The WP Community Collective

The WP Community Collective Corporate Documents

Mission

To foster and support the open source ecosystem by empowering community-driven innovation, enabling sustainable development, and advocating for open and inclusive practices and policy. The WP Community Collective provides a neutral home for collaboration, contribution, and resources essential for the long-term success of the open source projects we support.

Vision

We envision a thriving, accessible, and sustainable open source ecosystem that empowers individuals, organizations, and communities around the world. By encouraging open source principles, diverse collaboration, and ethical governance, The WP Community Collective is building an open source model of inclusivity, transparency, and innovation in the global web ecosystem.

Values

1. Openness and Accessibility

We believe that open source projects should be accessible to all, regardless of background, location, or resources. Our commitment to the development of our selected open source projects ensures that anyone can contribute to, learn from, and benefit from these projects and their surrounding ecosystems.

2. Collaboration and Community Empowerment

We recognize the strength of a unified, diverse community. By facilitating collaboration within the open source development community and ecosystem, we aim to enable everyone to participate in meaningful ways, fostering a collective impact that extends the reach and inclusivity of our selected open source projects.

3. Sustainable Development and Long-Term Vision

Our commitment to sustainability means providing the infrastructure and governance necessary to support selected open source projects for the long term. By fostering a balanced and resilient ecosystem, we ensure that our selected projects provide a stable foundation for global innovation and digital expression.

4. Ethical Governance and Accountability

To build trust within the community, we adhere to principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. The WP Community Collective provides an independent and neutral space where decisions are made openly, fairly, safely, and with respect for diverse perspectives.

5. Innovation and Evolution

We believe in the importance of continuous evolution and advancement. By supporting innovative ideas, projects, and partnerships, we foster an environment where our selected projects can grow and adapt to the changing digital landscape while staying true to the principles of open source.

Goals

1. Promote Development and Adoption

Advance the growth and adoption of selected open source projects by supporting development, creating resources, and driving engagement and contribution across the global community.

2. Facilitate Diversity and Collaboration

Bring together diverse voices within the communities of our selected open source projects, promoting collaboration and shared learning that leads to a stronger, more resilient ecosystem.

3. Provide an Inclusive and Neutral Base

Serve as an inclusive resource and support network for our selected open source projects, enabling the adoption of open governance, establishing diverse contributor bases, and sustaining strong organizational structures.

4. Provide Infrastructure and Strategic Partnerships

Offer resources, infrastructure, and partnerships that bolster the growth and accessibility of our selected open source projects, helping developers and organizations focus on innovation and development.

5. Foster an Open and Accessible Web

Ensure that our selected open source projects are accessible, versatile tools that are able to power the open web effectively, providing opportunities for users and developers worldwide to create, connect, and contribute freely.

Commitment to Neutrality and Independence

The WP Community Collective is committed to serving as a neutral steward and advocate for its members, our selected projects within the open source ecosystem, and the respective communities of those projects.

The WP Community Collective is committed to financial and operational independence. Our funding sources and partnerships are carefully selected to align with our mission and values, and transparency is central to our funding strategy.

The WP Community Collective is committed to our mission, vision, values, and goals as the benchmark that guides our work and sets our priorities.

Articles of Incorporation

Article I: Name

The name of this corporation is The WP Community Collective, also referred to as The WPCC.

Article II: Purpose

This corporation is a nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation organized under the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law of California. This corporation intends to seek and maintain federal tax exemption under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The specific purpose of this corporation is to support and advance selected open source technologies and communities by fostering sustainable development, collaboration, contribution, and community-driven initiatives for the mutual benefit of its members and the broader open source ecosystem.

Article III: Financial Transparency

The corporation is established with a focus on transparency in financial allocations. Annual financial reports will be published publicly on the corporation’s website, no more than sixty (60) days after approval by the Board. 

Article IV: Membership Structure

The corporation will maintain a membership structure, fostering individual and corporate membership options with voting rights, dues requirements, and benefits.

Article V: Board of Directors

The management of this corporation shall be vested in a Board of Directors, as detailed in the Bylaws.

Article VI: Dissolution

Upon dissolution of this corporation, any remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit organizations that support open source development and community engagement, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Article VII: Registered Agent

The corporation’s agent for service of process within California is the current President and CEO.

Article VIII: Amendments

These Articles of Incorporation may be amended according to the procedures outlined in Article VII of the Bylaws.

Bylaws

Article I: Membership

1. Eligibility: Membership shall be open to individuals and entities interested in furthering the corporation’s goals. Membership categories include Individual, Corporate, and Supporting.

2. Voting Rights: Each member in good standing shall have one vote.

3. Dues: Dues will be set by the Board, reviewed annually, and communicated transparently to all members.

4. Code of Conduct Compliance: All members are required to adhere to the corporation’s Code of Conduct, which sets expectations for respectful and ethical behavior within the community.

5. Termination: Membership may be terminated for cause, including failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct. Termination processes and decisions will be published in Board minutes.

Article II: Board of Directors

1. Composition: The Board shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members and a maximum of thirteen (13) members, with at least one-third of the seats reserved for community-wide representation through at-large Directors.

2. Eligibility: To be eligible for election to the Board, prospective members must hold active membership in good standing with the corporation. Once elected, Board members must maintain this status throughout their term to remain on the Board.

