Welcome to Maidan Cloud

Your community's complete digital town square - built for privacy, collaboration, and democratic self-governance.

Maidan Cloud is an open-source platform that gives communities the power to run their own privacy-first digital infrastructure. No more dependence on Big Tech platforms that monetize your data and control your conversations.

Built on Maidan Stack - Open-source infrastructure-as-code for community digital sovereignty. (Git repository coming soon)

🏛️ What is Maidan Cloud?

Maidan Cloud transforms any community into a digitally sovereign organization with:

• 🔒 Privacy-First Tools: End-to-end encrypted chat, collaborative documents, and secure video conferencing
• 🤖 Local AI Power: Community-controlled AI assistance without sending data to external services
• 🎥 Media Independence: Your own video platform that connects with the broader federated network
• 🛡️ Complete Data Control: Everything runs on your infrastructure - no third-party dependencies
• 🌐 Democratic Federation: Connect and collaborate with other Maidan Cloud communities worldwide
• ⚡ Easy Deployment: Infrastructure as Code setup gets you running in under an hour

🚀 Why Maidan Cloud?

For Communities Seeking Digital Independence

Traditional platforms limit your autonomy, harvest your data, and can shut you down at any time. Maidan Cloud gives you:

• Sovereignty: Your data, your servers, your rules
• Sustainability: No monthly fees to platform monopolies
• Security: Enterprise-grade security without enterprise complexity
• Scalability: Grows with your community from 10 to 10,000 members
• Interoperability: Standards-based federation connects you to the wider ecosystem

Built for Real Democracy

Maidan Cloud includes governance tools and processes designed for communities that want to make decisions together:

• Transparent Governance: Built-in documentation and decision-making frameworks
• Inclusive Participation: Multiple communication channels accommodate different participation styles
• Distributed Moderation: Community-controlled moderation without centralized censorship
• Educational Resources: Help your community understand and use digital tools effectively

🛠️ Your Digital Town Square

Core Services

Supporting Infrastructure

• Authentik SSO: Single sign-on for LibreChat, Matrix, Nextcloud, Jitsi, and PeerTube
• Traefik Gateway: Automatic HTTPS and security for all services
• mdBook Documentation: This documentation system, customized for your community

🔐 Privacy & Security Built-In

Maidan Cloud prioritizes your community's safety:

• Zero Data Mining: No algorithms analyzing your conversations for profit
• Encrypted Communications: End-to-end encryption available for sensitive discussions
• Local AI Processing: AI assistance runs on your servers, not external APIs
• Regular Security Updates: Automated security patches keep your platform safe
• Backup & Recovery: Your data is backed up and recoverable

🌍 Part of Something Bigger

The Maidan Cloud Network

Your instance can connect with other Maidan Cloud communities through federation:

• Matrix Federation: Chat with members of allied communities
• PeerTube Federation: Share videos across the network
• Lemmy Federation: Participate in discussions across communities
• Shared Learning: Collaborate on governance and best practices

Open Source & Community Driven

Maidan Cloud is developed openly and transparently:

• 📚 Full Source Code: Available on GitHub (link coming soon)
• 🤝 Community Development: Features driven by real community needs
• 🔧 Customizable: Adapt the platform to your community's specific needs
• 💡 Share Improvements: Contribute back to help other communities

🚀 Getting Started

For Community Members

1. Join the Chat - Start participating in community conversations
2. Try the AI Assistant - Get help with questions and tasks
3. Secure Your Passwords - Set up secure credential management
4. Learn the Tools - Explore collaborative document editing

For Community Leaders

1. Read the Deployment Guide - Learn how to set up your own instance
2. Review Governance Tools - Understand democratic decision-making frameworks
3. Explore Administration - Learn to manage your community's digital infrastructure

For Developers & Advocates

1. Check out the Source Code (GitHub link coming soon)
2. Understand the Architecture - Learn how everything fits together
3. Join the Network - Connect with other communities

Ready to reclaim your community's digital independence? Start with our Getting Started Guide or explore the Deployment Documentation to set up your own instance.

Deployment Guide

Get your own Maidan Cloud instance running in under an hour with Infrastructure as Code.

Maidan Cloud uses modern Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools to make deployment simple, reliable, and reproducible. Whether you're setting up for a small community or a large organization, the process is the same.

🚀 Why Infrastructure as Code?

