Philippine Internet Users’ Society Inc.

P.I.U.S. Inc. Chapter Primer

 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
CHAPTER PRIMER - Background
 The organization is a non stock non profit organization and is
duly registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
of the Philippines.
 Chapters are chartered by the Philippine Internet Users’
Society (PIUS Inc.). The Chapter bylaws will neither
supersede nor abrogate any of the Bylaws of PIUS Inc.
 PIUS Inc. coordinate chapter affairs.
 PIUS Inc. Chapters are expected to serve the interests of the
Internet community in their locality in a manner consistent with
the mission and purposes of PIUS Inc.. Every Chapter shall
focus on issues and developments important to its community.
 PIUS Inc. Chapters are respected and free to use their
collective resources, creativity, local culture and dialect of its
community; for the advancement of PIUS Inc. advocacy.
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PIUS Inc. Purposes
 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Purposes:
3. To unify Internet users in the Philippines through the
promotion of co-operation and understanding either
through direct membership or by creating alliances with
Internet users (individuals or groups/organizations) in
the country. This includes setting –up of Philippine
Internet Users’ Society Chapters all over the country.
2. To advocate the campaign slogan - “Internet is for
Everyone”.
3. To propagate the responsible use of the Internet and
its technologies in the country.
4. To provide services for individual and organization
members in terms of training and support in regard to
Internet/Internet Technologies.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Purposes:
5. To print and publish journals, magazines, papers,
periodicals etc. relating to the mission of Philippine
Internet Users' Society, Inc; also to promote and
develop the image of the organization and its members
online and offline.
6. To organize and conduct events, meetings, seminars,
conferences, congress, and competitions between
members and any other related groups for the purpose
of exchanging ideas and views related to the Internet and
Internet technologies.
7. To conduct and organize trainings related to the Internet
and Internet technologies around the country especially
for the marginalized sectors of the society.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Purposes:
8. To act as a collective voice of Internet users in the Philippines
especially in terms of government regulation, in reducing
costs of connectivity and Internet access, and also the
protection of privacy and confidentiality of transactions
conducted on the Internet.
9. To do all such other lawful activities as the Executive Board or
Committee may consider fit to achieve the overall objectives
of the organization and to protect and maintain the interest
of members and the organization.
10. To encourage all members and allied groups/organizations
demonstrate the standards of professional behavior
appropriate as internet users by adhering to the Code of
Conduct for all Members of the Philippine Internet
Users' Society.
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PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures:
Organizing Chapters
 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
WHAT:
 PIUS-Chapters can be in a city, municipality, or province in the
Philippines. It is an extension of PIUS Inc. mission and advocacy
in a particular area.
 PIUS-Chapter shall be the representative entity of PIUS Inc. to
serve the interests of the Internet community in their locality.
 PIUS-Chapter is empowered and authorized to conduct projects
and activities to further PIUS Inc. mission and advocacy.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
WHY:
 The need to serve the interests of the Internet community in
their
respective area in a manner consistent with the mission and
purposes of PIUS Inc.
 The need to serve as a vanguard organization that shall focus
and address issues and developments important to its Internet
community.
 The need to propagate the responsible use of the Internet; and
also for the advancement of PIUS Inc. advocacy in the area.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
WHO:
 Members of PIUS Inc. in good standing, may request for an
Application to Form a Chapter; provided that there’s enough
number of PIUS Inc. members in the locality.
 Concerned PIUS Inc. members in the area, may act as “Core
group” of prospective leaders who shall form the nucleus Board
for the Chapter.
 Ideally, PIUS Inc. members who have experience in non profits
groups shall be involved in forming Chapters, though this is not
mandatory.
 All concerned PIUS Inc. members in the area are free to
participate in the Chapter forming process.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
WHEN and WHERE:
 The best time is when needs and issues concerning our
advocacy are present in the area and are not being met.
 It is also best to form a Chapter when interest of prospective
members are still heightened.
 When there’s enough number of concerned PIUS Inc. members
and prospective members who are willing to form a Chapter.
 Also when there’s an active Internet community existing in the
area, where we can build alliances to advance our cause.

