Principles developed together
When we work together, we want room to speak, to set our own limits and to discuss fair compensation for our work openly. BenBiz’s shared principles help us build that common ground. They guide us in respecting human dignity, caring for nature and taking shared responsibility. As we learn from experience, they develop through clear reasons.
When we work together
When a task is being discussed, you should be able to say, ‘I do not have time this week.’ The work, the time you can offer and any compensation should be clear from the start. When you disagree with a decision that affects you, you should be able to explain why.
One of our principles · Common purpose across difference
Working together does not ask you to leave your beliefs, ethnic background, identity or affiliations behind. You bring your own knowledge, experience and perspective to the shared work.
We may not agree on everything. We listen to one another, make room for different reasons and discuss openly what we can do together.
What a commitment means in daily life
These nine principles guide us when we make decisions, work together and discuss fair compensation. Each card sets out our shared commitment and what it means in everyday life.
No economic, technological or administrative outcome may reduce a person to a mere instrument.
In everyday practiceA person’s worth does not diminish when they decline a task, hide their profile or raise an objection. Participation is voluntary; no one is pressured into shared work.
Everyone is equal in human dignity; genuine differences in need, work, risk and responsibility are not flattened.
In everyday practiceWhen we discuss recognition or compensation, we consider need, work, risk and responsibility together. We do not divide outcomes into equal shares without understanding who took on what and who is affected.
Work, time, knowledge, relationships, space, materials and finance are recorded separately; one is not substituted for another.
In everyday practiceThe same contribution is never counted twice. Voluntary contribution, an accepted task, an earned entitlement and an actual payment are recorded separately; one does not stand in for another.
We do not ignore money; we redefine its place. It is not the purpose that directs shared life, but a tool for meeting real needs and carrying fair payment for work.
In everyday practiceAny price, fee or financial contribution is made clear before work begins. Putting in more money does not by itself buy more voice, priority or authority.
We do not hide the source of a claim, the present state of a project or an interest that may affect a decision.
In everyday practiceWe say clearly whether work is in use, in pilot, in preparation or under research. An example is not presented as a real product, nor a private interest as a shared reason.
Technical systems may organise information and show options; a judgment affecting people cannot be left to a closed algorithm.
In everyday practiceImportant outcomes have an accountable person and an understandable reason. Anyone affected should be able to see where they can request a correction or raise an objection.
Benefit today cannot be built by consuming the possibilities of nature and future generations.
In everyday practiceWhen we discuss a project’s speed and cost, we also consider its effects on soil, water and biodiversity. Local knowledge and future generations’ needs form part of the decision.
Private information is protected; visibility, contact and sharing depend on explicit consent.
In everyday practiceA profile, online status, contact details, address and earnings are not combined into one public record. Making information visible or sharing it depends on the person’s explicit consent.
Differences of belief, ethnic origin, identity and affiliation are not treated as barriers to shared benefit. No single narrative or affiliation is imposed.
In everyday practiceWhen we disagree, we listen to one another. We make no room for conduct that demeans, excludes or turns people against one another over their beliefs, background, identity or affiliations.
How do principles develop?
When a principle no longer meets a need in everyday life, we discuss what is going wrong and how it could improve. Long-standing rules can be reconsidered, and new proposals are assessed through their reasons, possible benefits and risks.
Those affected take part in the discussion. A better proposal can replace the existing rule, with a decision grounded in clear reasons, sufficient participation and what we learn in practice. A passing majority preference alone is not enough.
See the five-step process →From a proposal to a shared decision
We consider a change in five steps. Its reasons, people’s concerns and what we learn from the trial all inform the decision; differing views stay on record.
Proposal
We record which principle should change, why it needs to change, the problem experienced and whom or what the proposal is meant to benefit.
Deliberation
We discuss support, concerns, possible harms, exceptions and alternatives, and keep a record of the different reasons people give.
Pilot
Where possible, we test the change in a limited circle for a defined period. We measure its effects in practice against what the proposal promises.
Evaluation
We explain the effects on human dignity, work, the common good, nature and future generations. We assess unexpected outcomes, side effects and practical feasibility together.
Approval
The change takes effect when both participation and approval requirements are met. The previous wording, trial results and reasons for dissent are kept with the decision.
Two separate conditions for a decision
A change needs to meet both thresholds. Participation is measured against all eligible voters; approval is measured against all votes cast.
Based on all eligible voters
At least 60% of eligible voters in the relevant circle must cast a vote. Yes, no and abstentions all count as participation; silence does not.
Example: If 10 people are eligible, at least 6 must vote.
Based on all votes cast
At least 60% of all votes cast must be yes. Abstentions stay in the total; they do not count as approval.
Example: If 6 votes are cast, at least 4 must be yes.
A decision is made; different voices remain
Accepting a proposal does not mean everyone agrees. We preserve differing views and their reasons; a warning held by a minority today may guide the next review.
Support, concerns and objections are recorded separately. The risks and alternatives raised by opposing views are preserved.
Pilot results, unexpected outcomes and side effects stay on record with the decision.
Previous versions of each principle and the reasons for changes remain visible.
We set a date to reconsider the decision. The findings and differing views we have kept inform that review.
How is a principle recorded?
Each principle’s record brings together the shared commitment, its reasons, its current use and its change history. These six fields show what informed the decision and when we will review it.
We write our shared commitment clearly, briefly and in words everyone can understand.
We explain the need it addresses and how it benefits people, nature and other living beings.
We state whom it concerns and applies to, where it applies, and whether it is in use, in pilot or in preparation.
We record support, concerns, objections and alternatives. We also explain interests that could affect the decision.
We record pilot findings and indicators, unexpected outcomes and side effects together.
We keep the approval date, earlier wording and changes. We also record the next review date.
Where things stand today
See what is open today and the limits of participation.
Anyone can read the principles, the starting rule of 60% participation and 60% approval, and the decision guide with examples.
Members are testing proposals, discussion and voluntary tasks together. Voting is open to members eligible to vote in the relevant circle.
A vote, accepted task or app record does not by itself create a payment, contract, economic entitlement or website publication. The necessary agreements and practical steps are completed separately.
Ways to continue
Follow an example decision step by step in the guide, and see where the work stands on the Projects page. Try Shared Decisions 0.1 in the member app as a pilot; voting rights depend on the relevant circle.