CommonsEngine is an open collective built on cooperation, transparency, and respect.
We strive to create a community where contributors from all backgrounds can collaborate freely and safely to build the infrastructure for digital self-determination.
This document defines how we work together — in code, in conversation, and in shared responsibility.
We believe in:
- Freedom through design — technology should empower, not control.
- Mutual respect — we are comrades, not competitors.
- Transparency — discussions, decisions, and code should remain open.
- Kindness — critique ideas, not people.
- Accountability — everyone, including maintainers, follows the same rules.
We recognize that collaboration across borders, languages, and perspectives makes our work stronger.
Our diversity is not a challenge to manage — it is the foundation of the commons we are building.
To maintain a healthy environment, we expect everyone to:
- Use welcoming and inclusive language.
- Be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences.
- Offer constructive feedback and accept it gracefully.
- Focus on what is best for the community, not personal agendas.
- Assume good intentions, but take responsibility for impact.
- Respect privacy, consent, and data protection in all interactions.
The following behaviors are not acceptable in any CommonsEngine space (repositories, discussions, chats, or events):
- Harassment, discrimination, or personal attacks.
- Sexist, racist, or otherwise exclusionary language or imagery.
- Intimidation, threats, or sustained disruption of community activities.
- Doxxing or sharing private information without consent.
- Dismissing, silencing, or mocking contributors based on identity or belief.
- Any behavior that violates the spirit of openness, consent, or privacy.
Project maintainers are responsible for:
- Clarifying and upholding this Code of Conduct.
- Taking fair and consistent corrective actions when rules are violated.
- Removing or moderating contributions (issues, commits, comments) that break these principles.
- Escalating serious issues to the core stewardship group for review.
Maintainers who do not follow or enforce this Code of Conduct in good faith may be temporarily or permanently removed from the project.
This Code of Conduct applies to:
- All repositories and projects under the CommonsEngine organization.
- Public and private communications related to the project.
- Community events, digital forums, and any associated social channels.
If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct:
- Report it confidentially to lead maintainer / core stewardship team.
- Include relevant context, links, or screenshots if possible.
- Reports will be reviewed promptly and handled respectfully.
The core stewardship team will maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is required by law.
Depending on the severity and frequency of violations, actions may include:
- Warning and clarification of expectations.
- Temporary exclusion from discussions or contributions.
- Permanent removal from the community or organization.
- Public transparency report (when appropriate).
We value accountability over punishment — the goal is to protect the commons, not to police it.
This Code of Conduct is adapted from the Contributor Covenant,
with modifications to reflect the values and mission of CommonsEngine and the Sovereign ecosystem.
CommonsEngine
Building the infrastructure for digital self-determination.
Powering the Digital Commons.