staging Diamante Bridge Collective

Governance Register · Governing document

Bylaws for Diamante Bridge Collective Association

In force since June 9, 2026

Note on document architecture. These Bylaws set out the foundational governance structure, membership framework, and core operating principles of the Asociación Puente Diamante Colectiva. They complement and must be read alongside the Constitution (Estatutos) of the Asociación, which takes precedence in all legal matters governed by Ley de Asociaciones No. 218. A third tier of Policies and Procedures — covering more specific, operational, and evolving agreements — is maintained separately in the DBC Forum (Proposals category). The Organization and its members are bound by these Bylaws and by the Policies and Procedures adopted in accordance with them.

1. DESCRIPTION

1.1 Name & Affiliations

The name of the organization is the Diamante Bridge Collective Association (Asociación Colectiva Puente Diamante), hereafter referred to as “the Organization” or “DBC.” The Organization is a legally registered Costa Rican association of individuals, land stewards, local organizations, and global partners working together as an interdependent network of autonomous communities to cultivate regenerative culture and a planetary commons.

The Organization is a nonprofit association (Asociación) incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica, governed by the Ley de Asociaciones No. 218 and its regulations, exclusively for charitable, educational, ecological, and community development purposes. The Organization is registered with the Registro de Asociaciones of the Registro Nacional de Costa Rica.

The Organization does not issue shares, does not distribute profits to its members, and upon dissolution, its remaining assets shall be transferred to an organization with purposes similar to those of DBC, as determined by the General Assembly, in accordance with Article 19 of the Constitution and applicable law.

1.3 Vision, Mission, and Purpose

The strategy and policies of the Organization will be directed toward realizing its vision, mission, and purpose.

1.3.1 Vision

We envision an interdependent network of autonomous communities cultivating and nurturing a planetary paradise where everyone’s needs are met and the prosperity of Earth is endowed to future generations.

1.3.2 Mission

  1. We are inspiring planetary transformation by embodying regenerative lifestyles.
  2. We are generating experiential learning tools, skills, and capacities for the flourishing of personal, spiritual, and environmental relationships.
  3. We are co-creating collective agreements for self-governance, economic exchange, resource sharing, and common-land stewardship.
  4. We are facilitating the just redistribution of resources and power toward restoration of ecological wellness and social equity.

1.3.3 Purpose

To create collective models of coexistence based on the practice of ecological, social, economic, worldview dimensions and in the management of goods and resources of all kinds in a sustainable, adaptive and regenerative way, facilitating continuous programs of related mentoring.

1.4 Governance

The Organization is a legally constituted Costa Rican association governed by three mandatory organs established under Ley de Asociaciones No. 218 and the Constitution: the General Assembly (supreme authority), the Board of Directors (executive direction), and the Fiscal (independent oversight). Within this legal framework, the Organization adopts sociocratic governance as defined in Section 3 of these Bylaws.

2. MEMBERSHIP

The Diamante Bridge Collective is a living community of practice as much as it is a legal association. Membership is therefore understood not only as a legal status but as a developmental journey, a gradual deepening of belonging, contribution, and responsibility within the collective.

Anyone who resonates with DBC’s vision and values is welcome to engage. Formal Association Membership is earned through demonstrated alignment and sustained contribution. In addition to the Association’s formal Membership, we embrace the Eight Stages of Stewardship, as a developmental framework that traces how a person grows from first encounter through deepening participation, anchored stewardship, earned authority, and eventually into elder counsel.

Membership begins with an expressed intent, a declaration of alignment and willingness, and deepens through contribution and relationship over time. No one is required to progress beyond the level that is right for them.

Once a person reaches Active Membership, they become a full legal Member of the Asociación with voice and vote in the General Assembly, and corresponding rights and responsibilities, and the developmental accountability of the Eight Stages of Stewardship. The specific requirements, rights, and responsibilities of each level and stage are defined below.

Contributions across all stages are recognized through the Eight Forms of Capital (social, material, financial, living, intellectual, experiential, cultural, and spiritual capital), acknowledging that value takes many forms and that diverse participation builds the collective.

2.1 Levels and Stages of Membership

The Organization recognizes four levels of membership, each comprising one or more stages of the Eight Stages of Stewardship:

  • Extended Community (Stages 1 - 3): Friends, visitors, and aligned allies
  • Active Members (Stages 4–7): Full members with governance rights
  • Honorary Members (Stage 8): Long-serving elders honored for completed service

2.1.1 Extended Community

DBC Extended Community members are people who identify with the DBC mission, values, and culture and are willing to join the community, without being required to contribute as an Active Member. They follow our work regularly, support us, spread the word, and attend our events.

