THE CHARTER OF THE LATTICE COOPERATIVE#

As Ratified by the First Convenor, Mayaafox

PREAMBLE#

We, the Members of the Lattice Cooperative (hereby referred to as ‘The Lattice’), united by a shared belief in collaboration, community uplift, and interregional harmony, do hereby establish this Charter as the foundational law of our organization.

The Lattice exists as a civic, cultural, and infrastructural network operating across the territories of multiple nations with their consent. We are not a state, and we do not seek sovereignty; instead, we act as a distributed web of autonomous Nodes, small settlements, embassies, or community centers, embedded within host nations and aligned with their laws.

Through this Charter, we affirm our mission to support new players, facilitate international (InterCiv) cooperation, promote infrastructure and knowledge sharing, and build a more interconnected CivMC.

SECTION I - NATURE AND STATUS OF THE LATTICE#

1.1 – Non-Sovereign Status#

The Lattice Cooperative is a non-state, non-military, non-territorial civic organization. It does not claim borders, sovereignty, or independent jurisdiction.

1.2 – Nodes as Autonomous Territories#

Lattice Nodes are parcels of land located within a host nation, with full permission and agreement of that nation.

A Node:

1. Is internally administered by the Lattice.
2. Is externally subject to the laws, customs, and sovereignty of its host nation.
3. Functions similarly to an embassy, cultural center, or autonomous civic district.
4. May be revoked, relocated, or renegotiated by either party.

1.3 – Purpose of Nodes#

Nodes exist to:

• Provide safe havens for newfriends.
• Serve as training, building, and cultural hubs
• Support affiliated or developing towns
• Host educational or infrastructure programs
• Connect multiple communities through Lattice programming
• Store Lattice resources

1.4 – Diplomatic Framework#

1. All Nodes require mutual agreement between the Lattice and the hosting nation.
2. Nodes must not violate or circumvent national law.
3. The Lattice may negotiate operational privileges, but must always remain subordinate to host authority.
4. Nodes may not be militarized or fortified beyond what is necessary for peaceful civic purposes.

SECTION II - MEMBERSHIP AND INTERNAL STRUCTURE#

2.1 - Status Groups Within the Cooperative#

The Lattice recognizes two categories of participants:

A. Members (Internal Body)#

Members are the fully initiated individuals who participate in the internal governance, operations, planning, and administration of the Cooperative.

Members have access to:

• Internal decision-making
• Strategic discussions
• Node oversight
• Sensitive or diplomatic information
• Lattice-wide voting and amendment proposals

Members form the core operational body of the Cooperative.

B. Allies (External but Empowered Contributors)#

Allies are non-member individuals or representatives of nations/towns who formally collaborate with the Lattice.

An Ally may:

• Assist in Lattice programs
• Help operate Nodes (when permitted)
• Participate in cooperative events
• Contribute to large-scale projects
• Host Lattice Nodes within their nation
• Coordinate diplomacy or logistics with Lattice staff

However, Allies:

• Do not vote on internal Lattice decisions
• Do not hold internal office
• Do not access confidential or strategic information
• Do not govern Nodes

Allies form the external cooperative network through which the Lattice interfaces with the world.

2.2 - Eligibility and Admission#

Membership Admission#

Individuals may become Members only by:

1. Nomination by an existing Member or Weaver,
2. Vetting for trustworthiness, alignment with values, and reliability,
3. Final assent by the Convenor.

Membership is selective to preserve safety, cohesion, and organizational integrity.

Ally Admission#

A person or group becomes an Ally when:

• They enter into a formal cooperative relationship with the Lattice, OR
• Their nation hosts a Node, OR
• They participate in mutually agreed programs or objectives.

Nations may become Allies, but this does not grant Member status to their citizens.

2.3 - Rights of Members#

Members have the right to:

1. Participate fully in internal deliberation, planning, and amendments.
2. Hold offices within Divisions or Nodes.
3. Access internal communication channels.
4. Review diplomatic agreements and Node proposals.
5. Introduce initiatives or policy revisions.
6. Receive mediation and good-faith conflict resolution.
7. Represent the Lattice in negotiations (when appointed).

2.4 - Responsibilities of Members#

Members are expected to:

• Uphold the values and mission of the Cooperative,
• Maintain confidentiality where required,
• Act in good faith toward the Lattice and its Allies,
• Prevent damage to partner nations or Nodes,
• Avoid political manipulation using Lattice authority,
• Protect newfriends and vulnerable participants,
• Serve as positive emissaries of the Cooperative.

2.5 - Rights and Responsibilities of Allies#

Allies have the right to:

1. Collaborate openly with the Cooperative.
2. Request support from Lattice Divisions.
3. Host Lattice Nodes or events within their territory.
4. Participate in joint projects, infrastructure, or public works.

Allies must:

• Uphold agreements made with the Lattice,
• Respect Node autonomy, (if applicable)
• Avoid using the Lattice to influence their internal politics,
• Maintain good-faith cooperation.

2.6 - Distinction Between Members and Allies#

To ensure clarity: There is no general public assistance category. ALL assistance must come from Members or Allies only.

