Misfyt Trans Youth Foundation
Published : August 31st 2025
1. Introduction & Purpose
The Steering Committee (SC) at Misfyt is a collective, community-based group that helps guide the organization’s vision, direction, and accountability. It holds the heart of Misfyt’s mission—making sure the organization stays connected to the real-life experiences, knowledge, and leadership of trans and gender-diverse communities. The SC works to ensure that Misfyt’s efforts are not just inclusive, but also create meaningful change. It also offers a space for action and leadership development, especially for young trans people across India who want to be part of the trans movement but may need support, guidance, and opportunities to get started.
The SC is built on values of love, care, courage, integrity, accountability, and deep commitment to collective well-being. These values are not just ideals but guiding forces that inform how we show up for one another, how we make decisions, and how we respond to the shifting needs of our communities. We believe that building transformative spaces begins with relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and mutual respect.
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the structure, responsibilities,authority and working processes of the SC. It is a living, breathing document – shaped by feedback, reflection, and the collective journeys of those who are part of it. As we grow together, this SOP will evolve in alignment with our shared values and visions for justice, healing, and joy.
2. Key Definitions
Let’s get on the same page with some key terms. We don’t want any confusion, so here’s a breakdown:
- Steering Committee (SC): A community-driven group that shapes Misfyt’s direction, offers wisdom, and ensures the work aligns with the mission, vision values of the organisation and values of trans liberation and justice.
- Community Wisdom: The lived knowledge and resilience passed down through generations—survival, joy, resistance, and healing from those who have been marginalized. Trans joy is a part of this wisdom too.
- Consensus: A collaborative decision-making process where everyone’s voice matters. Consensus isn’t about getting unanimous agreement, but reaching a point where everyone can support the decision, even if it’s not their first choice. We will ensure that every voice is heard and the decision reached upon is for the good of everyone.
- Non-Carceral Accountability: A term we like because it means care over cancel culture. When harm happens, we respond with dialogue, repair, and growth, not with exclusion or punishment.
- PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment): A vital policy that ensures everyone in the SC and Misfyt spaces is treated with respect and dignity. This policy will be shared with SC members so that we’re all on the same page about maintaining a safe space.
3. Composition & Conditions of Membership
The SC isn’t a group of random people; it’s a collective of changemakers who embody wisdom, experience, and an unwavering commitment to community care.
- Number of Members: We have 10-15 members, each bringing unique perspectives from across the spectrum of marginalized identities.
- Term: Each member serves a minimum 2-year term, with a possibility for renewal for a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. This gives the SC the perfect balance of continuity and new energy.
- Age Criteria : The new SC members should be in the age bracket of 18-35 years old.
- Rotation: After a member’s 2-year term ends, the responsibility of bringing in a new member will be shared by the existing SC. This helps ensure sustainability and fresh perspectives.
- Diversity: We prioritize Trans and non-binary folks who are at the intersection of socio-cultural & regional trans identities, Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi, disabled, neurodivergent, and other marginalized communities. Intersectionality is at the core of what we do, and those who hold multiple marginalizations are especially valued.
- Experience Areas: Whether it’s mental health, organizing and campaigning, artistic advocacy, legal activism, organisation development, training and facilitation, use of technology, we want members who come with lived experience or expertise that helps the collective grow. Credentials are important, but we value lived knowledge just as much.
- A platform for leadership growth and learning : We encourage people who are enthusiastic and keen to use Misfyt as a platform for their passion for the community and apply for funds and grants for various projects. Members will be provided support to take ownership of projects, fundraise, apply for opportunities, and co-create meaningful change to apply. Support will include co-writing project proposals, running campaigns with our support, and leading with initiative are deeply valued. This space encourages leadership and initiative—whether through action, application, or advocacy.
4. Roles & Responsibilities
The SC isn’t just to give advice—we actively co-create, guide, and help lead Misfyt into the future.
Core Roles:
- Strategic Direction: We guide the long-term vision of Misfyt and offer advice on how to stay aligned with our mission.
- Values Alignment : We ensure that everything Misfyt does is grounded in trans affirmation, care, community well-being, and liberation.
- Meeting Participation: The SC meets once in two months for check-ins to build community and sustain engagement, and we hold ad-hoc strategic meetings to brainstorm, vision, and tackle long-term challenges. Additional meetings maybe proposed as and when required.
- Monitoring and Organizational Accountability: Steering Committee members are responsible for critically engaging with the organization’s actions, decisions, and direction to ensure alignment with its core values, commitments, and community needs. This includes actively monitoring ongoing work, asking difficult questions when needed, and naming inconsistencies or gaps in practice. Members play a key role in holding the organization accountable through transparent dialogue, regular check-ins, and value-driven oversight. Accountability is seen not as punitive, but as a collective responsibility to maintain integrity, trust, and meaningful connection with the communities we serve.
