Earthlings Ethics

Social Fabric of Earthlings

These ethical principles serve as a moral compass for Earthlings, defining the foundations of interaction within the community and in its relations with the wider world.
SECTION 01

Foundational Values

Respect for the Individual

  • Every Earthling has an inalienable right to their own opinion, belief, choice, and way of life
  • Within the Earthlings people, any forms of discrimination, humiliation, or harassment are categorically unacceptable
  • Communication between Earthlings is built on kindness, tolerance, and sincerity

Freedom and Participation

  • Every Earthling contributes to the development of the community according to their abilities
  • We clearly distinguish between criticism of ideas and attitude toward the person
  • Substantive discussions should not turn into personal conflicts

Transparency and Honesty

  • All processes, decisions made, and resource distribution must be open
  • Using the Earthlings people for manipulation or personal gain at the expense of the Earthlings people is unacceptable
  • Every participant has the right to ask questions and receive clear, honest answers
SECTION 02

Trust as Social Capital

Trust is not an abstraction, but a resource. It replaces control, reduces risks, accelerates decision-making, and fosters a sense of belonging.

Transparency

An Earthling understands how the system works

Consistency

Predictability of actions and decisions

Sincerity

Honesty in communication and acknowledging mistakes

Mistakes do not destroy trust if followed by honest acknowledgment and correction.
SECTION 03

Interaction and Communication

Ethics of Dialogue

We strive for constructive communication aimed at finding solutions, not escalating conflicts.

The Earthlings people support and develop ethics of mindful communication:

Active Listening

Hear not only words, but also emotions, motivation, context

I-statements

"I think...", "I feel...", "I need..."

Respect for Differences

Acceptance of diversity of opinions, languages, cultures, feelings

  • We practice active listening: we strive to understand the interlocutor
  • In difficult situations, we use "I-statements" instead of accusations
  • Every opinion deserves respectful consideration
  • Rejection of sarcasm and passive aggression in public space
  • Encouraging sincere admission of being wrong
  • Gratitude for Feedback
Disagreement is not conflict, but a growth point.

Dispute Resolution

Prohibited: use of threats, slander, sarcasm, passive aggression, or boycott as pressure tools.

Conflicts are inevitable in any living system. The key is not in their complete elimination, but in the ability to work through them using the three-step principle:

Step 1

Direct dialogue between parties

Step 2

If necessary - involving a mediator

Step 3

In extreme cases - appeal to the Independent Council of Earthlings for an advisory opinion. The ICE may publish recommendations, but the final decision remains with the parties to the conflict or, in exceptional cases, with the DAO Assembly through voting

  • All disagreements are resolved through dialogue, mediation, and respect for the right to be heard
  • We choose restorative justice over punitive
Conflicts are not a threat, but a growth resource. They reveal imperfections in the system and help form new norms.

Feedback Principle

  • Constructive criticism is welcomed when aimed at improvement
  • We value sincere admission of being wrong and express gratitude for feedback
  • Feedback should be specific, timely, and focused on actions
SECTION 04

Dispute Resolution

Disagreements between Earthlings are inevitable and natural. They arise from differences in experience, values, interpretations, and interests. Conflict itself is not a problem - the problem is the inability to resolve it constructively.

The Earthlings people strive to make disagreements a source of development, not destruction. For this purpose, there is a phased conflict resolution system.

Stage 1: Direct Dialogue

The first step in resolving any disagreement is a direct conversation between the parties. Earthlings strive to:

  • Listen to the other party's position without interrupting
  • Express your position through describing facts and feelings, not through accusations
  • Seek common interests behind opposing positions
  • Propose solutions that consider the interests of both parties

Most disagreements are resolved at this stage.

Stage 2: Mediation

If direct dialogue did not lead to resolution, the parties may turn to mediation.

Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral intermediary (mediator) helps parties find a mutually acceptable solution. The mediator does not make decisions and does not determine who is right. Their task is to create conditions for constructive dialogue.

Who can be a mediator: Any Earthling trusted by both parties and without personal interest in the outcome can serve as a mediator. The Earthlings people maintain a registry of Earthlings who have completed mediation training and are ready to serve as mediators.

Mediation procedure:

  • One of the parties sends a mediation request through the Earthlings platform
  • The second party confirms consent to mediation
  • Parties jointly select a mediator from the registry or by mutual agreement
  • The mediator organizes a meeting (online or offline) and facilitates the process
  • If the parties reach an agreement, it is recorded in writing
  • The agreement has moral force; parties take on a voluntary commitment to fulfill it

Confidentiality: Mediation content is confidential. The mediator and parties do not disclose discussion details. Only the fact of mediation and its result (agreement reached / not reached) is published.

Timelines: Mediation must be completed within 30 days from the second party's consent. By mutual agreement of the parties, the deadline may be extended.

Stage 3: Appeal to DAO

If mediation did not resolve the conflict, and the dispute affects community interests or requires a principled decision, either party has the right to bring the matter to the DAO Assembly.

Appeal to the DAO is a last resort. It is used when:
  • The conflict concerns interpretation of norms and rules of the Earthlings people
  • One of the parties systematically violates ethical norms
  • A decision creating precedent for future situations is required

DAO Assembly cannot exclude an Earthling from the people, but can apply restrictive measures in accordance with the Charter.

What is not subject to mediation

Mediation does not apply in cases of:

  • Direct threats to life or safety
  • Explicit violations of the Declaration of the Earthlings
  • Criminal offenses (such cases are referred to competent authorities in relevant jurisdictions)
Consideration of disputes brought to the DAO Assembly level is carried out in accordance with procedures established by the Earthlings Charter. This section defines the ethical foundations of conflict resolution; the Charter defines formal procedures and possible restrictive measures.
SECTION 05

Ethics of Creation

We move from criticism to proposals: instead of "this is bad" - "here's how it can be done better."