2.7 - Separation from the Public-Facing Side#

The Lattice’s internal and external operations are deliberately separated:

Internal (Members)

• Governance
• Node administration
• Diplomacy
• Strategy
• Sensitive decisions
• Organizational infrastructure

External (Allies & Partners)

• Charity work
• Public events
• Shared farms or Commons
• Training programs
• Welcome Center services
• Cross-nation cooperation

This separation ensures stability, safety, and a professional public presence.

SECTION III - GOVERNANCE#

3.1 – The Convenor#

The Convenor acts as:

• Chief coordinator of the Cooperative
• Leader of the Lattice
• Default diplomatic representative for the Lattice
• Final arbiter for internal disputes

Their authority is moral, logistical, and advisory, and should only be coercive when necessary.

3.2 – The Circle of Weavers#

The governing council.

They:

• Manage roles, logistics, and internal order
• Approve Node agreements
• Co-lead divisions
• Oversee program execution
• Guard Lattice’s cultural tone

3.3 – The Council of Branches#

The lead of each Division (Welcome, Stewardship, Commons, Culture, Apprenticeship, Volunteers).

They:

• Coordinate operations
• Approve large-scale initiatives
• Manage cross-node collaboration
• Provide technical leadership

SECTION IV - THE NODE SYSTEM#

4.1 – Creation of a Node#

A Node may be established when:

1. A host nation consents;
2. The Weaver(s) approve/The Convenor approves;
3. A Division Lead is assigned to its development.

4.2 – Node Authority and Limitations#

Each Node:

• Is administered by the Lattice
• May host programs or facilities
• Must uphold national law
• Must remain peaceful, non-fortified, and publicly accessible unless otherwise negotiated

4.3 – Node Dissolution or Transfer#

Nodes may be:

• Dissolved by the Lattice
• Reclaimed or repurposed by the host nation
• Transferred to a new host with mutual agreement
• Converted into training or event hubs

4.4 – Node Categories#

1. Welcome Node – for newfriend support
2. Stewardship Node – for mentoring developing towns
3. Commons Node – for public farms/factories
4. Cultural Node – for festivals, expos, events
5. Training Node – for apprenticeships and skills
6. Placeholder – Placeholder

SECTION V - SPARK! (AFFILIATED CIVIC MOVEMENT)#

(Not yet operational - future framework)

5.1 – Nature of Spark!#

Spark! is envisioned as a pan-nation advocacy and dialogue network, not a political party in the traditional sense, modeled after real-world transnational movements like Volt Europa.

5.2 – Purpose of Spark!#

Spark! aims to:

• Encourage nations to adopt more global, cooperative governance
• Improve newfriend integration
• Promote transparency, participation, and inter-nation dialogue
• Standardize civic best practices across democratic nations

5.3 – Limitations#

Spark! shall:

1. Operate only in democratic nations
2. Not serve as a Lattice political arm
3. Not direct Lattice policy
4. Exist as a separate but affiliated platform
5. Be opt-in for members and nodes

5.4 – Separation of Powers#

Spark! cannot:

• Command the Lattice
• Bind Nodes to political action
• Represent the Lattice without explicit approval

SECTION VI - DIVISIONAL OPERATIONS#

6.1 - Organizational Principles of Divisions#

6.1.1 - Membership Eligibility#

Only Members may hold operational, administrative, or leadership roles within any Division.

6.1.2 - Collaborative Eligibility (Allies)#

Allies may assist Divisions in approved capacities, participate in projects, or host Nodes, but may not:

• Hold office
• Direct internal operations
• Access confidential information

6.1.3 - Node Integration#

Every Division may maintain a presence within Lattice Nodes.

Nodes are internal Lattice facilities located within host nations, and all Division activity within them must uphold:

• Host-nation law
• Lattice neutrality
• The non-sovereign status of the Cooperative

6.1.4 - Internal Ranks#

Each Division maintains three internal ranks for Members:

• Apprentice
• Steward
• Lead

Leads form part of the Council of Branches.

6.2 - The Welcome Division#

The Welcome Division is responsible for the Lattice’s outreach, onboarding, and newfriend support network.

6.2.1 - Primary Responsibilities#

• Orienting new players to server mechanics and norms
• Running Welcome Nodes and community centers
• Assisting newfriends in locating nations, towns, or apprenticeship opportunities
• Providing cultural, social, or safety guidance
• Maintaining the public-facing side of the Lattice’s educational mission

6.2.2 - Jurisdiction#

Welcome Division staff operate within:

• Welcome Nodes
• Host nation territories (with permission)
• Public Lattice events

6.2.3 - Cooperation With Allies#

Allies may:

• Serve as local guides
• Assist in hosting orientation events
• Help match newfriends with suitable communities

But only Members may:

• Approve long-term placements
• Access internal guidance records
• Manage Welcome Nodes

6.3 - The Stewardship Division#

The Stewardship Division oversees all Node towns and Affiliate Nodes, ensuring that developing settlements have the guidance and infrastructure necessary for long-term stability.

