DOCS · MEMBERSHIP
Membership Structure & Rights Framework
Who participates, on what terms, with what rights, and through what processes
KONT-MEM-001 · v1 · UPDATED 2026-04-10 · AHMET TURETMIS, FOUNDER · APPROVED
Cross-Reference Map
This document is the canonical source for:
- KONT-GOV-001 — Cooperative Bylaws §3 membership provisions, §5.4 voting, §7 committees, §9 labour credits; this framework operationalizes membership
- KONT-GOV-002 — Conflict Resolution Procedures; removal process (§6.3) integrates with escalation path
- KONT-GOV-003 — Conduct Charter; all tiers must adhere (§1.1–§1.5)
- KONT-LEG-001 — Legal Framework §5 residency strategy, §5.1 labour law classification, §9.2 SGK verification items
- KONT-OPS-001 — Spatial Program §2 population parameters, §12 UAE adaptation, §16 site selection
- KONT-VIS-002 — Core Principles §10 right to exit, principles framework
Defers to:
- KONT-LEG-001 for labour law classification risk (OQ-4) and international member residency strategy (§5.2)
- KONT-GOV-001 for surplus distribution mechanics (Art. 8.3) and labour credit system details (Art. 9)
Change Log
| Version | Date | Author | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-04-10 | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder | Initial v1.0 in the new repo. Aligned with KONT-OPS-001 population parameters (300–450), KONT-LEG-001 five-tier entity architecture, and KONT-GOV-001 voting thresholds. |
Contents
1. Membership Tiers: Definitions and Rationale
Kont recognises five distinct tiers of participation, ordered by depth of commitment and corresponding scope of rights.
1.1 Core Members (Tam Üyeler)
Core Members are the foundational participants. They hold full governance rights, are cooperative stakeholders, and bear the deepest commitment to the community’s long-term success. They are permanent residents who have completed the full admission process including trial residency and community vote.
Minimum commitment: Full-time residency. Core Members may travel and take temporary absences, but the settlement is their primary home.
Maximum proportion: Core Members constitute the majority (≥60%) of permanent residents at all times.
Rights
One vote per member in all settlement-level decisions (Turkish Cooperatives Law Art. 48; UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 6/2022). Eligible to stand for the Board of Directors and all governance committees. Allocated housing unit under a long-term use agreement. Full access to all settlement facilities. Participation in surplus distribution proportional to labour and transactional participation (Art. 40). May propose agenda items, call extraordinary assemblies, and initiate referendums. Full access to all financial records, governance minutes, and contracts. Inter-settlement mobility with home-settlement governance rights retained during 3–12 month relocations.
Responsibilities
15–20 hours/week community labour via the labour credit system (KONT-GOV-001 Art. 9). One-time equity stake upon admission plus monthly community dues. Active participation in governance: assembly attendance, rotating committee service, at least one governance or operational role every three years. Adherence to the Conduct Charter (KONT-GOV-003) and Conflict Resolution Procedures (KONT-GOV-002). Mentoring new Residents and supporting onboarding.
1.2 Residents (Sakinler)
Residents live in the settlement, have been admitted through the application process and completed a trial period, but have not yet attained or sought Core Member status. Typical duration: 6 months to 2 years before transitioning, though Resident status may be maintained indefinitely by choice.
Rights: Allocated housing (fixed-term, renewable annually). Full facility access. Attend and speak at assemblies. Advisory voting rights (recorded, considered, not binding). Surplus distribution at 50–75% of Core Member rate. May use cooperative business infrastructure for approved personal enterprises.
Responsibilities: 10–15 hours/week community labour. Monthly dues at the same rate as Core Members (no equity stake unless transitioning to Core). Participation in community meals, events, social life. Completion of orientation programme. Adherence to Conduct Charter and Conflict Resolution Procedures.
