This protocol governs how decisions are made within the Network Nations Alliance — establishing methods, thresholds, and processes for collective decision-making.
Instantiation
Trigger Type: Action-based
Trigger Condition:
- A Member or Steward brings a proposal requiring collective decision
- A matter arises that requires formal resolution
- A protocol specifies that a decision must be made
Authority & Oversight
| Role | Authority | Accountability |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Assembly | Final authority on constitutional matters | The Constitution |
| Steward Council | Authority on operational matters | Alliance Assembly |
| Proposal Author | Authority to withdraw or modify their proposal | Relevant decision body |
Decision Methods
The Alliance uses three primary decision-making methods:
Lazy Consensus
For routine matters where silence equals consent.
Process:
- Proposal is shared with relevant group
- 7-day comment period (48 hours for Steward Council operational matters)
- If no objections raised, proposal passes
- Any objection moves proposal to Consent-Based process
Used for: Routine operational decisions, minor changes, uncontroversial matters
Consent-Based Decision Making
For significant decisions where all voices must be heard.
Process:
- Proposal is presented with clear rationale
- Clarifying questions round
- Reaction round — each participant shares response
- Objection round — participants raise paramount objections (objections that the proposal would cause harm or move Alliance away from its purpose)
- Integration — proposal modified to address objections
- Decision — if no paramount objections remain, proposal passes
Used for: Significant decisions, resource allocation, policy changes
Supermajority Vote
For constitutional and fundamental matters requiring broad support.
Process:
- Proposal is shared with full text and rationale
- Minimum 14-day discussion period
- Vote called at Alliance Assembly gathering
- 2/3 of participating Members required for passage
Used for: Constitutional amendments, fundamental changes to purpose or structure
Decision Thresholds by Type
| Decision Type | Method | Body | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational matters | Lazy consensus | Steward Council | No objections in 48 hours |
| Activity support/resources | Consent-based | Steward Council | No paramount objections |
| Policy changes | Consent-based | Alliance Assembly | No paramount objections |
| Constitutional amendments | Supermajority vote | Alliance Assembly | 2/3 of participants |
| Emergency actions | Any Steward | Steward Council | Ratification within 7 days |
Rights & Responsibilities
Proposal Author
Rights:
- Present proposal to relevant body
- Modify proposal based on feedback
- Withdraw proposal at any time before decision
Responsibilities:
- Provide clear rationale for proposal
- Respond to clarifying questions
- Work to integrate legitimate concerns
Decision Participants
Rights:
- Receive adequate information about proposals
- Ask clarifying questions
- Raise objections or concerns
- Vote (where voting applies)
Responsibilities:
- Engage in good faith
- Base objections on Alliance purpose and values
- Participate when able
Objections
A valid objection must be:
- Paramount: The proposal would cause harm or move the Alliance away from its purpose
- Reasoned: Based on articulated concerns, not preference
- Constructive: Accompanied by suggestion for resolution where possible
Objections based solely on personal preference or that cannot be articulated are not valid grounds to block consent.
Process Sequence
| Step | Action | Actor | Duration | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Present proposal | Author | — | Proposal documented |
| 2 | Discussion period | Participants | 7-14 days | Feedback collected |
| 3 | Modification | Author | As needed | Revised proposal |
| 4 | Decision process | Decision body | Per method | Decision reached |
| 5 | Documentation | Steward | Within 48 hours | Decision recorded |
Completion & Outputs
Protocol completes when:
- Decision is reached and documented
- Proposal is withdrawn
- Proposal fails to meet threshold
Outputs:
- Decision record with rationale
- Updated documentation as relevant
- Communication to affected parties
Exceptions & Edge Cases
- Urgent matters: Steward Council may use expedited 24-hour lazy consensus for time-sensitive operational issues
- Ties: In rare voting scenarios, proposal does not pass; may be revised and re-proposed
- Absent participants: Decisions proceed with those present; absent members may raise concerns within 7 days
Related Protocols
- Alliance Assembly Protocol — Where Assembly decisions occur
- Steward Council Protocol — Where operational decisions occur
- Constitution Amendment Protocol — Specific process for constitutional changes