To contribute to the DBC mission, you do not have to be an Active Member. Anyone is welcome to contribute spontaneously, attend events, and join open online discussion groups.

Extended Community members are not formal members of the Asociación and do not hold voting rights in the General Assembly.

Stage 1: Way Finder

Requirements to Enter:

Rights:

  • Welcome at open events, gatherings, and volunteer workdays
  • Access to public commons spaces during designated hours
  • Participation in orientation sessions and educational programs
  • Receive public communications (newsletters, event announcements, forum user basic level)
  • Optional: sign node agreements for temporary or seasonal stay and begin first steps of stewardship

Responsibilities:

  • Respect community agreements, land, and cultural practices
  • Practice conscious communication and consent
  • Follow safety protocols in commons spaces

Governance: No voting rights in any body.

Stage 2

Rooted Ally (Ally)

Requirements to Enter:

  • Fill in Membership Intent Form (select Stage 2)
  • Sign the Community Covenant
  • Active as a community steward or in a parallel aligned project or organization
  • Acknowledged by one Active Member

Rights:

  • All Stage 1 rights
  • Advisory voice in governance or project meetings by invitation, on topics of relevant expertise
  • Opportunity for Memorandum of Understanding for deeper alliance
  • Platform to share aligned work through DBC communications when relevant

Responsibilities:

  • Maintain ethical alignment with DBC values in own work
  • Practice open communication about collaboration possibilities
  • Honor reciprocity in resource sharing

Governance: No voting rights. Advisory voice by invitation only.

Stage 3:Apprentice

Requirements to Enter:

  • Fill in Membership Intent Form: mark intent to enter trial period toward Active Membership
  • Endorse DBC Vision and Values as defined in the Constitution and the Bylaws
  • Acknowledge the Eight Stages of Stewardship as framework for growth
  • Recommendation by 2 Active Members
  • Welcomed by announcement at General Assembly

Rights:

  • All Stage 1–2 rights
  • Inclusion in internal communication channels (members-only forum areas and internal channels)
  • Voice in Circles/Working Groups/General Meetings per invitation
  • Observer status in General Assembly

Responsibilities:

  • Regular participation for minimum 3 months
  • Attend General Assemblies as observer
  • Join and actively participate in at least one Project, Working Group or Circle or contribute to DBC endorsed volunteer activities at least once a month
  • Maintain updated contribution record

Governance: Observer at General or Extraordinary Assemblies: voice but no vote; does not count toward quorum.

2.1.3 Active Members

Active Members are full legal members of the Asociación under Ley de Asociaciones No. 218. They have voice and vote in the General Assembly, count toward quorum, and hold the rights and responsibilities of members as defined in Articles 9 and 10 of the Constitution. Active Membership spans Stages 4 through 7, each representing a deepening level of leadership, stewardship, and responsibility within the collective.

To enter Active Membership from Stage 3:

  • Complete minimum 3-month trial as Apprentice
  • Board of Directors review and approval
  • Sign the Community Covenant
  • Endorse DBC Vision, Values, and Bylaws
  • Welcomed at General Assembly
Stage 4: Fire Tender

Requirements to Enter:

  • Complete minimum 3 months as Apprentice (Stage 3)
  • Board of Directors approval
  • Sign Community Covenant; endorse DBC Vision, Values, and Bylaws
  • Participate at least one General Assembly or Extraordinary

Rights:

  • Full voting rights in General Assembly (counts toward quorum)
  • Voice and vote in Working Groups and Circles that is a Member of.
  • Lead or co-lead projects, initiatives, or circles per approval of circle, role or project proposal
  • Eligibility for Board of Directors (after 1+ year as Active Member)
  • Access to member resources and development support

Required Responsibilities:

  • Participate in at least 1 General Meeting per month
  • Participate in 4 DBC impact meetings per year
  • Attend at least one General Assembly per year (in person or online)
  • Respond to annual membership review

Governance: Full voice and vote in Assembly. Counts toward quorum.

Stage 5: Web Weaver

Specializes in facilitation, communication, and group coherence. Guides sociocratic circles, facilitates Assemblies, and supports decision-making health across the collective. Tends infrastructure, the systems, rhythms, and material conditions that make belonging possible.

