Decision-making process

Any KCR member can submit a proposal for adoption.

For each proposal:

• A Loomio poll is created. The Loomio poll is where the voting takes place.

• A Twist thread is created. The Twist thread is used for discussion and for ensuring that everyone is aware that a decision is up for a vote. No voting takes place on Twist.

• KCR members who have access to technology inform their comrades that a decision is being made, particularly those who do not have access to technology. Those can vote by proxy.

Voting process:

• We use Gradients of Agreement. This means that for each proposal, KCR members have the option of voting:

  • Wholehearted endorsement ("I really like it")

  • Agreement with a minor point of contention ("Not perfect but it's good enough")

  • Support with reservations ("I can live with it")

  • Abstain ("This issue does not affect me")

  • More discussion needed ("I don't understand the issue well enough yet")

  • Don't like but will support ("It's not great but I don't want to hold up the group")

  • Serious disagreement ("I'm not on board with this, don't count on me")

  • Veto ("I block this proposal")

• All voting is anonymous.

• Vote results are hidden until the poll is closed.

Low-stake vs high-stake decisions

While all decisions are made using Gradients of Agreement, the process is different for low-stake and for high-stake decisions.

On deciding whether a decision is low-stake or high-stake

If any one of the following questions is answered with “yes”, the decision is high-stake:

• Will all of KCR members be directly affected by the decision (meetings, processes and procedures, etc)?

• Is the decision related to the organization’s identity, goals, governance, or methods?

• Will the outcome affect our brand, public image, or reputation?

• Is the decision regarding orgs that we partner with?

• Could the outcome of the decision result in a lawsuit or potential retaliation (including violent) against a person in the org or the org?

Process for high-stake decisions

• The decision must be put to a vote by all KCR member (rather than a team).

• The time frame for voting is 8 days.

• If after 8 days, any member who feels like more time is needed can make an extension request. The first extension request is automatically granted for 2 days. Additional requests need to be voted on.

Process for time-sensitive decisions

If the following question is answered with “yes”, the decision is considered urgent:

• Is there a short time frame for the decision to be made and executed (deadline, imminent threat to someone’s safety, etc)?

If the answer is yes and a decision is deemed time-sensitive:

• A time frame needs to be agreed on based on the decision and timeline.

• Any extension request needs to be voted, on Loomio.