Governance Elections Handbook — selfdriven Foundation Co-Operative

This Handbook explains how democratic governance operates in practice.
It sits under the Constitution and ByLaws.

1. Governance Model Overview

Authority hierarchy:

1. General Assembly (all members)
2. Board of Stewards
3. Circles (delegated authority)
4. Projects & Working Groups

Each member has one vote.

2. General Assembly — Motions, Proposals & Voting

2.1 Submitting a Proposal

A member may submit a proposal by:

• notifying two Stewards, or
• submitting via a Circle with delegated responsibility.

Required information:

• proposal title
• decision requested
• rationale and alignment with mission
• benefits, risks and resource impact
• responsible Circle/working group if approved

2.2 Voting

Default approval threshold: simple majority
Higher thresholds apply only where specified in the Constitution.

Voting may take place synchronously or asynchronously using secure digital tools.

3. Elections for Board of Stewards

3.1 Eligibility

Any member in good standing is eligible to stand.

3.2 Nomination

To be nominated:

• a member must self-nominate, or
• be nominated by another member with acceptance by the nominee.

Required information:

• statement of motivation
• relevant skills and experience
• conflict-of-interest disclosures

3.3 Election Cycle

• Standard term: 2 years
• Maximum consecutive terms: 2
• Elections held annually for staggered rotation (approximately 50% of seats)

3.4 Voting Method

• Ranked-choice voting or single transferable vote (STV) is recommended for multi-seat elections.
• Election results must include:
  • vote totals,
  • method used,
  • term start and end dates.

4. Circle Lead Selection

• Circle Leads are elected by Circle members, then ratified by the Board.
• Leads serve 1-year terms, renewable without limit as long as members support the Lead.

Where a Circle is unable to elect a Lead within 30 days, the Board may appoint an interim Lead.

5. Transparency & Documentation Requirements

Minimum public documentation:

• active Circles and Leads;
• Circle Charters and mandates;
• meeting notes (member-visible);
• governance decisions and voting outcomes.

Timeframes:

• meeting notes within 7 days
• voting record within 7 days
• policy updates within 14 days

6. Accountability & Resolutions

Concerns regarding Circle functioning or elected representatives should be raised in the following order:

1. within the Circle (discussion and mediation);
2. to Circle Lead(s);
3. to the Board of Stewards;
4. to General Assembly via proposal.

Removal of elected representatives follows the Constitution:

• requires a member vote with appropriate threshold.

7. Review of this Handbook

• Minor operational changes require approval of the Board of Stewards.
• Substantial changes require a General Assembly vote.