What about this?
New member join spotm and they're encouraged to help out in one or several projects. They're also encouraged to form groups, triads, that aren't exclusive (anyone can be a member of any group). If they want, these groups could device their own micro-culture (flag, motto, name, etc). This makes the members part of something unique so they're not lost in a sea of members, but it's just an option.
The triads will be malleable, they can coalesce and dissolve at any time. The main point of a triad will be to participate in projects.
To foster community buildup we could make friendly triad competitions, making use of the award thing we have.
Now... for the important stuff. Info taken from
www.goer.state.ny.us/training_development/online_learning/ftms/200s2.html This stuff is pretty general, it matches up with what I have taken in team dynamics.
Triads should be an integral component in projects. I suggest that we form guidelines for projects that include triads.
Say you have project: GAGARIN
Project GAGARIN will be managed, or founded, by a person or a triad (depending on the scale of the project). The project will need people to fill these roles:
"LEADER" -Manage members
Team Leaders are responsible for moving the team to accomplish its task. Team leaders should ensure an environment that helps teams get their work done. For example, the team may need to meet off site, or require work samples, products or other items (In our case, skype, aim, ect). The team leader is responsible for obtaining these resources, and if they are unavailable (e.g., no off site meeting space is available), then the team leader must inform the team of the situation and direct the team to consider other options.
FACILITATOR -Not necessary, but helpful
Team Facilitator-Keeps Everybody On Track
Make things happen with ease.
Help the group with the process.
Help the group with the "how" decisions.
Sound easy? Above are the three primary responsibilities of a team facilitator. Facilitators are often NOT a member of the team so they can remain neutral in team decision making. When a facilitator is part of the team, the role of facilitator may rotate from member to member.
RECORDER -Leaders can assume this role too
Team Recorder - Keeps Notes, Documents Decisions
The team recorder is responsible for writing down the team's key points, ideas and decisions. Sometimes, recorders work from an easel pad. Recorders can also take notes directly to a pad.
TIME KEEPER -Underrated, VERY important
Time Keeper - Minute by Minute...
"Where did the time go?" In a busy team meeting where members are considering ideas, brainstorming, prioritizing, etc., it is very helpful to assign one person the responsibility of being the timekeeper.
A timekeeper's responsibilities are to:
Monitor how long the team is taking to accomplish its tasks.
Provide regular updates to the team on how well or poorly they are using their time.
Collaborate with the team leader, facilitator and others to determine new time schedules if the agenda has to be adjusted.
MEMBERS - The critical part of the group
Team Members - Everyone Else!
People looking at computer screen Team members don't have specific responsibilities, but their participation is critical to the team's success. Team members must agree to:
Be enthusiastic and committed to the team's purpose.
Be honest and keep any confidential information behind closed doors.
Share responsibility to rotate through other team roles like facilitator, recorder, and timekeeper.
Share knowledge and expertise and not withhold information.
Ask questions, even seemingly "dumb" ones. Often the new perspective of "inexperienced" team members can provide insight.
Fulfill duties in between meetings.
Respect the opinions and positions of others on the team, even if the person has an opposing view or different opinion.
We need to tie triads to this, natural forming triads, as Asher said. A triad needs these roles to complete a project successfully.