This is an email discussion list about sociocracy, a method of governance that was developed by Gerard Endenburg in the Netherlands in the 1960s. Based on the work of Dutch Educator Kees Boeke and cybernetic theory, Endenburg's sociocratic circle method uses consent decision-making for policy decisions and distributes policy decisions to all levels of an organization. The method is efficient and elegant. It is used in all kinds of organizations, large and small, public and private, all over the world.

This list was started by Marielle Jansen in October of 2000 when she was working with the Sociocratisch Centrum in Rotterdam. When she moved to Australia a few years later, Sharon Villines became the owner and moderator.

Some list members are just learning about sociocracy, others are becoming consultants, and others are experts with years of experience.

The list is international so English is not the native language of everyone. Please be tolerant of awkward word usage and clarify meanings when necessary. Don't assume that emotionally ladened or overly emphatic words, for example, are meant to be provocative, or even emotional or emphatic.

Sociocracy is a method of governance, not an ideology. The tone of the list is inquiry and exploration. Please limit postings to questions and information directly related to sociocracy, including its methods and principles, its applications, its literature, and the community of people learning and applying its methods.

Have fun and enjoy learning and discussing.