Introduction

These are the rules for the Commune Members to operate under in addition to the Code of Conduct.

  1. I agree to help Heimkoma Commune achieve its stated goals and mission.
  2. I agree to pay dues (money and time, or otherwise negotiated) as set by the membership, in a timely manner.
  3. I will participate in an inclusive democratic decision making structure of the Heimkoma Commune government (or consciously waive my right to express my opinions) and abide by the decisions made, including those made before my membership in Heimkoma Commune. I understand that a democratic government depends on the integrity of its participants and their commitment to the ideals of trust, respect, self-empowerment, cooperation, equal access to power, and non-violence.
  4. I agree to give up my membership upon request of the members, at their will and for any reason(s), according to the process outlined in Heimkoma Commune’s bylaws.
  5. I agree to resolve conflict peacefully and be open to the use of mediation.
  6. I am committed to the vision of diverse membership of Heimkoma Commune and will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, ability, educational level, or economic background. I will attempt to minimize barriers to members of minority groups wishing to participate.
  7. I understand that part of the Heimkoma Commune's mission is to serve as an example of sustainable living through outreach and education. I understand that Heimkoma Commune will continually pursue this goal by being open to new members (as resources allow), guests, and visitors and by publicizing the actions and activities of our community.

Conflict Resolution

Should you have an issue with a Member and have contacted a Commune Manager, we will assign a representative to you to assist in mediating your issue.

From that point on, you'll work with the representative to peaceably find a solution that works for you and the person you are concerned about. If a peaceable solution cannot be found, you may call for an expulsion of the individual.

Expulsion Process

Expulsion of a full member may, but need not, take place for any of the following reasons:

  1. The member openly repudiates the principles of the Commune and works against their implementation.

  2. The member is found guilty by local, state, or federal authorities of some crime or misdemeanor and the Community therefore feels it is no longer appropriate for the individual to remain a member of the Commune.

  3. The member consistently does less than their share of the Community work.

  4. The member absents themselves from the Community for more than three weeks beyond the point of legitimate vacation according to current Community policy or without having made satisfactory arrangements with the Community with regard to their absence.

  5. The member physically, sexually and/or mentally abuses another member or guest of the Community, or any child, by any aggressive action and/or words which the Community interprets as sufficiently serious and/or likely to be repeated to warrant expulsion. The application of the foregoing provision to abusive words is not intended to inhibit the free expression of information, opinion, belief or emotion. It is intended to apply when oral or written language is presented in a threatening, harassing, or violent manner such that it would be reasonably expected to cause physical, sexual or mental harm.

  6. The member repeatedly and/or flagrantly violates the equality principle by appropriating and using items (including but not limited to cash) intended for the use of the Community as a whole or property designated for other use; or repeatedly or flagrantly steals property belonging to someone else.

  7. The member is discovered to have made bad faith declarations of the extent or disposition of cos property when entering the Community or subsequently, or they grossly violates the Code of Conduct with regard to the disposition of said property or the disposition of any income co received while a member.

  8. The member deliberately and overtly attempts to destroy or disband the Community by any legal, extralegal, or financial means or in any other manner, provided that this shall not be broadly interpreted to refer to the holding of disapproved opinions or to behavior which from time to time might be considered dangerous. It is intended to refer specifically to deliberately making trouble between the Community and civil authorities, involving the Community in a lawsuit, involving the Community in unauthorized financial obligations, and such similar hostile acts or attempted hostile acts. The above provisions shall not be taken as requiring the Community to expel a member, even for these reasons. The Community may, but need not, expel a member for any of the above reasons. The Community also has the option of substituting other remedies or sanctions.

Expulsion Mechanism.

The procedure for expulsion shall be as follows:

Expulsion may be proposed by any voting member. The Community Managers and/or such other body of members as the Community Managers may authorize either ad-hoc or as a matter of policy, shall hold a public meeting or meetings on the proposed expulsion — provided, however, that at one meeting or another the member in question shall be given full opportunity to answer any accusations or to explain their conduct or view and express their desires concerning their membership, if possible.

If, after the member in question has been heard, the Community desires their expulsion, if possible, they shall be so informed, at which time they will normally be allowed at least three days before they are required to leave the Community premises. Extensions of this period may be made at the discretion of the Community.