1.3 Researchers (Katkıcılar)
Part-time, seasonal, or on-residency participants with an active, ongoing relationship. Includes 3–12 month resident researchers, academic partners, seasonal collaborators, remote contributors, skilled practitioners, and diaspora members.
Rights: Facility access during on-site periods. Dedicated workspace and data access for resident researchers. Assembly observer status; may submit written proposals. Surplus share from cooperative enterprises in which they directly participate. Member-rate purchasing. Network knowledge commons access.
Responsibilities: Minimum annual contribution — on-site labour (≥4 weeks/year for non-resident track; 3–12 month residency for academic partners), remote deliverables, financial contribution, or combination. Share findings with the community and contribute to Kont’s open knowledge commons. Conduct Charter adherence during on-site periods. Quarterly reporting on remote contributions.
1.4 Volunteers (Gönüllüler)
Short-stay work-exchange participants. 2–12 weeks on site. 4–5 hours/day labour in exchange for accommodation, meals, and full community access. Structured onboarding and skills matching. Conduct agreement and liability waiver. Volunteer + Guest capacity combined is capped so non-members never exceed 15–20% of total on-site population.
1.5 Guests (Misafirler)
Short-form visitors — from 1-night stays through to 1-week residencies. Two sub-forms:
Paid Guests: Days to weeks in guest houses. Published rates for lodging and meals. Communal space access. No work expectation. Short-form conduct agreement.
Day Guests: Open-doors visiting hours or scheduled tour days. Access to designated public areas only. Small entry fee or donation may apply. Purpose: awareness, demystification, local goodwill, and soft recruitment into deeper engagement.
2. Rights Comparison Matrix
| Right / Access | Core Member | Resident | Researcher | Volunteer | Guest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binding vote in assembly | Yes | Advisory | No | No | No |
| Stand for board / committees | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Housing allocation | Long-term | Fixed-term | During stays | Guest house | No |
| Surplus / profit sharing | Full rate | 50–75% | Per project | No | No |
| Facility access | Full | Full | On-site periods | Defined areas | Public areas |
| Propose agenda items | Yes | Yes | Written only | No | No |
| Financial transparency access | Full | Full | Summary | No | No |
| Inter-settlement mobility | Yes | Limited | Network access | No | No |
| Cooperative business use | Full | With approval | Project-based | Purchase only | No |
| Health clinic access | Full | Full | On-site periods | Emergency | No |
| Education access | Full | Full | Limited | Workshops | Public events |
2.1 Member Tier Comparison (Obligations and Financial)
| Right/Obligation | Core Member | Resident | Researcher | Volunteer | Guest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time commitment | 15–20 hrs/week labour + governance | 10–15 hrs/week labour + participation | Variable (4+ weeks/year) | 4–5 hrs/day (volunteers) or none (guests) | None |
| Equity stake | $10,000–$50,000 (one-time) | None | None | None | None |
| Monthly dues | $400–$2,000 (varies by jurisdiction/settlement) | $400–$2,000 (same as Core) | Annual contribution (reduced) | None (paid guests); meals for volunteers | None |
| Surplus distribution | Full rate (100%) | 50–75% of Core rate | Per-project (variable) | None | None |
| Refund on exit | 90% within 90 days + 90% within 12 months (minus depreciation & obligations) | Prorated dues; no equity to refund | Per contract terms | None | None |
| Housing provision | Long-term use agreement | Fixed-term, renewable annually | During on-site periods | Guest house (paid guests); host (volunteers) | None |
| Duration expectation | Indefinite; 12-month leave allowed | 6 months–indefinite | Seasonal or project-based | 2 weeks–12 weeks | Day visit |
| Governance participation | Full voting + committee eligibility | Advisory voting + no committee roles | Observer status (written proposals only) | None | None |
| Trial/probation | 6–12 months as Resident | None | Per contract | Per onboarding agreement | None |
3. Admission Processes
3.1 Core Member Admission
A structured, multi-stage process:
- Expression of Interest. Written application to the Membership Committee — personal background, motivation, skills inventory, engagement with Core Principles.
