Bi-laws and Mission Statement
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BYLAWS
Mission Statement
United States 4 All (US4A) stands for cooperation and community. We are strong as a cooperative group of one. We believe that everyone has the right to freedom of expression; however, freedom of expression does not include intentional deceptions, lies, omissions of facts, slander, defamation, or propaganda. We believe in the right to peaceful and disruptive protest; however, disruption does not mean destruction, nor does it justify financial or physical harm. We believe in community over a singular god. Everyone should feel free to practice whatever religion they find meaningful or valuable; however, no one religion shall be represented in the cooperative or take precedence over another. We believe in equal due process and that no individual should be permitted to manipulate facts to escape the law, societal responsibilities, or accountability. We believe access to legal resources must be equal, regardless of financial status.
Article I: Definitions
Section 1: Members
The term "members" shall be defined as individuals, non-profit organizations, privately and publicly held companies and corporations, associations, and other organizations. Each approved member will be issued a unique alphanumeric identifier and shall be known within the cooperative by their chosen "username." Henceforth, the term "members" shall be understood to include any of the aforementioned entities.
Section 2: Cooperative
The term "cooperative" shall be defined as the United States 4 All Cooperative (US4A) organization cooperative composed of individuals, non-profits, private and publicly held companies and corporations, associations, and other organizations. Any potential member seeking to join the cooperative must be willing to engage and work collaboratively within this diverse body. Any potential member unwilling to do so shall be discouraged from applying. Henceforth, the term "cooperative" shall be understood to include any of the aforementioned entities.
Article II: Voting Procedures
Section 1: Eligibility
Voting shall be conducted by popular vote. Eligible voters are defined as members who are documented as legally legitimate and in good standing with the cooperative, regardless of geographic location.
Section 2: Voting System
All voting shall take place via a secure online system with two-factor authentication. The system shall track votes based solely on the member’s username and unique identifier. Each member shall be allowed one vote per item brought to a vote. Any attempt to vote more than the allotted amount shall result in immediate account restriction and temporary voting suspension until an investigation and resolution are achieved. Repeated violations shall result in suspension or expulsion from the cooperative.
Section 3: Voting Disputes
All disputes concerning voting results must be submitted online, accompanied by a detailed explanation and verifiable evidence supporting the dispute. Repeated filings lacking sufficient evidence may result in suspension or expulsion of the member responsible.
Section 4: Matters Subject to Vote
Items requiring a vote include but are not limited to:
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Election of board members and executive managers
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Amendments to these bylaws
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Managerial decisions requiring a financial investment exceeding 20% of total cooperative assets
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Changes to any fees affecting members
Article III: Code of Conduct
Section 1: General Expectations
All members are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. The cooperative embraces diversity and inclusivity, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Section 2: Code of Conduct Principles
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Everyone is human first and must be treated equally. When differences arise, members agree to communicate, compromise, and find common ground.
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Conduct and human behavior shall not be judged or celebrated based on gender, religion, sexual identity, sexual preferences, sexual orientation, age, race, nationality, ancestry, creed, or disability.
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If parties in conflict cannot reach resolution, a neutral third-party arbiter shall be used. Violence (physical or mental), segregation, and discrimination are not tolerated. A three-strikes rule applies for repeated willful violations of this Code of Conduct or any Bylaw.
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Freedom of expression is protected; however, the intentional spread of false or misleading information is not. The three-strikes rule applies. Offenders must retract, correct, and clarify any deceptive narratives.
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The right to protest and rally is recognized. Protests may be disruptive but must remain civil and non-destructive. Violations will result in disciplinary action, up to termination of membership.
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Self-defense, defense of family, and property are permitted with verifiable evidence. Any staging or tampering of evidence will result in disciplinary action, including potential termination.
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Members may practice any religion or none at all. Religious references are not permitted in cooperative activities, communication, or governance. The cooperative's mission is rooted in humanity and equality.
Section 3: Freedom of Expression
Members maintain the right to express themselves in alignment with their beliefs and identities, provided such expression does not violate the restricted behavior policy outlined below. It is acknowledged that diversity of thought and expression may cause discomfort to some members. However, all members must adhere to the code of conduct and restricted behavior policy. Personal space and mutual respect are paramount to conflict resolution.
Section 4: Disruptive Behavior
Repeated patterns of disruptive behavior shall result in suspension or expulsion from the cooperative. Disruptive behavior is defined as:
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Conduct inconsistent with the cooperative’s values
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Failure to consider multiple perspectives and verifiable data sources
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Persistent imposition of singular viewpoints without regard for others' experiences
Article IV: Restricted Behavior Policy
Restricted behavior includes but is not limited to:
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Bullying
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Physical violence or threats of violence
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Emotional or psychological violence or threats of violence
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Intentional slander or defamation
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Creation, distribution, or use of propaganda, regardless of its origin
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Creation, distribution, or use of misleading audio, video, visual, or written content, regardless of its origin
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Invasion of a member’s personal space
Article V: Conflict Resolution
Section 1: Resolution Process
In the event of disagreements or conflicts, members are expected to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiation. Behavior violating the restricted behavior policy shall not be tolerated in conflict resolution discussions.
Section 2: Cooling-Off Period
If a resolution cannot be reached immediately, a mandatory pause of no more than 24 hours shall be imposed. Upon resumption, an impartial arbiter shall facilitate the resolution process.
Article VI: Cooperative Support
Section 1: Supporting Member Businesses
It is the expectation and hope that all members prioritize utilizing the products and services of fellow cooperative members before sourcing from external entities. When a member or a member’s business requires a service, they should seek to source it from within the cooperative first.
Section 2: Cost Reduction through Cooperation
If a member or a member’s business is seeking to reduce costs, they are encouraged to explore cooperative opportunities with other members or member businesses. The goal is to find mutually beneficial arrangements that allow both parties to share expenses, leading to overall cost reduction for all involved.
Section 3: Cooperative Economic Collaboration
The cooperative thrives through mutual support. Members are expected to engage in shared work, trade, and commerce with fellow members. Prioritizing internal cooperative relationships ensures the economic strength and resilience of the collective. This internal-first approach helps members succeed through cooperation, shared values, and collective resource utilization.
Article VII: Amendments
Amendments to these bylaws shall require approval by a majority vote of the cooperative, as defined in Article II, Section 4.