Proposals and Decision Making Proposal
This is the foundational decision making agreement.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11VSQekBqZxGveRqh3_SSeVQ92FT27CCmo1rTdAB1sD0/edit# is the live google doc and a .doc version is attached. I think the google doc is still the easiest place to change and agree the wording, so my suggestion is to work on it there for next week or so and then identify any outstanding items for discussion here. (Andy)
ian L Mon 22 May 2017 2:15AM
Agree with Ed - need the "Keep It Simple" principle;
Wondering if we can we more clearly separate 'decision making' from 'proposal making'. We have tested a bit of a process on putting together proposals - perhaps this needs to be simply formalised. With decision making, I am hearing that we are committed to a Sociocratic approach - so let's adopt a short paragraph that we use Sociocracy as our decision making process.
The sociocracy needs to be linked to some more training - already discussed.
In this way, we will have two separate key docs; and others will emerge - these will be other policy docs and also some 'how to' process docs.
Andy Goldring Mon 22 May 2017 9:20AM
Hi Ed - that's fine - I get all that. What I need to see are your specific proposals for how you would actually change the document. Can you highlight different areas and say what you would do with them on the google doc? Alternatively (and probably better) you could take the text of the existing doc and reformat in the way you would suggest, so we can see what you mean. Its hard for me to take your general principles and apply - much easier for you - thanks! We need these specifics soon if we are to get this finally agreed by the deadline we have set.
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Erin Young Thu 25 May 2017 4:50AM
I appreciate hearing Ed's views on policy, procedures etc, and concur with Andy that Ed's input directly into the decision-making doc will be most helpful for understanding what he feels is relevant to include.
It feels important to clarify that I work with a specific perspective of policy making, based in sociocratic perspective. Policies are made by each working group/constellation/circle, specific to their domain of work (allowing the self-organisation of this approach). In that way, policy refers to that which governs/constrains (future) operational decisions by setting aims, standards, limits, parameters. It can allocate resources, clarify values, establish plans, specify general procedures for repetitive production processes.
Policy decisions are about working ON the organisation - deciding how things will be done.
Operational decisions are about working IN the organisation - working within the constraints of policies to get the work done.
Andy Goldring Fri 2 Jun 2017 3:57PM
Sounds like entries to the Co-Lab glossary - @edwalta I think you have some clear views on the meaning of some of the keywords - strategy, mission, etc - would be good to get the key ones out into a glossary and agree them so that we don't spend a lot of time talking at cross purposes. Would either of you be willing to start a glossary doc in the google drive and link it into a slack channel?
Andy Goldring Mon 5 Jun 2017 12:25PM
Hi Ian - agree with that - I'm going to work on splitting the doc up into smaller piece that are each much simpler... will post later today. Thanks for all your efforts on this! Andy
Philipp Grunewald Mon 29 May 2017 10:26AM
@everyone... how are we going with this? I would like to put up the stewardship group engagement proposal for decision making soon. When will this go to decision making (since it ought to be decided prior to the stewardship engagement)?
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Ed Walta Mon 29 May 2017 9:34PM
@philippgrunewald, I'm a bit concerned about Andy, has anyone been in contact with him? I completed the re-format of the Proposals and Decision-making doc a week ago and have not heard from him. I email it to give Andy the opportunity to discuss it prior to posting into loomio.
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Ed Walta Fri 2 Jun 2017 9:32PM
@naomivandervelden could you please transfer my Loomio comment of 15 days ago "Ideas to simplify proposal .... into a Glossary so that Erin can respond as requested by @andygoldring
Andy Goldring Mon 5 Jun 2017 12:35PM
@naomivandervelden - done - here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sX3eZg0qPI_cVzdYmKImPi_IFMrfrKVS0M4C3MentBc/edit
Ed Walta · Thu 18 May 2017 9:19PM
Ideas to simplify the current Proposal Forming and Decision-Making Agreement doc
What is the difference between a policy and a proposal?
A proposal is suggestion put forward for consideration and implementation.
A policy is a guideline or statement of position. Policy refers to a set of rules for rational decision-making. It should not contain processes or procedures but refers to them. Policies also guide the development of plans and agreements. Plans and agreements are likely to change more frequently than policies and hence are separate documents.
The stewards primarily develop policies, thus avoid the temptation of becoming entrapped in operational detail. Policies enable the stewards to speak with a common voice and to define, rather than react and ratify.
Processes and procedures are the means to supply ‘value’ to stakeholders. They are the specific ('how to' end-to-end and step-by-step) methods employed to express policies in action in day-to-day operations.
An agreement is a more detailed understanding or obligations, terms and conditions, between parties.
A (strategy or plan of action) communicates the purpose, vision, values and goals to align the movement to its core purpose. Plans harness movement knowledge and are the mechanism for priority resources allocation. Stewards provide their input to shape the direction, but the primary drive comes from (in our case) the constellations.