agentic-govbot/templates/elected-board.md

Elected Board Constitution

This constitution establishes representative governance where community members elect a board to make policy decisions on behalf of the community.

Article 1: Governance Structure

Section 1.1: The Board

The Board is the primary decision-making body:

• Sets policies and community rules
• Makes administrative decisions
• Oversees community operations
• Interprets this constitution
• Acts on behalf of the membership

Section 1.2: Board Composition

The Board consists of:

• 5-7 elected members (odd number for tie-breaking)
• Representatives serve staggered terms (2 years)
• Board elects its own Chair from among members
• Rotating elections maintain continuity

Section 1.3: Board Authority

The Board has authority to:

• Create and modify policies
• Allocate community resources
• Authorize bot actions and permissions
• Make operational decisions
• Form committees and working groups
• Amend this constitution (with supermajority)

Article 2: Membership

Section 2.1: Member Rights

All community members have the right to:

• Vote in Board elections
• Run for Board positions
• Petition the Board
• Attend Board meetings (as observers)
• Access Board meeting minutes
• Appeal Board decisions

Section 2.2: Member Responsibilities

Members should:

• Participate in elections
• Stay informed about Board decisions
• Provide input on important matters
• Support community governance
• Follow Board policies

Section 2.3: Membership Criteria

Membership requirements:

• Meet platform account requirements
• Agree to code of conduct
• Active participation for at least 30 days before voting
• Bot tracks membership eligibility

Article 3: Elections

Section 3.1: Election Schedule

Board elections occur:

• Annually for rotating seats
• 2-3 seats elected each cycle
• Elections in same month each year
• Special elections for vacancies if needed

Section 3.2: Election Timeline

Standard election process:

1. Nominations open (10 days)
2. Candidates post statements
3. Member Q&A period (7 days)
4. Voting period (7 days)
5. Results announced
6. New Board members take office

Bot coordinates entire election process.

Section 3.3: Nominations

Nomination process:

• Any member can nominate themselves
• Nominators post candidate statement
• Statement includes background and goals
• No endorsements required
• Bot tracks all nominations

Section 3.4: Voting Method

Elections use majority voting:

• Members cast votes for candidates
• Each member votes for up to [number of open seats]
• Candidates with most votes win seats
• Ties resolved by runoff vote
• Bot conducts secure voting

Article 4: Board Operations

Section 4.1: Board Meetings

The Board meets regularly:

• At least once per month
• Special meetings as needed
• Meetings announced in advance (3 days notice)
• Members can observe
• Minutes published within 3 days

Section 4.2: Decision-Making

Board decisions require:

• Simple majority (more than half) for routine decisions
• 2/3 supermajority for constitutional amendments
• Quorum of at least 60% of Board
• Recorded votes on substantive matters

Section 4.3: Meeting Procedures

Board meetings follow these procedures:

1. Chair calls meeting to order
2. Approve previous meeting minutes
3. Address agenda items
4. Member comments period
5. Adjourn and publish minutes

Bot facilitates virtual meetings and records.

Article 5: Board Positions

Section 5.1: Board Chair

The Chair is elected by Board members:

• Sets meeting agendas
• Facilitates Board discussions
• Represents Board to community
• Coordinates with bot
• Serves 1-year term

Section 5.2: Secretary

Board elects a Secretary:

• Records meeting minutes
• Maintains governance documents
• Tracks Board decisions
• Ensures transparency
• Works with bot for documentation

Section 5.3: Committees

Board may form committees:

• Specialized working groups
• Advisory committees
• Investigation committees
• Committees report to Board
• Bot tracks committee work

Article 6: Representation and Accountability

Section 6.1: Representing Members

Board members should:

• Act in community's best interest
• Consider diverse member perspectives
• Communicate Board decisions clearly
• Be responsive to member concerns
• Maintain transparency

Section 6.2: Member Input

The Board should seek member input on:

• Major policy changes
• Significant resource allocation
• Controversial decisions
• Constitutional amendments
• Strategic direction

Methods:

• Town halls
• Surveys
• Open comment periods
• Community discussions
• Bot-facilitated consultations

Section 6.3: Recall

Members can recall Board members:

1. Petition signed by 20% of members
2. Recall discussion period (7 days)
3. Recall vote (requires 2/3 to remove)
4. If removed, special election held
5. Bot manages recall process

Article 7: Administrative Actions

Section 7.1: Policy Implementation

Board policies are implemented by:

• Board directing bot to execute actions
• Committees carrying out Board decisions
• Community members volunteering
• Appointed administrators

Section 7.2: Moderation

Board oversees moderation:

• Appoints moderators
• Sets moderation policies
• Reviews moderation actions
• Handles appeals
• Bot executes authorized moderation

Section 7.3: Platform Management

Board manages platform:

• Server configuration
• Federation policies
• Technical infrastructure
• Resource allocation
• Bot capabilities and permissions

Article 8: Member Petitions

Section 8.1: Petition Process

Members can petition the Board:

1. Draft petition with clear request
2. Gather member signatures (minimum 5% of members)
3. Submit to Board via @govbot
4. Board reviews within 14 days
5. Board responds with decision and reasoning

Section 8.2: Petition Types

Members can petition for:

• Policy changes
• Board action on specific matters
• Constitutional amendments
• Board member recall
• Emergency interventions

Section 8.3: Binding Petitions

Some petitions are binding:

• Recall petitions (if thresholds met)
• Constitutional referendum (if 30% of members sign)
• Emergency override (if 40% of members sign)

Article 9: Appeals and Oversight

Section 9.1: Appealing Board Decisions

Members can appeal by:

1. Submitting appeal to Board
2. Explaining grounds for appeal
3. Board reconsiders decision
4. Board responds within 14 days
5. Further appeal via petition process

Section 9.2: Constitutional Interpretation

Board interprets this constitution:

• Members can request interpretations
• Board discusses and votes on interpretation
• Interpretation published with reasoning
• Guides future similar cases

Section 9.3: Transparency Requirements

Board must maintain transparency:

• Publish meeting minutes
• Explain significant decisions
• Share vote tallies
• Maintain accessible records
• Bot archives all governance documents

Article 10: Constitutional Amendments

Section 10.1: Board Amendment Process

Board can amend this constitution:

1. Board member proposes amendment
2. Board discusses (minimum 2 meetings)
3. Requires 2/3 Board supermajority
4. Announced to community (7 days before vote)
5. Members can petition against (see 10.2)

Section 10.2: Member Referendum

Members can force referendum:

• If petition signed by 30% of members within 14 days of amendment
• Referendum held (requires majority to override Board)
• Gives members final say on constitutional changes

Section 10.3: Core Principles

Amendments should preserve:

• Representative governance
• Regular elections
• Member voting rights
• Board accountability
• Transparency requirements

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Implementation Notes

This constitution creates representative governance:

1. Democracy: Members elect representatives
2. Efficiency: Board can act decisively
3. Accountability: Elections and recall mechanisms
4. Transparency: Open meetings and records
5. Member Voice: Petitions and referendums

The bot should facilitate elections, track Board composition and decisions, implement Board-authorized actions, manage petitions and appeals, and maintain the governance archive.