OSI introduces Individual Membership programme

To complement its well-established Affiliate Membership programme, the Open Source Initiative (OSI) has announced that, starting immediately, it will allow individual members to join the organisation and support its goals. As part of the new Individual Membership, individuals are asked to make a tax-deductible donation of $40 (where possible, this is to be renewed annually) and will in turn be included in the governance of the organisation.

Individual members are not required to be involved in the governance of the OSI, but can choose to serve on working groups or committees to help determine the direction of the organisation's activities. The new programme is part of the OSI's move to a completely member-driven structure. OSI President Simon Phipps, who has been a driving force behind this transformation, said: "The transformation of the OSI into a member-based organization is a timely and important step for the worldwide open source community".

The OSI was founded in 1998 with the mission to steward the Open Source Definition and manage the approval of open source licences. Other goals include publicly supporting the adoption of open source software and raising its general awareness with the public.

The process of applying for Individual Membership is open to everyone; however individuals from countries under economic embargo by the US (where the OSI is based) will have to contact the organisation to receive complimentary membership as it can not receive contributions from those countries. Individuals wishing to join can apply using a form on the OSI web site.

See also:

• OSI reforms reach board level, a report from The H.
  
• Open Source Initiative affiliates announced at FOSDEM, a report from The H.

(fab)