[Theforum] Re: Monkey Groups (was: Summary of entire discussion)

[Martin]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at 09:26  pm, Warden, Matt wrote:

> Amanda wrote:
>> I'm also concerned about the flux and flow of the steering committee
>> and the groups. I'm wondering about numbers and if we're going to have
>> any sort of limit on how many people in the steering committee or if
>> it's just going to fill up as needed.
>
> Looks like 5-10:
>
> "Made up of 1 or 2 members from each Monkey group. Every six months new
> people are picked from respective groups and cannot serve consecutive
> terms from that group(extenuating circumstances not withstanding of
> course)."
>
> I don't really have a comment one way or the other about the number,
> but I
> like how the steering committee is made up of people from other groups
> and
> there aren't people who are *just* on the steering committee.

I think so, but I also think it would be useful to have a couple of
people there
elected by, and answerable to, the membership at large. If you're
familiar
with corporate structures, then think Non-Executive Directors.

I also think that if we're thinking at any time of a formal,
constitutional
structure (eg an NFP), we need to think which group would form the
fiscally
responsible Directors. The Steering Committee is a good candidate, but
it's
hard to have that with the constant rotation.

Maybe a revolving structure, so each person serves (eg) a year, but the
times of replacement are staggered. Another (not mutually exclusive)
option
would be to have each person eligible to serve not more than 2
consecutive
terms, so you *can* be there longer, but don't *have* to be - it's up to
you
and the group you represent.

>> - Isn't theforum right now the defacto "steering committee
>
> I think that's how it is supposed to be.

Yes, for now. But I don't think that's necessarily the correct end-point.

> Now, if you remember the discussion that we had on theforum about this,
> it
> got pretty detailed and even technical. There was a good bit of effort
> put
> into to explain certain technical details in non-technical terms. I'd
> see
> something like this prepared (maybe a little less detailed) that just
> focused on the needs of the app and handed to the appropriate group(s)
> for
> fleshing out and implementation.

I would assume that anyone serving on the Steering Committee would
consult with their group as and when appropriate.

> Main point: I think the steering committee would be a little higher
> level
> and the groups would be for fleshing out details and implementing them.

Yes, that's it.

Policy -v- the implementation of policy.

Cheers
Martin
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