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GuideIntermediate

How to Design a New Circle Structure for an Existing Organization

A step-by-step Sociocracy For All guide for transitioning an existing organization into linked, nested circles.

Source: Sociocracy For AllAdded June 12, 2026Published 2019
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Why it matters

Many democratic organizations do not start with sociocracy; they need a practical path for redesigning authority without breaking the organization.

Best for

Existing co-ops, nonprofits, collectives, and employee-owned companies redesigning governance structures.

This guide is useful because it starts from the messy reality of existing organizations. It helps teams map aims, sub-aims, domains, roles, and links before moving authority into circles.

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Heirloom Library entries are summaries and wayfinding notes. The original source is the best place to read the full resource.

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Next readings

Continue through the reading paths that include this resource.

From Sociocracy: consent, circles, and roles

Sociocracy in Co-operative Organisations

Choose this 2023 Co-operatives UK guide when cooperative membership and board accountability shape the design. Its templates and tradeoffs are UK-oriented and can be adopted selectively.

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