dues structure:

$120.00 Standard Member 
$ 60.00 Sustaining Member 
$ 25.00 Basic Member
$ 15.00 Low Income/Student 

6. When will the new Board members be elected?

The SCNA board of directors will annually have 3 openings; each a 3 year term. 

7. How can someone get hold of SCNA?

You can e-mail scna@scn.org