Samuel Hawksby-Robinson 44eae3392a docs(policy)_: Replaced section on enforcement with consensus
'4. Enforceability and Respect for Policies' with 'Upholding Policies Through Consensus'
2025-01-22 15:12:34 +00:00

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Foundational Principles for Policies

Purpose: Policies establishes the fundamental rules that govern the creation, amendment, and enforcement of all actions within the status-go repository. These policies reflect our core values of inclusivity, transparency, and consensus-driven decision-making while defining enforceable rules that guide status-go contributions. Policies are not merely guidelines but are to be respected and adhered to, ensuring alignment across contributors.

Upholding Policies Through Consensus

Collective Agreement

The enforceability of policies stems not from the authority of any single individual or group but from the collective agreement and shared commitment of all status-go contributors. Policies are not imposed unilaterally but are the result of transparent discussions and explicit recorded approval from key stakeholders. This includes team leads, members of the @status-im/status-go-guild GitHub team, and other relevant contributors.

Shared Responsibility

Respecting and adhering to policies is a shared responsibility that reflects the values and goals of status-go contributors. Approved policies are not merely recommendations but agreed-upon standards, created through mutual understanding and collaboration, that guide how we work together and contribute to the project.

Mutual Enforcement through Alignment

The power of enforcement does not rest with any one authority; it arises from the collective commitment of all contributors to uphold policies that have been collaboratively crafted and agreed upon. This ensures that policies are respected not out of obligation but because they represent the shared vision and trust of the contributors.

Fostering Alignment

Policies are designed to ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment across the teams, creating a framework that supports effective collaboration and decision-making. By honouring the principles of inclusivity and consensus, we strengthen trust and accountability within all contributors.

By grounding our policies in transparency, mutual respect, and collective ownership, the status-go project ensures they are both enforceable and reflective of the shared goals of all contributors.

Inclusivity

Every status-go contributor must have an equal opportunity to participate in the creation and review of policies. Contributions from all backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged and respected. The process must ensure:

  • Open participation: Any individual or group who interacts with or contributes to the project has the right to voice their opinions and suggestions.
  • Accessibility: Policies must be written in clear, accessible language, and the decision-making process should be easy to understand for everyone involved.

Transparency

All discussions, decisions, and processes related to policy creation must be fully transparent. This includes:

  • Open documentation: Discussions leading to policy decisions must be documented and made publicly available. This ensures that anyone can review the rationale behind a decision.
  • Clear communication: Changes to policies, including their rationale, must be clearly communicated to the contributors through appropriate channels.

Consensus

Policies must be created and modified through a consensus-based approach, ensuring that contributors agree on how to move forward. The following principles should guide consensus building:

  • Collaborative discussion: Proposals must be discussed openly, with all points of view considered.
  • Dispute resolution: If disagreements arise, efforts must be made to find a compromise that balances the needs of all stakeholders.
  • Final agreement: Policies should be approved by a clear consensus, meaning that while not everyone may agree 100%, all should feel their voices were heard and respected, and the final decision reflects contributors general will.