UPDATE: ABUNDANCE NETWORK COOP

A New Plan

GOAL IS PROSPERITY FOR ALL VIA A NONPROFIT

Wishcraft said to find the steps to your goal by starting with the goal and then write each logical pre-goal as the next step down to the present. The present step is one that you can do right away. My present step is writing a Meeting Format, which I’ve done below.

9-Goal: A.N.C. NONPROFIT (Abundance Networking Coop)
8---After: RECRUITING SPEAKERS & PROMOTERS
7------After: MAKING TEMPLATES FOR STARTING COOPS
6---------After: SETTING UP A VIDEO CHANNEL
5------------After: SETTING UP WEBSITE/S WITH DONATION PAGE/S
4---------------After: ORGANIZING A 6+ MEMBER CORE GROUP
3------------------After: INVITING PEOPLE TO JOIN & HOLDING MEETINGS
2---------------------After: GETTING A PARTNER
1------------------------After: WRITING A MEETING FORMAT

AI helped write up the following.

1a—TO TEACHERS RE SOCIOCRACY V. DEI

In light of the recent backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools and corporations, sociocracy offers a compelling alternative for fostering inclusive decision-making and governance. Unlike DEI programs, which have faced criticism and rollbacks in several states2,4, sociocracy focuses on collaborative decision-making processes that ensure all voices are heard, regardless of background1. This method emphasizes consent-based decisions, where those directly involved in specific areas must approve or raise objections, rather than requiring universal agreement1. Sociocracy's use of "rounds," where each person speaks in turn during meetings, naturally promotes diversity of thought without explicitly targeting specific groups1. By implementing sociocracy, schools can create a more inclusive environment that empowers students and teachers in decision-making5, while potentially avoiding the political controversies associated with traditional DEI approaches2,4. This shift can lead to improved school culture, increased trust, and more effective problem-solving among students5,7.

1b—TEACHING SOCIOCRACY TO STUDENTS

To help students learn group organization and decision-making skills, consider introducing them to sociocracy within groups of 6 or 7 each. Start by explaining the basic principles of sociocracy: consent-based decision-making, circles, and elected representatives. Have each group form a circle and choose a facilitator and a note-taker. Instruct them to brainstorm fun activities, with each student proposing at least one idea. Then, guide them through the consent process, where they discuss each proposal and work to address any objections. Encourage them to use rounds, where each student speaks in turn, to ensure everyone's voice is heard. Once they've reached consent on an activity, have them plan the details using the same process. This exercise not only teaches students valuable collaboration skills but also empowers them to make decisions collectively while having fun. Remember to debrief afterwards, discussing what worked well and what challenges they faced in the process.

1c—SOCIOCRACY DIRECTIONS FOR STUDENTS

Teachers can give directions like these to students.

Students: organize into groups and decide on a fun activity using sociocracy, following these steps:

• Form Your Group: 6 or 7 friends sit or stand in a circle so everyone can see each other.

• Choose Roles: Pick one person to be the facilitator, who will guide the discussion, and another to take notes. Facilitator, guide the following. (Teacher can demonstrate a brief example of facilitating.)

• Share Ideas: Each of you should write down and then suggest one fun activity and how long it should last. Go around the circle, giving everyone a chance to speak. Listen carefully to each idea. Note taker, write them down.

• Discuss and Refine: After all ideas are shared, discuss them as a group. The goal is to find an activity everyone can agree on. If someone has a strong objection to an idea, work together to address their concern or modify the suggestion.

• Reach Consent: Keep discussing and adjusting until you reach a decision that no one objects to. This is called 'consent.'

• Share Your Decision: Once you've decided on an activity and its duration, share your group's choice with the class. Remember, the key is making sure everyone's voice is heard and finding a solution that works for the whole group.

1d—STUDENTS SOCIOCRACY EXAMPLE

Here's an example of how 6 students might decide on a group activity using sociocracy:

• Form Your Group: Alex, Bella, Carlos, Dina, Ethan, and Fiona sit in a circle.

• Choose Roles: They choose Bella as the facilitator and Carlos as the note-taker.

• Write down, then Share Ideas:

  • Alex: "Let's play basketball for an hour."

  • Bella: "How about we have a picnic in the park for 90 minutes?"

  • Carlos: "I suggest we do a board game marathon for 2 hours."

  • Dina: "What if we go for a nature hike for 45 minutes?"

  • Ethan: "I'd like to do a group art project for an hour and a half."

  • Fiona: "Maybe we could have a dance party for an hour?"

• Discuss and Refine: Bella (facilitator): "Let's discuss these ideas. Does anyone have any thoughts or concerns?"

  • Dina mentions she has a knee injury, making basketball and hiking difficult.

  • Ethan expresses that he's not comfortable dancing.

  • Alex points out that a board game marathon might be too long.

  • Fiona suggests combining ideas: "What if we do an outdoor art project in the park?"

• Reach Consent: Bella: "It seems like an outdoor art project in the park could work. How does everyone feel about that for an hour?"

  • The group discusses and agrees this addresses everyone's concerns.

  • They decide to include a small picnic as part of the activity.

• Share Your Decision: Carlos (note-taker) summarizes: "We've decided to do an outdoor art project with a picnic in the park for one hour."

Everyone in the group consents to this decision, successfully using sociocracy to choose their activity.

1e—TEACHERS SOCIOCRACY EXAMPLE

Here’s an example of six teachers—Sarah, David, Emily, Michael, Jessica, and Robert—using the six sociocratic steps to plan their school science fair:

• Form Your Group: The six teachers—Sarah, David, Emily, Michael, Jessica, and Robert—gather in a circle in the staff room to discuss the science fair.

• Choose Roles: The group selects Sarah as the facilitator to guide the discussion and Jessica as the note-taker to record decisions.

• Share Ideas: Each teacher takes a turn sharing their ideas for the science fair:

  David: "I think we should focus on an environmental theme for the fair."

  Emily: "How about a technology showcase where students can present innovative tech projects?"

  Michael: "I’d like to see a health and wellness theme that ties into science."

  Jessica: "We could include hands-on experiments that students can do during the fair."

  Robert: "What if we add a community service project element where students create solutions for real-world problems?"

• Discuss and Refine: Sarah (facilitator) asks if anyone has concerns or objections to the ideas shared.

  Emily says she likes the environmental idea but thinks it could be more engaging if it included technology.

  Michael agrees but wants to ensure health and wellness isn’t left out.

  Jessica points out that hands-on experiments could fit into any theme.

  Robert suggests combining ideas into one overarching theme that connects all their suggestions.

• Reach Consent: After discussing and refining, they agree on a hybrid theme: "Innovating for a Healthier Planet," which incorporates environmental science, technology, health and wellness, hands-on experiments, and community service projects. Sarah asks if anyone has objections to this plan, and no one does—they reach consent.

• Share Your Decision: Jessica (the note-taker) summarizes their decision: "We’ve decided on the theme 'Innovating for a Healthier Planet,' which will include elements of environmental science, technology, health and wellness, hands-on experiments, and community service projects." The group also decides on key next steps for planning the event.

By following these steps, the teachers collaboratively create a well-rounded plan that reflects everyone’s input while ensuring no one feels left out or unheard.

PRIORITIES PLAN

Promote Sociocracy to groups in this order: a. ANC; b. Teachers & Students; c. Friends, Gamers, Larpers; d. Non-profits & Churches; e. Businesses & Coops; f. Cities, Towns, Townships & Counties; g. States & Countries