- Learning and Sharing : The SC is a space for young trans people to grow their leadership and build their capacity to lead change. SC members are expected to bring their expertise and share with other members to create a learning environment
Optional but Encouraged :
- Representation and Advocacy: Steering Committee members are encouraged to represent Misfyt in different spaces, networks, and circles. This includes spreading the word about our work, values, and campaigns whenever possible. Members serve as ambassadors of Misfyt’s vision, helping to build visibility, foster connections, and expand the reach of our work through genuine, community-rooted engagement.
- Co-creation and Participation in Projects : Get involved in the organisations projects, fundraising, proposal writing and implementation as per your availability and interests. SC members will be prioritised for short term consultant roles and project leads.
- Sub- Committees : To deepen engagement and strengthen MISFYT’s work, the Steering Committee may form sub-committees. These are smaller working groups of SC members who focus on specific themes or operational areas. Through this SC provides focused inputs to the Executive Team on defined areas. Sub-committees can present an annual plan and can seek approvals beforehand for the activities they would like to conduct during the year under the particular theme such as Programs & Community Engagement Fundraising & Partnerships,Communications & Visibility, Learning & Capacity Building, Governance & Safeguarding. Sub-committees are voluntary – members can choose which to join, based on interest and expertise. They are reviewed annually to ensure relevance.
Steering Committee : In relation to Board, Executive, and Staff
At Misfyt, we recognize the need for differentiated but interconnected spaces of decision-making and leadership. The Board, Executive Team, Steering Committee (SC), and Staff all play distinct roles in how the organization moves forward.
- Board – The formal governing body with legal and fiduciary responsibility. It oversees compliance, finances, organizational policies, and holds accountability for the overall health and mission of the organization. Examples: approving annual budgets, appointing or removing directors, and ensuring legal compliance.
- Executive Team – This group is responsible for the day-to-day management and operational decision making of the organization, implementing the strategy approved by the Board, and making operational decisions on any ongoing projects. Led by the Executive Director this team consists of the key decision making people within the organisation Program Directors, Operations & Finance Lead, Communications Lead. The Executive director remains the final authority on day to day operational decision making and management of the organisation.
- Staff – The engine of Misfyt — designing, running, and implementing programs and operations, rooted in lived experience and close connection with the community. Examples: helpline coordinators, community outreach workers, corporate engagement officers, and program facilitators.
- Steering Committee (SC) – Steering Committee is a bunch of young individual activists and leaders committed to creating impact via Misfyt as a vehicle. It plays a key role in reviewing progress, providing strategic inputs and holding the executive team accountable — especially areas that require alignment between values & decision making. SC members can propose and lead initiatives that support executive functions. SC members are strongly recommended to join sub-committees to support the overall org building, conducting events and supporting the executive team.
6. Misfyt Steering Committee – Governance & Decision Rights Model
1. Anchor Principle – Mission–Impact–Values Alignment
Every decision the Steering Committee takes or questions must be tested against:
- Mission – Does it directly support Misfyt’s purpose?
- Impact – Will it create tangible benefits for our community within defined timelines?
- Values – Does it uphold the values we agreed on (Belonging,Love,Authenticity,Bold Commitment)?
This becomes the legitimate basis for asking questions — not personalities, not preferences.
2. Decision-Making Map – Centralized vs. Decentralized
| Decision Type | Final authority | SC Role | When SC Can Use Veto/Red Flag |
| Strategic pivots (mission, vision, long-term plan) | ED + Board | Review & Recommend / Veto & Red Flag Review if misaligned | If change risks altering mission, long-term direction, or values |
| Annual/Quarterly budgets, major funding shifts | ED + Board | Review & Recommend / Veto & Red Flag Review if misaligned | If allocation undermines core programs or financial transparency |
| New project plans & program priorities | ED + Board | Review & Recommend / Veto & Red Flag Review if misaligned | If project direction conflicts with mission or program focus |
| Project/event themes, partnerships under ₹20,000 | ED + SC | Full Decision Authority | Not applicable |
| Organisational policies (HR, safeguarding, finance rules) | ED + Board | Consult, Advise & Support / Veto & Red Flag Review if misaligned | If policy reduces inclusion, equity, or transparency |
| Crisis situations (PR risk, safety) | ED + Board | Rapid Advisory Input / Veto & Red Flag Review if misaligned | If response risks damaging trust, safety, or reputation |
| Program monitoring (KPIs, delivery, quality) | Shared | Monitor & Escalate if Off-Track / Veto & Red Flag Review if misaligned | If performance risks program quality, ethics, or outcomes |
3. Veto Power – Definition & Use
The Steering Committee has the authority to pause or block a strategic or mission-critical decision before it is implemented if it violates the Anchor Principle.
How to Use:
- Triggered when 5 or more members raise a Red Flag citing clear misalignment with Mission–Impact–Values.
- Quorum: 70% of members (9 out of 13) must be present (in-person or virtual).
- Proxy votes allowed with prior written consent.
Process:
- Raise – Concern logged in minutes or via written notice to the ED.
- Review – “Red Flag Review” held within 7 days to reassess the decision.
