We propose to change the CoTech Constitution to form a general decision-making” circle that meets virtually on a synchronous basis once per month.

Our plan is to turn this thread into a proposal in 7 days to allow time for any clarifying questions or concerns to be raised. Please add these on this thread - we will try to answer them / address them!

That sounds like a great idea to me. @aaronhirtenstein can you also say something about the conversation about decision-making methods? Includingwhat methods were considered etc (eg it would be great to know if consent-based/sociocratic decision-making was considered?).

Hi Pete, we purposely separated the decision-making process from the structure within which those decisions would be made (if that makes sense).

So yes, while we imagine moving from a consensus-based approach to a consent-based one would make sense, this proposal is specifically focused on the 'container' for those decisions.

Does that make sense? :slight_smile:

Yes it makes perfect sense. I think the new container is a great next step.

Which hopefully will also make it easier to work out if and when a consent-based approach can be introduced!

thanks, pete. Different approaches like consent were discussed but we all agreed that this was the first step and then logically how we make decisions as a group in a meeting would need to be agreed. It also doesn't mean we ditch Loomio altogether, necessarily, it probably still has its place.

thanks, pete. Different approaches like consent were discussed but we all agreed that this was the first step and then logically how we make decisions as a group in a meeting would need to be agreed. It also doesn't mean we ditch Loomio altogether, necessarily, it probably still has its place.

A few queries spring to mind:
The proposal as written suggests (although it's not clear) that agendas will be built and decisions made by those individuals participating in the call. Consideration needs to be given to, and time allowed for, deliberation within member cooperatives on agenda items, so that delegates participating in the calls can accurately represent the view of their cooperative.
Also need a clear process by which any member co-operative can submit a proposal/agenda item and clarity as to how/whether that proposal is included in an agenda.
What is the relationship between the decision-making circle and any face-to-face gathering of CoTech members?

there was discussion last week about that point - it is a good one. In practice, I don't think major decisions will be raised and decided on in the same meeting, but more likely proposed one month and then taken to members before a decision the following month.

That said, this proposal is not about HOW decisions are made but WHERE, and the spirit of it is to encourage more members to become more active in helping to push the network forwards outside of the gatherings.

Re suggesting agenda items / proposals: I'm sure we can find a sensible and clear way to do this.

I'm not sure I understand the question regrading the relationship between the circle and gatherings, can you elaborate what your concern is here?

The HOW and the WHERE quickly become entwined, as one tends to define, or at least influence, the other. Process and clarity are key.

In terms of the relationship between this decision-making circle (DMC) and any face-to-face gathering: If CoTech were a company, and the DMC were it's board of directors, would the face-to-face gathering be the equivalent of a general meeting of the membership, and therefore be the sovereign body? Or does the face-to-face meeting delegate all decision-making to the DMC, or maybe something else. I ask simply because it's my experience that people in a face-to-face setting often like to make decisions, even when they not be technically quorate or have the authority to do so.

@graham2 I think this was an attempt to avoid bikeshedding, which to be fair we a lot of both here and in the CoTech forum.

We're proposing that decisions get made in the General Circle, rather than in an ad-hoc way by whoever's got time to read and reply to extremely lengthy forum threads.

That seems like the fairest way to do it, and a way to reward those who are organised and show up. Who each co-op sends as a representative is, of course, up to them.