Reproducible Deployments

• Every deployment is identical and predictable
• No manual configuration steps that can be forgotten
• Easy to replicate across development, staging, and production

Security by Default

• Enterprise-grade security configurations applied automatically
• Regular security updates without manual intervention
• Secrets management and credential rotation built-in

Community Maintained

• Configuration improvements benefit all users
• Well-tested deployment patterns
• Community-driven fixes and features

📋 Prerequisites

Required Accounts & Tools

Development Machine:

• OpenTofu/Terraform v1.x+ (Infrastructure provisioning)
• Ansible 2.10+ (Service configuration)
• SSH keypair for secure server access
• Git for cloning the repository

Service Provider Accounts (choose your configuration):

Maidan Cloud supports a flexible matrix configuration with multiple provider combinations:

VPS Providers (choose one):

• Cherry Servers - European hosting with automated provisioning
• DigitalOcean - Global provider with familiar developer experience
• 1984.hosting - Iceland-based sovereignty-focused hosting
• Existing VPS - Bring your own server (manual setup)

DNS Providers (choose one):

• Cloudflare - Global DNS with free tier and performance optimization
• 1984.hosting - Privacy-focused DNS management

Networking (choose one):

• Cloudflare Tunnels - Traffic routed through CF edge (enhanced security)
• Direct IP - Traffic directly to your VPS (simpler setup)

Popular Combinations:

• Cherry + Cloudflare + Tunnels (Default - ease + performance)
• DigitalOcean + Cloudflare + Tunnels (Familiar + performance)
• 1984.hosting + 1984.hosting + Direct (Maximum sovereignty)

Technical Requirements

VPS Specifications:

• Minimum: 2 CPU cores, 4GB RAM, 50GB SSD
• Recommended: 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, 100GB SSD
• Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (auto-configured)
• Network: Public IPv4 address

🏗️ Architecture Overview

Three-Layer Stack

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    APPLICATION LAYER                     │
│  ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│  │   Matrix    │ │ LibreChat   │ │    14 Services      │ │
│  │    Chat     │ │     AI      │ │      Total          │ │
│  └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 CONFIGURATION LAYER                     │
│  ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│  │   Ansible   │ │  Security   │ │     Service         │ │
│  │ Automation  │ │  Hardening  │ │   Configuration     │ │
│  └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 INFRASTRUCTURE LAYER                    │
│  ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│  │  OpenTofu   │ │ DNS Setup   │ │      VPS            │ │
│  │ Provisioning│ │& Tunnels    │ │   Provisioning      │ │
│  └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Multi-Instance Support

Deploy multiple independent communities under one domain:

• Root Domain: maidan.cloud (main community)
• Instance Domains: mo.maidan.cloud, x.maidan.cloud (sub-communities)
• Container Isolation: Each instance uses separate containers (mc-, mo-, x-)

🛠️ Deployment Process

Step 1: Get the Code

# Clone the repository
git clone [GITHUB_LINK_COMING_SOON] maidan-cloud
cd maidan-cloud

# Verify security scanning tools
./scripts/check-secrets.sh

Step 2: Choose Your Configuration

Matrix Configuration (Recommended):

# DigitalOcean + Cloudflare + Tunnels (familiar + performance)
cp examples/digitalocean-cloudflare-tunnels.tfvars opentofu/main/secret.auto.tfvars

# Full 1984.hosting stack (maximum sovereignty)
cp examples/1984hosting-full-stack.tfvars opentofu/main/secret.auto.tfvars

# Existing VPS + Cloudflare (bring your own server)
cp examples/existing-vps-cloudflare.tfvars opentofu/main/secret.auto.tfvars

Legacy Mode Selection (Still Supported):

# Cloudflare Mode (easiest, best performance)
cp examples/cloudflare-deployment.tfvars opentofu/main/secret.auto.tfvars

# 1984.hosting Mode (maximum digital sovereignty)  
cp examples/1984hosting-deployment.tfvars opentofu/main/secret.auto.tfvars

Step 3: Configure Your Instance

Edit opentofu/main/secret.auto.tfvars:

Matrix Configuration Example:

# Your domain
base_domain = "yourcommunity.org"
instance_name = ""  # Empty for root domain

# Matrix Configuration: DigitalOcean + Cloudflare + Tunnels
vps_provider = "digitalocean"
dns_provider_matrix = "cloudflare"
tunnel_mode = "enabled"

# Provider credentials
do_api_token = "your_digitalocean_token_here"
cf_api_token = "your_cloudflare_token_here"

# SSH key for server access
ssh_public_key_path = "~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub"

Legacy Configuration Example:

# Your domain
base_domain = "yourcommunity.org"
instance_name = ""  # Empty for root domain

# Legacy mode
deployment_mode = "cloudflare"

# Provider credentials
cloudflare_api_token = "your_cloudflare_token_here"
cherry_auth_token = "your_cherry_servers_token_here"

# SSH key for server access
ssh_public_key_path = "~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub"

Step 4: Deploy Infrastructure

# Initialize and deploy with OpenTofu
cd opentofu/main
tofu init
tofu plan    # Review what will be created
tofu apply   # Deploy infrastructure

# Capture tunnel tokens for service deployment
export TUNNEL_TOKENS=$(tofu output -json tunnel_tokens)

What This Creates:

• VPS server with Ubuntu 22.04
• DNS records for all services
• Cloudflare tunnels (if using tunnel mode)
• SSH access configuration
• Basic firewall setup

