[OWBN-Council][PROPOSAL][BYLAW CHANGE][AMENDMENT]Binding Agreements; Reviews after Elections

Proposal:
I, Jen Salty, CM of Griffin Immortal Nights Theater, propose the following change to the OWBN Character Bylaws:

Bylaws Now:
8. PCs in service to Coordinator(s) NPC
a. ll PCs may have a Binding Agreement if it is decided by any of the parties involved (Coordinator(s), ST(s), or Player(s)) that a Binding Agreement is needed for Approval - signed by the player, its storytellers and the Coordinator(s) in charge of the NPC prior to serving or performing a service for any Coordinator(s) Level NPC at a Sect level that is not specific to internal clan politics. This Binding Agreement will be logged with the Archivist and accessible to the Executive Team in case of disputes that require mediation. The Binding Agreement should outline the following:
i. Players rights and responsibilities
ii. Storyteller rights and responsibilities
iii. Coordinator rights and responsibilities
iv. Terms for length of service
v. An approximation of duties and responsibilities for the PC
vi. Provisions in case there is a change of ST staff, home chronicle or Coordinators
vii. Stepping down/removal from the position for IC and/or OOC reasons
viii. Rewards for exceptional service or punishment for failure -- perceived or factual.
b. The Binding Agreement shall be reviewed annually following Coordinator elections for possible updating, revisions, or additions.
c. PCs in service to a Coordinator(s) NPC must include their Storytellers and Coordinator(s) of said NPC on all communications relating to their service

Bylaws After:
8. PCs in service to Coordinator(s) NPC
a. PCs may have a Binding Agreement if it is decided by any of the parties involved (Coordinator(s), ST(s), or Player(s)) that a Binding Agreement is needed for Approval - signed by the player, its storytellers and the Coordinator(s) in charge of the NPC prior to serving or performing a service for any Coordinator(s) Level NPC at a Sect level that is not specific to internal clan politics. This Binding Agreement will be logged with the Archivist and accessible to the Executive Team in case of disputes that require mediation. The Binding Agreement should outline the following:
i. Players rights and responsibilities
ii. Storyteller rights and responsibilities
iii. Coordinator rights and responsibilities
iv. Terms for length of service
v. An approximation of duties and responsibilities for the PC
vi. Provisions in case there is a change of ST staff, home chronicle or Coordinators
vii. Stepping down/removal from the position for IC and/or OOC reasons
viii. Rewards for exceptional service or punishment for failure -- perceived or factual.
ix. The method each party may trigger an early dissolvement of the Binding Agreement if needed and the consequences of such early release.
b. An incoming Coordinator may choose to review all existing Binding Agreements under the purview of their office after their election period. This review shall take 90 to 120 days (3-4 months) from the time of their election with an additional 60 days (2 months) allowed for having changes logged with the Archivist's Office.
i. Within that time period, the Coordinator may propose a revised Binding Agreement to replace the pre-existing Binding Agreement.
ii. If the player and staff agree, the old Binding Agreement is replaced with the new one.
iii. If the player and staff do not agree, the old Binding Agreement as written by the previous staff remains effective.
iv. Either side may request mediation to come to a compromise in the creation of a new Binding Agreement.
v. After reviewing a Binding Agreement, if the Coordinator feels that the Agreement is no longer necessary or serving its purpose, they may dissolve the Binding Agreement. This requires notification of the Archivist, Player, and Player's Staff.
vi. Binding Agreements that need to be created or edited during the Coordinator's term also follow this procedure if compromise or mediation is required; edits outside of that time period are not considered part of the Incoming Coordinator Review period.
c. PCs in service to a Coordinator(s) NPC must include their Storytellers and Coordinator(s) of said NPC on all communications relating to their service

Reasoning:
The old bylaw appeared to be a residual from when we had annual elections, and was not changed when we switched from annual elections. In addition, when this was brought up in a discussion on an OOC Discord, several Coords elaborated on their BA revision process (or lack thereof), approximate numbers of BAs they suspected offices had (which surpassed 11, hence removal of the number from the original bylaw) and would prefer to have an option to not do so for BAs that appeared to be acceptable if they are willing to maintain them per the previous coordinator's ruling. They also discussed wanting guidance on what 'review' entails and a clear out (exit) be required in BAs to protect all parties involved.

This prop was thought out and tossed around during a brainstorming session with several Coordinators, Subcoords, and former Coordinators involved, who shared some of their insight on how they handle BAs as an incoming Coordinator and what would be helpful for them. I attempted to include all of their insight and input and thank them for helping me think this out.

I added in the extended time period with the second gap for logging with the Archivist, and a section on clarity that this wasn't the only time for editing and creation of BAs. This was simply a time for incoming coordinators to complete a review. Which matches the original bylaw intent.

Jen Salty
CM of GINT