SOCIOCRATIC GOVERNANCE
A dynamic model
Sociocracy is an alternative governance model that builds on the concept of democracy. It focuses on consensus decision making whereby individuals (the circle) reason together until they reach a decision that is satisfactory to each of them. The goal is to be efficient AND inclusive when making group decisions. It creates clearly defined processes and empowers all to provide meaningful contributions. Sociocracy For All is an online resource that provides further information - their book Many Voices One Song can be found here.
CIRCLES
Sociocracy For All's circle diagram demonstrates how "circles" are used in sociocracy. Each circle represents a decision-making group with clearly defined roles and domains. The general circle is comprised of all community members, acting together to oversee the community and create sub-circles. Sub-circles have delegated authority to make specific decisions and can form sub-sub-circles as needed. Each circle is double-linked to its parent circle by a representative from the sub-circle and one from the parent circle. Both of these members attend meetings for both circles to facilitate information sharing from different perspectives. The circle method aims to create an efficient and effective structure as it spreads the workload, minimizes redundancy, and distinguishes decisions that can be made by the working groups from those that require oversight.
