yes
-----Original Message----- From: Mark Antell, editor
CitizenPowerMagazine.net
[citizenp(at)citizenpowermagazine.net] Sent: Wednesday, March
14, 2007 7:09 PM To:
wddm@world-wide-democracy.net Subject: [WDDM] Charter Proposal for
WDDM - Submitted for Adoption Vote
Hello All,
The
charter proposal below has had some history of posting and modification.
It was most recently posted on Feb 28 with a request for seconds. It
received three seconds which means that it's supported for vote by 10% of the
membership. On that basis I submit it for adoption which would require a
yes vote from 66% of the members voting. Can we agree on a voting
deadline of March 31? Voting is performed by sending an email to the
WDDM listserve (wddm@world-wide-democracy.net).
Here
are the key components of the charter proposal: 1. The eleven (11)
numbered subparts are separable. You can vote on some or all of the
subparts. 2. The charter establishes structure, but a minimum
of structure. 3. The charter incorporates direct democracy, not only
as a goal, but also as a operating rule. Initiative and referendum are
encouraged for WDDM decision making. Further, decisions of the executive
committee are always brought before the body as referenda. That's a new
concept, but it makes a lot of sense for a body that strives to be an advocate
and exemplar for direct democracy 4. In addition to calling
for respect for minority opinions, the charter requires that minority opinion
be considered by incorporating 'supermajority' requirements for several types
of motions.
WDDM has significant value as it is, a place for
discussion and announcement on direct democracy. This charter is an
opportunity to allow activity and coordination beyond discussion.
Mark
Antell Rosslyn, Virginia, USA -----------------
Charter Proposal
for WDDM, unmodified from the Feb 28, 2007 posting.
I. Charter
Review and Adoption Process
1. The sponsor for this charter proposal
is Mark Antell. If 10% of the membership second this proposal it will be
considered a charter motion. Due to uncertainties about the current
membership, this requirement shall be met by 3 seconds. (Sponsor's
note: This requirement has been met). The charter motion will then
be posted for a two week period of discussion and voting. The charter
will be considered adopted if it receives 66% approval by the voting
membership. Individual points of the charter motion are separable so it
would be possible, for example, to adopt several principles without
necessarily adopting any or all of the proposed business rules.
II. Principles of WDDM.
2. Definition Direct democracy
means enhancement and broadening of initiative, referendum and recall.
It also means improved methods for deliberation and discourse.
3.
Mission Statement Posted at www.world-wide-democracy.net
4.
Organizational Goals. WDDM is dedicated to the study, education, and
implementation of direct democracy, deliberation, and consensus at all levels
of governance from the local to the supra-national level. Our immediate
goal is to develop a multilingual global network of websites and offline
efforts committed to encouraging more direct democratic processes for public
policy decision making.
5. Membership. Membership
is limited to those who tend to think that governance would be improved by
expansion and facilitation of direct democracy, deliberation and
consensus. Members must also commit to review proposals and vote on
motions. Further, members commit to civility towards each other, and
respect for minority opinions. After all, we have similar
goals.
6. Organizational Methods -
commitment to direct democracy WDDM will be an exemplar for direct
democracy. As much as possible, decision making power will flow from
direct vote of the membership. And we will strive to test and implement
cutting-edge methods to enhance deliberation.
7.
Organizational Methods - encouraging discourse WDDM shall continue to
maintain a Bulletin Board to which all members may post proposals or
opinions. Many electronic BBS systems are afflicted with a problem that
they provide high visibility to the most aggressive multiple posters.
The executive board shall propose (for membership adoption) methods to calm
this problem.
III. Business Rules
8. Structure We will
start with a very simple structure: a three member executive board -
elected for a one year term by majority vote from a self nominated slate of
candidates. Executive board communications, and other committee
communications shall be open for review by the membership.
9.
Initiative. Initiative means a process which allows the membership
to raise an issue for discussion and to bring it to binding vote of the
membership. Any member may post an initiative for discussion. If,
after a discussion period of no less than one month, 10% of the membership
agree to second the proposal, then it will be posted as a motion. Due to
uncertainties about the current membership, for 2007 the seconding requirement
shall be met by 3 seconds.
10.
Approval of Initiative Motions Motions shall open for vote for two weeks
after posting. Business motions are adopted by a simple majority
vote. Charter modification motions require a super-majority (of those
voting) of 66%.
11. Referenda on Executive Board Decisions. Referendum is a process whereby actions of a governing body are brought to
the membership for validation. The executive board is empowered to pass
temporary business motions; however executive board decisions will be posted
for referendum vote. A simple majority of voting members is
required to confirm executive board business motions. Decisions
not approved will cease to have any force. The executive board is also
empowered to interpret the charter, subject to validation by the membership as
above.
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