chore: add GOVERNANCE.md for open source

Ticket: WP-5840

Author: pranavjain97

GOVERNANCE.md

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+# BitGo Open Source Project Governance Model
+
+## Overview
+
+This document outlines the governance model for BitGo open source software projects. It defines roles, decision-making processes, and community participation guidelines to ensure project sustainability and prevent chaos through forks, abandonment, or other disruptive events.
+
+## Mission and Values
+
+**Mission**: To create secure, reliable, and innovative cryptocurrency infrastructure that empowers developers and institutions worldwide.
+
+**Core Values**:
+
+- Security first: All contributions must prioritize security and reliability
+- Transparency: Open communication and decision-making processes
+- Inclusivity: Welcoming environment for contributors of all backgrounds
+- Quality: High standards for code, documentation, and community interactions
+
+## Governance Model: Hybrid Meritocracy with Project Lead Oversight
+
+BitGo employs a hybrid governance model combining meritocracy principles with clear project leadership structure, suitable for both corporate-backed and community-driven projects.
+
+## Roles and Responsibilities
+
+### Project Lead(s)
+
+- **Appointment**: Selected by BitGo management and community consensus
+- **Responsibilities**:
+  - Final authority on project direction and major decisions
+  - Oversight of maintainer appointments and removals
+  - Strategic planning and roadmap development
+  - Community representation and external communication
+- **Term**: 2 years, renewable by consensus
+- **Removal**: By BitGo management or 2/3 community vote
+
+### Maintainers
+
+- **Appointment**: By Project Lead(s) based on demonstrated merit and commitment
+- **Requirements**:
+  - 6+ months of consistent contributions
+  - Demonstrated technical expertise in project domain
+  - Active community engagement and mentorship
+  - Security-conscious development practices
+- **Responsibilities**:
+  - Code review and merge authority
+  - Issue triage and resolution
+  - Release management
+  - Community mentorship
+- **Removal**: By Project Lead(s) or 2/3 maintainer vote
+
+### Contributors
+
+- **Definition**: Anyone who submits code, documentation, or other project improvements
+- **Responsibilities**:
+  - Follow contribution guidelines
+  - Participate constructively in discussions
+  - Respect code of conduct
+- **Rights**:
+  - Propose changes and improvements
+  - Participate in community discussions
+  - Vote on certain governance matters
+
+### Community Members
+
+- **Definition**: Users, advocates, and supporters of the project
+- **Responsibilities**:
+  - Provide feedback and bug reports
+  - Help other users
+  - Promote project adoption
+- **Rights**:
+  - Access to all project resources
+  - Participation in community discussions
+  - Voting on non-technical governance matters
+
+## Decision-Making Process
+
+### Technical Decisions
+
+1. **Minor Changes**: Maintainer approval required
+2. **Major Features**: Maintainer consensus + Project Lead approval
+3. **Breaking Changes**: Community discussion + 2/3 maintainer vote + Project Lead approval
+4. **Security Issues**: Immediate Project Lead + Security team review
+
+### Governance Decisions
+
+1. **Role Appointments**: Project Lead decision with community input
+2. **Governance Changes**: Community discussion + 2/3 contributor vote + Project Lead approval
+3. **Project Direction**: Project Lead decision with maintainer consultation
+
+### Conflict Resolution
+
+1. **Level 1**: Direct discussion between parties
+2. **Level 2**: Mediation by a neutral maintainer
+3. **Level 3**: Project Lead intervention
+4. **Level 4**: BitGo management involvement (for corporate projects)
+
+## Proposal Process
+
+### Feature Proposals
+
+1. Create GitHub issue with "proposal" label
+2. Community discussion period (minimum 1 week)
+3. Technical review by maintainers
+4. Implementation plan and timeline
+5. Approval by relevant maintainers and Project Lead
+
+### Governance Changes
+
+1. Create GitHub issue with "governance" label
+2. Community discussion period (minimum 2 weeks)
+3. Draft proposal with specific changes
+4. Community vote (2/3 majority required)
+5. Project Lead final approval
+
+## Communication Channels
+
+### Primary Channels
+
+- **GitHub Issues/PRs**: Technical discussions and proposals
+- **GitHub Discussions**: Community questions and general topics
+- **Security**: [email protected] for security-related issues
+
+### Secondary Channels
+
+- **Documentation**: Project README and wiki
+- **Releases**: GitHub releases with detailed changelogs
+- **Community Events**: Regular maintainer meetings (monthly)
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+All participants must adhere to the [Contributor Covenant Code of Conduct](https://www.contributor-covenant.org/version/2/1/code_of_conduct.html), adapted for BitGo projects:
+
+- Be respectful and inclusive
+- Focus on constructive criticism
+- Respect different viewpoints and experiences
+- Accept responsibility for mistakes
+- Show empathy towards other community members
+
+## Security and Compliance
+
+### Security Requirements
+
+- All code must pass security review before merge
+- Security vulnerabilities must be reported privately
+- Regular security audits and dependency updates
+- Compliance with relevant financial regulations
+
+### Legal and Compliance
+
+- All contributions must be compatible with Apache 2.0 license
+- Contributors must sign CLA (Contributor License Agreement)
+- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
+- Regular legal review of governance and processes
+
+## Project Lifecycle Management
+
+### Project Initiation
+
+1. Define project scope and objectives
+2. Establish initial governance structure
+3. Create contribution guidelines
+4. Set up communication channels
+5. Document security and compliance requirements
+
+### Ongoing Management
+
+1. Regular maintainer meetings
+2. Quarterly project health reviews
+3. Annual governance model review
+4. Continuous community engagement
+5. Regular security and compliance audits
+
+### Project Transition/End-of-Life
+
+1. 6-month advance notice for major changes
+2. Community discussion and feedback period
+3. Migration assistance and documentation
+4. Archive of project resources
+5. Clear communication of next steps
+
+## Succession Planning
+
+### Project Lead Succession
+
+1. Identify potential successors (internal and external)
+2. 6-month transition period
+3. Knowledge transfer and mentorship
+4. Community approval process
+5. Gradual handover of responsibilities
+
+### Maintainer Succession
+
+1. Regular evaluation of maintainer activity
+2. Proactive identification of new maintainers
+3. Mentorship and training programs
+4. Gradual increase in responsibilities
+5. Community recognition and support
+
+## Metrics and Evaluation
+
+### Project Health Metrics
+
+- Contributor activity and retention
+- Issue resolution time
+- Security vulnerability response time
+- Community engagement levels
+- Adoption and usage statistics
+
+### Governance Effectiveness
+
+- Decision-making efficiency
+- Conflict resolution success rate
+- Community satisfaction surveys
+- Maintainer and contributor retention
+- Project sustainability indicators
+
+## Amendment Process
+
+This governance model may be amended through the following process:
+
+1. **Proposal**: Create GitHub issue with detailed amendment proposal
+2. **Discussion**: 2-week community discussion period
+3. **Review**: Maintainer review and feedback
+4. **Vote**: Community vote requiring 2/3 majority
+5. **Approval**: Project Lead final approval
+6. **Implementation**: Update documentation and communicate changes
+
+## Conclusion
+
+This governance model provides a framework for sustainable, transparent, and inclusive open source project management. It balances corporate oversight with community autonomy, ensuring both security and innovation while preventing project fragmentation or abandonment.
+
+Regular review and adaptation of this model ensures it remains effective as projects grow and evolve.
+
+---
+
+_Last updated: January 2025_
+_Version: 1.0_