Requirements to Enter:

  • Sustained Active Membership at Stage 4, typically 1+ year
  • Demonstrated facilitation capacity or infrastructure/systems capacity.
  • Recognition by peers and Board

Rights:

  • All previous stage rights
  • Authority to facilitate or champion projects / working groups / circles / Assembly
  • Commons Stewardship Agreements (if land-based residency)

Required Responsibilities:

  • All Stage 4 responsibilities
  • Facilitate at least one regular circle or Assembly per quarter or support commons spaces or infrastructure

Governance: All Active Member rights. Additionally holds facilitation or stewardship domain authority.

Stage 6: Torch Bearer

Has been present long enough that their word carries the weight of lived experience. Carries institutional memory, context behind old decisions, patterns that repeat, contributions that went unrecorded. Formally attests others’ readiness for stage transitions. Bridges DBC to the bioregional network.

Requirements to Enter:

  • Sustained Active Membership at Stages 4–5, typically 2+ years
  • Application for Commons Stewardship Agreement. Recognized by peers and Board for institutional memory and facilitation depth

Rights:

  • All previous stage rights
  • Formal Commons Stewardship Agreement (housing, land use, project space)
  • Authority to formally attest a person’s readiness for stage transition
  • Represent DBC in external collaborations
  • Priority access to relevant training

Required Responsibilities:

  • All Stage 4–5 responsibilities
  • Mentor others or support the structures that allows others to develop within the 8 Stages of Stewardship
  • Consistent land care per Stewardship Agreement; host gatherings; welcome visitors

Governance: All Active Member rights, plus operational authority within stewardship domain and attestation authority for stage transitions.

Stage 7: Guardian

The Guardian holds the structural weight of the community’s promises. They sign what needs signing, set the parameters that shape governance, and approve the transitions that change who holds what responsibility. They see the full map and maintain the legend that tells everyone else how to read it.

Requirements to Enter:

  • Sustained Active Membership across stages, typically 3+ years of service
  • Has held, or is actively holding, meaningful responsibility for commons, land, or governance
  • Recognized by peers and existing Guardians

Rights:

  • All previous stage rights
  • Eligible to hold long-term Commons Stewardship Agreements for key land areas or shared infrastructure

Required Responsibilities:

  • Hold the long view in governance discussions, and advocate for future generations and the land
  • Protect the integrity of DBC’s foundational agreements: Constitution, Bylaws, Membership Covenant, Commons Stewardship Agreements
  • Mentor emerging leaders toward future guardianship

Governance: All Active Member rights

2.1.4 Honorary Members

Stage 8 - Sage — The Heart Counsel

Honorary Members are long-serving members who have walked the full developmental journey and are recognized by the community for their exceptional contributions to the development and consolidation of the Organization. Honorary Membership honors completed service. It releases the holder from Active Member duties while maintaining their honored place in the community.

Honorary Members are defined in Article 6(c) of the Constitution. They are recommended by the Board of Directors and approved by the General Assembly.

Requirements to Enter:

  • Many years of Active and Trustee Membership (typically 5+ years across Stages 4–7)
  • Community recognition through General Assembly acknowledgment and celebration
  • Elder accepting recognition and declaring chosen level of engagement
  • Ceremonial transition honoring service, contributions, and wisdom

Rights:

  • Voice but no vote in General Assemblies (does not count toward quorum)
  • Honored guest status at all events, gatherings, and ceremonies
  • Lifetime connection to community regardless of residence
  • Elder seat recognition at councils and assemblies
  • Invitation to advise in Working Groups and Circles (no voting authority)

Required Responsibilities (significantly reduced — by choice):

  • Not subject to Active Member duties
  • Maintain ethical alignment with DBC values
  • Available for wisdom-sharing when called upon (with right to decline)
  • Participate in annual Elder/Wisdom Keeper gathering if able
  • Offer blessing or guidance for major decisions when requested

Governance: Voice but no vote in Assembly. Cannot be elected to Board or Fiscal Council. Does not count toward quorum.

3. SOCIOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

3.1 Definition

Sociocratic governance is a method of governance that delegates policy-making to all levels of the organization and establishes equivalence between its members within their domain of responsibility. This method ensures:

  • Transparency in decision-making
  • Equivalence in participation
  • Accountability distributed across the organization

3.2 Benefits

The principles and methods of sociocratic governance develop:

  1. Strong leadership and clear delegation
  2. Self-governance, self-organization, and cooperation
  3. Transparency in decision-making
  4. Equivalence in participation
  5. Accountability distributed across the organization
  6. The ability to apply evidence-based methods and continuous learning
  7. Responsibility for continuing individual and organizational development

3.3 Sociocratic Governance Principles

Consent is defined as having no reasoned objections. A reasoned objection is one that demonstrates how a proposed decision would impede the circle’s or organization’s ability to serve its purpose, create an unsafe situation, or exceed the circle’s domain of authority. Consent is not unanimity or consensus. A decision is made by consent when no member of the circle presents a paramount objection.

3.3.2 Principle of Circles

The Organization shall govern itself through a circular hierarchy of semi-autonomous, self-organizing circles that are responsible for policy decisions within their domain. Circles and the circular hierarchy are further defined in Section 4, Governance Structure.

3.3.3 Principle of Continual Evolution

The Organization as a whole and each circle in particular is committed to ongoing feedback and continual learning about governance, communication, and the content of the circle’s work.

4. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The governance of the DBC operates on two complementary layers:

Legal layer (required by Ley de Asociaciones No. 218 and the Constitution): the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, and the Fiscal. These bodies hold the legal authority and accountability of the Organization.

Operational layer (authorized by the Board under Article 16c of the Constitution): Circles and Working Groups, which carry out the Organization’s operational and project work using sociocratic governance within delegated domains.

No decision of a Circle may conflict with Ley 218, these Bylaws, the Constitution, or the policies of higher circles.

4.1 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization and the top circle of its sociocratic structure. All authority flows from the Assembly. It is the body through which Active Members exercise collective sovereignty over the Organization’s direction, structure, and foundational agreements.

In sociocratic terms, the Assembly is the circle that holds the organization’s overall aim and sets the parameters within which all other circles operate. The Board of Directors, as the executive circle, is accountable to the Assembly and operates within the mandate the Assembly defines.

4.1.1 Convocation and Quorum

The Assembly is convened by the Secretary or President through any written means, including email with delivery confirmation, with a minimum of 8 natural days advance notice. First convocation requires 50%+1 of Active Members in good standing. If quorum is not reached, a second convocation may be held one hour later with a minimum number equal to the combined membership of the Board of Directors and the Fiscal.

4.1.2 Authority

The General Assembly holds supreme authority over the Organization. No other body may override its decisions. Its exclusive authorities include:

  1. Elect the Board of Directors and the Fiscal every 4 years
  2. Approve, reject, or modify annual reports from the Board of Directors, Fiscal, and other organs
  3. Approve the annual budget, work plan, and financial statements
  4. Fill vacancies from definitive absences in the Board or Fiscal
  5. Ratify rights-affecting amendments to these Bylaws, as defined in §8f.
  6. Approve the dissolution of the Organization
  7. Approve the purchase and sale of Association assets
  8. Receive and rule on appeals against membership expulsion decisions
  9. Approve Honorary Membership nominations presented by the Board

4.1.3 Responsibilities

  1. Establish and periodically review the Organization’s vision, mission, and purpose
  2. Hold the Board of Directors and Fiscal accountable for performance of their duties
  3. Participate actively in governance and exercise voting rights with informed judgment
  4. Review significant governance decisions that affect the Organization’s foundational structure
  5. Ensure the Organization remains aligned with its stated purpose and values over time

4.1.4 Composition

The General Assembly is composed of all Active Members and Founding Members in good standing with voice and vote; Honorary Members may attend and hold voice but not vote.

Decisions are made by consent of Members present. Since consent requires no paramount objections, it satisfies and exceeds the simple majority threshold required by the Constitution (Article 12) and Ley de Asociaciones No. 218. Where consent cannot be reached, simple majority applies; except where Ley 218 requires a higher threshold, specifically, the request for judicial dissolution before the natural term, which requires a petition by two thirds or more of members per Article 27 of Ley 218.

4.2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is the executive circle of the Organization. It is responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of the Association between Assembly sessions, acting within the mandate established by the Assembly and the limits set by the Constitution and Ley 218.

In sociocratic terms, the Board functions as the top operational circle, with the Assembly as the superordinate circle that elected it and to which it is accountable.

