Crew Guidelines

These guidelines are intended to help members form crews, including running meetings, taking minutes, and the procedure for starting local campaigns.

None of these guidelines are binding or authoritative unless noted.

What is a crew?
A crew is an informal gathering of members who meet regularly at a central location. Usually it comprises of members who live within reasonable proximity of each other, but may attract those from further afield. The Sydney Crew is based in the Sydney CBD, but is attended by members within a radius of about 100 KM.

What authority does a crew have?
A crew does not have any authority to act on behalf of the party, except where the National Council gives that authority. A crew is more focused on discussing issues and plans prior to seeking National Council authorisation to act on particular plans. A crew might want to start handing out flyers, for example, and can submit a plan to the National Council for approval. Once approval is granted, the crew can carry out that plan.

Crew or branch?
A crew is an informal gathering, in contrast to a state or territory branch which is formally organised. It is often that a crew and a branch meeting are one and the same. However, only a state coordinator has the authority to announce and run a branch meeting.

How do I start a crew?
Starting a crew is as simple as finding a handful of members willing to meet up in person at a particular location.

How do I announce meetings?

 * IRC
 * Email around discussion list

Should minutes be taken?
Minutes are encouraged, though not necessary. The following URL form should be used:


 * pirateparty.org.au/wiki/Meeting_Minutes/City/YYYY-MM-DD

Can I record a meeting?
If you want to record a meeting (sound or video), the following courtesies are expected:


 * Ask those present before you start recording.
 * Make sure when you ask that you state explicitly the purpose (whether it is for personal use or publication, for example).
 * If there are any objections, no matter how many, refrain from recording.
 * If permission is granted by all present, do not use the recordings for purposes other than you stated.
 * Do not upload recordings to a public, third-party website. If you want to publish it, ask for it to be stored on Pirate Party Australia's website.