Codes of Conduct

Article I — Civic Conduct, Respectful Participation, and Community Responsibility Notice

Whereas, Civic Congress LLC™, operating as CivicCongress.US, recognizes that meaningful civic engagement depends upon a foundation of respect, responsibility, good-faith participation, and peaceful exchange of ideas; and whereas the citizen-led Civic Congress initiative seeks to encourage informed dialogue, civic education, collaboration, and participation among individuals with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds; and whereas these Codes of Conduct establish principles of respectful behavior intended to support a constructive, inclusive, and lawful environment for participants, members, contributors, guests, and visitors engaging with CivicCongress.US, its programs, communications, events, and community spaces;

Resolved, That—

Participants in Civic Congress activities are encouraged to engage with honesty, respect, curiosity, and a commitment to constructive dialogue. Individuals are expected to respect the dignity, rights, and viewpoints of others while maintaining a shared commitment to peaceful civic participation.

Civic Congress LLC does not require agreement on all ideas, opinions, or policy perspectives; however, participation must remain consistent with lawful conduct, respectful communication, and the principles of nonviolence, inclusion, and responsible civic engagement.

Harassment, threats, intimidation, discrimination, unlawful conduct, intentional disruption, misuse of the platform, or behavior that prevents others from safely participating may result in limitation, suspension, or removal from applicable Civic Congress activities, platforms, memberships, or communications.

Civic Congress LLC reserves the right to update or amend these Codes of Conduct as necessary to support a safe, accessible, respectful, and productive civic environment.

For purposes of this Codes of Conduct Notice, the terms “Civic Congress,” “CivicCongress.US,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer collectively to Civic Congress LLC and its affiliated citizen-led Civic Congress initiative unless otherwise stated.

Article II — Participant Agreement and Compliance

Whereas, shared commitment ensures peaceable order:

Resolved, That—

All persons who attend, participate, or contribute independently as lawful citizens in direct democracy—whether in person, online, or via affiliated channels—agree to comply with all applicable laws and Codes of Conduct. Participants understand that failure to adhere to any or all of these provisions may result in the voiding of any or all associated digital products (including, but not limited to, declarations), as well as moderation, suspension, or removal from participation. Additional legal remedies may be pursued at the sole discretion of Civic Congress LLC™ to protect participants, the platform, and its operations.

Article III — Codes of Civic Conduct and Lawful Engagement

Whereas, civility strengthens civic trust:

Resolved, That—

Participants shall:

Treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (subject to lawful age restrictions), ability, socioeconomic status, or political belief.
Engage in civic discourse with honesty, empathy, and reason—listening in good faith and contributing to constructive, solution-focused dialogue.
Abstain from any form of harassment, discrimination, hate speech, intimidation, bullying, incitement, violence, or personal attack, whether verbal, written, physical, or digital.
Reject and refrain from promoting or displaying symbols, speech, or behavior associated with fascism, authoritarianism, white supremacy, or any ideology that denies equal human dignity or democratic principles. Participants shall act in support of the protection and advancement of the interconnected rights of humanity, the environment, and animals (“trinity rights”).
Use speech and conduct that foster clarity, mutual understanding, and civic respect, avoiding profanity, defamation, misinformation, or degrading language.
Comply at all times with all applicable local, state, federal, and Tribal laws, as well as the Accessibility, Civic Terms of Use, Codes of Conduct, Contact Us, External Links Disclaimer, Legal, Privacy Policy, and any other duly published policies of the Civic Congress and Civic Congress LLC™.

Article IV — Lawful and Peaceful Participation

Whereas, civic engagement must remain strictly within lawful bounds; all codes of conduct established by, derived from, or otherwise associated—formally or informally—with Civic Congress LLC™, are binding upon participants, citizens, and collaborators. Any violation of such codes may result in corrective or disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension of participation, removal from programs, or referral to appropriate authorities, in accordance with all applicable laws and governing agreements:

Resolved, That—

Mission Alignment Standard – Only individual citizens legally registered to vote may act in an official capacity when filing, sponsoring, or signing ballot initiatives, referenda, or recalls, in full compliance with applicable state and federal election laws.
Standard Description — Trinity Rights: the protection and advancement of human rights, environmental rights, and animal welfare, exercised in a manner fully consistent with the principles of direct democracy, inclusivity, non-discrimination, peaceful assembly, transparency, and civic empowerment, including the ongoing protection, expansion and recognition of these rights.
All activities associated with the Civic Congress, whether online, in-person, or hybrid, must be conducted peacefully and in full compliance with all applicable laws.
Violence, threats of harm, intimidation, harassment, or incitement to unlawful acts are strictly prohibited.
The Civic Congress expressly disclaims and does not authorize, endorse, or permit any conduct that could be interpreted as unlawful assembly, insurrection, sedition, or interference with governmental operations.
All participants, organizers, and associated persons act voluntarily and at their own risk. No person or organization affiliated with the Civic Congress shall bear liability for the actions of individual participants or for any unintended consequences arising from lawful civic engagement.
Participation in Civic Congress activities is contingent upon agreement to abide by these principles of lawful, peaceful conduct. Any deviation from these principles is solely the responsibility of the individual(s) involved.

Article V — Integrity and Truthfulness

Whereas, the health of democracy depends on honesty:

Resolved, That—

Participants shall not knowingly spread false information or misrepresent identity or affiliation.
Citations, evidence, and sources shall be provided in good faith where claims are made.
Efforts shall be made to distinguish opinion, interpretation, and fact.

Article VI — Inclusivity and Equal Access

Whereas, equal voice strengthens the common good:

Resolved, That—

No participant shall be excluded on the basis of race, gender, religion, disability, age, political opinion, or lawful status as a citizen.
Equal opportunity to contribute and be heard shall be preserved.
Deliberations shall be conducted with a focus on accessibility, whether digitally through Civic Congress LLC™ sessions or in person—including, but not limited to, physical Liberty Tree Gatherings—to ensure meaningful participation by all eligible citizens.

Article VII — Responsibility in Digital Conduct

Whereas, the digital forum is a public trust:

Resolved, That—

Users shall not post or distribute spam, malicious code, or unauthorized surveillance.
Users shall respect privacy and confidentiality where lawfully applicable.
Disruption of online sessions, forums, or tools is prohibited.

Article VIII — Enforcement and Remedies

Whereas, peaceable order requires the ability to address misconduct:

Resolved, That—

Civic Congress LLC™ may issue warnings, restrict participation, suspend accounts, or remove individuals from forums in response to violations.
Serious misconduct may be referred to lawful authorities where appropriate.
Appeals or questions of enforcement may be addressed to the designated Secretariat or Facilitator.

Article IX — Amendments and Historical Record

Whereas, transparency sustains public confidence:

Resolved, That—

These Codes of Conduct may be amended at any time in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Civic Terms of Use. Dates of adoption, amendment, origin, and publication may be publicly recorded to maintain historical transparency and accuracy.

Article X — Acknowledgment

Whereas, civic life is built on mutual consent:

Resolved, That—

By participating, each individual affirms their understanding of and agreement to this Code of Conduct, undertaken in the spirit of peace, dignity, and mutual respect.