Responsible Democracy is the governance model within Web Tree that allows members to participate in decision-making based on their Influence. Unlike traditional voting systems where everyone’s vote has equal weight regardless of expertise or contribution, Responsible Democracy ensures that those who have positively contributed the most have a stronger voice in shaping the community.
When important decisions need to be made, members cast their votes. The weight of a member’s vote is determined by their Influence, which is derived from their Impact and Pressure. This ensures that those who have a proven track record of contributing positively have a greater say in the direction of the community.
In Responsible Democracy, making decisions involves “betting” your Influence on the outcomes you believe will benefit the community. Members who suggest or support changes are accountable for those decisions. If a decision leads to positive results, those who supported it gain more Influence. Conversely, if a decision negatively affects the community, the members who supported it will see a decrease in their Influence. This mechanism aligns incentives with the long-term health and success of the community.
If the governance of a Circle becomes ineffective or if a small group takes over, members have the right to fork the Circle and form a new one. Forking acts as a safety valve, allowing communities to evolve without being held back by bad governance or uncooperative actors.
Imagine a Learning Circle where members decide to change the rules around how contributions are rewarded. Some members believe that the new rules will foster greater cooperation, while others disagree. Those who support the change place their Influence behind the decision. Over time, if the new rules lead to greater community success and growth, those members gain more Influence. If the changes lead to problems, their Influence decreases, and members can choose to fork and create a new Learning Circle that operates under the original rules.
All decisions, votes, and outcomes are recorded transparently. This means that members can see who voted for what, the reasoning behind decisions, and the impact those decisions had on the Circle. This transparency fosters trust and ensures that everyone is accountable for their actions.