Community Practices

Assume good faith

That means we simply take it as a given that people mean well. They have good intentions. Things don't always come out well or effectively or as well meaning. And let's face it, this online medium just doesn't convey the emotion and connection as effectively as we do when face to face. So in the spectrum of ways to interpret comments, focus optimistically on the one that rests on positive intention. Simply stated: give people the benefit of the doubt.

All together now

OsoEco is a community...of individuals. While we might all resonate with green living, we may have very diverse beliefs about specifics. As a community we value each individual in the community. And as individuals, we value the collective community. We actively encourage people who care for the individuals contributing here as well as those who care for the community as a whole. Honor togetherness. Our strengths rely on our diversity and our ability to balance that with common purpose.

Real rather than imitation

Whether using a real name or not, be a real person. Meet other humans, as they are. The more three-dimensional you are in community, the more we can have compassion for each other and find genuine connections. This builds community.

Be a contribution

The community is composed of contributors and contributions. Take pleasure in giving the best resources you can to the group. Lend a hand when and where you can. We are in this together and we all need you. Contributions are not only links and information. Contributions can be connections made between people or between people and ideas. Contributions are also statements of gratitude and your very way of being and presence. Thank you for being a contribution to our community and a healthier world.

Do-ocracy

The creators of this space place trust in the community to do the work of collectively building knowledge as we individually collect information and discuss it. There are no assigned tasks. If you see something needs to be done, do it. If you see something that could be done better, rather than undermine the good contributor who voluntarily offered up what they were able, make the improvements yourself. Be empowered to make things better. No "should haves" or "I would have" here please. Do it. Power to those who DO IT. Applause to those who DO IT.

Its personal

Be personal and specific in your praise and impersonal and specific in your criticism.

A note about conflicts

First, we aren't on our edge nor going deep enough if we don't have conflicts. Conflict is learning and highly valued. However, we are not all zen masters of detachment and acceptance. If you find yourself in conflict with another, we encourage you to:

1. try to listen to the other perspective--sometimes just being heard releases the tension of conflict.
2. ask for what is needed. People spend lots of time making assumptions and telling stories which can be endlessly debated. Ask directly, "What do you need here to achieve an acceptable resolution?" Followed by a "what are you asking for so you can have that?"
3. get help. Bring in a third party for mediating. Contact a community manager to intervene, especially if there are personal attacks and undermining of the community.