- Initial Interview. Committee interview (in person or remote) to discuss application and assess preliminary alignment.
- Trial Residency. 6–12 months as a Resident. Live in the settlement, participate in labour and community life, attend governance (advisory voting), assigned a Core Member mentor. The trial is mutual.
- Mutual Review. Committee review report (mentor input, colleague input, observations) + applicant reflection. Both shared with assembly.
- Assembly Vote. Two-thirds (⅔) supermajority of voting Core Members present. Sociocratic consent preferred; formal vote as fallback. If rejected, re-application after 6 months; option to remain as Resident.
- Equity Contribution. One-time equity stake (indicative range: $10,000–$50,000 equivalent, depending on jurisdiction and settlement maturity). Payable in instalments over 12–24 months. Refundable upon departure per §6.
3.2 Resident Admission
Written expression of interest → Membership Committee interview → simple majority vote of Committee (not full assembly) → 6-month initial term, renewable annually. No equity stake. Monthly dues begin immediately.
3.3 Researcher Admission
Proposal-based: applicant describes intended contribution, duration, and connection to a cooperative enterprise or settlement function. Relevant cooperative/committee reviews and recommends to Membership Committee. Formalised in a written contract.
3.4 Guest & Volunteer Admission
Paid Guests book through hospitality system (capacity + conduct agreement). Volunteers apply through work-exchange programme (application, skills matching, volunteer agreement). Researchers via academic partnership track. Skilled Practitioners invited by relevant committee. All managed by the Hospitality Coordinator.
3.5 Guest Access
No formal admission. Registration at entry (name, contact, conduct acknowledgment) during designated open hours.
3.6 Membership Admission Process Flow
| Step | Action | Responsible Party | Estimated Duration | Admission Criteria | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application submission | Applicant | — | Complete written application form; personal background, motivation, skills, alignment with Core Principles | Application received by Membership Committee |
| 2 | Initial screening | Membership Committee | 7–14 days | Basic eligibility review; background check; preliminary alignment assessment | Screening report (approved/rejected/conditional) |
| 3 | Interview | Committee + optional sponsor | 30 min–1 hour | In-person or remote conversation; discussion of application, community fit, questions | Interview notes; committee impression |
| Resident pathway only | Committee decision vote | Membership Committee | — | Simple majority of Committee (not full assembly) | Resident admission approval (or rejection with re-application timeline) |
| 4 (Core pathway) | Trial residency | Applicant + assigned mentor | 6–12 months | Live in settlement; participate in labour (10–15 hrs/week); attend governance; advisor voting; mutual evaluation | Trial assessment report; applicant reflection |
| 5 (Core pathway) | Mutual review | Mentor + Committee + applicant | 30 days before end of trial | Mentor report (observations, colleague input); applicant reflection statement; Committee synthesis | Mutual review document submitted to Assembly |
| 6 (Core pathway) | Assembly vote | Core Member Assembly | — | ⅔ supermajority of voting Core Members present; sociocratic consent preferred; formal vote as fallback | Admission decision (approved/rejected/conditional); if rejected, re-application timeline (6 months) |
| 7 (Core pathway) | Equity contribution | New Core Member | 12–24 months (instalments) | Payment of equity stake ($10,000–$50,000 USD equivalent; currency/amount per jurisdiction) | Equity stake receipt; membership record updated |
| 8 (Researcher pathway) | Proposal submission | Applicant | — | Written contribution proposal: duration, scope, connection to cooperative enterprise | Proposal received by relevant committee |
| 9 (Researcher pathway) | Committee review + recommendation | Relevant cooperative/committee | 14–30 days | Feasibility review; budget impact; alignment with settlement priorities | Recommendation forwarded to Membership Committee |
| 10 (Researcher pathway) | Researcher contract | Membership Committee | 7 days | Formalised contract: scope, compensation/benefit, reporting, conduct agreement | Signed researcher agreement |
Admission success criteria by tier:
- Core Member: Full assembly vote (⅔), explicit approval, equity payment
- Resident: Committee majority vote, dues commencement
- Researcher: Committee approval + signed contract
- Volunteer: Booking confirmation or volunteer agreement
- Guest: Registration only
4. Transition Pathways Between Tiers
The structure is permeable, not rigid. Movement is always voluntary and subject to mutual evaluation.
