Template Working Group Brief

• Working Group Name:
• Purpose: Briefly describe what this group is focused on and why it exists
• Resources: Funds or materials available for this working area
• Information: Contacts, Links to documents, and additional background or information that may be helpful to the group.

This sets out the main purpose of the working group when first established.

• Outline the organisation’s current goals / priorities in this area
• 2-5 clearly defined, manageable responsibilities for the group

This sets out our expectations of MBT members and groups

• Work collaboratively with the Exec Committee to align with the overarching aims of MBT, deliver core tasks, and when amending Working Group scope and ways of working.
• Communicate progress to the Exec Committee through (e.g. our Matrix, Docuwiki, Taiga)
• Align with (our code of conduct)

Suggestion: try following this approach to begin with. Adjustments and improvements are welcomed; please inform the Exec Committee of intended changes. Recommendation: keep it simple for ease of hand-over.

Example

• Schedule Solarpunk Naarm meetups (3rd Weds of the month, evening. Feb - Nov) in 3-6 month blocks
• Book venue in Melbourne CBD or inner suburbs
  • Arrange activities, e.g. hands-on demos and tutorials, speakers, show-and-tell (at least x weeks beforehand)
  • Advertise via Meetup.com, merri-bek.tech website, Matrix, mailing list, Mastodon, other avenues (approx x weeks beforehand)
  • get Solarpunk meetup info on MBT website updated when needed
• Facilitate Solarpunk Naarm meetups or delegate a facilitator
  • Gather feedback, suggestions and input from attendees
  • Collect details of new attendees for Meetup comms (Matrix, email)
  • Promote MBT at meetups, collect details of ppl who want to join MBT

• Check in at least (once a fortnight) via Matrix,
• Update to the Exec Committee via monthly meeting (preferably) or Matrix
• Document outputs so others can easily pick up or contribute via Docuwiki, Taiga
• Nominate a light coordinator (can rotate) to keep things moving
• Escalate questions or roadblocks to the Exec Committee via Matrix

Working groups are encouraged to evolve over time. As capacity and interest grow, the group may propose new initiatives, or suggest changes to scope or structure.

If the group wishes to expand or change direction:

• Develop a simple proposal (1–2 pages or short summary) outlining goals, expected impact, proposed timeline, any support needed, who will deliver the proposed changes (indication of ongoing volunteer commitment may be needed)
• Discuss with Exec Committee

As an individual, decide what role and duration of responsibility you want to take on and discuss this with the Exec Committee / other members of the working group. If unsure, opt for fixed term contributor, e.g. 2-3 months. This group is designed to support different levels of involvement, from light, short term involvement to ongoing leadership.

• Suggested minimum initial involvement of 3 months.
  • Schedule a date to decide whether you will renew,
  • At the scheduled date, communicate your decision to the rest of the working group / exec committee
• or Ongoing commitment

• Contributor (delivers defined tasks for x months)
• Subject helper (provides advice or specific expertise when needed)
• Coordinator (assigns and tracks tasks, oversees internal comms, recruits new team members when needed, ensures continuity) - this role can rotate.
• Leader (sets future goals and direction for the group, e.g. adjusting or expanding beyond initial terms of reference)