Continuous Motion Development

As committed members invested in shaping the future of our party's public policy and governance, it's important to acknowledge some of the challenges we face. In the most recent proposal submission cycle, nine (9) members submitted thirty-one (31) of the forty-nine (49) proposals. This raises concerns from both an equity standpoint, as well as in terms of volunteer resources. In this blog, we will explore considering limits on the number of policy proposals each member can submit per cycle, aiming to foster a more inclusive and efficient approach to policy development.

The Need for Limits

1. Equitable Participation: By limiting the number of policy proposals each member can submit at a time, we promote equitable participation in the policymaking process. This ensures that all voices within our party have the opportunity to contribute ideas and shape our platform, rather than allowing a select few to dominate the conversation.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Focusing on a smaller number of high-quality proposals allows us to dedicate sufficient time and resources to thoroughly evaluate each idea. Quality proposals are more likely to garner support from party members and have a greater impact on shaping our policies and election platforms.
3. Streamlined Process: A smaller volume of proposals makes the policymaking process more manageable for our volunteer-led teams. It allows for more efficient review, discussion, and decision-making, leading to a more streamlined and effective process overall.
4. Encouragement of Collaboration: Limiting the number of proposals encourages collaboration and coalition-building among party members. Instead of submitting multiple proposals, members are incentivized to work together to develop comprehensive and cohesive policy initiatives.

Addressing the Risks

1. Overwhelming Volume: The current situation creates a large volume of submissions that strains our volunteer capacity. This can lead to proposals being rushed or overlooked, possibly compromising their quality and effectiveness.
2. Limited Capacity: Our volunteer-led proposal process operates with limited capacity. Without limits on the number of submissions, we risk burning out our volunteers and diminishing the quality of their work. Setting reasonable limits ensures that our volunteers can dedicate their time and energy effectively. 
3. Inadequate Consideration: Members find it challenging to thoroughly review large numbers of policy proposals. While the Continuous Motion Development process aids in managing the number of policies under consideration at any given moment, the ongoing influx of proposals could potentially overwhelm our capacity for thorough evaluation. Recognizing this challenge, some provincial Green Parties have introduced prioritization votes, effectively constraining the number of proposals reviewed within a given year. This strategic approach ensures that each proposal receives the attention and scrutiny it deserves, fostering a more deliberate and effective policy making process.

Proposed Solutions

1. Implementing Submission Limits: We propose implementing a reasonable limit on the number of policy proposals each member can submit in each proposal cycle. This limit should strike a balance between encouraging participation and ensuring manageable workload for our volunteers.
2. Encouraging Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of collaboration among party members and EDAs in developing policy proposals. Encourage members and EDAs to work together to refine and consolidate their ideas into comprehensive and impactful proposals.

Conclusion

By implementing limits on policy proposal submissions, we can strengthen the integrity and effectiveness of our policymaking process. These measures promote equitable participation, ensure quality over quantity, streamline our processes, and mitigate the risks associated with overwhelming volume and lack of review. Let us work together to build a more inclusive, efficient, and responsive policymaking process that truly reflects the values and priorities of the Green Party. How many policy proposals should a member be allowed to submit per policy cycle, is a great topic for debate in the WeDecide debate forum.