Governance

About this page

Page Purpose This is some background to the DataPortability Project's governance framework

• Contributors: Elias Bizannes, daniela barbosa
• The page is curated by the Communications Action Group

In brief

The DataPortability Project operates under a Governance Model, that was developed over months of collaboration and has been refined as the Project has evolved. It is unique in that it caters for the global distributed team that make up the DataPortability Project, as most governance mechanisms cater for groups that have real-world interactions.

There are two main organs for governance of the DataPortability Project: the plenary and the Steering group. The plenary represents all voting members of the community, whereas the Steering Group members are elected by the plenary and serve as the ultimate decision making group. The Steering Group delegates some of its functions to Action Groups.

Most of the work of the DataPortability Project occurs in "task forces", which are finite-life short term initiatives with a specific focus. Once accepted by the Steering Group, they become official representations or assets of the DataPortability Project. However it should be noted that "unofficial" task forces also exist - meaning you can start working on an idea immediately. You only need to contact the Steering Group for official status once you are ready or want the recognition and support.

For additional information, contact the current Steering Group Chair or Steering Group Vice-Chair.

Policies

• It is the intent of the Steering Group to operate the DataPortability Project as a non-profit entity. (Steering Group Motions: 2008-5)
• All documentation produced by the DataPortability Project, is to be released under a Creative Commons license. (Steering Group Motions: 2008-25)