Self-management

Our operating structure is based on the following essentials:

+ decentralized, egalitarian, without authoritarian hierarchy or domination;
+ aims for the autonomy and direct involvement of its main stakeholders (i.e. occupants and members);
+ takes into account the complexity of the overall project;
+ aims to be efficient in its operating, decision-making, and implementation processes;
+ implements procedures for communication, mutual support and training, integration, and conflict resolution;
+ is evolutive and built collectively.

Our inspiration

Our structure is inspired by:
+ self-management and community organization practices that existed within the 7 À NOUS collective during the struggle to obtain Bâtiment 7;
+ sociocratic and holacratic management practices;
+ principles of shared governance and non-violent communication.

We imported elements that we felt were relevant to achieving our own goals, after studying several organizations that put said elements into practice.

Circles of self-management

+ Our structure is composed of circles, with each circle assuming a responsibility (or a set of responsibilities) vital in making the 7 À NOUS mission a reality.
+ The circles each represent a known facet of our responsibilities. Circles are dynamic entities, we can remove or add them as needed. If a circle is dissolved, its responsibilities must be assumed by another circle or by the large circle to which it is bound.
+ Circles are composed only of active members, who make decisions relevant to their responsibilities. For some tasks, the circle can be supported by allied members, volunteers and/or “resource persons” who want to contribute without necessarily becoming active members.
+ Any person or collective looking to become an active member must follow an integration process to assimilate the mission, engagements, and the collective and democratic operating style. Before becoming an active member, you must also sign an engagement contract and integrate a circle (or take up a key role).
+ The small circles are grouped into three large circles: Democracy, Development and Viability, and Pôle des pratiques.

The General Circle

+ The General Circle is the decision space governing the broad orientations that have a global impact on the functioning of Bâtiment 7 and on the implementation of its mission. Its main role is to ensure the vision is shared and the ecosystem as a whole remains coherent.
+ The General Circle is made up of the antennas from each circle, large circle, and project using space at Bâtiment 7. All active members are invited, but only the antennas have decision-making power, in order to keep the decision-making process fair and balanced.
+ Once a year, the General Circle becomes the Annual General Assembly, assuming all the responsibilities of a traditional annual general meeting. All active members then have a right to vote (one member = one vote).

The Coordination Circle

+ This circle assumes the planning and global overview of the work of the large circles, as well as the legal responsibilities of a board of directors. This circle is also responsible for convening and organizing the General Circle.
+ The Coordination Circle is made up of active members nominated by the large circles:
> 3 suns: coordination role (one per large circle);
> 3 suns: coordination role (one per large circle);
> 3 lightbulbs: resource person with specific skills answering specific needs or priorities (one per large circle).

The three suns conjointly assume a day-to-day operational coordination role.

Integration training

+ Any person or collective looking to become an active member must follow an integration process to assimilate the mission, engagements, and the collective and democratic operating style. Before becoming an active member, you must also sign an engagement contract and integrate a circle (or take up a key role);
+ The Integration Circle directs people according to their interests, but also to each circle’s needs. Circles are free to determine the number of people that compose it and the ideal time to integrate new active members;
+ Recruitment of active members must keep with the mission, namely to foster diversity and accessibility for all, and a connection to the neighbourhood;
+ To show your interest in becoming a member and participate in a training session: devenir.membre@batiment7.org
+ Every Bâtiment 7 member must abide by the Code de Vie | Code of Living.