Community Governance

Consensus Based GovernanceRECOMMENDATIONS

“DRAFT” Community Governance

Establish a Subgroup to recommend governance procedures for the Community and Community Subgroups

Submit suggestions to Governance Subgroup

Subgroup to prepare written procedures Submit recommendations to the whole

community via e-mail by Feb 2008 Approval requires at least 2/3 of

community members

What are the duties of a Member?

Follow established Community Governance Follow AOAC policies & procedures Actively participate Be open, transparent and truthful Consider all opinions Respond to communications Accept and complete assignments Abide by consensus-based decisions Stay on track and within mission Work with AOAC-appointed method experts Work with AOAC staff

How are Stakeholder Subgroups formed?

Initially, Chairs will appoint Subgroup Chairs for known areas of interest.

Subgroups will continue based on annual approval of ½+ of Community voting members

How are Community Subgroups formed?

Chairs notified of a method need (survey, AOAC…)

Method = Chemical Contaminant in Food Multiple members have similar needs 3+ members will actively support a

method with lab resources or money Members introduce topic to the

Community Subgroup established by majority

approval of Community voting members Chairs notify AOAC & stakeholders via e-

mail

How are Subgroup Chairs appointed?

Community Chairs appoint 1st Subgroup Chair

Must be a Community member Must be a Subgroup member Subgroup Chair recommends

Subgroup Balanced group of Members Community Chairs approve

Subgroup Members Subgroup members may recommend

new Subgroup Chair by 2/3 vote Community Chairs approve new Subgroup

Chair Chairs notify Community & AOAC of change

How to be a member of a Subgroup?

Be a Community member Have expertise and/or a stake

in Subgroup Topic Area Provide balance of background

(international, industry, government, academia…)

Submit request to Subgroup Chair Be recommended by Subgroup Chair Be accepted by Community Chairs Actively participate in the work of the

Subgroup

Duties & responsibilities of Subgroups?

Follow Community governance procedures Establish working organization (chair,

secretary…) Form balanced international subgroup of

industry, government, academia members Recommend two Voting Members to

Community Establish manner in which needed methods

will be prioritized and performance criteria established.

Identify all parties interested in this subject area and assure they have a voice in decisions.

Duties & responsibilities of Subgroups?

Prioritize most needed methods Define method performance criteria Call for methods Recommend method actions to

Community Develop & recommend validation

protocols Member with vested interest recluse

self

How do Subgroups make decisions?

Participate in discussions, studies, surveys…

Share data, minutes, reports, etc with all subgroup members

Try to achieve consensus Propose modifications, additions,

compromises… Vote in-person, e-mail, written ballot… 100% approval preferred 2/3 minimum to approve Share results of votes with all

subgroup members

Who are Voting Members?

Chairs of Community Two members from each Subgroup

(recommended by Subgroup; approved by Chairs)

6 – 12 At-Large members of Community Chosen because of expertise in Community and

AOAC procedures recommended by Chairs May not out number subgroup voting members

approved by 2/3 vote of all Community members

What decisions are made by Voting Members?

Community governance procedures Establishment of Subgroups Approve/disapprove recommendations

of the Subgroups Approve/disapprove recommendations

to AOAC

How does Community make decisions?

Receives recommendations as written or verbal reports

Provides opportunity for comment from voting members

Openly shares all communications Attempts to reach consensus Recommendations based on at least

2/3 approval of voting members