Editing Introduction to Organizing (section)

== The Snowflake Model: A distributed approach to leadership ==
{{Historical box|The use of this model in BC has shown that it works best supported by staff outside of election cycles (or other high interest events that can turn out enough volunteers and volunteer interest to support the model)}}
[[File:Snowflake model.png|thumb|A visual representation of how a snowflake organizing model might look like]]
We define leadership as accepting responsibility for enabling others to achieve purpose in the face of uncertainty, and the organizational model that best embodies this understanding of leadership is what we call the “snowflake model.”

First, in the snowflake model, leadership is distributed. No one person or group of people holds all the decision-making power or responsibility. Responsibility is shared in a sustainable way, and structure aims to create mutual accountability. The snowflake is made up of interconnected teams working together to further common goals.

Second, the snowflake model is based, above all, on enabling others. A movement’s strength stems from its capacity and commitment to develop leadership – in the snowflake model, everyone is responsible for identifying, recruiting, and developing leaders. Leaders develop other leaders who, in turn, develop other leaders, and so on.

You’ll learn about the snowflake model in greater detail in the Structuring Teams section (pg. 48), but for now, reflect on the organizational structures that you’ve been a part of in your work, school, or other areas of your life. How might you draw out those structures? Where did you fit into those structures, and how did you feel in your role?

Now, take a look at the diagram. Note the faces, the clusters of faces, and the links between them. How might the snowflake model compare to the structures you’ve been a part of in the past? As you’ll see in the Structuring Teams section, the snowflake model is unique from typical organizing or leadership structures in that responsibility is distributed and it prioritizes leadership development above all.