Social Model Governance

Governance is about setting and enforcing boundaries. These are the rights, rules and decision-making procedures that direct actors (e.g. self, participants, leaders or staff) along a desired path.

SMPs use a balance of internal and external governance mechanisms across multiple levels with a unique emphasis on peer governance over patriarchy. Peer governance is characterized by participants playing meaningful roles in accountability, planning and/or policy development, and peers have a role in both internal and external governance. SMPs recognize that internal governance must adhere to external controls, and external controls must be responsive to the needs of the constituents that it serves in order to retain community membership and to maintain sustainability.