Preamble

In recent years, many associations dedicated to societal issues related to digital technology have emerged. Recent initiatives for “collective meetings” have led to reflections on the value and modalities of coordination/consultation among such organizations.

This document aims to establish the framework for collaboration that Boavizta seeks in order to engage in a shared Inter-Associations dynamic of responsible digital practice.

1. Founding Principles

1.1. Operation Without a Legal Entity

Associations collaborate freely without creating a common legal structure. This approach promotes the autonomy of each organization while enabling joint actions.

1.2. Decentralized, Horizontal, and Impersonal Governance

Decision-making is collective and favors consensus. No single association or individual holds authority over the others. At this stage, since the associations are each relatively small and the level of collaboration remains low, the creation of an overarching or coordinating structure cannot be envisioned. Therefore, governance must be “project-oriented,” mobilizing participants around specific themes or ad hoc projects. To avoid any personalization of power, governance duties (e.g., organizing regular collective meetings) rotate among participants, ensuring shared responsibility and renewed collective dynamics.

1.3. Participation and Commitment

Each association contributes according to its means and expertise. Engagement is based on motivation and willingness to participate in joint initiatives.

1.4. Support and Camaraderie

Collaboration is grounded in goodwill, mutual trust, and assistance. Friendly exchange spaces are encouraged to strengthen ties among members.

1.5. Openness to Any Entity Sharing These Principles

Any association adhering to the values and working methods described herein may join the collaboration without discrimination.

1.6. Inclusive Approach and Respect for Diverse Visions

Each association may freely express its vision of responsible digital practice without fear of judgment or conflict. The exchange of ideas occurs within a respectful and constructive framework.

2. Modalities of Collaboration

2.1. Forms of Joint Actions

Associations collaborate through various initiatives, notably:

  • Joint events: conferences, workshops, discussion forums.

  • Reciprocal support: putting forward each association’s activities, sharing resources and good practices.

  • Collaborative monitoring: pooling relevant information on common issues.

  • Pooled projects: developing shared tools, studies, and publications.

    - Note: Such actions require definitions regarding legal aspects, intellectual property, communication, support & maintenance, etc.

2.2. Tools and Exchange Spaces

  • A collaborative platform to coordinate initiatives and share resources.

  • Online and in-person meetings to organize activities and discuss progress.

  • Thematic working groups to delve deeper into specific issues.

2.3. Limits of Collaboration

  • No articles may be published in the name of Association BOAVIZTA without prior approval from its board members.

  • No one may speak on behalf of Association BOAVIZTA within the framework of Inter-Associations collaboration. (question en attente de validation)

  • No expenses may be incurred in the name of BOAVIZTA without board validation and written agreement.

3. Examples of Rotating Governance

3.1. Rotating Coordination

Every quarter, one willing association takes on the role of facilitator and meeting organizer, without any increased decision-making power.

3.2. Distribution of Responsibilities

  1. Responsibilities are shared among several associations, for example:

  • One association handles external communications.

  • Another coordinates event logistics.

  • A third manages collaborative monitoring.

These roles rotate periodically, with candidates approved by vote of the member associations’ boards of directors.

3.3. Decision-Making Process

Decisions are made collegially, by consensus or by vote if necessary. An online discussion space allows members to express opinions and reach a collective agreement.

4. Membership and Commitment

  1. Any inter-association engagement must be approved by the Boavizta Board of Directors and must:

  • Respect the principles of this charter.

  • Organize participation actively or contributively according to its capacities.

  • Foster a climate of benevolent and respectful exchange.

  • Provide regular communication of exchanges with the Board of Directors.

5. Content Development

(See Boavizta Internal Regulations v1.0, Section “6. Free and Open Deliverables by Default”)

All content, knowledge or tools, co-developed within the framework of inter-association collaboration is by default and exclusively open source, open data, or open science.

The licenses to be used for co-developed inter-association content are as follows, depending on content category:

  • Articles, studies, and methodologies: CC BY-SA

  • Data: CC BY-SA

  • Software: AGPL-3.0 by preference, though other licenses may be selected on a case-by-case basis.

For software, if a license other than AGPL-3.0 is chosen, it must at a minimum:

  1. Permit commercial use of the source code/software.

  2. Require (re)publication of the source code under equivalent terms (copyleft).

  3. Require users to attribute the original source code to the co-constructing associations.