These guidelines integrate the collaborative spirit of the Linux Foundation, the inclusivity and respect emphasized by the Python Foundation, and the focus on transparency and mentorship from the Eclipse Foundation. They aim to create a balanced and effective framework for participation in the KERI Foundation.
Introduction
The KERI Foundation is a collaborative, open, and inclusive community dedicated to advancing KERI version of Decentralized Technologies. We believe that our community thrives when everyone participates actively and respectfully. These guidelines are designed to help ensure a positive experience for all participants and to maintain the high standards of behavior and contribution expected in the KERI community.
1. General Expectations
- Respect and Professionalism: Treat all participants with respect and professionalism. Disagreements should be handled constructively, with a focus on resolving issues rather than escalating conflicts.
- Inclusivity: Strive to include a diverse range of voices and perspectives in all discussions and decision-making processes. Make an effort to accommodate different communication styles and needs.
- Openness: Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback. Engage in transparent communication and decision-making processes.
2. Contribution Guidelines
- High-Quality Contributions: Ensure that your contributions are well-researched, thoughtfully presented, and aligned with the goals and standards of the KERI Foundation. This includes code contributions, documentation, event organization, and community support.
- Attribution and Credit: Always give proper credit to the original authors of ideas, code, or documentation. Acknowledge the contributions of others when building upon their work.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with others, seeking consensus and valuing the input of all contributors. Respect the processes and workflows established by the community.
3. Communication Guidelines
- Clarity and Precision: Communicate clearly and concisely, especially in technical discussions. Ensure that your messages are easy to understand and free from ambiguity.
- Constructive Feedback: When providing feedback, focus on constructive criticism that is specific, actionable, and aimed at helping others improve. Avoid personal attacks or dismissive comments.
- Active Listening: Listen actively and attentively to others. Acknowledge different viewpoints and respond thoughtfully.
4. Engagement in Community Activities
- Participation: Actively participate in community activities, including meetings, discussions, and events. Your engagement helps to shape the direction and success of the KERI Foundation.
- Mentorship: Support and mentor new and less experienced members of the community. Share your knowledge and experience generously to help others grow and succeed.
- Responsibility: Take responsibility for your actions and contributions. If you commit to a task or project, follow through and communicate clearly if you encounter challenges.
5. Reporting Issues and Seeking Help
- Safe Environment: If you witness or experience behavior that is inconsistent with these guidelines or the KERI Foundation Code of Conduct, report it promptly to the appropriate channels. The KERI Foundation is committed to addressing all concerns with discretion and care.
- Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to seek help or clarification from community leaders or peers if you are unsure about how to proceed with a contribution or how to navigate community interactions.
6. Decision-Making Process
- Consensus-Driven: Decisions in the KERI Foundation are generally made through consensus. Engage in discussions and contribute your perspective, but also be willing to compromise and support the collective decision.
- Transparency: All decisions, especially those affecting the broader community, should be made transparently. Document and share the rationale behind decisions to ensure clarity and understanding.
- Respecting Authority: While consensus is the goal, certain decisions may be made by designated leaders or working groups. Respect the roles and responsibilities of these individuals and groups.
- Responsibility and Deliverables: Board members have fine-grained responsibilities and are liable. They also strive to meet deliverables specified by the foundation’s objectives and operational goals. Some decisions are made by the board.
How decisions are made when consensus can’t be met is anticipated on and eloborated on in informal and formal documents, like design principles of the KERI Foundation and concept statutes. Despite the contours in our design with respect to says and votes are clear (see Roles and organization), the details have to be filled in: Will there be a vote, and who is eligible to vote, or is the decision made by the board or working group chair, etc. In the event of no consensus, what is the path forward. This may be something the initial board may need to discuss and decided how to approach should this event happen, that hopefully will never come.
7. Continuous Improvement
- Feedback Loops: The KERI Foundation values continuous improvement. Provide feedback on processes, guidelines, and community practices to help us evolve and improve over time.
The way to do provide feedback is joining one or both of the KERI-Foundation Meetings; the bi-weekly setup meeting for members in a private github environment (ask to be let with a github username, via the contact form), or the alternating bi-weekly Market & Community Meeting. Of course it’s also possible to leave comments on this site and/or in github issues of the KERI Foundation github site. - Learning and Development: Engage in continuous learning to improve your skills and knowledge in decentralized identity technologies and related fields. Share what you learn with the community.
Conclusion
The success of the KERI Foundation depends on the active and respectful participation of all members. By adhering to these guidelines, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and productive community that advances the field of decentralized identity for the benefit of all.