Library of the Commons

We work towards the vision of a thriving ecosystem of empowered and well-coordinated communities of system changers.

What is “the Commons?” The Commons has three elements:

1. A resource that is collectively owned
2. A community that uses and stewards the resource
3. The agreements by which the community engages with the resource

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

1. Cooperation: We engage in a way that is mutually supportive of each other and the collective as a whole.
2. Equity: We commit to non-extractive practices, and provide access to information and resources that aid in identifying and dismantling social injustice.
3. Inclusivity: We design for accessibility and welcome participation regardless of class, race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, and ability.
4. Participatory Governance: We strive to include the perspectives and participation of all stakeholders in decision-making.
5. Transparency: We keep our practices and finances open to view.
6. Accountability: We welcome feedback and adjust our practices accordingly.
7. Resiliency: We design for agility and act in ways that support the well-being of our ecological, social and economic systems.
8. Pluralism: We promote intellectual freedom. We encourage and explore a diversity of thought, expression, activity and association.
9. Intersectionality: We value whole systems approaches to the interrelated issues we face.
10. Solidarity: We recognize that our sovereignty is bound up with one another.