Distributed Accountability

Distributed Accountability is The Key or Community Building Logic 101
“How to have fun with friends without it all going terribly pear-shaped”

The following is a suggested breakdown of steps taken in the formation and maintenance of a community.
There are clearly many models by which communities form, this merely serves to help inform our needs to clarify a “process” for community action.

1 A community first identifies by way of shared interests/ “affinity”
(Individuals connect and self-organize)

2 A community then creates and/or adopts a set of etiquette and standards
(Individuals form consensus agreement and adopt guidelines)

3 A community operates and maintains these standards
(Individuals use guidelines to participate in community growth/ activity and maintain community by these standards.
If collectively agreed upon, distribution of accountability amongst the community (with support from appointed “caretakers”) effectively decentralizes structure.
Community members assist with the maintenance of the community by upholding standards according to collectively agreed upon methods,)
…How the standards are upheld is as equally important as the standards themselves.

Now apply the logic….

1 A community first identifies by way of shared interests/ “affinity”
Polly and Scott invite individuals and groups they feel share a common interest in self-expression, creative exchange and intentional community
As community instigators they “curate” an environment dedicated to these things.
Attendees of gatherings invite friends and their networks.

2 A community then creates and/or adopts a set of etiquette and standards
First standards/ etiquette adopted from “Fetish” /play-party communities on a “general” level. Standards upheld by inner circle of members and shared with friends.
Community growth occurs; the combination of “third circle” invitations (allowing the “yahoos” in) and a lack of community-supported set of standards- lessen the quality/ intention of the original vision and community begins to wobble.
Constructive community feedback combined with collective expertise prompts creation of a Kinky Salon House Charter / STAR CHARTER (standards of etiquette) and suggested methods for upholding these standards.

3 A community operates and maintains these standards
KS House Charter presents standards for operating the community and intention behind its’ original creation.
KS re-invites all existing members to adopt and uphold this Charter as their community “Charter”. (Distributed Accountability)
KS community adopts and recognizes the position of “host” and invites any interested community members to step up to this role for monitoring and maintaining the Charter standards at KS gatherings.
KS encourages “hosts” to perform their duties discreetly and compassionately.
KS encourages community members to uphold the standards of the Charter in the same manner as hosts.