Councils and Committees
Click here for Charter Form.Council Matrix
Meta-bilities
Tech Council
Community Structure Liaison Council
Business Service Developmental Council
Public Relations Community Liaison Council
Fundraising Financing Council
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Standing Councils and Committees are the specific groups organized to formulate and facilitate the day-to-day activities of the Community. The proposed councils are: the Agriculture, Shelter, Real Property, Business, Education, Public Relations and Community Liaison. The Leadership Council may change, add or dissolve any of these councils as the need arises. (See the current descriptions below)
The Standing Council develops a Charter to be approved by the Leadership Council for sustainability parameters and completeness and the Elders Council for functional need and fit for the community at large and quality of Leadership.
The Charter defines:
• the scope of operation-what it wants to accomplish by when
• product or service provided for whom
• reporting responsibility (Leadership), decision authority
• resources; expertise, budget, equipment or supplies needed
The council elects/appoints a representative to the Council of Directors.
A Standing council operates autonomously and independently in its area of expertise according to its Charter as approved by the Directors.
Standing Councils may ask for advice and receive input from the General Council to consider. Decisions involving expertise of the Standing are locally made with exception of matters that greatly affect the entire community. Any disputes or a lack of clarity will be deferred to the Leadership Council for resolution and if still in question, then the Council of Elders will make the final decision.
Standing Councils may organize themselves internally according to their needs in alignment with the principles and values of the community. They may create a core council for leadership responsibilities and sub-councils for projects or tasks limited by time and/or scope.
A Standing Council can employ members of the community, hire independent contractors as needed and create expert resources. Project Leaders are accountable to the Leadership Council.
Standing Councils will manage human resources matters such as talent and personnel acquisition, training, interpersonal interactions, shifting of responsibilities and compensation (within the purview of the Charter) internally. If any matter is irresolvable internally, the member or any staff can request review by the Leadership Council.
A Standing Council will be considered the expert in its field by the community at large and therefore use that knowledge to make decisions for the best interest of the community. Only in cases considered a serious breech of its responsibilities, violation of community principles and values can the actions of a Standing Council be called for review by the Directors and or the Elders.
Membership – As each Standing Council is established it will determine its needs, present them to the Leadership Councilfor coordination and approval. It will outline its needs in its Charter, or informally if time is of the essence. The Directors will support each Standing Council according to community needs and available resources.
Accountability Parameters - Standing Councils are responsible for: the day-to-day management of the business of the council according to its Charter. It will report regularly (to be determined according to individual need) to the Leadership Council on the status of the work, proposed policy changes, always maintaining the integrity of Community principles and the wellbeing of the Community. Charters will be updated if the scope, interest and tasks of the Standing Council change. Charters will be renewed annually. Approval for major changes will be sought from the Leadership