**Definition**: A membrane is a semi-permeable boundary that defines a coherent unit of action, intention, and collaboration within or related to the Alliance. **Characteristics**: - Has clear entry/exit criteria - Maintains internal governance appropriate to its function - Is accountable to Alliance [[Values]] and relevant protocols - Can steward its own assets, roles, and responsibilities - Regulates participation and permissions **Purpose**: - Define clear containers for coordination - Establish trust thresholds and participation criteria - Enable appropriate governance at different scales - Protect autonomy while maintaining coherence - Allow for nested or overlapping coordination **Types of Membranes**: ### Governance Membranes - [[Steward Council]]: Core governance body - [[Alliance Assembly]]: Full participatory membership ### Operational Membranes - [[Operations Team]]: Day-to-day operations and maintenance ### Autonomous Membranes - [[Reading Circles]]: Self-organized learning groups - [[Alliance Activities]]: Independent network nation projects **Membrane Properties**: ### Permeability - **Open**: Anyone can participate (e.g., [[Alliance Assembly]] during Foundation Period) - **Moderated**: Entry process with criteria (e.g., [[Alliance Assembly]] Post-Foundation) - **Selected**: Specific selection mechanism (e.g., [[Steward Council]]) - **Self-Organized**: Form autonomously (e.g., [[Reading Circles]]) ### Autonomy - **Governed**: Subject to Alliance governance (e.g., [[Steward Council]]) - **Semi-Autonomous**: Connected but self-governing (e.g., [[Reading Circles]]) - **Fully Autonomous**: Independent with loose coupling (e.g., [[Alliance Activities]]) ### Duration - **Permanent**: Ongoing structural membranes (e.g., [[Steward Council]]) - **Long-term**: Indefinite but may evolve (e.g., [[Operations Team]]) - **Variable**: Exists as long as active (e.g., [[Reading Circles]]) **Membrane Relationships**: Membranes can: - Nest within each other - Overlap in membership - Coordinate across boundaries - Have different rules and norms - Maintain distinct identities while being part of Alliance **Entry/Exit**: Each membrane defines: - How one enters - What participation entails - How one exits - What happens after exit **Accountability**: Membranes are accountable to: - Alliance [[Values]] and [[Purpose]] - Their own members/participants - Relevant protocols - Broader community (through transparency) **Documentation Requirements**: Each membrane should specify: - Purpose and function - Entry/exit criteria - Selection or formation method - Size and term (if applicable) - Related roles, assets, and protocols - Internal governance approach See [[Membranes Index]] for all Alliance membranes.