Bylaws of the Forum of Real Economic Emancipation (FREE)

v1.0 - November 11, 2025
Approved by the Assembly: Yes
Ratified by the Board: Pending

Article 1 – Purpose

FREE is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of enabling research on people-centered economics and inspiring the community to economic empowerment and democratic transformations. To fulfill this goal FREE is built on grassroots wisdom and cutting-edge scholarly research, and will enact a co-created research and outreach agenda from the ground up.

Article 2 – The Assembly

The assembly  is composed of commoners in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is the highest decision-making organ of FREE.
The assembly:

a) determines priorities for research topics and outreach events;

b) approves research and events annual agenda and budgets;

c) sets up working groups to fulfill FREE’s agenda;

d) expresses a vote of no confidence for the President and Board members

e) confirms the President and scholarly Board Members

f) elects three members to the Board

g) has the ability to edit by laws by consensus 

 

Article 3 – Membership & Voting Rights

The FREE Assembly is open to all Tulsa, Oklahoma based commoners.

To be a voting member of the Assembly, one must have attended at least three meetings. To retain voting rights, members must not be absent for more than four consecutive meetings without justification.

The Assembly shall meet every two weeks. At the beginning of each meeting, the Managing Director of FREE shall call the roll and maintain an accessible and inspectable attendance record.

Members have the right to propose items in the agenda for discussion, after being seconded by three other members.  

To vote, members need to be present in the meeting. The modality on deliberation and voting  will be decided by the Assembly.

Article 4 – Code of Conduct

All members agree to abide by the FREE Code of Conduct and Mediation Policy, as adopted and amended by the Assembly.

Article 5 – Procedures for Co-Created Research and Outreach Agendas

The Assembly and the Board will co-create research and outreach agendas, adhering to the following procedure:

a) Once a year the Assembly will propose a list of priorities for research topics and outreach events to the Board. Any member has the right to propose items in the agenda, after the idea is seconded by three other commoners.

b) The Board will design research and events agendas building on the priorities set by the Assembly, and incorporating other themes and actions it considers pertinent.

c) The President will present the co-created agendas to the Assembly and the budget allocated to each item for discussion and approval.

d) After the agendas are approved, the Assembly will create working groups to develop the research and collaborate with the Managing Director in the organization of events at the local level.

Article 6 – The President 

The President is a member of the Assembly and the Board, and will serve a term of five years, with the possibility of reappointment by the Board. 

Article 7 – Powers and Duties of the President

The President is confirmed by the Assembly. The President is the legal representative of FREE and is authorized to:

  • Appoint three academic members to the Board, who are confirmed by the Assembly 

  • Sign contracts on behalf of the organization.

  • Holds title to all social media accounts.

  • Holds title of all accounts (bank, insurance, etc.) and official media platforms.

  • Convene Board meetings independently or at the request of two Board members or ten assembly members.

  • Act independently on urgent matters, with the obligation to report to the Board at its next meeting.

  • Address the Assembly at least two (2) times per calendar year.

  • Nominate a Treasurer.

  • Administer the budget approval.  

  • Present an annual report to the Assembly.

  • Enter into collaboration agreements with other academic institutions. 

  • Initiate restructuring aimed at expansion of FREE in other locations.

Article 8 – The Board

The Board is the executive branch of FREE. It is composed of six (6) members, plus the President, for a total of seven (7) members.

  • Three members are elected by the Assembly for a period of 6 months, and for one (1) for a year for staggering purposes, with reelection for one additional consecutive term.

  • Three are appointed by the Founding President, chosen from among academics or professionals of national or international distinction, for periods of 3 years, with the possibility of reappointment.

  • The Board will meet at least twice a year.

  • Board members might receive compensation should resources be available for authorized activities in the interest of FREE.

Article 9 – Functioning of the Board

The President convenes and chairs Board meetings. Decisions are made by simple majority with a minimum quorum of five(5) board members. Dissenting members may submit a written opinion and report it to the Assembly.

Article 10 – Powers of the Board

The Board is empowered to:

  • Carry out activities in alignment with the co-created agenda

  • Allocate the funds for approved projects

  • Decide on internal regulations

  • Propose changes of the charter to the Assembly

  • Review votes of no confidence by the Assembly

  • Appoint a new President, who is confirmed by the Assembly.

Article 11 – Officers

The President shall appoint officers as needed, including Secretary, Treasurer, who will lead the implementation, administration, and coordination of FREE in close dialogue with its governing bodies.

Article 12 – Constituent Assembly

At its founding meetings the Assembly shall confirm by simple majority the President and the Board members appointed by the President. The Assembly will then elect three local members to join the Board; two of the members will be elected for a period of six months, with the possibility of reelection for another term, and the third Board will be elected for one year, with the possibility of reelection for a period of 6 months.

Article 13 – Board of Guardians (Optional)

Up to Six (6) individuals of exceptional standing in the community may be appointed by the Assembly, to serve on a Board of Guardians. This body may be consulted on contentious matters and may, on its own initiative, request clarifications from any organ of FREE. It's encouraged that the diversity of this board is reflective of the Assembly, with preference to gender parity(binary & nonbinary).

Article 14 – Scientific Board (Optional)

Up to eleven (11) scholars of exceptional academic standing and from various cultural backgrounds may be appointed by the President to form a Scientific Board.

The Scientific Board may:

  • Propose academic programs or joint ventures with aligned institutions.

  • Offer advisory opinions on initiatives undertaken by FREE.