# Key Terms in SOS

The Self-Organising System (SOS) is the decision-making process adopted by Extinction Rebellion (XR). This guide walks you through some key components of SOS that we adopt to further the principles and values of XR.
* [Accountability](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/key-terms-in-sos#understanding-mandates)
* [Circle](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/key-terms-in-sos#circle)
* [Domain](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/key-terms-in-sos#understanding-mandates)
* [Mandate](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/key-terms-in-sos#mandate)
* [Purpose](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/key-terms-in-sos#understanding-mandates)
* [Role](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/key-terms-in-sos#understanding-mandates)
* [Sub-circle](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/key-terms-in-sos#circles)

### Definitions

#### <a name="circle"></a>Circle 
A group or unit within the larger XR organisation. 

#### <a name="mandate"></a>Mandate 
The authority given to an individual or a circle, a description of what they are working to achieve, and what others can expect them to do in order to achieve it.  

#### Roles 
Within a circle we create roles to share ongoing work among members of the team. This gives them the authority to make decisions to achieve their given goals &mdash; which are expressed in their mandate.

### Circles in XR

A circle is a self-governing team within XR. The structure helps us focus on priorities, respond to events, and share responsibility across the movement.  

* A circle operates to accomplish a set of well-defined goals. 
* Goals for the circle are outlined in a mandate that says what it is expected to do or create. 
* The circle decides how they work within their area of responsibility. 

<a name="circles"></a>Circles and sub-circles
* Circles can delegate a specific task to a set of team members forming a sub-circle. Sub-circles are accountable for the work they do. This way, both groups can work independently towards a collective goal.
* Circles must prioritise activity as requested by the broader circle that created them. 

Circle members
* Every circle includes three Core Roles crucial for the team's health, communication, and accessibility to the rest of the movement &mdash; more on that later, under 'roles'.
Outside the three core roles, a circle is free to distribute roles to its members as it needs.

### Understanding Mandates:

<a name="understanding-mandates"></a>Mandates in SOS are descriptions of responsibilities given to individuals or teams, outlining what they are working to achieve and what they are accountable for.

* Components of a Mandate
 
  * Purpose: Clearly state goals or outcomes that the mandate aims to achieve.

  * Accountabilities: a list of activities necessary to fulfill the purpose, using action verbs. 

  * Domains: Include if exclusive control over resources like technology or information is required. 

Read this step-by-step guidance on [How to write mandates](https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/sos-making-it-work-for-you/page/how-to-write-mandates)


* Distributing Mandates: “We are based on autonomy and decentralisation.”

  * Mandates are distributed among team members to spread power and share responsibility.  

* Changing Mandates:

  * Mandates are created and amended in formal circle meetings, using collective decision-making.

  *  If mandate holders are not fulfilling their responsibilities, the constitution sets out escalating steps for resolving issues


 



### Roles in SOS:
Sharing the work to achieve XR’s core demands, together. 

* Types of Role:

  * Core Roles: Circles **must** include three Core Roles: **Internal Coordinator**, **External Coordinator**, and **Group Admin**. Together they help to support the team, coordinate with other teams, and keep team records accessible. These roles are re-elected at least every six months.

  * All other roles: beyond the three Core Roles, the circle’s team is free to create any other Role to meet its mandate. Teams are all different, but may have some roles in common. 

* Creating or Amending Roles:

  * Creating or amending roles should be done collectively in formal meetings as governance decisions.

  * Any team member can call for an election for any team role at any time. 

  * The Internal and External Coordinators of a circle must always be appointed by election.

  * When roles don't involve circle-wide power, individuals can be appointed by volunteering.

* Stepping Down:

  * Individuals can step down from a role at any time.