 We can form Chapters in any city, municipality or province in the

Philippines, where a community of Internet users’ exist.
 PIUS Inc. can also charter a Chapter out of existing group like;
people w/disabilities who wants to have an access on the Internet.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
HOW: Preparatory
• The person applying to forming a Chapter must be a member of
PIUS Inc. in good standing.
• Application to Form a Chapter is available. Fill up the form and
submit to PIUS Inc. for review and approval.
• Said Application form is free.
HOW: Process
11.Prepare a master list of existing PIUS Inc. members together with
your prospective members in the area where you wanted to serve.
12.Contact them through email, then set-up a face to face meeting
to discuss the issue of forming a PIUS Inc. Chapter.
14.From that meeting(s). Create a committee that will draft your
Chapter Bylaws (see sample bylaws).
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
HOW: Process (Continuation)
• Once all your documentation is done, submit them to PIUS Inc. for
the PIUS Board’s decision. This process may take some time
especially if or when additional documents may be required.
• As soon as you receive the Application approval, set up a meeting
of your members for the election of your Chapter officers.
• At this point, you still don’t need a Chapter physical office to
operate. You can first set-up a virtual office by having your Chapter
website (you can use a free site first like www.webs.com). All you
need at this stage is an address (can be in the chairman’s or the
secretary’s home or office). PIUS Inc. will provide you an official
Chapter email; (sample) cebuchapter@piusonline.org
• Your meetings can be done is places that are accessible to your
officers and members.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
HOW: Policies and Standards (Organization and Membership)
• Organization-Only one Chapter is allowed in a particular area like in
a city, municipality or province.
• Chapter Membership shall be given importance in this initial stage.
Individual membership and forming alliances with groups will be
highlighted. Membership shall be free at the moment to build up our
membership base. Chapters are not restricted though to charge
membership fees if they so desire. There shall be standard fees for
organizations desiring to join.
• All Chapters must have a fixed postal address.
• Chapter officers must have clearly defined roles.
• All Chapters are required to submit periodic activity and financial
reports to PIUS Inc.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters

HOW: Policies and Standards (Activities)

5. Chapters are encourage to conduct activities related to PIUS Inc.
mission and purpose(s).
6. For this year (2009) PIUS Inc. activities are limited to:
2.1 Organization Building- Chapter forming/Alliance forming (Feb)
2.2 Essay Writing Contest & Art Competition (June)
2.3 Band & Jingle Competition
2.4 Blogging & You Tube Competition
2.5 OneWebDay Celebration (4th worldwide-1st in the Philippines)

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
HOW: Policies and Standards (Public Statements and Positions)
 Chapter Officials may come up with public statements and positions
in regard to certain issues that concerns our advocacy. Please be
guided by our standards:
1. Said statement or position will advance our mission and purpose.
2. They must be consistent with PIUS Inc. official position.
3. They must be clear, professionally presented and responsibly
owned by the chapter.
4. They must not cause any legal issues for the Chapter and PIUS.
5. They must be done with the approval of the Chapter Board.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Policy Procedures: Organizing Chapters
HOW: Policies and Standards (Funding)
 The Chapter Board of Directors shall draw up an operating budget
for the chapter. Chapters are encourage to come up with their own
source of funds in order to operate smoothly; and be able to
implement Chapter projects and activities.
 Possible sources of funds are from income generating projects and
activities. Soliciting donations and other ways consistent with other
non profit standards in raising funds. Other Chapters may adopt a
fee-based membership or a combination of free and fee-based
membership.
 If and when funds are available from PIUS Inc. Chapters will be
notified to apply for project funding. It is therefore best for the
Chapters to inform PIUS Inc. about their lined up activities and
projects before the fiscal year begins.
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PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws
 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
FIRST: Name
The name of the Chapter is: PIUS-(Name of Area)
SECOND: Duration
The period of duration is 50 Years.
THIRD: Purpose(s)
The Chapter is organized with a statement of purposes(s). Said
purpose(s) shall be consistent with the purpose of PIUS Inc.,
and shall clearly indicate that the Chapter is organized as a
not for profit organization. It shall have the powers to carry on
any business or other activity duly approved by the Executive
Board or Committee of PIUS Inc. which may be lawfully
conducted by a corporation organized under the rules of the
Philippines
Non stock Corporations.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society

PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:

