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01034: Re: [WDDM] Charter Proposal for WDDM - Submitted for Adoption Vote

From: Doug Everingham <dnevrghm(at)powerup.com.au>
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 18:13:21 +1000
Subject: Re: [WDDM] Charter Proposal for WDDM - Submitted for Adoption Vote

Dear Mark,

I refrain from voting for the draft charter because it includes at a page accessed via
www.world-wide-democracy.net
a mission statement which includes apparently contradictor sections:


1.2 The power to formulate laws and policies must be vested directly in the People without representatives at all levels of societal life.

and
1.5 Peoples Initiatives, backed by sufficient number of signatures, should mandate a binding Referendum and/or recall of unworthy representatives (I&R+R) decided by public vote.
and
1.7 We as 'Facilitators' shall endeavor to help citizens to setup Planning Cells, Citizen Juries, and Citizens Forums, as local bodies to supervise municipal and local administrations and public administrations. These 'Forums' will hear and attempt to settle issues, and if they cannot, then refer them either to the courts or to Citizens Parliaments.

-- Doug Everingham
=======

hdr01034-tiff.gif

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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