Difference between revisions of "User:DrewJensen/Preamble to UCV Charter"

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:We desire to create an agreement-seeking culture. That is, we endeavor to make plans and reach decisions based on achieving wide-spread agreement. Agreement-seeking is not the same as consensus, as consensus tries for universal agreement, elusive if not impossible to achieve.
 
:We desire to create an agreement-seeking culture. That is, we endeavor to make plans and reach decisions based on achieving wide-spread agreement. Agreement-seeking is not the same as consensus, as consensus tries for universal agreement, elusive if not impossible to achieve.
  
:Agreement-seeking as a central principle is also different than majority rule. While voting can play a constructive role as an advisory means of expression of preference, binding procedures of any kind can under emphasize and even undermine the critical role of discussion and deliberation in the shaping of plans. Voting on polls is considered assertively consultative, not binding. Elections of individuals to  fill roles within the organization on the other hand are binding.
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:Agreement-seeking as a central principle is also different than majority rule. While voting can play a constructive role as an advisory means of expression of preference, binding procedures of any kind can under emphasize and even undermine the critical role of discussion and deliberation in the shaping of plans. Voting on polls is considered assertively consultative, not binding. '''Elections of individuals to  fill roles within the organization on the other hand are binding.'''
  
 
:For agreements to be meaningful it is important that those with a stake in the outcome be participants in determining the course of action. So, for instance, it's a matter of common sense that those with technical expertise should be intimately involved in technical decision-making.
 
:For agreements to be meaningful it is important that those with a stake in the outcome be participants in determining the course of action. So, for instance, it's a matter of common sense that those with technical expertise should be intimately involved in technical decision-making.

Revision as of 18:38, 15 September 2007

Agreement-seeking culture

We desire to create an agreement-seeking culture. That is, we endeavor to make plans and reach decisions based on achieving wide-spread agreement. Agreement-seeking is not the same as consensus, as consensus tries for universal agreement, elusive if not impossible to achieve.
Agreement-seeking as a central principle is also different than majority rule. While voting can play a constructive role as an advisory means of expression of preference, binding procedures of any kind can under emphasize and even undermine the critical role of discussion and deliberation in the shaping of plans. Voting on polls is considered assertively consultative, not binding. Elections of individuals to fill roles within the organization on the other hand are binding.
For agreements to be meaningful it is important that those with a stake in the outcome be participants in determining the course of action. So, for instance, it's a matter of common sense that those with technical expertise should be intimately involved in technical decision-making.
Further, given that UCV is focusing on developing services for non-technical users, it is also important that end-user interests be represented in the process of creating services.

Filling a role is a matter of taking responsibility, not imposing one's will.

We believe in making progress through giving clear responsibilities to individuals. Taking responsibility for something is not the same as ownership, rather stewardship for an area, activity or issue. Taking responsibility can also require, at times, acting as a driver. It should not be assumed that stewards and drivers typically operate by imposing their own decisions. Driving is primarily a matter of attending to a project with a goal, and taking steps to ensure the goal is reached (or, occasionally, redefining or setting aside the effort). Stewards typically solicit input and proposals, enable active participation, and facilitate discussion. In some but not all cases the steward will also be an active content contributor to the matter at hand.
The steward has a responsibility to take multiple points of view into account and to try to reach widespread agreement. If there is disagreement, she or he should use methods to shed more light on the issue, e.g., by taking it to a wider group such as a mailing list or forum.
However, it is also the stewards's responsibility to see that a decision is made, and he or she has the right in the end to make that call if in his or her judgment that's the right course of action.

Legitimate decisions are made with reference to the the vision, mission, and values of the organization.

All decisions, but particularly ones about which there is disagreement, should not be made arbitrarily but should be in keeping with the vision, mission, and values of the organization. Decisions gain legitimacy when they can be linked to an underlying set of core beliefs widely shared by the participants.
Some of our core values are:
  • personal integrity and accountability
  • individual initiative
  • respect
  • responsible risk taking
  • openness and transparency
  • teamwork
  • sustainability
Applying these to forum behavior we might say, "Rude and personal comments on forums are disrespectful and not acceptable. Constructive criticism on the other hand is warmly encouraged."

Project proposals need to win community buy-in before implementation

A good proposal or project plan not only sets out what is to be done and why, but also how, i.e., it addresses execution issues and seeks buy-in from those who will be implementing it. This is always important, but especially so when the proposer's plan requires significant resources not under his or her direct control, which will typically be the case.

Governance principles are more important than ownership

In working through situations of disagreement, it is better to focus on applying governance principles over figuring out who who has ultimate authority, as over-reliance on the latter can short-circuit opportunities to rely on and expand the use of healthy, open processes.
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