4.2.1 Authority

The Board holds all executive authority necessary for the Organization to fulfill its purposes, including:

  1. Take all agreements necessary for the Association to fulfill its essential purposes
  2. Create Circles and Working Groups as needed, defining their domains, aims, and delegated authorities
  3. Approve or reject membership applications and transitions, as defined in Section
  4. Adopt amendments to these Bylaws and internal regulations through the process defined in §8; rights-affecting amendments require subsequent Assembly ratification
  5. Authorize expenditures and manage financial operations within Assembly-approved budgets
  6. Accept donations, legacies, and resource commitments on behalf of the Organization
  7. Represent the Organization in legal and institutional matters

4.2.2 Responsibilities

  1. Present annual reports (President and Treasurer separately) to the Ordinary Assembly
  2. Supervise all Circles and Working Groups jointly with the Fiscal
  3. Ensure constitutional and bylaw compliance across the Organization
  4. Maintain the Organization’s legal standing under Ley 218
  5. Approve Board meeting minutes
  6. Mentor emerging leaders toward Board and Trustee membership
  7. Ensure succession and continuity of governance capacity

4.2.3 Composition

The Board is composed of 7 members (all adults), elected by the General Assembly for 4-year terms:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Vocal 1
  • Vocal 2
  • Vocal 3

Board meetings are held ordinarily every 3 months and extraordinarily as needed. Quorum is 50%+1 of Board members. Decisions by consent.

4.2.4 Decision-Making Exceptions

The Board exercises all powers granted in Article 16 of the Constitution using consent-based decision-making as described in these Bylaws, except where:

  • The Constitution requires specific voting thresholds (majority, supermajority)
  • Emergency situations require immediate executive action
  • The Board explicitly consents to use another decision method for a specific decision

4.3 FISCAL

The Fiscal is an independent oversight officer elected by the General Assembly on the same cycle as the Board of Directors. The Fiscal is not a member of the Board — they are a separate, independent organ accountable directly to the Assembly.

4.3.1 Authority

  1. Supervise all economic operations and financial movements of the Organization
  2. Ensure compliance with Ley 218, the Constitution, and these Bylaws
  3. Request convocation of an Extraordinary Assembly when necessary in the exercise of their duties
  4. Hear member complaints and conduct pertinent investigations
  5. Participate in Board sessions with voice but without vote, on matters within the scope of their oversight function

4.3.2 Responsibilities

  1. Render an annual report to the Ordinary Assembly
  2. Monitor financial practices and verify that expenditures align with approved budgets and purposes
  3. Ensure that the Organization’s governance practices comply with applicable law and internal agreements
  4. Investigate member complaints and report findings to the Assembly
  5. Support the integrity and transparency of the Organization’s operations

4.3.3 Composition

The Fiscal is a single adult member elected by the General Assembly for a 4-year term, on the same cycle as the Board. The Fiscal may not simultaneously serve on the Board of Directors.

4.4 CIRCLES

A Circle is a semi-autonomous, self-organizing group of people with a common aim within a defined domain of the Organization’s work. Circles are created by the Board of Directors under its authority to name commissions (Article 16c of the Constitution).

4.4.1 Authority

Circles hold authority over policy and operations within their domain as established by the higher circle (Board or Assembly). A circle’s policies shall not conflict with Ley 218, these Bylaws, the Constitution, the principles of sociocratic governance as defined herein, or the policies of higher circles.

4.4.2 Responsibilities

  1. Determine and control its own policies to achieve its purpose as defined by the next higher circle
  2. Maintain a record-keeping system of policy decisions and other relevant information
  3. Assume responsibility for the development of the circle and its members
  4. Decide how to allocate the resources included in its budget
  5. Delegate to working groups and lower circles as appropriate

4.4.3 Composition

A Circle is composed of Members of the Organization who voluntarily wish to contribute toward the circle’s purpose and are accepted by consent by the active members of the circle. Circles may accept participants in an apprenticeship role who may contribute to the circle’s work and hold voice but not vote in circle decision-making.

The principle of consent shall not apply to all circle members in two classes of circle decisions:

4.4.4.1 Circle Elimination or Redefinition

The operations leader and representative(s) of the lower circle may participate in any discussion of dissolution or restructuring of their circle, but their consent shall not be required for the higher circle to make the decision.

4.4.4.2 Personnel Decisions

A circle member about whom decisions are being made may participate in any discussions but shall be excluded from participation in consent decisions related to their own benefits or dismissal from the circle.

