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:** 1. Proposal is shared with relevant group 2. 7-day comment period (48 hours for Steward Council operational matters) 3. If no objections raised, proposal passes 4. 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:** 1. Proposal is presented with clear rationale 2. Clarifying questions round 3. Reaction round — each participant shares response 4. Objection round — participants raise paramount objections (objections that the proposal would cause harm or move Alliance away from its purpose) 5. Integration — proposal modified to address objections 6. 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:** 1. Proposal is shared with full text and rationale 2. Minimum 14-day discussion period 3. Vote called at Alliance Assembly gathering 4. 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 - [[3. Protocols/Asset Protocols/Constitution Amendment Protocol|Constitution Amendment Protocol]] — Specific process for constitutional changes