Maggie Dutton

Location: Forest Lawn, Calgary

I have been involved in seeing that everyone lives happily in appropriate housing since 1968. What I have come to believe is that the growing crises in housing is a systemic problem. Many activist groups and non profits struggle with how to organize themselves so that their energy is effective in achieving their aims. I came across an exciting new system of governance that insures equivalency and forward movement and i want to share it with anyone interested. It is called Sociocracy and our web site will give you the basics at www.sociocracyinaction.ca

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Forum: CHAI General Topic: Governance using Sociocracy:

Maggie Dutton

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Posted: Friday, November 17, 2006, 1:21 PM

A question for all.
Can you really live decisions that are made by 60% of those who vote? What if you have a paramount and reasonable objection to the decision but your concerns are not included?
Operating using the principle of "Consent" to govern decision making would make sure that all perspectives are included in policy matters or proposals don't go forward.
A subtle sounding difference from consensus that completly changes the dynamics in any organization. It means no blocking of proposals unless you have a really good argument against it. It also means there is no need to seek "agreement" in order to be able to move forward. In Sociocracy all decisions have an end term and can be re-examined anytime circumstances or information changes so folks are more willing to live with or try things out.
Food for thought?
Maggie Dutton,
www.sociocracyinaction.ca
and
H.O.M.E.S. Housing Ourselves Made Easy Society,
Forum: CHAI General Topic: How should we decide what to do with money CHAI receives?:

Maggie Dutton

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Posted: Friday, November 17, 2006, 1:06 PM

This is really a much larger question about how we will make decisions and even beyond that to how will we organize ourselves.

When considering governance models for an activist organization I respectfully suggest that we look beyond democracy and the parliamentary system of majority rule. Many groups have hoped to make decisions using consensus and have found that it does not scale well past a few people. It also doesn't address the issue of governance. What i recommend we consider is an emerging new dynamic system of organizing that insures, inclusivity, accountability, transparency and productivity. I am referring to Sociocracy.

Grant has offered to include Sociocracy and Governance on the agenda for the next Co-ordinating group meeting for consideration. If this group has an interest in learning more about Sociocracy, I would be pleased to share an introductory presentation. Meantime there is lots of information on our network's website at www.sociocracyinaction.ca

All Feedback is welcome at Maggie@sociocracyinaction.ca or at a new topic in the general forum here...look for it.

Regards,
Maggie Dutton.
also with H.O.M.E.S. Housing Ourselves Made Easy Society.
where we have been operating sociocratically since 2003.