This article introduces a foundational framework for groups moving from unstructured beginnings to formal governance. It emphasizes the importance of transparent, well-documented decisions to ensure legitimacy and reduce ambiguities that could impact future operations. It also provides a flexible, platform-independent template to help establish essential governance procedures as a stable starting point.
Sumamry
The text discusses the complexity of creating governance in unstructured organizations, likening the early phase to a “structureless social soup.” Without pre-existing rules, establishing consensus on basic decisions can be challenging, especially since no formal procedures guide agreement.
Some key points include:
Initial Consensus Challenges
Explores the difficulties unstructured groups face in establishing consensus on basic decisions due to the lack of formal procedures.
Transparency for Legitimacy
Highlights the importance of making early decisions transparent and well-documented to establish legitimacy and build trust within the organization.
Risks of Informal Governance
Discusses potential operational complexities that arise from a lack of clear, formalized governance in early-stage organizations.
Suggested Platform-Agnostic Approach
Presents a flexible, adaptable governance framework that is independent of specific platforms, allowing organizations to choose tools that best fit their needs.
Pre-Constitutional Governance Framework
Describes an initial governance structure providing basic organization without full legal formalization, creating a foundation for growth and evolving governance practices.
Proposed Framework
The article proposes a framework similar to this
Definitions & Designations
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Proposal-Authorized Person
Individuals approved to submit proposals, such as core team members. -
Vote-Authorized Person
Individuals permitted to vote on proposals, like community participants. -
Designated Drafting Platform
The specified platform used for drafting and editing proposals, e.g., Google Docs. -
Minimum Drafting Duration
The required minimum time a proposal must be open for feedback during drafting, such as 5 days. -
Designated Voting Platform
The designated platform for proposal voting, for instance, Snapshot. -
Designated Voting Duration
The time frame in which a proposal remains open for voting, such as 5 days. -
Designated Voting Method
The approach used to calculate or weigh votes, like “1 person = 1 vote.” -
Designated Voting Quorum
The minimum number of votes needed for a decision to be valid, e.g., 5 votes. -
Designated Voting Majority
The percentage of votes required to approve a proposal, such as 51%. -
Default Voting Options
The standard voting choices, typically “For” and “Against,” unless otherwise specified.
Proposal Template
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Proposal Name
The proposal’s title, which may follow an established naming convention. -
Proposal Author(s)
The individuals drafting the proposal. -
Proposal Team
The team responsible for implementing the proposal’s objectives. -
Draft Start Date
The date when proposal drafting begins. -
Proposal Description
A comprehensive summary of the proposal’s purpose and content. -
Mission Alignment
Justification of how this proposal aligns with organizational goals. -
Brand Usage
Explanation of any use of the organization’s brand within this proposal. -
Financial Implications
Details on any associated expenses, referencing relevant accounts if necessary. -
Success Metrics
Criteria to evaluate the proposal’s success during and post-implementation. -
Next Steps
A list of tasks to complete upon proposal approval, identifying responsible parties.
Misc.
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Amendments
Changes to this framework may be proposed by including a revised version within a formal proposal, which must then be approved by vote-authorized individuals. -
Revised Proposals
If a proposal is rejected, it can be modified and submitted for a new vote.