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 [[3. Protocols/Cultural Protocols/Conflict Transformation Protocol|Conflict Transformation Protocol]] concludes with a recommendation for membership action ## Authority & Oversight | Role | Authority | Accountability | |------|-----------|----------------| | [[Steward Council]] | Reviews applications, makes membership decisions | Alliance Assembly | | [[2. Structure/Roles/Steward|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 [[3. Protocols/Cultural Protocols/Conflict Transformation Protocol|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: 1. Member notifies any Steward of departure 2. Access concluded within 7 days 3. Member removed from directory No waiting period or approval required. ## Involuntary Removal Following [[3. Protocols/Cultural Protocols/Conflict Transformation Protocol|Conflict Transformation Protocol]] recommendation: 1. Steward Council reviews recommendation 2. Council decides by majority vote 3. If removal confirmed, Member notified with explanation 4. 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 - [[Member Protocol]] — Ongoing membership expectations - [[3. Protocols/Cultural Protocols/Conflict Transformation Protocol|Conflict Transformation Protocol]] — Handles membership-affecting conflicts - [[Steward Council Protocol]] — Where membership decisions occur