benevolent_dictator.md 2.0 KB
layout: rule title: Benevolent dictator permalink: /templates/benevolent-dictator/ icon: /assets/tabler_icons/eye.svg
community-name:
BASICS
structure: One community member, the benevolent dictator (BD), holds ultimate decision-making power, aided by a Board. The Board will eventually become the basis of a more inclusive governance structure. mission: values: legal:
PARTICIPANTS
membership: Participation is open to anyone who wants to join. removal: The BD can remove misbehaving participants at will for the sake of the common good. roles: The BD invites active, committed participants to join the Board, whose members help the BD in managing the community. limits: In the event that the BD is unable or unwilling to continue leadership, the BD may appoint a new BD or choose to alter the governance structure entirely.
POLICY
rights: decision: The BD sets the community's policies and makes decisions for the community, taking reasonable account of input from other participants. implementation: The BD is responsible for implementing—or delegating implementation of—policies and other decisions. oversight: If participants are not happy with the BD's leadership, they may voice their concerns or leave the community.
PROCESS
access: economics: deliberation: Community participants are free to discuss and debate community policies, practices, and culture. grievances:
EVOLUTION
records: modification: When the Board reaches 5 members, including the BD, the Board assumes control of the community. This control is activated upon the Board unanimously adopting a new Rule. Until then, the BD can change the governance structure of the community at will.
Use this template as-is or edit it to adapt it to your community.
A commonly used structure in open-source communities such as Linux, but replaces the idea of a "benevolent dictator for life" with a temporary benevolent dictator, as suggested by a user-submitted Rule.