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==Sugar Labs Rules of Governance==

==Sugar Labs Rules of Governance==

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One of the challenges that free software projects face is the impact of governance on their community members: while FLOSS licenses assure access to source code, that doesn't guarantee a successful project. A governance model can help ensure that the project is run in a professional, disciplined, and equitable manner. Good governance lets the community engage in discourse and provides a transparent mechanism for arbitration in the hopefully rare circumstances in which it is necessary.

One of the challenges that free software projects face is the impact of governance on their [[Sugar_Labs/Members|community members]]: while FLOSS licenses assure access to source code, that doesn't guarantee a successful project. A governance model can help ensure that the project is run in a professional, disciplined, and equitable manner. Good governance lets the community engage in discourse and provides a transparent mechanism for arbitration in the hopefully rare circumstances in which it is necessary.

Some attributes that are necessary for good governance include: meritocracy, transparency of process, open access to anyone who has demonstrated the skills to contribute, and a means to ensure a balance of control so that no one special interest wrests control of either the discourse or the decision-making.  

Some attributes that are necessary for good governance include: meritocracy, transparency of process, open access to anyone who has demonstrated the skills to contribute, and a means to ensure a balance of control so that no one special interest wrests control of either the discourse or the decision-making.  

Sugar Labs is a member of the [http://conservancy.softwarefreedom.org Software Freedom Conservancy] (SFC). This places the project under the umbrella of a 501.3(c) foundation. "The Conservancy provides member projects with free financial and administrative services, but does not involve itself with technological and artistic decisions. By joining the Conservancy, member FLOSS projects can obtain the benefits of a formal legal structure while keeping themselves focused on software development." Governance must be maintained by Sugar Labs on its own behalf to provide for the long term success and stability of Sugar.

Sugar Labs is a member of the [http://conservancy.softwarefreedom.org Software Freedom Conservancy] (SFC). This places the project under the umbrella of a 501.3(c) foundation. "The Conservancy provides member projects with free financial and administrative services, but does not involve itself with technological and artistic decisions. By joining the Conservancy, member FLOSS projects can obtain the benefits of a formal legal structure while keeping themselves focused on software development." Governance must be maintained by Sugar Labs on its own behalf to provide for the long term success and stability of Sugar.

The [[Sugar_Labs/SFC-SugarLabs_Agreement|agreement between Sugar Labs and the SFC is here]].

The [[Sugar_Labs/SFC_Fiscal_Agreement|agreement between Sugar Labs and the SFC is here]].

The following governance model is largely derived from the model used by the Gnome Foundation (Please see [http://foundation.gnome.org/about/ gnome.org/about]).

The following governance model is largely derived from the model used by the Gnome Foundation (Please see [http://foundation.gnome.org/about/ gnome.org/about]).

==== Transactions ====

==== Transactions ====

The Oversight Board will elect a single individual to communicate with the Conservancy (the "Representative") and shall notify the Conservancy promptly following the election of a new Representative. The Representative will have the authority to instruct the Conservancy on the Project's behalf on all matters.

The Oversight Board will elect a single individual to communicate with the Conservancy (the "Representative") and shall notify the Conservancy promptly following the election of a new Representative. The Representative will have the authority to instruct the Conservancy on the Project's behalf on all matters.

====Decision Panels====

====Decision Panels====

Advisory board member companies pay an annual fee which helps finance the operations of the Sugar Labs Project.

Advisory board member companies pay an annual fee which helps finance the operations of the Sugar Labs Project.

=== Special Interest Groups ===

=== Special Interest Groups ===

SIGs typically organize themselves as [[Sugar Labs/Teams|Teams]], [[:Category:Project|Projects]], or [[Local Labs]].

SIGs typically organize themselves as [[Sugar Labs/Teams|Teams]], [[:Category:Project|Projects]], or [[Local Labs]].

===Sugar Labs Referenda===

===Referenda===

At times an issue may arise that merits gathering consensus from the community. Any member of the Sugar Labs Foundation can suggest a referendum. To be accepted, a request for a referendum must be endorsed by 10% of all of the membership. The overall referendum process is overseen by the Membership and Elections Committee, which can be reached at elections@sugarlabs.org.  

At times an issue may arise that merits gathering consensus from the community. Any member of the Sugar Labs Foundation can suggest a referendum. To be accepted, a request for a referendum must be endorsed by 10% of all of the membership. The overall referendum process is overseen by the [[Sugar_Labs/Governance/Committees#Membership_and_Elections_Committee|Membership and Elections Committee]], which can be reached at elections at sugarlabs.org.  

A 75% vote of all of the members can override an Oversight Board decision.

A 75% vote of all of the members can override an Oversight Board decision.

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