FOURTH: Membership
The Chapter may have one or more classes of members, the
qualifications and rights, including voting rights (18yrs old &
above), of which shall be designated in the bylaws.
 All Chapter members shall be PIUS Inc. members.
 All Internet Users’ in the local area covered by the Chapter
shall be eligible for membership without discrimination.
 Membership shall also be open to all full-time students, Out
of School Youth (OSY) and Senior Citizens; their membership
dues shall be determined by the Chapter Board, but shall not
exceed 50 percent of regular member dues.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
FIFTH: Officers
 The members of the Chapter Board of Directors shall be those
individuals elected, from time to time, in accordance with the
Bylaws. Directors shall elect their successors.
 The usual titles for Officers shall be used. Some Chapters may
combine offices of the Secretary and Treasurer into one position.
 Officers will be elected during the Annual General Meeting
(AGM) of the Chapter.
SIXTH: Duties of Officers
The internal affairs of the Chapter shall be regulated by its Board of
Directors as described in the Bylaws. The usual duties of the
Board and it’s officers shall be covered in this section.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
SIXTH: Duties of Officers (Continuation)
It shall also cover the following duties:
 Preparation of the Annual Chapter Report for
presentation
to the Chapter at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
 Preparation of the Chapter's Activity and Financial Report
and submission of this report to PIUS Inc. periodically.
 Submission of Chapter Updates and organizational
developments to PIUS Inc. especially changes of officers.
 Report of any proposed Chapter Bylaws amendment to
PIUS Inc. for approval.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
SEVENTH: Chapter Boards and Committees
 Board of Directors - The Board is the highest governing body
of the chapter when it is in session. The Board of Directors
make final decision for the Chapter; while the President or CEO
with the management team handles it’s day to day affairs.
 Executive Board or Committee – Are the officers of the
Board
of Directors.
 Advisory Board - It is good practice to set up an Advisory
Board for the Chapter. They are a good source for help and
assistance. Advisory Board do not have decision making
powers for the Chapter. Their duties are purely advisory in
nature. Advisory Board can also act as Board of Reference
for the Chapter.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
SEVENTH: Chapter Boards and Committees (Continuation)
 Standing Committees - The functions and types of the
committees shall correspond to your Chapter projects and
activities. (Example; Membership Com. or PR Com.).
 Temporary Committees – Like a Nominating Committee or
an Auditing Committee.
• There’s really no fast and hard rule as to how many or the
type
of Committees the Chapter may need to utilize, it is for the
Chapter’s discretion and decision to adopt what is suited for
them.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
EIGHTH: Chapter Meetings
The Chapter shall determine how many meetings they will hold
each year. These meetings shall be listed and announced to
all concerned via E-mail, Texts, or mailed. It is best to post
them at the Chapter’s website as well.
 Regular Board Meeting – The Board shall decide details of
their regular meetings. A monthly meeting is ideal for the
Board
to discuss the affairs of the Chapter.
 Chapter Members’ Meeting – The Chapter may hold
members
meeting on a regular basis to discuss activities of the Chapter.
 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) – The Chapter shall hold
an AGM just before their fiscal year ends or at the start of
2/14/2009 their fiscal year. It is aPIUS
standard
Inc. 2009practice to hold an annual

AGM for the Chapter.

 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
NINETH: Chapter Funds
 No part of the net earnings of the Chapter shall inure to the
benefit of or be distributed to any director, employee or other
individual, partnership, estate, trust or corporation having a
personal or private interest in the Chapter.
 Compensation for services actually rendered and
reimbursement for expenses actually incurred in attending to
the affairs of this Chapter shall be limited to reasonable
amounts.
 Periodic and Annual Financial Report of the Chapter shall be
submitted to PIUS Inc.

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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
NINETH: Chapter Funds (Continuation)
 Fund raising projects are allowed for smooth operation of the
Chapter. However, said projects shall be within the bounds of
the normal fund raising projects conducted and practiced by
the non profits community.
 The standard for non profits shall be followed such as; 25%
to
30% of funds raised may be allocated for Administrative
operation while the 70% to 75% goes to the project(s). All
funds received must be receipted and recorded.
 The chapter financial report shall be available upon written
request. Members and Donors requesting for the same shall
be served accordingly.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
TENTH: Amendments

 These Chapter bylaws may be amended by a majority vote

of
the Members and by a majority vote of the Board of Directors
of the Chapter at any regular meeting or special meeting held
for the said purpose.
 To vote on the bylaws, the Chapter should have a quorum
(with the majority) of the general membership present and the
action will be passed by a plurality of affirmative votes.
 All proposed changes or amendment to these Chapter
Bylaws
shall first be approved by PIUS Inc. Board of Directors before
being presented to the Chapter Board and membership for a
vote.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society
PIUS Inc. Sample Chapter ByLaws:
ELEVENTH: Organization, Disbandment and Dissolution
of PIUS Inc. Chapters
 Only PIUS Inc. Board of Directors through it’s official
authorized representative has the sole right to organize or
grant PIUS Chapter status in the Philippines.
 Chapters may be disbanded by PIUS, Inc. Board of Directors
through it’s official authorized representative, when the
Chapter no longer adheres to the PIUS Inc. purpose(s) and
mission. And also if and when the Chapter continuously
violates PIUS Inc. policies, procedures and standards.
 Upon dissolution of the Chapter, PIUS Inc. will take care of
its assets and shall be disposed of exclusively for the purposes
of the Chapter or distributed to such like minded entity(ies)
organized and operated exclusively for non profit purposes.
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 Philippine Internet Users’ Society

CHAPTER PRIMER

Important Notes:

Non-Profit organization “can’t make a profit.”

Surpluses are permitted and desirable, but they
must be used to further the organization’s
activities

Nobody owns a non-profit and no single person

controls it.

2/14/2009 PIUS Inc. 2009

Philippine Internet Users’ Society, Inc. (PIUS)