This protocol governs how self-organized activities emerge, operate, and conclude within the Network Nations Alliance.
Instantiation
Trigger Type: Action-based
Trigger Condition:
- A Member proposes a new activity
- An existing activity requires transition or conclusion
Authority & Oversight
| Role | Authority | Accountability |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Coordinators | Coordinates their activity | Steward Council, participants |
| Steward Council | Supports activities, provides resources | Alliance Assembly |
| Activity Participants | Contribute to activity | Activity Coordinator |
What Are Activities?
Activities are self-organized efforts that advance Alliance purpose. They include:
- Mapping projects: Researching and documenting Network Nations landscape
- Alliances: Building relationships with aligned organizations
- Initiatives: Focused efforts toward specific outcomes
- Grants: Funding programs supporting Network Nations development
- Gatherings: Events bringing community together
- Courses: Educational programs on Network Nations topics
- Other: Any effort aligned with Alliance purpose
Activities are:
- Self-organized: Emerge from Member initiative, not top-down direction
- Aligned: Serve Alliance purpose and uphold Alliance values
- Supported: May receive Alliance resources and visibility
- Accountable: Report to Alliance on progress and outcomes
Starting an Activity
Proposal Requirements
A Member proposing an activity provides:
- Name: Clear, descriptive title
- Purpose: How it serves Alliance purpose
- Scope: What it will do and not do
- Duration: Expected timeline (ongoing or time-bound)
- Support needed: What resources or support requested
- Coordinator: Who will lead (usually the proposer)
Formation Process
| Step | Action | Actor | Duration | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Draft proposal | Proposer | — | Proposal shared |
| 2 | Gather support | Proposer | — | 2+ Members express support |
| 3 | Announce | Proposer | — | Activity announced to Alliance |
| 4 | Launch | Activity Coordinator | — | Activity begins |
Support requirement: Two Members (besides proposer) must express support for the activity. This ensures activities have initial momentum and aren’t purely solo efforts.
Announcement: Activities are announced via Alliance communication channels. No approval required from Steward Council, but Council is notified.
Operating an Activity
Activity Coordinator Responsibilities
- Coordinate participants and working sessions
- Maintain communication with Alliance
- Ensure alignment with Alliance purpose and values
- Track progress and share updates
Participant Responsibilities
- Contribute as committed
- Uphold Alliance values in activity spaces
- Communicate availability and constraints
Alliance Support
Activities may request from Steward Council:
- Platform access or dedicated channels
- Announcement and visibility support
- Financial resources (per Treasury Management Protocol)
- Connections to relevant parties
Steward Council decides on resource requests per Steward Council Protocol.
Activity Updates
Quarterly: Activity Coordinator provides brief status update (at Alliance Assembly or async) At milestones: Significant outcomes or changes shared with Alliance As needed: Questions or support requests to Steward Council
Concluding an Activity
Activities may conclude in several ways:
Successful Completion
- Activity achieves its purpose
- Lead documents outcomes and lessons learned
- Final report shared with Alliance
- Materials archived
Transition
- Activity Coordinator hands off to successor
- New Lead continues per Activity Coordinator Protocol
- Alliance notified of transition
Pause
- Activity becomes dormant but not concluded
- Lead notifies Alliance of pause
- May reactivate later
Wind-Down
- Activity determines it’s no longer viable or valuable
- Lead communicates wind-down decision
- Materials archived, participants thanked
Steward Council Intervention
If an activity:
- Becomes misaligned with Alliance purpose
- Causes harm or conflict
- Becomes inactive without communication
Steward Council may:
- Reach out to Activity Coordinator for clarification
- Request course correction
- Archive activity after 6 months of inactivity
Completion & Outputs
Protocol completes when:
- Activity concludes (any pathway)
- Activity transitions to new Lead
Outputs:
- Activity record and documentation
- Final report (for concluded activities)
- Archived materials
Exceptions & Edge Cases
- Multiple Leads: Activities may have co-leads; they coordinate among themselves
- Overlapping activities: Similar activities may coexist; collaboration encouraged but not required
- Large activities: Activities with significant scope may develop their own governance with Steward Council input
Related Protocols
- Activity Coordinator Protocol — Lead responsibilities
- Member Protocol — Participant expectations
- Steward Council Protocol — Resource request handling
- Treasury Management Protocol — Financial support