Examples of Transition initiative constitutions and
founding agreements about organizational structure
(US examples highlighted on the Transition US website)
Portland, OR
These are the principles that guide the way TPDX works. These continue to develop and evolve:
· We work together because we know that together we are greater than the sum of our parts. We work in a collaborative way because we get better results for less effort.
· We don't need permission to act. There is no hierarchy. Leadership for TPDX is shared by everyone. In representing TPDX, individuals agree to abide by and uphold all TPDX principles and take responsibility for their own decisions, actions and results.
· We trust that those who step forward have good intentions and will make good decisions. We give autonomy and support to those who wish to be part of TPDX.
· We are open to working with everyone. We welcome diversity and see it as a strength. We avoid categories of "them and us".
· We acknowledge other initiatives and seek to find ways to collaborate and further the aims of TPDX.
· Individually and as a group we identify what needs to be done and people volunteer for tasks when they already have the skills or want to develop the skills. We help and support each others' learning. We don't have a blueprint. We believe in multiple paths, ideas and possibilities. We think questions are as important as answers. It's fine to make mistakes and learn from them.
· We work with a natural momentum, driven by our passion and positive approach.
· We are transparent in everything we do.
There are also some specific principles that deal with the organizational structure:
· TPDX Groups form as needed to do what needs to be done: make decisions, take action; they dissolve when the need is gone.
· Each Group is responsible for raising and acquiring its own money and resources – and for using these wisely.
· Groups exist to deliver the aims of TPDX in a positive and concrete way.
· Each group and neighborhood Transition Initiative has a representative on the TPDX Steering Group.
· Everyone is responsible for ensuring the free flow of information and knowledge around the TPDX network and also the wider TT network.
· We always consider the effects of our actions on our public reputation.
Keene, NH
VIII. Our General Organizational Structure:
The participating members of Transition Keene will generally form themselves into three main types of interactive groups within our network.
1. The first type of group is the local coordinating group, which initially is the founding Transition Keene Organizing Committee. However, at a set point discussed below, the founding Organizing Committee will be dissolved and replaced by an elected Transition Coordinating Team that directly represents the growing network. All active members and supporters are welcome to attend the meetings of the coordinating committee as observers and, when appropriate, participate on a “voice, no vote” basis.
2. The second type of network group is a local transition project team (often called a working group). These groups are self-organized by interested Transition Keene members and formally approved as project teams by the coordinating group. These project teams choose their own name and dissolve when they feel that their work is done. Each group may encourage others to join, but should seek to be inclusive in their recruitment efforts. Project areas around which project teams might form include local food systems, raising and preserving food, renewable energy, water, waste and recycling, transportation, education, housing, health care, community-based local economic development, heart and soul, etc. Working groups may also organize to carry out public education projects such as film screenings or meetings with other groups. All projects just need to contribute in some way to the transition to greater community resilience, a more localized economy, and/or reducing dependence on nonrenewable or dangerous energy sources. Working groups will determine the times, places, or methods of their meetings, but be mindful of making sure their meetings are made public and accessible to other Transition Keene members and supporters.
3. A third type of group can also affiliate with Transition Keene. These are pre-existing or independent community organizations that are in harmony with the purpose and principles of Transition Keene and want to show their support for it and directly collaborate with it in achieving mutual goals. Their official affiliation with Transition Keene needs to be approved by the coordinating group and formalized through the creation of a memorandum of understanding outlining the shared agreements between Transition Keene and the affiliated organization.
IX. Replacing The Self-Initiated Organizing Committee With An Elected Coordinating
Committee
The role of the Transition Keene Organizing Committee is to spark an active Transition Movement in the Keene community. This involves engaging in awareness raising activities; laying the groundwork for a larger, more diverse network; organizing a “great unleashing event” for the general public of Keene; encouraging the formation of a growing number of transition project teams or workgroups; and developing formal relationships of support with affiliated or partner organizations in the community.
Once Transition Keene has five or more functioning project teams, the Organizing Committee will dissolve and be replaced by an ongoing Coordinating Committee made up of an elected representatives of each of the Project Teams and Affiliated Organizations— and up to five additional Transition Keene members who are deemed useful to have on the Coordinating Committee. These “At Large” members of the Coordinating Committee will be selected at a General Membership Meeting.
