Participatory Working Group Selection Process

The selection process is carefully designed to be transparent, fair, and representative of the community's needs and values. It involves both random selection of community members and careful evaluation of candidates.

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Step 1: Call for Candidates

The Residents' Assembly Service (RAS) announces vacant positions in working groups through community media channels
 

The announcement includes:

• Skills and qualifications needed for the specific working group

• Term of service (typically 3 years)

• Timeline for the selection process

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Step 2: Candidate Applications

Who can apply:

• Registered residents of Auroville

• Candidates can self-apply or be nominated by others (with their consent)

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Application requirements:

• Motivation letter explaining reasons for applying

• Resumé of experiences inside and outside Auroville

• Description of skills, expertise, and specific interests

• Confirmation of having read the working group's mandate

• Declaration of availability (full-time, part-time, months of year)

Candidates have 2 weeks to submit applications, with an additional week for those nominated by others.

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Step 3: Community Feedback

For 2 weeks, the RAS collects feedback from the community on all nominees. This feedback focuses on specific areas:

• Records of misconduct or criminal activity

• Clear disregard of the Charter of Auroville

• Land ownership in the masterplan area

• Conflicts of interest

• Involvement in court cases against fellow Aurovilians/Newcomers

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Feedback providers can remain anonymous to the Selection Teams but are recorded by the RAS. Candidates receive anonymous feedback and have the chance to respond or withdraw.

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Step 4: Formation of the Selection Group

• 40 community members are randomly selected from the Master List of Aurovilians

• Selection is done in a transparent, traceable manner with independent witnesses

• Those who have nominated themselves as candidates are excluded from selection

• Selected individuals receive information about the process and confirm their willingness to participate

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Step 5: Preparation of the Selection Group

The Selection Group undergoes preparation sessions (1-2 days) that include:

• Training in teamwork and listening skills

• Training in recognizing bias

• Understanding community feedback

• Consensus building techniques

• Introduction to Auroville's governance structure

• Information about the working groups' needs from current or recent members

• Balanced perspectives from community members

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Step 6: Candidate Interviews

The Selection Group interviews all candidates to assess their:

• Skills and abilities relevant to the working group

• Teamwork capabilities

• Alignment with Auroville's ideals

• Understanding of Auroville's governance structure

• Communication and organizational skills

• Integrity and community trust

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Step 7: Selection Process​

The Selection Group is randomly divided into 4 independent teams that work separately:

First Round:

• Each team independently selects members for each working group

• Teams consider skills needed and team composition

• Candidates selected by all teams are automatically selected

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Second Round:

• Teams make new selections for remaining positions

• Focus on creating effective, balanced teams with necessary skills

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Final Selection:

• Candidates chosen unanimously in both rounds are selected

• For remaining positions, candidates' names are placed in a "hat" proportional to number of nominations

• Remaining positions are filled by random drawing​

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Step 8: Announcement and Integration

• Final results are presented to the Residents' Assembly for publication

• New members are integrated into their working groups

• Specific training may be provided according to needs

• New members serve a 3-year term with staggered turnover (approximately 1/3 of members replaced yearly)