6.3.1 - Responsibilities#

• Coordinating support for developing towns
• Managing the Lattice Land Bank
• Recommending land allocations to newfriend-led groups
• Ensuring that Affiliate Nodes uphold cooperative standards
• Monitoring activity levels within developing settlements
• Advising towns on planning, defense ethics, and community management

6.3.2 - Node Towns#

Stewardship Divisions may administer:

• Welcome Nodes
• Stewardship Nodes (towns under Lattice management but within host nations)

These settlements remain subject to:

• Host nation sovereignty
• National law
• Cooperative neutrality

6.3.3 - Allies’ Role#

Allies may:

• Offer local support
• Provide mentorship
• Share resources

But they may not:

• Administer Node towns
• Access Stewardship records
• Determine land allocations

6.4 - The Commons Division#

The Commons Division is responsible for all public, cross-national, and non-commercial infrastructure operated by the Lattice.

6.4.1 - Responsibilities#

• Constructing and maintaining public farms and factories
• Running Commons Nodes in participating nations
• Negotiating access rights with host nations
• Ensuring universal and non-commercial access to public resources
• Providing maintenance teams for cross-national projects

6.4.2 - Operational Rules#

All Commons facilities:

• Must comply with host-nation law
• Are neutral and apolitical spaces
• Cannot be privatized or monopolized
• Must maintain equal access for all players

6.4.3 - Allies’ Role#

Allies may:

• Provide land or access for Commons Nodes
• Offer maintenance assistance
• Participate in collaborative public works

Only Members may:

• Direct operations
• Control access rules
• Approve major expansions

6.5 - The Culture & Events Division#

The Culture & Events Division creates, administers, and coordinates all Lattice cultural programming, including server-wide events.

6.5.1 - Responsibilities#

• Organizing expos, festivals, and cultural fairs
• Running multi-nation collaborative events
• Hosting Discord cultural activities (watch parties, game nights, exhibitions)
• Managing Cultural Nodes and event venues
• Supporting community-building within and beyond Lattice territory

6.5.2 - Diplomatic Function#

This Division may interface with nations for:

• Venue permissions
• Participation coordination
• Scheduling
• Cooperative partnerships

6.5.3 - Allies’ Role#

Allies may:

• Co-host cultural events
• Provide venues or staff
• Invite their communities

But they may not:

• Set event policy
• Direct cultural programming
• Access internal event planning channels

6.6 - The Apprenticeship Division#

The Apprenticeship Division is the educational heart of the Cooperative.

6.6.1 - Responsibilities#

• Coordinating the Lattice Apprenticeship Guild
• Managing internship and mentorship programs
• Connecting newfriends to nations, companies, and experienced players
• Hosting training sessions within Nodes
• Maintaining skill documentation, guides, and training materials

6.6.2 - Scope#

The Division operates across:

• Training Nodes
• Welcome Nodes
• Host nation workshop facilities

6.6.3 - Allies’ Role#

Allies may:

• Offer mentorship
• Provide internship placements
• Host apprentices

Only Members may:

• Approve apprenticeships
• Oversee safety and quality standards
• Maintain apprenticeship records

6.7 - The Operations Corps#

The Operations Corps is the logistical force of the Lattice, handling labor coordination and large-scale cooperative projects.

6.7.1 - Responsibilities#

• Coordinating large-scale construction or terraforming
• Responding to assistance requests from host nations or Affiliate Nodes
• Handling movement of materials, supplies, and equipment
• Operating Node infrastructure that requires manual upkeep
• Maintaining internal work logs

6.7.2 - Membership#

Only Members may serve in the Corps due to the trusted nature of projects.

6.7.3 - Allies’ Role#

Allies may:

• Request assistance
• Collaborate on construction
• Co-host large-scale projects
• Provide national work permissions

They may not:

• Direct Corps teams
• Command operations
• Access internal logistical plans

6.8 - Inter-Divisional Coordination#

All Divisions:

• Operate under the oversight of the Circle of Weavers
• Coordinate policy and strategy through the Council of Branches
• May collaborate on joint Nodes
• Share responsibility for maintaining Lattice neutrality, diplomacy, and public trust

SECTION VII - DIPLOMACY#

7.1 – Diplomatic Status#

The Lattice, as a non-state civic body, may:

• Negotiate Node permissions
• Coordinate inter-nation projects
• Mediate where invited
• Serve as a neutral party for newfriend migration

7.2 – Prohibited Actions#

The Lattice may not:

• Enter military alliances
• Declare war
• Engage in coercive diplomacy
• Establish sovereign territory
• Maintain claims without consent of host nations

SECTION VIII - AMENDMENTS#

Amendments require:

1. Proposal by any Member
2. Review by the Weavers
3. Approval by two-thirds of the Weavers
4. Assent of the Convenor

CONCLUSION#

The Lattice Cooperative stands as a civic institution dedicated to unity, kindness, cooperation, and interregional harmony.

We exist not as rulers but as helpers; not as a state but as a network; not as conquerors but as friends.

Through this Charter, we pledge to uplift all who join our web - and to make CivMC more connected, more welcoming, and more alive.