4.1 Upward Transitions
Guest → Volunteer: Booking or application through Hospitality Coordinator. No formal transition.
Volunteer → Researcher: Contribution proposal to Membership Committee. Prior positive engagement serves as informal sponsorship. Committee approval within 30 days.
Researcher → Resident: Standard Resident admission (§3.2). Researcher track record weighted positively. ≥12 months active contribution may shorten interview process.
Resident → Core Member: Full admission process (§3.1). Minimum 6 months as Resident required.
4.2 Lateral and Downward Transitions
Core Member → Resident: Voluntary step-down; governance rights revert to advisory; housing and facility access maintained; equity stake retained and refundable on eventual departure.
Resident → Researcher: Relocation from settlement; housing relinquished; facility access on-site only; dues adjust.
Any tier → Guest: Cease active participation. No formal process; Membership Committee notified.
4.3 Safeguards
All upward transitions require positive demonstration of alignment with Core Principles, not merely absence of objection. No transition is automatic. Decisions are documented. Rejected applicants receive written feedback and re-application timeline.
5. Financial Aspects of Membership
5.1 Core Member Financial Obligations
Equity Stake: $10,000–$50,000 equivalent (indicative, set per settlement). Instalment payment over 12–24 months. Not a property purchase — a cooperative membership share entitling governance rights and surplus distribution.
Monthly Community Dues: Set annually by assembly based on operating budget. Indicative ranges: $400–$800/month (Türkiye); $600–$2,000/month (UAE), adjusted for household size. Cover utilities, communal food, maintenance, healthcare, education, administration, and network solidarity fund.
Surplus Distribution: Proportional to labour and transactional participation per KONT-GOV-001 Art. 8.3. 10% to legal reserves (mandatory), 5% to solidarity fund, assembly-determined % to community investment, remainder to members. Never proportional to capital contribution.
5.2 Resident Financial Obligations
Same monthly dues as Core Members. No equity stake unless transitioning. Surplus at 50–75% of Core Member rate.
5.3 Researcher Financial Obligations
Annual contribution fee (lower than cumulative monthly dues). May be waived or reduced for primarily-labour contributors at Committee discretion.
5.4 Guest & Volunteer Financial Terms
Paid Guests: published accommodation/meal rates. Volunteers: accommodation + meals in exchange for labour. Researchers and Practitioners: individually negotiated.
5.5 Refund and Exit Provisions
Core Members who leave voluntarily receive a full refund of their equity stake, minus a reasonable depreciation charge (reflecting wear on shared assets) and any outstanding financial obligations.
Refund timeline: 50% within 90 days of departure; remaining 50% within 12 months. If the cooperative’s liquidity cannot support immediate refund, the assembly may extend by up to an additional 12 months, with interest accruing at a rate set by the bylaws.
Members removed through involuntary exit (§7.3) receive the same financial treatment, except costs associated with removal proceedings may be deducted. No non-compete clause, loyalty penalty, or ideological exit fee may be imposed.
Core Principle 10 (from KONT-VIS-002): No economic trap, social pressure, or structural dependency may make it materially impossible for a resident to leave. Entry processes are clear and fair; departure processes are dignified and financially just.
6. Exit and Removal Processes
6.1 Voluntary Departure
Any member at any tier may leave at any time. Membership is always voluntary and continuously renewed through ongoing participation, never through contractual lock-in.
