# 6. Governance, Roles, and RACI Structure The Innovation Garden operates through a distributed, community-centered governance model that balances creativity with coordination. This page outlines the core roles, responsibilities, and the RACI framework that supports decision-making and smooth operations across the Garden’s programs. --- ## **6.1 Governance Approach** The Garden’s governance model emphasizes: - **Shared stewardship** rather than top-down control - **Clear decision pathways** to support volunteer-led activity - **Lightweight coordination** aligned with the 18-month cycle - **Transparency** through documented processes - **Continuity** across annual conferences and leadership changes This structure ensures that the Garden remains adaptable, scalable, and hospitable to new contributors. --- ## **6.2 Core Leadership Roles** ### **Garden Steward (iLEAD Innovation Garden Lead)** Responsible for overall vision, alignment with iLRN strategy, and coordination across programs. **Key functions:** - Set annual priorities in alignment with the Searchlight and conference themes - Support program leads and ensure role clarity - Maintain cross-Book consistency within the Codex - Guide integration with the Knowledge Tree and Repository - Ensure quality of participant experience - Represent the Garden in iLRN leadership forums --- ### **Program Leads (Pods, GVAs, Walkthroughs, Toolshed, Maker Panels, Proposal Clinics)** Each major activity type has a designated lead responsible for planning, facilitation, and volunteer coordination. Program Leads: - Design the activity format and seasonal cycle - Recruit facilitators and participants - Ensure sessions run smoothly - Maintain templates, forms, and documentation - Coordinate with the Garden Steward on scheduling and alignment --- ### **Digital Content Strategist / Communications Lead** Supports storytelling, outreach, and volunteer engagement across iLEAD initiatives. Responsibilities include: - Managing communication rhythms and event promotion - Creating visual assets or coordinating volunteers who do - Ensuring alignment with iLRN branding and messaging - Supporting documentation and showcase preparation - Helping contributors translate their Garden output into conference-ready material --- ### **Volunteer Contributors** The backbone of the Garden’s community-driven success. Volunteers contribute by: - Hosting Garden Pods - Leading Guided Adventures - Participating in ToolShed Sessions - Supporting Walkthroughs - Assisting with documentation or moderation - Providing peer feedback and community care --- ### **Community Moderators and Technical Support** Part-time roles (or shared responsibilities) that ensure: - Safe and welcoming virtual spaces - Smooth use of platforms such as Frame VR, Zoom, Discord - Troubleshooting and participant support during Garden activities --- ## **6.3 RACI Structure** The following RACI breakdown clarifies the OPTIMAL staffing for who is **Responsible (R)**, **Accountable (A)**, **Consulted (C)**, and **Informed (I)** for core Garden functions. ### **Activity Planning & Design** - **Garden Steward** – A - **Program Leads** – R - **Content Strategist** – C - **Volunteers** – I ### **Event Facilitation (Pods, GVAs, Walkthroughs, etc.)** - **Program Leads** – A - **Volunteers** – R - **Garden Steward** – C - **Participants** – I ### **Documentation & Templates** - **Program Leads** – R - **Garden Steward** – A - **Content Strategist** – C - **Knowledge Tree Editors** – I ### **Community Engagement & Communications** - **Content Strategist** – R - **Garden Steward** – C - **Program Leads** – C - **Volunteers / Contributors** – I ### **Integration with Conference Programming** - **Garden Steward** – A - **Program Leads** – R - **Conference Organizing Committee** – C - **iLRN Board / Circle of Scholars** – I ### **Integration with Knowledge Tree & Repository** - **Garden Steward** – A - **Program Leads** – R - **Knowledge Tree Editors / Repository Team** – C - **Contributors** – I --- ## **6.4 RACI Table: Innovation Garden Governance**
**Core Function****Garden Steward****Program Leads****Digital Content Strategist****Volunteers / Contributors****Knowledge Tree / Repository Teams****Conference Organizing Committee**
**1. Annual Planning & Program Design****A****R**CIII
**2. Activity Facilitation (Pods, GVAs, Walkthroughs, Toolshed, Panels)**C**A/R**I**R**II
**3. Template & Documentation Development****A****R**CICI
**4. Community Engagement & Communications**CC**R**III
**5. Volunteer Recruitment & Onboarding**C**R**CIII
**6. Alignment With Searchlight Trends****A**RIIII
**7. Conference Proposal Clinics & Support****A****R**CIIC
**8. Integration Into Conference Programming****A****R**III**C**
**9. Integration With Knowledge Tree & Repository****A****R**II**C**I
**10. Quality Assurance for Garden Experiences****A****R**CICI
**11. Technology & Platform Coordination (Frame VR, Tally.so, Discord, etc.)**C**R**CIII
**12. Cycle Review & Reflection (Post-Conference)****A****R**CICI
--- # **Interpretation Notes:** - **A = Accountable**: final authority; owns the outcome. - **R = Responsible**: executes the work and ensures completion. - **C = Consulted**: provides input, expertise, or feedback. - **I = Informed**: kept aware of progress; not directly involved in decision-making. This table is designed so the Garden Steward provides continuity and direction, Program Leads handle day-to-day operational execution, and volunteers have a clearly bounded yet meaningful role. It also shows where the Garden integrates with the Knowledge Tree, Repository, and Conference Organizing Committee without overlapping responsibilities. --- ## **6.5 Why This Governance Model Works** This structure: - Provides clear decision authority - Enables volunteers to lead meaningful work - Minimizes bottlenecks - Ensures alignment with iLRN’s strategic priorities - Supports continuity across leadership shifts - Scales easily as programs expand or evolve The Garden remains both **co-creative** and **well-coordinated**, enabling practitioners worldwide to participate confidently and contribute effectively.