4.5 ADVISORY COUNCILS

The Organization may establish Advisory Councils to provide guidance, expertise, and wisdom on specific domains relevant to the Organization’s missions. Advisory Councils are not governance bodies, they do not hold decision-making authority, but serve as a resource to the Board, Assembly, and operational circles.

Advisory Councils may include members at any stage, Honorary Members, Rooted Allies, and invited external experts. Their recommendations are non-binding and offered in service to the Organization’s aims. The composition, scope, and operating procedures of each Advisory Council are defined by the Board by consent and documented in the Policies and Procedures.

5. DECISION MAKING

5.1 Aim and Domain of Decision Making

A circle’s aim shall be determined by the next higher circle and defines the circle’s domain of responsibility. In order to accomplish their aim, circles are responsible for making the policy decisions governing operations within their domain.

The principle of consent shall be applied to all circle policy decisions. Objections to a proposed decision must be:

  1. Based on the decision’s adverse effect on the circle member’s ability to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in achieving the aim of the circle
  2. Reasoned, meaning that reasons for the objection must be explained clearly enough for the objection to be understood and worked with

For all or some decisions, other methods of decision-making may be used by the circle if the decision to use an alternative method is itself made by consent, and reviewed on a regular basis.

If a circle cannot reach consent after good-faith efforts to integrate objections, the circle may:

  1. Postpone the decision to gather more information or allow reflection
  2. Refer the decision to the next higher circle for resolution
  3. Form a helping circle of members from the current and next higher circle to develop a proposal
  4. Use an alternative decision method (such as majority vote) if the circle first consents to using that alternative for the specific decision

For decisions in the Board of Directors, if consent cannot be reached, the matter shall be brought to the General Assembly for resolution by majority vote as required by the Constitution.

5.4 Definition of Policy

A policy is an ongoing rule, procedure, or structure that:

  • Establishes how recurring situations will be handled
  • Defines domains, aims, roles, responsibilities, or authorities
  • Sets guidelines for resource allocation or decision-making
  • Applies beyond a single instance or event

Examples of policies: membership requirements and processes, allocation of resources, conflict resolution procedures, Commons Stewardship Agreement templates, design of work processes.

Policies are made by consent and documented in these Bylaws or in the Policies and Procedures repository on the DBC Forum.

5.5 Operations Decisions

Operations decisions are day-to-day decisions made within established policies. These include scheduling events or workdays, assigning tasks within agreed project plans, purchasing supplies within authorized budgets, responding to routine inquiries, and implementing approved programs.

Operations decisions are made by individuals or circles with delegated authority and do not require consent processes unless:

  • The decision affects multiple circles or the whole organization
  • The decision would establish a new precedent or pattern (making it a policy)
  • A circle member raises a concern that the decision falls outside established policy

5.6 Operations Decisions Without a Policy

When no policy exists for an arising operations decision:

  • Option 1: The individual or circle may make the decision using best judgment, understanding it applies only to the specific situation
  • Option 2: The circle may quickly consent to a temporary policy to guide immediate action
  • Option 3: The decision may be postponed while a policy is developed through the consent process

After any operations decision made without policy, the relevant circle should review whether a policy is needed, and if so, develop and consent to one, documenting it in the Policies and Procedures.

Emergency Exception: In genuine emergencies where immediate action is required to prevent harm, any person may act without policy or consent, with the requirement to report the action to the relevant circle as soon as possible, participate in a review, and help develop policy to guide similar situations in the future.

6. FINANCIAL PRACTICES

6.1 Principles

The financial practices of the Organization shall follow the highest standards of accountability and transparency, in service to the Organization’s mission. Financial management is understood as the care and flow of resources in service to the collective and to the land, aligned with DBC’s commitment to managing funds efficiently and transparently to achieve high positive ecological and social impact.

Organization funds shall only be used for activities related to the Organization’s mission as stated in §1.3, and exclusively for the charitable, ecological, educational, and community development purposes of the Association. Financial records shall be available to all Active Members of the Organization, except where disclosure would compromise the personal privacy of donors, contributors, or other individuals, or otherwise endanger the stability of the Organization.

6.2 Treasurer Responsibilities

The Treasurer is responsible for the financial integrity of the Organization and reports directly to the Board of Directors and annually to the General Assembly. The Treasurer is also responsible for filing the respective financial declarations and reports required by Costa Rican law to the competent governmental authorities.

