This protocol governs how individuals and organizations join the Network Nations Alliance, maintain membership, and depart.
Instantiation
Trigger Type: Action-based
Trigger Condition:
- An individual or organization submits a membership application
- A Member requests departure
- The Conflict Transformation Protocol concludes with a recommendation for membership action
Authority & Oversight
| Role | Authority | Accountability |
|---|---|---|
| Steward Council | Reviews applications, makes membership decisions | Alliance Assembly |
| Steward | Individual review of applications | Steward Council |
| Applicant/Member | Submits application or departure request | Steward Council |
Membership Criteria
Alignment: Demonstrated alignment with Alliance purpose, values, and worldview Interest: Genuine interest in Network Nations concept and movement Commitment: Willingness to participate and uphold participation ethics Good Faith: No known conflicts with Alliance values or existing Members
Both individuals and organizations are welcome. Organizations participate through designated representatives.
Rights & Responsibilities
Steward Council
Rights:
- Review and decide on membership applications
- Request additional information from applicants
- Determine membership status following Conflict Transformation Protocol
Responsibilities:
- Review applications within 30 days
- Apply criteria consistently and fairly
- Document decisions with rationale
- Communicate decisions to applicants
Applicant
Rights:
- Apply for membership
- Receive decision within 30 days
- Receive explanation if application is declined
- Reapply after 3 months if declined
Responsibilities:
- Provide accurate information
- Respond to requests for clarification
- Affirm alignment with Constitution upon acceptance
Process Sequence (Joining)
| Step | Action | Actor | Duration | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit application | Applicant | — | Application received |
| 2 | Review | Steward Council | Within 30 days | Decision made |
| 3 | Notification | Steward | Within 48 hours | Applicant informed |
| 4 | Onboarding | New Member + Steward | Following acceptance | Access granted, orientation provided |
Step 1: Application
Applicants submit membership application including:
- Name (individual or organization)
- Brief background and interest in Network Nations
- Statement of alignment with Alliance purpose and values
- Contact information
Step 2: Review
Steward Council reviews application using lazy consensus:
- If no concerns raised within 30 days, application approved
- If concern raised, Council discusses and decides
- Majority of Council required to decline application
Step 3: Decision Communication
- Approved: Applicant welcomed and directed to onboarding
- Declined: Applicant notified with explanation; may reapply after 3 months
Step 4: Onboarding
New Members receive:
- Access to Alliance platforms (Telegram, Notion)
- Orientation to Constitution and key protocols
- Introduction to community
- Invitation to upcoming Alliance Assembly
Maintaining Membership
Members maintain good standing by:
- Participating in at least one Alliance Assembly annually
- Upholding participation ethics
- Keeping contact information current
- Not being in unresolved conflict
Voluntary Departure
Members may depart at any time:
- Member notifies any Steward of departure
- Access concluded within 7 days
- Member removed from directory
No waiting period or approval required.
Involuntary Removal
Following Conflict Transformation Protocol recommendation:
- Steward Council reviews recommendation
- Council decides by majority vote
- If removal confirmed, Member notified with explanation
- Access concluded within 7 days
Re-engagement
Members who have become inactive may be contacted by Stewards:
- Inquiry about continued interest
- Invitation to re-engage
- If no response after 30 days, may be moved to inactive status
- Inactive members may reactivate by contacting Stewards
Completion & Outputs
Protocol completes when:
- Application is decided and (if approved) onboarding complete
- Departure is processed
Outputs:
- Membership directory updated
- Decision record maintained
- Communication to applicant/member
Exceptions & Edge Cases
- Founding members: Initial members may be grandfathered without formal application
- Urgent safety concerns: Steward Council may take immediate protective action pending full process
- Organizational representative change: Organizations notify Stewards; no new application required
Related Protocols
- Conflict Transformation Protocol — Handles membership-affecting conflicts
- Steward Council Protocol — Where membership decisions occur