Written notice to Membership Committee. 30-day notice encouraged for Core Members and Residents for transition planning, but failure to provide notice does not affect financial entitlements. Exit interview offered (not required). Housing vacated within notice period. Financial settlement per §5.5.
6.2 Leave of Absence
Core Members and Residents may request up to 12 months leave without forfeiting tier status. Housing may be temporarily reassigned (equivalent guaranteed on return). Governance rights suspended. Dues may be reduced to 25–50% maintenance rate. Leaves exceeding 12 months trigger automatic review — Committee may recommend reclassification to Researcher.
6.3 Involuntary Removal
Last resort, reserved for: serious or repeated conduct violations; actions endangering safety; persistent failure to meet financial obligations after reasonable accommodation; fraud, theft, or deliberate destruction of community assets.
Due process sequence:
- Formal written warning from Conflict Resolution Committee specifying violation and required remediation.
- Mediation process with neutral mediator (internal or external) if behaviour persists.
- If mediation fails, Membership Committee prepares removal recommendation with written report documenting pattern and remediation efforts.
- Core Member Assembly hears the case. Member has the right to be present, respond, and bring an advocate. Removal requires 75% supermajority of voting members.
- Removed member may appeal to an independent arbitration panel within 30 days (one member selected by individual, one by assembly, one neutral party agreed by both).
Immediate suspension: In cases involving imminent physical danger, criminal conduct, or severe safety threats, the Membership Committee may impose temporary suspension (removal from settlement) pending full due process. Limited to 30 days unless extended by assembly vote. Financial rights retained during suspension.
6.4 Membership Exit Process Flow
| Step | Action | Timeline | Financial Settlement | Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary exit pathway | ||||
| 1 | Member notifies Membership Committee of intent to depart | — | — | 30-day notice encouraged (not required) for Core Members/Residents; no penalty for failure to provide notice |
| 2 | Exit interview (optional) | 7–14 days after notice | — | Feedback opportunity; post-departure community connection discussion |
| 3 | Housing vacation | Per notice period (encouraged 30 days) | — | Member responsible for condition/cleaning; settlement may deduct reasonable restoration costs |
| 4 | Financial settlement initiated | Within 14 days of vacation | 50% equity refund (if Core Member) | Minus depreciation on shared assets; minus any outstanding dues/obligations |
| 5 | Final settlement | 90 days after departure | Remaining 50% equity (if not fully paid in step 4) | Cooperative may extend to 12–24 months if liquidity insufficient; interest accrues per bylaws |
| Leave of absence pathway | ||||
| 1 | Core/Resident requests leave | — | Dues reduced to 25–50% maintenance rate | Up to 12 months without forfeiting tier status |
| 2 | Committee review (after 12 months) | Upon request or automatic | No change if <12 months | May recommend reclassification to Researcher if extended beyond 12 months |
| 3 | Return from leave | Upon re-entry | Dues return to full rate | Housing equivalent guaranteed; governance rights reactivated |
| Involuntary removal pathway | ||||
| 1 | Formal written warning | — | — | Specifies violation and required remediation; 30-day cure period offered |
| 2 | Mediation (if behaviour persists) | 30–60 days | — | Neutral mediator (internal or external); both parties agree to mediator |
| 3 | Removal recommendation (if mediation fails) | — | — | Membership Committee prepares written report; documents violation pattern and remediation efforts |
| 4 | Assembly hearing | — | — | Member present, may respond, may bring advocate; 75% supermajority required |
| 5 | Appeal (if removed) | 30 days after removal | — | Independent arbitration panel (3 arbitrators: one chosen by member, one by assembly, one neutral) |
| 6 | Final financial settlement | 90 days after final removal (post-appeal) | Same as voluntary exit (full refund formula) | Removal proceedings costs may be deducted (justified in writing) |
| Immediate suspension (safety/criminal) | ||||
| 1 | Committee imposes temporary suspension | Immediate | Dues frozen | Limited to 30 days; financial rights retained; triggers due process below |
| 2 | Full due process procedure | Per steps 3–5 above in involuntary removal | — | Extended to 60 days if needed for investigation/proceedings |
Financial summary for exiting Core Members:
- Equity refund: 50% within 90 days + 50% within 12 months (total 12 months)
- Depreciation deduction: Reasonable wear on shared assets; percentage set by bylaws (typically 5–15%)
- Outstanding obligations deducted: Unpaid dues, fines, remediation costs
- No additional penalties: No non-compete clause, loyalty fee, or ideological exit penalty
- Resident/Researcher exit: Prorated dues (if applicable); no equity to refund (unless transitioning to Core and immediately exiting)
7. Special Considerations
7.1 Families with Children
Children of Core Members and Residents are included in the family membership unit. Full access to educational institution, health clinic, communal spaces, and age-appropriate activities. Youth Council (ages 14–17) with formal advisory input on decisions affecting youth life.
