# Circles Constitution This constitution establishes domain-based governance through autonomous circles that coordinate via a representative council. ## Article 1: Circle Structure ### Section 1.1: What are Circles? Circles are self-governing units with authority over specific domains: - Each circle manages a defined area (e.g., Moderation, Events, Technology, Outreach) - Circles make decisions within their domain autonomously - Circles coordinate through the Council for cross-domain matters ### Section 1.2: Circle Formation New circles can be created through Council proposal: - Any member can propose a new circle - Proposal must define the circle's domain and purpose - Council approves via lazy consensus (Article 4) - Bot tracks active circles and their domains ### Section 1.3: Circle Membership Each circle determines its own membership: - Circles set their own joining criteria - Members can participate in multiple circles - Circles can remove members via internal process - Bot maintains membership rosters for each circle ## Article 2: Circle Authority ### Section 2.1: Domain Decisions Within their domain, circles have full authority to: - Set policies and procedures - Make operational decisions - Allocate resources within their budget - Execute actions through the bot - Establish internal processes ### Section 2.2: Cross-Domain Coordination For decisions affecting multiple circles: - Circle brings proposal to Council - Council facilitates discussion across circles - Resolution via Council consensus process - Bot tracks cross-domain proposals ### Section 2.3: Constitutional Bounds Circle decisions must align with: - This constitution's core principles - Decisions made by the Council - Community-wide policies - Legal and ethical requirements ## Article 3: The Council ### Section 3.1: Council Composition The Council consists of representatives from each active circle: - Each circle selects one representative (method determined by circle) - Representatives serve rotating terms (default: 3 months) - Representatives can be recalled by their circle - Bot tracks current Council composition ### Section 3.2: Council Authority The Council governs matters that: - Affect multiple circles or the whole community - Define new circles or change circle domains - Amend this constitution - Resolve disputes between circles - Set community-wide policies ### Section 3.3: Council Decisions Council uses lazy consensus (see Article 4): - Any representative can bring proposals - Discussion period set by proposal type - Passes unless objections are raised - Bot facilitates Council deliberations ## Article 4: Decision-Making Process ### Section 4.1: Lazy Consensus Proposals pass via lazy consensus: - Proposal posted with discussion period (default: 5 days) - Passes automatically unless objections raised - If objections, discussion continues to find resolution - Objectors must suggest alternatives or modifications ### Section 4.2: Within Circles Each circle determines its internal decision process: - Can use lazy consensus, voting, or other methods - Process should be documented and consistent - Must allow all circle members to participate - Bot adapts to each circle's chosen method ### Section 4.3: In Council Council decisions require: - Standard proposals: 5 days, lazy consensus - Urgent proposals: 2 days, lazy consensus - Constitutional amendments: 10 days, must have active support from at least half of circle representatives ### Section 4.4: Objection Resolution When objections are raised: 1. Objector explains concerns 2. Proposer may modify proposal 3. Circle/Council discusses alternatives 4. Continue until consensus reached or proposal withdrawn 5. If stuck, escalate to constitutional interpretation ## Article 5: Delegation and Coordination ### Section 5.1: Circle Delegation Circles can delegate specific tasks: - To individual members within the circle - To working groups for projects - To other circles for specialized work - Bot tracks delegations and authorities ### Section 5.2: Inter-Circle Collaboration Circles can work together without Council approval: - Joint working groups - Shared projects - Resource sharing - Mutual support ### Section 5.3: Information Sharing All circles should: - Post meeting summaries - Share significant decisions - Update the community regularly - Maintain transparency ## Article 6: Membership and Participation ### Section 6.1: Community Membership Community members who aren't in any circle: - Can observe circle discussions - Can propose new circles - Can apply to join circles - Can bring concerns to Council ### Section 6.2: Circle Joining To join a circle: 1. Express interest to circle members 2. Circle evaluates based on their criteria 3. Circle decides via their internal process 4. Bot updates membership records ### Section 6.3: Participation Expectations Circle members should: - Actively participate in their circle - Attend meetings when possible - Engage with circle decisions - Represent circle values ## Article 7: Administrative Actions ### Section 7.1: Domain-Specific Actions Circles execute actions within their domain: - Moderation circle handles moderation - Tech circle manages platform configuration - Events circle organizes gatherings - Bot performs actions as authorized by relevant circle ### Section 7.2: Cross-Domain Actions Actions affecting multiple domains: - Require Council approval - Must consider impact on all circles - Implemented with input from affected circles ### Section 7.3: Emergency Actions For urgent safety/security matters: - Relevant circle can act immediately - Must report to Council within 24 hours - Council can review and reverse if needed ## Article 8: Disputes and Appeals ### Section 8.1: Within Circles Circle-internal disputes: - Resolved within circle via their process - Circle members try to find consensus - Can request Council mediation if stuck ### Section 8.2: Between Circles Inter-circle disputes: - Brought to Council for mediation - Council facilitates discussion - Seeks solution respecting both domains - May redefine domain boundaries if needed ### Section 8.3: Constitutional Interpretation Council interprets this constitution: - Any circle or member can request interpretation - Council discusses and provides guidance - Interpretations guide future similar cases ## Article 9: Constitutional Amendments ### Section 9.1: Amendment Process To amend this constitution: 1. Any circle representative proposes amendment 2. Council discusses (10 days minimum) 3. Requires active support from at least half of circle representatives 4. Bot updates constitution when approved ### Section 9.2: Circle Domain Changes To modify circle domains: 1. Affected circles discuss proposed changes 2. Bring proposal to Council 3. Council approves via lazy consensus 4. Bot updates circle definitions --- ## Implementation Notes This constitution creates distributed governance through circles: 1. **Autonomy**: Circles self-govern within their domains 2. **Coordination**: Council handles cross-domain issues 3. **Scalability**: New circles can form as community grows 4. **Efficiency**: Decisions made at appropriate level 5. **Flexibility**: Each circle chooses its internal processes The bot should track circle boundaries, facilitate Council coordination, and execute authorized actions while respecting circle autonomy.