For the past several years, UUFM leadership has been transitioning to sociocracy, a peer governance system based on consent rather than majority rule. To help everyone begin to understand the basic principles and practices, we’ll be sharing “sociocracy tidbits” in each newsletter this church year. In this tidbit, we’ll introduce three ideas: the circle, aims, and domains. Stay tuned later in the month for more of  a longer in-depth update from the Board about what we’re working on currently.

Sociocracy Tidbit #1

The Circle
While the entire membership of the congregation does meet at least once a year, our mission has to be broken down into tasks and areas of responsibility that belong to smaller groups of people. We’re used to the idea of committees or teams. Sociocracy calls these small groups “circles.” Composed of 3-7 people, ideally, each circle is “double-linked” to circles with related aims. This means that when a decision is being made that may affect other parts of the organization, there are people in the room who can bring forward relevant knowledge and interests.

Aims
Each circle has a clear aim – a written description of their purpose. It’s amazing how much time and grief comes from not knowing exactly what we’re trying to do together! A circle’s aim is created when the circle is created, and the members of a circle refer to the aim when making decisions. If they begin to veer off track or get into the weeds, any member of the group can bring the circle back to their aim.

Domains
A circle also has a domain – a written statement of what they are responsible for and have authority over. This is one of the things that’s different in sociocracy compared to many other structures. A circle can make decisions that fall within their domain without asking anyone else’s permission. This saves time and energy from having to go back and forth, and works well as long as there are channels for people outside the circle to offer feedback. Giving authority to circles energizes them because they are empowered to actually move forward.

Click these links to learn more about sociocracy in general, aims, and domains, and check out the September 6th service for a reflection on how this form of dynamic governance reflects Unitarian Universalist values.