At age 18, children may apply for independent membership through standard process. Having grown up in the community is considered positively but does not guarantee admission. Transition period (18–21): may remain in family housing while pursuing independent membership.
Childcare is essential community labour credited in the labour system. Single-parent, blended, and non-traditional family structures recognised equally.
7.2 Elderly Members
Labour requirements reduced progressively based on ability, not arbitrary age threshold. Members over 65 may voluntarily step down from labour entirely while retaining full governance rights. Housing adapted for accessibility. Community health clinic extends to geriatric care. External healthcare partnerships for specialised treatment. Community care arrangements preferred over external placement.
7.3 Members with Disabilities
Universal accessibility in architecture and community design. Labour contributions adapted to individual abilities — no exclusion due to disability, but flexible form. Individualised participation plans designed with Membership Committee. Financial obligations may be adjusted, subject to assembly approval. Inclusive education practices.
7.4 International Members
In Türkiye: foreign nationals can be cooperative members (no prohibition in Law 1163). Housing cooperatives trigger foreign real-estate acquisition rules (30 ha cap per individual, 10% per district). The vakıf–usufruct architecture mitigates these constraints. Board members and auditors must be Turkish citizens — international members cannot serve in these roles without citizenship.
In the UAE: 2022 Federal Cooperative Law implementing regulations regarding foreign membership remain unverified (KONT-LEG-001 §10 OQ-3). Work authorisation structured via free-zone entity.
Visa and residency support provided by settlement administration. See KONT-LEG-001 §5 for residency strategy.
8. Population Parameters
| Parameter | Guideline | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable population | 50–100 adults (Core + Resident) | Below 50, labour and governance burdens per person become unsustainable |
| Target steady-state population | 150–300 adults | Dunbar’s Number range; functional sub-groups while maintaining cohesion |
| Maximum single settlement | 300–450 adults (2–3 neighbourhoods of 100–150) | Per KONT-OPS-001 §2; beyond this, federate into a new settlement |
| Core Member minimum share | ≥60% of permanent residents | Governance legitimacy requires a Core Member majority |
| Non-member cap (on-site) | ≤15–20% of total on-site population | Outsiders enrich but must not overwhelm |
| Guest house capacity | 10–15% of total housing units | Reserved for guests, volunteers, researchers, and inter-settlement mobility |
These parameters are guidelines. Each settlement’s assembly may adjust them within reason, provided adjustments are documented, justified, and reported to the inter-settlement network council.
9. Governance of the Membership System
9.1 The Membership Committee
3–5 Core Members, staggered two-year terms, two-term limit. Manages all admission, transition, and exit processes. Transparent: decisions, minutes, and review reports accessible to all Core Members. Does not have authority to admit Core Members — it recommends; the assembly decides. (See KONT-GOV-001 Art. 7.1.)
9.2 The Hospitality Coordinator
Rotating role (6-month terms) managing Researcher, Volunteer, and Guest flows. Handles bookings, onboarding, feedback, and capacity. Ensures 15–20% non-member cap compliance.
