[Source: ONI Standards (2005), III. Neighborhood Associations, A. Recognition as a Neighborhood Association by the City of Portland (pp. 8-11)]
- Clearly describe the boundaries of the NA (ibid, A,1.a)
- Declare open membership: …”maintain membership, which is open to any person who lives and/or owns real property or holds a business license within the recognized boundaries of the Neighborhood Association. Other individuals or organizations may be members as further set forth in each [NAs] bylaws. The list of the membership is the property of the [NA] and is not subject to public record requests.” (ibid, A, 2)
- Declare nondiscrimination: NAs “shall not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis or race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, legal citizenship, national origin, income, or political affiliation in any of their policies, recommendations or actions.” (ibid, A, 3)
- Provide for meeting ONI Standards (ibid, A.4)
- Process for adopting and amending bylaws (ibid, A.4)
- Quorum requirements (ibid, A.4)
- Setting the agenda (ibid, A.4)
- Meeting requirements (ibid, A.5)
- Follow open meetings/public records requirements in the ONI Standards (ibid, A.6)
- Grievance Procedures, including “who is eligible to grieve, a process for the receipt of complaints, and a procedure for final resolution” and that abide by minimum standards outlined in the ONI Standards (ibid, A.7)
- No requirement for dues: NAs “cannot require collection of membership dues. Contributions made on a voluntary basis may be accepted.” (ibid, A. 8)
- Ensure that bylaws and articles of incorporation are in harmony (ibid, A.4)