From Taclug

Table of contents

1 Mission Statement 2 Purpose 3 Membership 4 Logo 5 Privacy 6 History

Mission Statement

Our goal is to have the most fun possible learning and teaching ourselves and others about the Linux operating system (and other open source software).

We hope to provide an environment rich in ideas and information. Part of our purpose is also to get involved with the community and implement Linux solutions where we can. We can use all the help and support we can get, so come on board!

Purpose

As stated by the preamble to our bylaws, we exist to:

1. Provide information about, instruction in the use of, and development in the science of, the Linux operating system.
2. Strive to cooperate with individuals and business identities to collect funds, accept donations, and promote project activities that benefit individuals, or groups, or society as a whole.
3. Serve as a resource center for information about the Linux operating system by such mechanisms as special interest groups, internet resources, how to papers, mailing lists, and other such similar mechanisms of information dissemination.
4. Build systems, help maintain networks, develop hardware drivers, improve software, experiment and develop new solutions, provide instruction, and develop new uses for the Linux operating system.
5. Strive to build stronger relationships between the Linux community, and the general business community, by promoting TACLUG resources, Linux solutions, and maintaining a list of Linux developers for specific business needs.
6. Posture to promote the benefits of using the Linux operating system in an honest, candid and credible manner, and refrain from public discrediting of competition.
7. In the the future agree to serve as a general organizational identity to promote organization of specific and subsidiary user groups within the State of Washington.

Membership

Membership in TACLUG is free, and our monthly meetings are open to the public. Our primary source of public information is our web site; all events and announcements will be posted here.

Logo

The current taclug logo was created by Scott Bailey in 2004 during a "Logo Competition". Scott also created a few other logos, which can be found here (http://home.comcast.net/~scottrbailey/taclogo2.jpg) and here (http://home.comcast.net/~scottrbailey/taclogo3.jpg). William McClaine created a few logos as well, but these have not been preserved.

Privacy

It is the policy of Tacoma Linux Users Group that we do not sell, rent, share, or otherwise disclose our mailing lists or personally identifiable information, to other persons, corporations, or identities beyond the basic and internal purpose of our record keeping function.

Here are the current Bylaws (http://www.taclug.org/taclug.bylaws.txt) and our Articles of Incorporation (http://www.taclug.org/taclug_art_inc.pdf)

History

TACLUG was founded in October 1998 by Chris Handy, Ken Hughes, and Michael Eastman. The first meetings were held in downtown Tacoma at PowersCourt, LLC (now defunct) with just a small handful of Linux enthusiasts. After the departure of Michael Eastman, Chris and Ken formed what would become the first Board, which consisted of themselves, Berry Sizemore, Leland Olds, and Wes Jennings. This Board shaped the structure of TACLUG through the creation of bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, written by Wes Jennings.

Early TACLUG meetings were conducted in a very open fashion, with leadership responsibilities being shared amongst Board members. Most of the time at meetings was spent on helping members solve computer problems, or just getting Linux installed.

Years later, in an effort to get members more involved in the processes of TACLUG, it was decided that general members would vote in members of the Board as well as the newly created positions of General Membership President and Secretary.

Past Presidents include:

* Chuck Wolber (200? - 2003)
* Francois Caen (2003 - 2004)
* Jeff Maxwell (2004 - 2005)
* Charles Mauch (2005 - present)