Earthlings Ethics | Earthlings

SECTION 01

Foundational Values

Respect for the Individual

Every person has an inalienable right to their own opinion, belief, choice, and way of life
In 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 participant takes on personal involvement in the development of the people to the extent of their capabilities
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

Participant 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.

Conflict 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 process them through the "3 steps" 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

Conflict 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 recognize care for all of humanity 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 have NO power 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 (POWER)

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.

Updateability 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.