PROPOSED NATIONAL CAPITAL FREENET STATEMENT OF VALUES

Background

The nature of the FreeNet has been evolving for several years. While this
process will continue as long as the ncf exists, we are collectively
becoming clearer on what we want ncf to be and what we are not willing to
work toward.  The Boards' development sessions last summer, debates at the
agm and other exchanges demonstrate near consensus on many of our priorities.

Continual rehashing of the basics impedes us from effectively dealing with
the growing stream of issues that need to be resolved. Last April the
Board created a planning committee to clarify and communicate areas of
agreement.  Once adopted by the Board, they can still be changed, but in
the meantime we will use the agreements to get on with the job of
directing ncf.

Extensive discussion of values has taken place on-line and in planning
committee meetings.

Motion:

I MOVE THAT the Board adopt the following statement of values.
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Free and equal:
· No charges for use.
· The same services available to all people of the region.
· Unfettered communication. 
· Respect for the rights of others.

Participative:
· Membership available to everyone of the region.
· Broad participation in running the FreeNet with most of the work done by
volunteers.
· If you want something, you should be willing to help make it happen.
· Those who benefit should provide most of the funds.
· People helping each other.

Physical accessibility:
· Modest equipment requirements for users.
· Public access stations.
· Available and responsive.

Easy to use

Relevance / Significance in the Community
· A wide range of information and means of interacting - something useful
for everyone
· Serving a wide variety of people in the region.
· Vibrant community interaction.
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Action required if adopted:
- add to the Board Manual (Executive Director)
- post with the mission statement and in the About Policy area (Secretary)
- use to assess proposals to the Board (all).


Questions emerging from discussions:

Re: The same services available to all people of the region.

Is the "region" too narrow in scope?
Is "people of the region" too broad?  Should we limit ourselves to ncf
members, keeping in mind the other value "Membership available to everyone
of the region?"


Moved by: Julie Chahal, Seconded by: Richard Taylor

CARRIED - 1995-06-20