There are three contexts for participation in GPAC: membership, observer,and participant. The Executive Committee determines GPAC membership status.

GPAC membership is open to all interested parties, but is subject to certain expectations of performance. GPAC members are expected to attend three out of four meetings, to participate fully in dialogue at these meetings, and to provide leadership in GPAC activities through active participation in Task Groups and/or projects. Members of the GPAC will be part of the GPAC email list, will have a vote on GPAC initiatives and decisions, and will qualify for travel assistance to GPAC events, when funds are available.

Chairs, Task Group Chairs etc. of the GPAC are normally chosen from within the GPAC membership.

Although there is no limit to the number of GPAC members, the Coalition will not normally exceed fifty persons at any given time.

Failure to be fully active in the GPAC may result in membership status being changed to Observer.

GPAC observer status is open to all interested parties, and will normally be conferred on those individuals who which to attend and participate in GPAC meetings and events on an intermittent basis, or who do not wish to participate in GPAC activities. GPAC observers will be part of the GPAC email list, will not have a vote on GPAC initiatives and decisions, and do not quality for travel assistance to GPAC events.

Observers can be moved to Members at any time their interest and commitment demonstrates appropriate commitment to the organization.

Participants to the GPAC include those individuals whose interests coincide with GPAC's, who participate in GPAC projects and events, and who wish to receive regular GPAC communications. Project members and Project Managers may be drawn from Participants, as appropriate. Participants may also be active in GPAC Task Groups.

Like Observers, Participants may attend and participate in any GPAC meeting or function. Travel assistance will not be provided, nor may they vote. Although Participants may have a voice at GPAC meetings, they are not encouraged to participate in all dialogue, especially on matters of GPAC protocols, or where previous history with the organization is appropriate to the discussion.

The GPAC has a simple, but effective organization. The Coalition consists only of an Ad Hoc committee of like-minded individuals. The structure consists of members; two Co-Chairs, a Coordinator, and such Task Group chairs as are appropriate at the time. The GPAC Executive Committee consists of the Co-Chairs and the Co-ordinator.

Two American and Canadian Co-Chairs are elected by the Membership to serve for a term not less than two years. Reappointment of a Co-Chair has no limitations. The American and Canadian Co-Chairs will ordinarily be chosen from the GPAC Members of each nation. The Co-Chairs will be responsible for leadership of the GPAC, and will act jointly as signatories to GPAC correspondence.

A Co-ordinator will be appointed by the GPAC to assist in the regular running of the organization and to undertake special projects. The Co-ordinator's position will normally be staffed by a volunteer Member of the GPAC, and may receive remuneration for specific tasks and activities when funds are available. The Co-ordinator will be responsible for day to day operations, organization and facilitation of meetings and special events, and preparation and circulation of the minutes. Where appropriate and timely, the Co-ordinator shall be empowered to make such decisions as are needed to continue effective GPAC operations, normally with the advice of the Co-Chairs. The Co-ordinator's term of office is subject to regular review by the membership.

Special initiatives of the GPAC are organized as Task Groups. Task Groups are led by a GPAC Member, who reports regularly to the Coalition. Task Group members may be drawn from the GPAC, or from other interested parties in the community. Task Group members do not automatically become GPAC members.

The GPAC has few defined protocols, allowing for flexibility in structure to address changing conditions. However, a number of protocols do exist to guide GPAC operations.

The GPAC attempts to convene a regular meeting of all members of the Coalition at least once during the year. Special Meetings of the GPAC may be called to deal with timely issues, or when only limited participation by Members is possible. Normally, notice of regular Meeting of the GPAC will be given at least three weeks before the meeting date. All meetings will be convened at locations as convenient as possible to as many Members as possible.

GPAC meetings are run loosely based on Roberts Rules of Order. An agenda is circulated before the meeting date, and is ratified, and or adjusted as required at the meeting. The meeting floor is open to discussion of issues for limited periods of time, based on schedules established in the agenda.

Although all Members and Observers are encouraged to participate fully,other attendees are asked to limit their comments in the interest of time. The Coalition will spend NO TIME at meetings updating other attendees on the history of GPAC issues.

Action minutes of all meetings will be drafted by the Co-ordinator and circulated to Members and Observers for comment.

Occasionally, as funds are available, the GPAC will contract with members, observers, participants and interested and qualified individuals in the community to undertake special projects. GPAC projects must be led by a Project Manager, who reports regularly to an appropriate Task Group Chair, or to the GPAC Executive Committee. GPAC Project Managers, and Project participants do not automatically become Members of the Coalition. All reports generated by GPAC supported projects must be submitted in draft form to the Coalition for review and editing of appropriate and necessary changes, prior to completion of the final document, and prior to issuance of final payment of the contract.

There are no dues for Members of the GPAC.

All contracts of the GPAC must be between two incorporated organizations, and not directly with the GPAC.

All liabilities associated with participation with the GPAC, and any of its supported activities are assumed by the individual, not the GPAC.