This protocol governs how interpersonal conflicts and grievances are addressed within the Network Nations Alliance — prioritizing restoration, learning, and community health over punishment.
Instantiation
Trigger Type: Action-based
Trigger Condition:
- A Member raises a concern about another Member’s behavior
- A pattern of harmful behavior is observed
- A dispute arises that participants cannot resolve directly
- A violation of participation ethics is reported
Authority & Oversight
| Role | Authority | Accountability |
|---|---|---|
| Parties | Authority over their own participation in process | Each other, community |
| Mediator | Facilitates process, no decision authority | Steward Council |
| Steward Council | Final authority on membership consequences | Alliance Assembly |
Principles
- Transformation over punishment: Focus on understanding, repair, and changed behavior
- Direct communication first: Encourage parties to address issues directly when safe
- Confidentiality: Process details remain private unless parties consent otherwise
- Voluntary participation: Parties cannot be compelled, but non-participation has implications
- Community care: Both parties and the broader community deserve care
Rights & Responsibilities
Reporting Party
Rights:
- Have concerns heard and taken seriously
- Participate in process design
- Decline mediation if unsafe
- Receive updates on process status
Responsibilities:
- Report in good faith
- Participate constructively if choosing mediation
- Respect confidentiality
Responding Party
Rights:
- Know the nature of concerns raised
- Respond to concerns
- Participate in process design
- Have presumption of good faith until shown otherwise
Responsibilities:
- Engage constructively with the process
- Reflect on impact of behavior
- Respect confidentiality
Mediator
Rights:
- Set process boundaries
- Pause or end process if becoming harmful
- Decline to mediate if conflicted
Responsibilities:
- Remain neutral and impartial
- Hold confidentiality
- Support both parties’ dignity
- Escalate to Steward Council when appropriate
Process Sequence
| Step | Action | Actor | Duration | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Report concern | Reporting party | — | Concern documented |
| 2 | Initial assessment | Steward | Within 72 hours | Severity determination |
| 3 | Direct resolution (if appropriate) | Parties | 1-2 weeks | Resolution or escalation |
| 4 | Mediation (if needed) | Mediator + parties | 2-4 weeks | Agreement or escalation |
| 5 | Council review (if needed) | Steward Council | 1-2 weeks | Final determination |
Step 1: Report Concern
Concerns may be reported to any Steward through private message. Reports should include:
- Nature of the concern
- Specific incidents if applicable
- Desired outcome
- Any safety considerations
Step 2: Initial Assessment
A Steward assesses the concern and determines:
- Severity: Minor (interpersonal friction), Moderate (pattern of harm), Severe (immediate safety concern)
- Appropriate path: Direct resolution, mediation, or immediate Council involvement
- Safety measures: Any immediate actions needed
Step 3: Direct Resolution
For minor concerns, parties are encouraged to address issues directly:
- Steward offers coaching on constructive communication
- Parties attempt direct conversation
- Steward checks in after 1-2 weeks
- If resolved, process concludes; if not, escalates to mediation
Step 4: Mediation
If direct resolution is not appropriate or successful:
- Neutral mediator selected (Steward or external party)
- Mediator meets with each party separately
- Joint session facilitated with focus on understanding and repair
- Agreement documented if reached
Step 5: Council Review
If mediation fails or concerns are severe:
- Steward Council reviews full situation
- Both parties may provide written statements
- Council determines appropriate response, which may include:
- Required behavior changes
- Temporary removal from spaces
- Membership suspension or removal
Potential Outcomes
| Outcome | When Applied | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| No action needed | Misunderstanding clarified | Mediator |
| Behavioral agreement | Parties reach understanding | Mediator |
| Required changes | Pattern requires intervention | Steward Council |
| Temporary suspension | Cooling off period needed | Steward Council |
| Membership removal | Severe or repeated violations | Steward Council |
Completion & Outputs
Protocol completes when:
- Concern is resolved to reporting party’s satisfaction
- Agreement is reached and documented
- Steward Council makes final determination
- Reporting party withdraws concern
Outputs:
- Confidential record of process and outcome
- Any agreements documented
- Membership status updates if applicable
Exceptions & Edge Cases
- Immediate safety concerns: Steward Council may take immediate protective action pending full process
- External matters: Alliance does not adjudicate matters outside Alliance spaces unless they directly impact participation
- Steward conflicts: If a Steward is party to conflict, they recuse; if all Stewards conflicted, external mediator engaged
Related Protocols
- Membership Protocol — Handles membership removal outcomes
- Member Protocol — Defines participation ethics
- Steward Council Protocol — Council review procedures