9.3 Annual Membership Review
The Membership Committee conducts an annual review: total members by tier, demographic diversity, transition rates, departure reasons, capacity utilisation, financial sustainability. Presented to assembly; shared with inter-settlement network council.
9.4 Amendment
This framework may be amended by the Core Member assembly through a two-thirds (⅔) supermajority. Amendments affecting fundamental rights (voting, housing, exit provisions, refund terms) require three-quarters (¾) supermajority with 60% quorum. Amendments must be consistent with KONT-VIS-002 Core Principles. Network council notified.
10. Implementation Notes
10.1 Legal Translation
Before any settlement begins accepting members, this framework must be translated into legally enforceable documents by qualified counsel. In Türkiye: cooperative bylaws (ana sözleşme), vakıf charter (vakıf senedi), and individual membership agreements per Law No. 1163, Civil Code Arts. 101–117, and foreign acquisition regulations. In the UAE: cooperative founding charter under Federal Decree-Law No. 6/2022 and DIFC/ADGM Foundation charter.
10.2 Founding Phase Exception
During founding (pre-first-settlement), no assembly exists to vote. Initial Core Members are admitted by founder/founding committee through: written application, interview, mutual agreement. The founding group collectively ratifies this framework as part of the settlement charter, at which point standard processes take effect.
10.3 Inter-Settlement Portability
Core Members transferring to another Kont settlement retain their tier but complete a shortened integration period (minimum 3 months). Equity stake transfers at the network’s standard exchange rate. Governance rights activate after integration; home-settlement rights suspended during transfer.
Open Questions
- OQ-1: SGK classification of labour-credit contributions — same as KONT-LEG-001 §10 OQ-4 and KONT-GOV-001 OQ-1. Critical for labour system design.
- OQ-2: Equity stake level — $10,000–$50,000 range needs market testing. Too high excludes; too low undermines commitment and cooperative capitalisation.
- OQ-3: Inter-settlement equity exchange rate mechanism — undefined. Needed before second settlement.
Decisions Log
| # | Date | Decision | Rationale | Decided by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-1 | 2026-04-10 | Five membership tiers: Core → Resident → Researcher → Volunteer → Guest | Layered inclusion over binary gatekeeping; matches depth-of-commitment gradient | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder |
| D-2 | 2026-04-10 | ⅔ supermajority for Core Member admission | Protects community integrity; sociocratic consent as preferred mode | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder |
| D-3 | 2026-04-10 | 6–12 month trial residency before Core admission | Mutual evaluation period; longest-surviving intentional communities use 6–24 month trials | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder |
| D-4 | 2026-04-10 | Equity refund: 50% at 90 days, 50% at 12 months | Balances right-to-exit with cooperative cash-flow protection | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder |
| D-5 | 2026-04-10 | 15–20% non-member on-site cap | Preserves community character while enabling revenue from guests/volunteers | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder |
| D-6 | 2026-04-10 | Population ceiling 300–450 per settlement | Aligned with KONT-OPS-001 canonical scale; beyond this, federate | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder |
| D-7 | 2026-04-10 | Lock as canonical v1.0 in the new repo | Clean-slate versioning aligned with the April 2026 rebuild | Ahmet Turetmis, Founder |
References
- KONT-VIS-002 — Core Principles & Values — Principle 10 (right to exit), principles framework
- KONT-GOV-001 — Cooperative Bylaws — Art. 3 membership, Art. 5.4 voting, Art. 7 committees, Art. 9 labour credits
- KONT-GOV-002 — Conflict Resolution Procedures — escalation path for disputes
- KONT-GOV-003 — Conduct Charter — behavioural standards
- KONT-LEG-001 — Legal Framework & Entity Architecture — five-tier structure, residency, SGK
- KONT-OPS-001 — Spatial Program & Masterplan Brief — settlement scale, population parameters, phased development
— End of Membership Structure & Rights Framework —