layout: rule title: Benevolent dictator permalink: /templates/benevolent-dictator/ icon: /assets/tabler_icons/eye.svg
community-name:
structure: One community member, the benevolent dictator for life (BDFL), holds ultimate decision-making power while seeking to represent a balance of the views and the best interests of the community as a whole. mission: values: legal:
membership: Membership is open to anyone who wants to join. removal: The BDFL can remove misbehaving members at will for the sake of the common good. roles: limits: In the event that the BDFL is unable or unwilling to continue leadership, the BDFL may appoint a new BDFL or choose to alter the governance structure entirely.
rights: decision: The BDFL sets the community's policies and makes decisions for the community, taking reasonable account of input from other community members. implementation: The BDFL is responsible for implementing—or delegating implementation of—policies and other decisions. oversight: If members are not happy with the BDFL's leadership, they are free to voice their concerns or leave the community.
access: economics: deliberation: Community members are free to discuss and debate community policies, practices, and culture. grievances:
records:
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.