- Resolve – Decision proceeds only if veto is lifted by majority or Board overrules with documented reasoning.
4. Question-Asking Protocol – How to Challenge with Respect
- Use the Anchor: Frame questions as “How does this align with our Mission–Impact–Values?”
- Ask for Evidence: “Can we see the data or reasoning behind this?”
- Propose Alternatives: Don’t just challenge — offer solutions.
- Time-bound Review: If disagreement remains, schedule a Red Flag Review at least 15 days before execution.
5. Accountability & Transparency Tools
- Decision Log – Track what was decided, by whom, and why.
- Quarterly Scorecard – Share progress on priorities openly.
- Red Flag Mechanism – Any 5 members can trigger a formal review if a decision feels misaligned.
- Anonymous Input Option: Members may submit concerns in writing for sensitive topics.
6. Cultural Code – How We Work Together
- Disagree on ideas, not on people.
- Assume good intent, seek clarity before judgment.
- Use meetings for strategic debate, not operational micromanagement.
7. Selection Process & Onboarding
We want everyone in the SC to feel welcome, valued, and empowered. Here’s how it works:
- Nomination & Invitation: Whether you’re invited or nominate yourself, we choose people based on lived experience, community involvement, and alignment with Misfyt’s values.
- Selection Process – : We follow a transparent, community-rooted selection process for new Steering Committee members. The current Steering Committee members form a selection panel and score the applicants based on a pre-set criteria. The shortlisted applicants for interviews are then further evaluated for alignment and final selection takes place in consensus of the panel members.
- Onboarding: New members get a welcome package, a 1:1 orientation call, and a gradual introduction to SC processes. We want you to feel settled and supported.
- Consent: Before joining, members will have clarity on roles, expectations, and responsibilities. Everyone gets the space to ask questions and ensure alignment.
8. Capacity Building
A core part of Misfyt’s steering committee set-up will be to offer capacity-building opportunities to SC members:
- Participation and representation in national and international fellowships
- Online Sessions
- Political Advocacy & Campaign Strategy
- Co-writing project proposals, applying for funding, and running campaigns
We want our members to leave every workshop feeling more empowered, knowledgeable, and ready to lead with confidence.
9. Communication & Accessibility
Communication is key—and accessibility is a must. Here’s how we do it:
- WhatsApp & Email: For informal updates and formal communication.
- Google Drive: All SC documents, proposals, meeting minutes, and plans are stored here for easy access.
- Access Support: We provide transcription, translation, and other access support as needed. Every member is encouraged to share their access needs, and we’ll adapt to ensure everyone’s included.
10. Accountability & Review
Accountability is not punitive—it’s about care, reflection, and growth. Twice a year, we’ll have reflective review sessions where the SC assesses:
- What’s working?
- What’s not?
- Are we staying true to our values of trans joy, equity, and community care?
We also have feedback mechanisms like anonymous forms where you can speak up about concerns, ideas, or improvements.
Non-Carceral Accountability: When harm happens, we address it with dialogue, repair, and growth. We believe in second chances, not cancel culture.
To support safe and respectful functioning, we will have a dedicated PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Committee within the SC to address any concerns related to safety, dignity, and interpersonal respect. This ensures that our spaces remain accountable and welcoming.
11. Exit, Termination & Transition
Exiting the SC is part of the natural flow. Whether you’re stepping down, needing a sabbatical, or transitioning out, we make sure it’s smooth, compassionate, and respectful.
- Voluntary Exit: Members can leave by providing one-month notice.
- Wellbeing Break : Need a break? No problem! We’ll respect your time and boundaries.The break can be timed for upto 6 months
- Harm: If harm happens, we’ll follow our restorative approach to repair.
12. Honorarium & Reimbursements
We know that participation shouldn’t come at a financial cost. While we don’t have honorariums right now, reimbursements are available for:
- Internet costs up to 300 Rs per online meeting
(With a hope that people who genuinely need it would avail this facility)
Where prior approved budgets are available for any projects and events :
- Honararium
- Travel
- Accommodation (for in-person events)
We aim to eliminate financial barriers so that everyone can be involved without concern.
13. Ethics, Care & Confidentiality
We are here to build safe, respectful, and ethical spaces. As part of the SC, you’ll be expected to:
- Align with Misfyt’s values of care and anti-oppression.
- Honor confidentiality—we respect your privacy and keep sensitive info protected.
- Engage in ethical disagreement—we encourage honesty, but we also embrace compassionate discourse.
14. Living Document
This SOP is a living document that will evolve as we grow and adapt to new needs, challenges, and opportunities. We’ll review and update it regularly, based on community feedback and organizational needs.
Final Thoughts
This document isn’t just a set of rules. It’s a blueprint for collective care, empowered leadership, and shared growth. It reflects Misfyt’s commitment to creating authentic spaces, not just for decision-making but for genuine connection. This SOP is a commitment to our community, and it’s a living, breathing part of our journey. Let’s grow, lead, and transform together!