3. Term Limits: Directors shall serve three-year terms, with no more than half of the Board up for re-election in any given year. To foster diversity and fresh perspectives, Directors may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms, after which a hiatus is required. To encourage long-term participation and mentorship, Directors may serve a total of five terms over their lifetime, with a required hiatus after any two consecutive terms or upon completing three terms.

3. Responsibilities: The Board shall oversee corporate operations, make policy decisions for the corporation, and ensure to the best of their ability the corporation’s compliance with relevant U.S. federal and state laws through adherence to best practices and regular legal consultation as needed. Each Director is individually responsible for adhering to local laws applicable to their own jurisdiction, without imposing these local laws on the corporation as a whole or on other Directors.

Article III: Grievance Policy

This policy establishes a process for resolving internal disputes or grievances among Board members to ensure respectful, transparent, and constructive conflict resolution. This policy applies to grievances related to Board conduct, decision-making processes, or other actions that impact the Board’s operations or relationships.

Grievance Process

Step 1: Informal Resolution – Board members are encouraged to address grievances informally by discussing issues directly with the involved parties. If a resolution is reached, no further action is required.

Step 2: Formal Complaint – If the grievance is not resolved informally, the concerned Board member may submit a written complaint to the Board President (or Vice President, if the grievance involves the President), including details of the issue, previous attempts at resolution, and desired outcomes.

Step 3: Mediation – The Board President (or designated mediator) will review the complaint and arrange a mediation session with the involved parties, when possible. Mediation may include an impartial third party, agreed upon by both parties, to facilitate resolution.

Step 4: Board Review and Resolution – If mediation is unsuccessful, the grievance will be brought before the Board in a regular or specially called meeting, as determined by the Board. The Board will issue a resolution by a majority vote. A written record of the resolution will be documented in the Board’s minutes.

Retaliation Prohibited: Retaliation against any Board member who files a grievance in good faith is strictly prohibited. Retaliatory actions will be considered grounds for disciplinary measures.

Article IV: Meetings

1. Annual Meetings: An annual meeting of all members with a quorum shall be held at a date and location determined by the Board, no less than six months and no more than fifteen months from its previous meeting. This meeting may be online or in-person, as determined by the Board.

2. Board Meetings: Regular Board meetings shall be held quarterly, with additional meetings as requested or required by a simple majority vote of the Board. These meeting may be online or in-person, as determined by the Board.

3. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board for decision-making purposes.

Article V: Committees

The Board may establish committees to address Finance, Governance, and Membership, with each committee reporting regularly to the Board. While any person may assist with these committees, official committee membership must consist of current members in good standing with the corporation.

Article VI: Finances

1. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

2. Budget: The Board shall approve and publish our annual tax returns, and an annual budget, with regular reviews for transparency.

3. Audit: Financial records shall be reviewed at least every two years by an independent auditor to ensure compliance and transparency.

Article VII: Amendments

These Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation may be amended by a supermajority vote of the Board or by a supermajority vote of the general membership.

Board members may propose amendments by submitting a written motion at a regular meeting, requiring a second. If a motion receives a supermajority approval vote from the Board, it is immediately adopted. If only a simple majority is reached, the motion proceeds to a general membership vote, where a supermajority approval vote is required for adoption.

Members may propose amendments by submitting a written request to the Board. Upon review, if the proposal receives a supermajority approval vote from the Board, it is adopted. If it receives only a simple majority, it moves to a general membership vote, requiring a supermajority approval vote for adoption.

Members must be notified electronically via email and the corporation’s website at least sixty (60) days before any proposed amendment for a general membership vote. Voting must be conducted online in an accessible format, providing all members the opportunity to participate digitally.

Definitions

The following terms are defined for clarity within these Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation:

  1. Member: An individual or business entity who has an active formal membership with the organization.
  2. Board Member: An individual member in good standing who has been elected or appointed to serve on the Board of Directors, responsible for overseeing the corporation’s operations and upholding its mission, values, and governance policies.
  3. Good Standing: The status of a member or Board member who has met all membership requirements, including payment of dues, adherence to the Code of Conduct, and active participation in corporate activities. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote, hold committee leadership roles, and hold Board positions.
  4. Quorum: The minimum number of members required to conduct Board business, as specified in Article IV: Meetings.
  5. Simple Majority: More than half of the votes cast by those entitled to vote, excluding abstentions. A simple majority is required for certain decisions, such as moving a proposed amendment to a general membership vote if not approved by a supermajority of the Board.
  6. Supermajority: A supermajority requires at least two-thirds (2/3) of votes cast by eligible voters, excluding abstentions, for significant decisions, including direct approval of amendments.
  7. At-Large Director: A Director elected to represent the broader interests of the community.
  8. Fiscal Year: The corporation’s accounting period, from January 1 to December 31, as referenced in Article VI: Finances.
  9. Grievance: A formal complaint or dispute raised by a Board member regarding conduct, decision-making, or other issues within the Board’s operations that impact the corporation. Grievances are resolved according to the Grievance Policy in these Bylaws.
  10. Hiatus: A required break in service for Board members who have served two consecutive terms or completed a third term. Each hiatus lasts for one full term (three years), after which the member is eligible to serve additional terms.