6.3 Circle and Steward Budget Accountability

Active Members managing budgets within Circles or as project stewards hold financial responsibility within their delegated domain. Any Active Member or Working Group steward managing organizational funds shall:

  1. Operate only within budgets approved by the Board of Directors or the relevant higher circle
  2. Maintain clear and accessible records of income, expenditures, and resource flows within their domain
  3. Report financial activity to the Board through the Treasurer on a schedule defined by the Board
  4. Seek Board approval before making expenditures that exceed their delegated budget authority or that establish new financial commitments on behalf of the Organization

The Board, jointly with the Fiscal, supervises the financial activities of all Circles and Working Groups.

6.4 Fiscal Oversight

The Fiscal shall supervise all economic operations and financial movements of the Organization independently of the Board, as defined in §4.3 of these Bylaws and Article 17 of the Constitution. The Fiscal shall include a financial oversight report in their annual report to the Ordinary Assembly.

6.5 Annual Report

The Organization shall publish an annual report that includes, at minimum, a summary of the Organization’s activities and a financial report for the previous year. The annual report shall be made available to all members in alignment with DBC’s commitment to transparency in governance and resource stewardship.

7. CONFLICT RESOLUTION

7.1 Foundation

The Organization’s approach to conflict resolution is grounded in the Findhorn Common Ground principles: direct communication, reflection, feedback, nonviolence, peacekeeping, and cooperation. Members are expected to talk to people rather than about them, offer and receive feedback with care, and make every effort to resolve disputes before escalating them.

The structure of this section follows Elinor Ostrom’s principle that conflict-resolution mechanisms must be low-cost and easily accessible to all members. Resolution is always sought at the lowest appropriate level.

7.2 Scope

This section applies to conflicts between members, between a member and a Circle, between a member and the Board, or between Circles. Conflicts entirely external to the Organization are out of scope.

7.3 Resolution Process

Step 1 — Direct dialogue

Parties attempt honest, direct conversation first. This is the expected first response to any tension.

Step 2 — Circle-level support

If direct dialogue fails, either party may request support from a Circle Holder or trusted Active Member willing to facilitate. No formal record is required unless the parties choose to document an agreement.

Step 3 — Board mediation

If unresolved, either party may bring the matter to the Board of Directors. The Board designates a mediator who meets with each party separately, facilitates a joint session, and documents any agreement reached. This process shall conclude within 30 days unless both parties consent to an extension.

Step 4 — Board decision

Where mediation fails and a potential violation of these Bylaws, the Constitution, or the Membership Covenant is involved, the Board may open a formal decision process. The member shall receive written notice specifying the concern, have a minimum of 15 days to prepare a response, and be heard at a Board session before any decision is made. Possible outcomes range from a request for corrective action to, as a last resort, expulsion.

Step 5 — Appeal to the Assembly

Any member subject to expulsion may appeal to the General Assembly within 3 business days of written notification. The Assembly shall hear the appeal at its next session and decide by simple majority. This right of appeal is established in the Constitution and is non-waivable.

7.4 Graduated Responses

Responses to violations are proportionate: informal acknowledgment for minor misalignments; a formal corrective request with timeline for repeated or more serious concerns; temporary suspension of specific rights where warranted; expulsion only as a last resort following full due process.

8. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be altered or repealed and new bylaws adopted through the process of Proposal and Consent by the Assembly.

No amendment shall be made that would adversely affect the Organization’s qualification as an Asociación under Ley de Asociaciones No. 218 or that conflicts with the Constitution of the Asociación Puente Diamante Colectiva.

Proposed amendments shall be distributed to all Active Members with a minimum of 8 natural days notice before the Assembly at which they will be considered, in accordance with Assembly convocation requirements.

9. REPOSITORY OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The official repository of the Organization’s Policies and Procedures is maintained on the DBC Forum, in the Proposals category, under entries that have reached the status of consented and activated. This repository complements these Bylaws with more specific, operational, and evolving agreements covering areas such as land use, community conduct, financial authorization, working group protocols, and any other policies adopted by the Board or Assembly.

The Organization and its members are bound by these Bylaws and by all Policies and Procedures adopted in accordance with them. Policies and Procedures may be amended by Board consent for operational matters, or by Assembly ratification for matters that affect member rights, consistent with the amendment process defined in §8.

About this version
Reference
AGR-bylaws-v1
Status
In force
In force since
June 9, 2026
Adoption
Ratified by the General Assembly on 9 June 2026.