RICDOG Structure

RICDOG's structure has varied over the years but has always been gamified to engage members more in the decision-making process within the organization.

The organization uses both vertical and horizontal management approaches. Its governance is hierarchical and based on a grading system with seven membership grades.

Horizontal management is used in project management.

According to the regulations, the organization's structure is as follows:

Any person, whether a citizen of Georgia or a foreigner, who shares the views of the organization, can become a member of RICDOG. It is worth noting that membership in the organization is granted for a 1-year mandate. Anyone wishing to join the organization undergoes the membership procedure in November. The applicant fills out an application addressed to the president of the organization and goes through an interview with the founders.

Throughout the year, only 20 people over the age of 18 can join the organization. Membership cannot be terminated or canceled during the year unless there is an exceptional circumstance. A person may apply for membership multiple times without restriction.

In addition to the 20 regular membership spots, the organization allocates 5 spots for school-age youth. However, filling these 5 spots is not a mandatory requirement. This rule applies if the young person possesses exceptional skills and can take on responsibilities equal to those of an adult.

If the founders do not fill the 20 available membership spots, the board can accept members for the remaining spots during the year.

The main rights and duties of members are to strengthen democratic principles within the organization: participate in decision-making, monitor the board's work, elect or be elected to the board, and actively engage in the organization's activities.

RICDOG members meet every Saturday at 16:00 to work on organizational issues.

Additionally, twice a year, the general assembly of members is held, where major decisions are made, reports are heard, and elections take place.

Members elect the board members for a 3-year term, and the board members, from their own ranks, elect the general secretary and deputy for a 1-year term, with the right to be re-elected up to three times.

Board members elected for a 3-year term are not subject to the annual mandate rule.

The board meeting takes place once a week (or more frequently) every Saturday at 12:00.

In addition to the internal organizational structure, RICDOG, seeing itself as a community organization, aims to expand its operational model outside.

For this purpose, the organization developed a new structure in 2019 called the “RICDOG Engagement Structure.” ჰქვია.

The “RICDOG Engagement Structure” aims to broaden public involvement in the organization's activities, creating a transparent, inclusive, and participatory process.

According to this gamified structure, the organization considers volunteers, participants of the leadership program (NLP), and freelancers as part of its structure.

The Volunteer Area (Volunteer Club) - is a program implemented every three months to promote volunteering and address existing needs in the city, society, and the organization. Anyone of any age (primarily from 13 years old) can participate, and it is unrestricted.

Neuro Leadership Program (NLP) is a leadership program that helps participants develop 32 basic leadership competencies. The program is renewed each time with new topics. Participation is open to those aged 18 and above. The program is gamified and follows a board game format.

The Member Area directly reflects the work of members, as described above.

Freelancers are individuals who wish to maintain a partnership with the organization outside of membership, benefit from organizational perks, and contribute to the organization's activities. A memorandum of cooperation is signed with freelancers, outlining their activities and the obligations of the organization.

Additionally, the “RICDOG Engagement Structure” measures the level of involvement in the organization’s activities:

• Observing : People passively observe the organization's work and familiarize themselves with information about its activities.
• Following - People familiarize themselves with, share, and express their views on some activities of the organization. This corresponds to the level of volunteering.
• Endorsing People have information about the organization, support its activities, participate in its events, and actively encourage others to engage. This corresponds to the level of members and freelancers.
• Owning - People participate in decision-making, planning, and execution of activities. This corresponds to the board members' level.
• Leading People manage the organization, think strategically, and motivate others. This corresponds to the level of the organization's general secretary, deputy, honorary general secretaries, and the presidium.

RICDOG pays great attention to the empowerment and development of its members and other structural actors. To this end, the organization continuously operates a coaching-mentoring system.

Board members supervise the members, while members mentor the volunteers and program participants.

This activity includes individual meetings, assessing the person’s needs, developing an action plan for their development, and working on its implementation.

Honorary General Secretary Institution

The founders of RICDOG have the right to grant an award and confer honorary status on individuals in the name of the organization.

The Honorary General Secretary title is given to someone who has served as the general secretary of the organization and made a significant contribution to RICDOG's development. According to the current culture, a general secretary who has fully (3 years) fulfilled their duties, achieved improved results compared to the previous period, and successfully accomplished the strategic goals outlined in the organization’s documents is awarded the honorary general secretary title.

The granting of this status includes both a ceremonial (symbolic) and practical part.

The newly elected general secretary presents the honorary general secretary with a specially crafted necklace and other attributes. An inauguration ceremony for the honorary general secretary is also held, where the audience is introduced to the achievements, and the founders present a certificate of status.

The honorary general secretary retains voting rights and membership in the board for 5 years. They also maintain the same salary for 3 years as during their last year in office and may choose a direction or topic to continue working on within the organization. The relationship with honorary general secretaries is outlined in the organization’s protocol.

Honorary General Secretaries:

• Gvanca Totadze - General Secretary of RICDOG from 2015 to 2017;
• Ekaterine Marukashvili - General Secretary of RICDOG from 2017 to 2020;
• Lana Totadze - General Secretary of RICDOG from 2020 to 2023.

Honorary Award

Every 5 years, the organization celebrates an anniversary, an important part of which is the presentation of an honorary award.

The award is given to two individuals: 1. An external person; 2. An internal person of the organization.

The award is presented to people who, from the organization's perspective, have played a significant role in the development of the country and the organization.

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Honorary Awardees:

• Nodar Jikia – Director of Programs of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association, Kutaisi branch;
• Maka Tsartivadze Deputy Chairperson of RICDOG’s Board from 2007 to 2011;
• Nino Tchkobadze – Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia, Chairman of the Georgian Green Movement, Friends of the Earth - Georgia;
• Gvanca Totadze – General Secretary of RICDOG from 2015 to 2017.