From OrganicDesign Wiki
A group of like-minded organised flatmates with similar values could optimise energy and resource by forming into a Platform. If a flat platform is run and the organisational system maintained by all members, then over a year or so it should be able to evolve into a productive organisation as well as forming a low-stress harmonious and social environment.
1 Roadmap
An evolving definition of the path to realising Platform One and beyond. What is the sequence of milestones we would like to achieve so that the process can be harmonious and organic?
1.1 Vision, Goals, Organisation
This article is in a state where we are happy that it provides a clear description of what is being set up and that there are no remaining unclear areas or doubts regarding the vision, values and organisation of the platform. We have the members, finances and level of organisation required to begin committing resources to setting up a physical base. The members have agreed on their responsibilities and requirements as well as being satisfied they agree on values.
- Procedures to complete for this milestone
1.2 Physical Base
We have a place set up that is well-organised and has a pleasant atmosphere. Administration is smooth, roles are clear and resilient IT infrastructure is in place. There is a productive work environment, occasional social events and the place is tidy. Wiki organisation is used to manage resources and potential management is taking place. This means that gradually, member resources, contacts and skills are being mapped and are giving rise to potential projects due to being placed in relation to each other in an organisational environment. Internal and external communication channels are in place and can be used to easily spread information.
1.3 Going Public
Platform One manages a number of projects and delivers services to progress the goals of the members and the local community. In doing so, it builds alliances, generates income and increases opportunity. It is able to begin the creation of a network of platforms by helping others to set up similar organisations using member exchange programs, organisational templates as well as other technologies that have been developed to a state of being easy to use and share. This is when the high level organisational goals mentioned in the platform article may be progressively realised.
With numerous platforms of various types in the field growing and evolving as a network of open organisations, larger projects become feasible. These may be in the areas of technology development, usury-free finance systems and land management, leading to the creation of the first sanctuaries, settlements created with sustainability and democracy in mind, able to feed and house many people. The platform network would at this time be a resilient and decentralised virtual organisation with a large real world membership, harmoniously integrated into society and able to provide many vital services the people are demanding but are not able to receive currently due to systemic shortfalls.
2 Scheduled Roles
When the platform first starts we'll have to fill all the roles ourselves and probably take turns at ones no one likes :-/
- Accounts (reconciliation, banking, payable/receivable, tax returns, reports/budgeting)
- IT Support (carry out IT procedures, eg setup new server/wiki, backups etc)
- Development (writing new templates and extensions etc, specific client work)
- CRM (contact management, following leads etc, explaining system to people etc)
- Baby sitter
- Kitchen
- House keeper
2.1 Administrator
In the initial Platform One, all of us will have to be scheduled in to perform administration time. It involves a number of brainless tasks and ensures that the place is always ticking over and ready for guests or customers.
Administration covers the following
- Routing comms (answering phones, forwarding messages etc, checking orders etc)
- Using Trademe to manage the needs of members and trade
- Taking orders from phone or customers
- Looking after the bar for drinks snacks and coffee etc
- Keeping kitchen area clean and tidy
- Signing for incomings
- Keeping things in their proper place including paper work
3 Services
- Setting up platforms (or maybe just a single component like wiki organisation)
- Lectures & Tuition (platform, documentaries, open-source apps, mediawiki etc)
- Movie screenings and discussions, light snacks and drinks afterward
- Lectures on topics of interest, guest speakers
- Trading (all of us are always moving product
4 Requirements
What kind of things does the platform need access to? These do not necessarily have to be in-house.
- Secure storage (for trading)
- Screening and lecture facilities
- Food storage and processing (for preparing snacks and light meals, cooking for members and guests)
- Guest accommodation (surplus sleeping facilities for exchange guests, speakers, etc.)
5 Finances
How will we manage the finances? Could already get an account set up to begin accumulating funds to deal with startup costs.
5.1 Start-up expenses
- Bond and rent in advance (poss. agent fees)
- Bond for various accounts (power, etc.) unless people can move over existing accounts
- Furnishings
- Whiteware
5.2 Ongoing
- Rent
- Internet
- Power
- Phone
