# Alliance Assembly Protocol
This protocol governs how the Alliance Assembly convenes — the gatherings, procedures, and practices that enable collective participation.
## Instantiation
**Trigger Type:** Scheduled and Action-based
**Trigger Condition:**
- Monthly gathering scheduled (regular)
- Annual gathering scheduled (regular)
- Steward Council calls special session (ad-hoc)
- 10% of Members petition for special session (ad-hoc)
## Authority & Oversight
| Role | Authority | Accountability |
|------|-----------|----------------|
| [[Alliance Assembly]] | Decisions made in assembly | The Constitution |
| [[Steward Council]] | Convenes and facilitates gatherings | Alliance Assembly |
| Facilitator | Guides gathering process | Steward Council |
## Gathering Types
### Monthly Gathering
**Purpose:** Regular connection, updates, and decision-making
**Frequency:** Once per month
**Format:** Online (1-2 hours)
**Quorum:** 20% of Members or 10 Members, whichever is greater
**Typical Agenda:**
- Opening and connection
- Steward Council updates
- Activity updates
- Proposals and decisions
- Open discussion
- Closing
### Annual Gathering
**Purpose:** Strategy, community building, celebration
**Frequency:** Once per year
**Format:** In-person or hybrid (1-2 days)
**Quorum:** Same as Monthly
**Typical Agenda:**
- State of the Alliance
- Strategic discussion and direction-setting
- Activity showcases and learning
- Community building activities
- Constitutional and governance matters
- Celebration and closing
### Special Session
**Purpose:** Address urgent or specific matters
**Frequency:** As needed
**Format:** Online (1-2 hours)
**Quorum:** Same as Monthly
**Notice:** Minimum 7 days unless emergency
## Rights & Responsibilities
### Members
**Rights:**
- Attend all Assembly gatherings
- Speak and participate in discussions
- Vote on matters before the Assembly
- Propose agenda items with 7 days notice
**Responsibilities:**
- Participate in good faith
- Respect facilitation and time
- Come prepared when possible
- Honor decisions made
### Steward Council
**Rights:**
- Set gathering dates and logistics
- Propose agenda framework
- Select facilitator
**Responsibilities:**
- Ensure gatherings happen on schedule
- Provide adequate notice (14 days for regular, 7 days for special)
- Prepare materials and documentation
- Record and share outcomes
### Facilitator
**Rights:**
- Guide discussion flow
- Manage time and participation
- Pause or adjust process as needed
**Responsibilities:**
- Remain neutral on content
- Ensure all voices can be heard
- Follow agreed decision-making methods
- Keep gathering on track
## Process Sequence
| Step | Action | Actor | Timing | Output |
|------|--------|-------|--------|--------|
| 1 | Schedule gathering | Steward Council | 14+ days before | Date announced |
| 2 | Call for agenda items | Steward Council | 10 days before | Member input collected |
| 3 | Finalize agenda | Steward Council | 7 days before | Agenda shared |
| 4 | Conduct gathering | Facilitator + all | Scheduled time | Decisions made |
| 5 | Document outcomes | Steward | Within 48 hours | Record shared |
## Participation
**Attendance:** Members may attend live or review recordings
**Voting:** Only live participants may vote; async voting may be used for specific proposals if announced in advance
**Representation:** Members participate as themselves; organizations speak through designated individuals
## Completion & Outputs
**Protocol completes when:**
- Gathering concludes
- Outcomes are documented and shared
**Outputs:**
- Meeting recording (for Members)
- Decision record
- Action items assigned
- Notes or summary shared
## Exceptions & Edge Cases
- **Quorum not met:** Gathering may proceed for discussion but not binding decisions; decisions deferred to next gathering or async process
- **Technical failures:** Facilitator determines whether to pause, reschedule, or continue
- **Emergency session:** Steward Council may call with 48 hours notice for urgent matters
- **Summer/Holiday breaks:** Monthly gatherings may be skipped in August and December by Steward Council decision
## Related Protocols
- [[Decision-Making Protocol]] — How decisions are made in Assembly
- [[Membership Protocol]] — Who may participate
- [[Steward Council Protocol]] — How gatherings are organized