X. Formal Organizational Officers
Participating members of Transition Keene shall annually elect at least three formal network-wide officers for terms of one year at a General Membership Meeting. People fulfilling these formal officer roles will serve on whatever steering group is operative at the time. These three essential organizational officer positions are:
* A chairperson who shall provide facilitative oversight of the initial Organizing Committee, or the later Coordinating Committee, and plan and facilitate (or delegate that responsibility) at all general membership meetings.
* A secretary who shall send out minutes of all meetings and keep records of members.
* A treasurer who shall be custodian of the group’s money and may advise on fund-raising and spending. Working Groups may ask the treasurer to hold and disburse funds for them.
Transition Keene requires any approved project team to select a representative from their working group to serve on the coordinating committee. We also recommend that all project teams select a chairperson, a secretary, and a treasurer to help organize and coordinate their teams’ efforts.
XII. General Membership Meetings:
An annual general membership meeting will be scheduled each January to elect new officers, and “at large” members to the Coordinating Committee once it is operational. Additional general membership meetings can be called as needed by the coordinating group or by a request of at least 20% of the participating members. Supporting members are also welcome and encouraged to attend General Membership meetings, but only participating members will be allowed to vote for Transition Keene Officers, for “At Large” members of the Organizing or Coordinating Team, or to terminate another person’s membership.
Decisions will be made after thorough discussion with at least a majority vote necessary for passage. Each member gets one vote. However, the participating members will seek to find solutions that represent as strong as working consensus as possible, listen until all viewpoints are understood, and explore alternatives and adjustments to proposals that could yield wider support. When there is not a strong consensus and decisions are decided by a majority vote, the minority who opposed the passed motion will be given an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings concerning the decision after the vote is taken.
Transition Sebastopol
(Founding agreement made at the 4th meeting of the Initiating Group on November 12, 2008)
Eventually the Transition Sebastopol Steering Committee will be comprised of representatives from each of the Working Groups. This initial Steering Committee will cease to exist when there are a sufficient number of Working Group representatives to carry on as a functioning Steering Committee. This could take some time. Some of the current members may be able to be on the new Steering Committee if they are the representatives of one of the Working Groups.
Media, PA
Organizational Principles
TTM Administrative Teams and Project Teams form as needed to do what needs to be done. Teams exist to deliver the aims of TTM in a positive and concrete way. The teams make decisions, take action and dissolve when the need is gone. Within the Transition Model, Teams are referred to as Working Groups.
Each Team provides a representative on the TTM Steering Group. Decisions of the TTM Steering Group are made by consensus of the Team representatives. The TTM Steering Group meetings are open to all TTM members.
It is suggested that each Team and the Steering Group appoint a Facilitator and a Recorder, generally for not more than a year. Team meetings are open to all TTM members. Teams report not less than quarterly to the Steering Group.
Team projects for which funding is sought need to be approved by the Steering Group. The project must support the aims of TTM, be in line with the TTM principles and be designed to deliver on key objectives.
Each team will hold the budget for their projects and account for them publicly. Each team is responsible for monitoring their projects, their process and outcomes.
If anyone in TTM does not agree that a project is in line with TTM aims and principles then that person can take the matter to the Steering Group for discussion.
Van Buren-Allegan - Fennville, MI
II. Elected Officers.
The members shall elect three officers for terms of one year:
1 A chairperson who shall provide oversight of all projects and guidance to the members as they move through the Twelve Steps of Transition,
2. A secretary who shall send out minutes of all meetings and keep records of members.
3. A treasurer who shall be custodian of the group’s money and may advise on fund-raising and spending. Working Groups may ask the treasurer to hold and disburse funds for them.
III. The Initiating Group.
1. The incorporators shall constitute the original Initiating Group.
2. Elected officers shall be members of the Initiating Group.
3. The Initiating Group may invite other members to join them.
4. Each Working Group shall appoint or elect a person to join the Initiating Group.
5. The Initiating Group shall plan for its evolution at the outset.
VI. Membership Meetings.
1. Members have been meeting every two weeks, but it is likely that as Working Groups begin to assume the work of the organization, meetings of all members may be less frequent.
2. Meetings will be led by a rotating facilitator who will be identified at the previous meeting. Decisions will be made as members make motions and seconds, with a majority vote necessary for passage of a motion. Each member shall have one vote. A quorum of at least five members must be present for business to be conducted.
3. An annual meeting may be scheduled each October to elect new officers.