The Earthlings people strive for an ethics in which:

Criticism is Constructive

Proposals are formulated as specific solutions

Mistakes as Learning

Are perceived as inevitable steps of learning and growth, not grounds for punishment

Experiments are encouraged

We support innovation and creative approaches

Collaborative Creation

More important than individual superiority

Participation is valued above status

Everyone who acts becomes an author of the future

SECTION 06

Work in Cells and Teams

Within cells, the principle of equality, trust, and shared contribution to results applies.
  • Every participant has the right to change their participation format or leave a cell without judgment
  • Decisions are made collegially, considering the opinions of all participants

Contribution and Recognition

  • Assessment of participant contributions happens through transparent, fair criteria
  • We recognize and value diversity of participation forms: from ideas to practical implementation
  • Collaborative creation and achievements are valued above individual superiority
SECTION 07

Interaction with the External World

Representation of the People

  • Every Earthling commits to maintaining dignity and respect for other cultures
  • We do not participate in propaganda, disinformation, incitement to hatred or aggression
  • The reputation of the people is important, as is the reputation of each of its members

Expansion and Inclusivity

When expanding the Earthlings people to new regions, we act with respect for local context and traditions.
  • We don't impose, we offer: integration happens on a voluntary basis
  • We strive for inclusivity, considering diversity of opinions and cultures
  • Cultural differences are viewed as a source of enrichment

Global Care

  • We acknowledge our duty of care toward all humankind and the planet
  • Our actions consider the interests of future generations and environmental sustainability
  • We reject violence and choose the path of dialogue, care, and creation
SECTION 08

Resources and Information

Data Protection and Privacy

Protection principle: Personal data of participants cannot be used for commercial, political, or manipulative purposes.
  • We respect everyone's right to privacy and control over their data
  • All systems meet high standards of security and ethics
  • Consent to data use must be informed and voluntary

Intellectual Property

  • Intellectual property created by the Earthlings people is recognized as collective
  • We respect copyrights and intellectual property of third parties
  • We support openness of knowledge and technology for the common good

Use of Tokens and Resources

  • All internal tools are applied on principles of fairness and transparency
  • Resource distribution happens with priority for the common good
  • We strive for economic justice and sustainability
SECTION 09

Leadership and Governance

Ethics of Coordination and Service Roles

Coordinators in the Earthlings people are participants who voluntarily take on service roles (technical support, moderation, facilitation). Their task is to serve the community, not govern it. Coordinators hold NO governing authority and can be recalled by the DAO Assembly at any time.
  • All coordinators must be role models in adhering to ethical principles
  • Abuse of trust can lead to temporary suspension of participation
  • The coordinator role is based on trust and can be revoked by the DAO Assembly

Decision Making

  • Decisions are made inclusively, considering the opinions of all stakeholders
  • We strive for consensus, but respect diversity of views
  • The decision-making process is transparent and based on the values of the Earthlings people

    • Role Architecture in the Earthlings People

    DAO Assembly (all Earthlings) - making all decisions (AUTHORITY)

    Core Nodes - technical coordination (SERVICE)

    Emergency Multisig - protection against exploits (SECURITY)

    Independent Council - expert recommendations (CONSULTATION)

Psychological Safety

Every participant has the right to a safe communication space where they will not be judged, devalued, or attacked.
  • We create an atmosphere where people are not afraid to express ideas
  • Support for mental wellbeing is an important part of our ethics
  • Confidentiality of personal issues is strictly maintained
  • Moderation and self-regulation maintain a safe space
  • Access to psychological support and mutual aid cells
SECTION 10

Development and Adaptation

Continuous Learning

The Earthlings people encourage development of skills:

Empathy and NVC

Nonviolent Communication

Critical Thinking

Cooperation

Dialogue and Facilitation

Skills for Conducting Productive Discussions

Emotional Intelligence

Awareness of one's own and others' emotions, self-regulation, and capacity for reflection

  • We recognize the value of continuous learning and development
  • We learn from mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth
These skills are not optional. They are the foundation of a new ethics without which the future is impossible.

Amendment of Principles

These principles are not a fixed dogma, but a living process that evolves with the people.
  • Every Earthling can propose changes and additions
  • Changes are made through an open discussion process
  • Foundational Values remain unchanged

Interpretation and Application

  • In ambiguous situations, interpretation is based on foundational values
  • Independent Council of Earthlings can provide assistance in resolving complex issues
  • We strive to apply principles consciously and flexibly
SECTION 11

Adherence to Principles

Role of the Independent Council of Earthlings

The Independent Council of Earthlings (ICE) is an advisory body that helps the community on complex ethical issues through public recommendations, but does not make binding decisions.
  • Advisory function: The ICE gives recommendations, not orders
  • Influence through reputation: The Council's strength lies in the authority of its experts, not in power
  • Publicity of conclusions: All ICE recommendations are published openly
  • Right to ignore: DAO Assembly can disagree with ICE recommendations without consequences
  • Independence: ICE members do not receive remuneration from the people and do not participate in governance
Important: The ICE cannot block DAO decisions, has no veto power, does not manage finances. It is an external observer and advisor whose role is to help, not to govern.

Adherence to ethical principles is ensured through ethics of mutual respect and participation of every Earthling. In complex cases, the Independent Council of Earthlings provides assistance in resolving conflicts and interpreting principles.