We the People Contents

We the People is a comprehensive presentation of the history, principles, and theory of sociocracy. It also includes “how to” information, reprints of historical texts, guides to meeting processes, a glossary, and a bibliography and index. The second printing, with corrections, is now shipping.

Washington DC: Sociocracy.info Press, 2007. 278 pp. Illus. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. ISBN 978-0-9792827-0-6

We the People Table of Contents

PART ONE: Why Organize Sociocratically?
Introduction: Revisiting Governance … 13
Chapter 1: Why We Need Another “-ocracy” by John Buck … 17
Chapter 2: Why We Need Another “-ocracy” by Sharon Villines … 25
Chapter 3: History of Sociocratic Governance … 31

PART TWO: The Science of Sociocratic Governance
Introduction: Rewiring Organizational Power … 51
Chapter 4: Inclusive Decision-Making … 55
Chapter 5: Developing Quality … 71
Chapter 6: Steering & Structure … 85
Chapter 7: New Leadership Strategies … 99
Chapter 8: Fair Compensation & Free Organizations … 109

PART THREE: How It Works
Introduction: Organizing Our Strengths … 123
Chapter 9: Circles & Implementation … 127
Chapter 10: Consent & Rounds … 135
Sara’s Story by Tena Meadows O’Rear … 143
Chapter 11: Electing People … 149
Chapter 12: Organizing Work … 155
Chapter 13: Money as Measurement … 167

Afterword: An Invitation to Share … 175

APPENDICES: Additional Resources
A. Sociocracy by Lester Ward … 181
B. Sociocracy: Democracy as It Might Be by Kees Boeke … 191
C. Rationale for a New Social Structure by Gerard Endenburg … 201
D. Sociocratic Centers & Consultants … 211
E. Operating Agreement and Bylaws for a Sociocratic Organization … 213
F. Guide for Circle Meetings … 229
G. Guide to the Implementation Process … 233
H. Guide for Logbooks … 235
I. Guide to Elections by Consent … 237

Glossary … 239
Bibliography … 253
Index … 263

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Illustrations 4.1, 5.1, 6.3, and 8.1 used with permission of the Sociocratisch Centrum; redrawn and digitized by Jason Forrest.

4.1 A Heating System Consents
4.2 Decision-Making Methods Used in Sociocratic Organizations
5.1 A Circle Meeting
5.2 Typical Topics for a Circle Meeting
5.3 Creating Organization
5.4 The Circular Process
6.1 Double Links Between Circles
6.2 Types of Steering
6.3 The Heavy Load on Autocratic Managers
6.4 Governance and Operational Structures in a Sociocratic Organization
7.1 Hierarchy and Bottom-archy
8.1 All in the Same Boat
8.2 Rights and Rewards of Stakeholders Compared
12.1 A 9-Block Chart
12.2 A 9-Block Chart for a Guest Room Service

We the People is available from bookstores and directly from the Press.