Community Roles
This document outlines the different roles within our community, their responsibilities, and how they contribute to our democratic governance structure.
Role Overview
Community Structure
Our community operates with a clear structure that balances democratic participation with effective governance:
- Members: The foundation of our community
- Moderators: Maintain healthy community spaces
- Administrators: Manage technical infrastructure
- Working Groups: Focus on specific community initiatives
- Governance Bodies: Oversee community-wide decisions
Role Definitions
Community Members
Primary Role: Participate in community life and democratic governance
Responsibilities:
- Engage respectfully in community discussions
- Participate in community voting and decision-making
- Follow community guidelines and code of conduct
- Contribute to community projects and initiatives
- Welcome and support new members
Rights:
- Voice in community decisions through voting
- Access to all community services and platforms
- Privacy and data protection
- Fair treatment and due process
Moderators
Primary Role: Facilitate healthy community interactions and enforce guidelines
Responsibilities:
- Monitor community platforms for guideline violations
- Mediate conflicts and disputes between members
- Enforce community policies fairly and consistently
- Support new members and answer questions
- Report issues and trends to administrators
Selection: Chosen through community nomination and voting process Term: 1-year renewable terms with quarterly reviews Accountability: Regular reporting to community and administrator oversight
Administrators
Primary Role: Manage technical infrastructure and implement community decisions
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and operate community technical infrastructure
- Implement policies and decisions made by the community
- Ensure platform security and member privacy
- Manage community resources and finances
- Provide technical support to members and moderators
Selection: Elected by community members through democratic voting Term: 2-year renewable terms with annual performance reviews Accountability: Regular reporting to community and subject to recall votes
Working Groups
Primary Role: Focus on specific community initiatives and projects
Types of Working Groups:
- Technical: Platform development and maintenance
- Governance: Policy development and community procedures
- Outreach: Community growth and external relations
- Education: Member education and documentation
- Events: Community events and activities
Formation: Created by community vote or administrator appointment Leadership: Elected by working group members Reporting: Regular reports to community on progress and decisions
Role Progression
Pathway to Involvement
- New Member: Join community and learn about services and culture
- Active Member: Regular participation in community activities
- Contributing Member: Take on specific projects or responsibilities
- Leadership Role: Moderator, administrator, or working group leader
Mentorship and Support
- Buddy System: New members paired with experienced members
- Training Programs: Skill development for community roles
- Leadership Development: Preparation for leadership positions
- Cross-Training: Understanding of different community roles
Role Boundaries
Separation of Powers
- Moderation: Focused on community interaction and content
- Administration: Focused on technical and operational management
- Governance: Community-wide decision making through democratic processes
- Working Groups: Specific projects and initiatives
Checks and Balances
- Community Oversight: All roles accountable to community members
- Term Limits: Regular rotation of leadership positions
- Removal Process: Clear procedures for removing ineffective role holders
- Transparency: Regular reporting and open communication
Role Support
Training and Resources
- Role-Specific Training: Tailored training for each role
- Documentation: Comprehensive guides and procedures
- Mentorship: Experienced members guide newcomers
- Skill Development: Ongoing learning opportunities
Tools and Access
- Platform Access: Appropriate access levels for each role
- Communication Tools: Dedicated channels for role coordination
- Documentation Tools: Access to community knowledge base
- Decision-Making Tools: Voting and consensus-building platforms
Role Recognition
Appreciation and Acknowledgment
- Regular Recognition: Monthly appreciation for outstanding contributions
- Community Awards: Annual awards for exceptional service
- Peer Recognition: Member-nominated appreciation system
- Legacy Recognition: Acknowledgment of long-term contributions
Professional Development
- Skill Building: Opportunities to develop new skills
- Leadership Experience: Real-world leadership and management experience
- Network Building: Connections with other community leaders
- Portfolio Development: Documented experience for external opportunities
Role Evolution
Adaptive Structure
- Flexible Roles: Roles can evolve based on community needs
- New Roles: Creation of new roles as community grows
- Role Modification: Adjustment of existing roles based on experience
- Feedback Integration: Regular feedback on role effectiveness
Community Growth
- Scalability: Role structure designed to scale with community growth
- Specialization: More specialized roles as community becomes more complex
- Distributed Leadership: Multiple leaders sharing responsibilities
- Regional Variations: Adaptation for different geographic regions
Role Transitions
Entering Roles
- Application Process: Clear process for expressing interest in roles
- Selection Criteria: Transparent criteria for role selection
- Onboarding: Comprehensive introduction to role responsibilities
- Probationary Period: Initial period with additional support and oversight
Exiting Roles
- Voluntary Departure: Clear process for stepping down from roles
- Knowledge Transfer: Procedures for transferring knowledge and responsibilities
- Appreciation: Recognition of service when leaving roles
- Continued Involvement: Opportunities for continued community involvement
Role Conflicts
- Conflict Resolution: Procedures for addressing role-related conflicts
- Mediation: Third-party mediation for complex conflicts
- Appeals Process: Fair process for appealing role decisions
- Restoration: Procedures for restoring relationships after conflicts
Special Considerations
Diversity and Inclusion
- Inclusive Recruitment: Efforts to ensure diverse representation in roles
- Barrier Removal: Removing barriers to role participation
- Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of cultural differences in leadership styles
- Accessibility: Ensuring roles are accessible to members with disabilities
Global Community
- Time Zone Considerations: Accommodating global participation
- Language Support: Multilingual support for role holders
- Cultural Adaptation: Adapting roles for different cultural contexts
- Remote Participation: Effective tools for remote role participation
Community roles are designed to serve the community while empowering individuals to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to our shared digital town square.