The National Assembly and the principle of seven

Why Our Assemblies Are Evolving

The Terra Australis Assemblies are growing — in strength, in numbers, and in purpose. Recently, we have welcomed an influx of new volunteers ready to give their energy, skills, and time. This growth has allowed us to shift gears: to sharpen our focus on getting important work done, while also expanding the opportunities for everyone to take part in decision-making and guiding the National Assembly.

Why “Sevens”?

Experience shows that groups work best when they are kept small — between seven and nine members. We call this the Principle of Sevens.

This approach:

• Keeps the focus on the most important tasks (“the big rocks”).
• Ensures clarity, accountability, and consistent progress.
• Makes sure everyone in the circle understands the whole picture.
• Protects legitimacy by keeping all final decisions with the General Assembly — the people.
• Creates opportunities for more people to get involved, sharing the workload and responsibility.

In short: small groups get stuff done, big assemblies make the decisions.

How It Works in Practice

The Assembly model we are creating consists of four pillars:
* General Assembly Coordinator
* Jural Assembly Coordinator
* International Business Assembly Coordinator
* Guardianage Assembly Coordinator

Each pillar now has a “Steering Committee”, made up of:

• The Pillar Coordinator, and
• The Chairs of the Action Groups working on specific “big rock” areas.

Tasked with energising and delivering outcomes while keeping leadership distributed and fresh ideas flowing. The role will need great communication skills and involves a project management element.

Meanwhile, the original National Coordinator group is evolving into a Governance Steering Committee — a circle of seven to nine including the Head of State, the four Pillar Coordinators, and a number of “advisers” — which serves as the guiding hand of the whole Assembly. Its role is to:

• Keep all work aligned with international recognition and legitimate governance needs for the National Assembly.
• Provide proactive communication to GovCo (as we did with the recent WHO letter).
• Advise the Head of State on key matters.

What This Means for You

The change triggered by new volunteers means:

• Action groups and Sub-Committees tackle specific tasks and deliver results.
• More opportunities for you to be involved in shaping solutions, even when time-poor.
• More clarity on how proposals move from idea to implementation.

The decision-making power always remains with the Interim General Assembly consisting of all State Nationals who are taking an active role creating the National Assembly plus Local Assembly Coordinators.

Now, the path to action is clearer, faster, and more effective.

Next Steps

We are now calling for four (4) Pillar Coordinators to help guide their assemblies.

Candidates will be given the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills and vision with the Interim General Assembly prior to a vote – an action that will help shape our election processes.

If you feel called to step into one of these roles, the following qualities will be especially valuable:
* A solid understanding of the Assembly structure.
* Knowledge of the role and function of your chosen pillar.
* Strong communication and organisational skills.
* The ability to develop and follow through on an action plan.

Keep in mind though, knowledge will come from getting active and a desire to learn.

Two to four Advisers to strengthen the Assembly Steering Committee.

Nominations are being sought from among those already active and a selection process with the Head of State will be undertaken.

If you feel called to step into one of these roles, the following qualities will be especially valuable:
* Broad perspective
* Sound knowledge of assemblies
* Strong communication skills
* Integrity and neutrality
* Strategic thinking
* Experience and wisdom
* Availability and commitment
* Nonbelligerent presence

An adviser should be a steady hand and wise voice.

Volunteers ready to join or form sub-committees and action groups.

With your involvement, we can continue building momentum, making progress on the “big rocks,” and giving true direction to our National Assembly.