What is “C.O.G.” and How is it Related to Star Ranch?
C.O.G. stands for Conference of Olympus Gymnosophical, Inc. — the corporation that owns Star Ranch.
Webster’s dictionary defines gymnosophical as “the doctrine of the gymnosophists, especially NUDISM.” How appropriate for us naked loving folk!
The corporation’s assets include the buildings, grounds, and finances which are managed by the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
C.O.G. Board members, along with an appointed treasurer, are all volunteers. Board elections are held annually at the shareholder’s meeting each April, and Board meetings are held monthly.
Board Member Requirements
• Directors serve two-year terms
• No two directors may be immediate family members (spouses, partners, children, siblings, or parents)
• Must remain Gold-level members in good standing
• No term limits — directors may serve as long as they continue to be re-elected
• Board members are volunteers and receive no compensation
Immediately after elections, the directors enter an executive session and determine among themselves who will be President, Vice President, and Secretary.
The Straw Poll
Prior to the Board election each April, the full membership meets to vote in a straw poll. This is a non-binding vote open to ALL members to allow their voices to be heard on who they would like to serve on the Board.
You may be asking yourself: why is there a need for a straw poll? This leads us to the discussion of shareholders…
Shareholders & Ownership
C.O.G. is wholly owned by its shareholders. Gold-level members in good standing may purchase a share of ownership of Star Ranch.
Share Information
• Total shares available: 200
• Cost per share: $10
• One share per membership (couples with joint membership may purchase one share)
• This is NOT stock — there are no dividends and shareholders make no money by owning a share
Since there are a limited number of shares, and there are legal rules about how shares can be reissued if relinquished, shares may or may not be available when you want to purchase one. Inquire at the office if you are not currently a shareholder and would like to purchase one.
Important: There is a moratorium on share purchases for 60 days prior to the annual shareholders meeting / Board election.
A corporate secretary, who is different from the board secretary, manages the issuance of shares and oversees the annual board election.
Voting & Checks and Balances
Only shareholders may vote in the board election. This brings us back to the purpose of the straw poll — shareholders should take straw poll results into consideration when voting.
Moreover, the council must take into consideration the straw poll results. The council represents the full membership and is elected by the full membership.
Key Fact: The council controls 101 of the 200 shares. The council is the majority shareholder to ensure the full membership has strong influence on who will manage Star Ranch — keeping with the founders’ intent to maintain the Ranch as a family-friendly nudist property that serves its like-minded members.
In Summary
We hope you have a better understanding of the functions of the council and board, as well as how shareholders use their votes to ensure C.O.G. continues to serve its members.
While somewhat convoluted, the checks and balances built into the current structure should make it possible for Star Ranch to continue to thrive as a nudist community.
Star Ranch: our happy naked place, or our naked happy place — whichever way you prefer to view it!
Contributed by Rob D, November 2020