| From: | "Filia den Hollander" <fkdh(at)xs4all.nl> |
|---|---|
| Date: | Thu, 15 Mar 2007 19:18:48 +0100 (CET) |
| Subject: | Re: [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 Boardto 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 membersis 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.