Step 5: Deploy Services

# Move to Ansible directory
cd ../../ansible

# Install required Ansible collections
ansible-galaxy install -r requirements.yml

# Deploy all services (recommended for production)
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini deploy-all-batched.yml \
  -e "tunnel_tokens=$TUNNEL_TOKENS"

Alternative Deployment Options:

# Deploy specific services only
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml \
  -e "services=['traefik','authentik','matrix','librechat']" \
  -e "tunnel_tokens=$TUNNEL_TOKENS"

# Deploy using service sets
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml \
  -e "service_set=communication" \
  -e "tunnel_tokens=$TUNNEL_TOKENS"

# Available service sets:
# - minimal: traefik, authentik, wordpress
# - core: traefik, authentik  
# - communication: matrix, element, jitsi, mattermost
# - collaboration: pad, vaultwarden, nextcloud
# - knowledge: librechat, ollama, mdbook
# - full: all 16 services

Step 6: Get Admin Access

# Generate admin credentials for all services
./scripts/generate-admin-credentials.sh

# This creates admin-credentials.secret with:
# - All service URLs
# - Admin usernames and passwords  
# - Setup instructions for each service

🎯 Service Access

After deployment, your services will be available at:

Core Services:

• Community Hub: https://maidan.cloud/
• Identity Management: https://id.maidan.cloud/
• Documentation: https://docs.maidan.cloud/

Communication:

• Matrix Chat: https://matrix.maidan.cloud/
• Video Calls: https://jitsi.maidan.cloud/

Collaboration:

• AI Assistant: https://ai.maidan.cloud/
• Documents: https://pad.maidan.cloud/
• Videos: https://tube.maidan.cloud/

🔒 Security Features

Automatically Configured:

• TLS Encryption: All services use HTTPS with automatic certificate management
• Firewall Protection: UFW firewall blocks unauthorized access
• Intrusion Detection: Fail2ban protects against brute force attacks
• System Auditing: Auditd monitors critical system changes
• Container Security: All services run as non-root users
• Backup Integration: Automatic backup to Cherry Servers storage

Security Scanning:

# Always run before commits to prevent credential leaks
./scripts/check-secrets.sh

🔧 Customization Options

Service Selection

Deploy only what your community needs:

# Minimal community platform
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml -e "service_set=minimal"

# Communication-focused deployment  
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml -e "service_set=communication"

# Full-featured community platform
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml -e "service_set=full"

Multi-Community Hosting

Host multiple communities on one server:

# Deploy root community
tofu apply -var="instance_name="  # Creates mc- containers

# Deploy additional communities
tofu apply -var="instance_name=community1"  # Creates community1- containers
tofu apply -var="instance_name=community2"  # Creates community2- containers

Development vs Production

# Development deployment with debug features
ansible-playbook -i inventory/dev.ini site.yml -e "environment=dev"

# Production deployment with full security
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml -e "environment=prod"

🚨 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Deployment Fails:

# Check OpenTofu state
cd opentofu/main && tofu show

# Verify Ansible connectivity
cd ../../ansible && ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml --check

# Review service logs
docker logs <container-name>

Services Not Accessible:

# Check Traefik routing
curl -s http://localhost:8080/api/http/routers | jq

# Verify DNS propagation
nslookup id.maidan.cloud

# Test internal connectivity
docker exec <container> curl -f http://internal-service:port

SSL Certificate Issues:

# Check Traefik certificates
docker logs mc-traefik | grep -i cert

# Verify domain ownership
curl -I https://maidan.cloud

Getting Help

• Community Support: Join our Matrix network for help
• Documentation: Check service-specific guides in this documentation
• Issues: Report bugs on GitHub (link coming soon)
• Security: Follow responsible disclosure process

🔄 Updates & Maintenance

Regular Updates

# Update service configurations
cd ansible && git pull
ansible-playbook -i inventory/main.ini site.yml

# Update infrastructure
cd opentofu/main && git pull  
tofu plan && tofu apply

Backup & Recovery

# Manual backup
./scripts/cherry-server-backup.sh

# Restore from backup
./scripts/restore-from-backup.sh [backup-date]

Ready to deploy? Start with Step 1 above, or explore our Architecture Guide to understand how everything fits together.

Questions about deployment modes? See our Deployment Mode Comparison to choose the best option for your community.

Architecture Overview

Understanding how Maidan Cloud components work together for secure, scalable community infrastructure.

🏗️ System Architecture

Maidan Cloud uses a modern three-layer architecture designed for reliability, security, and ease of management.

Infrastructure Layer (OpenTofu)

Responsibilities:

• VPS provisioning and configuration
• DNS record management
• Network tunnel setup (Cloudflare)
• Basic security hardening
• SSH key deployment

Matrix Configuration Components:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                  INFRASTRUCTURE LAYER                   │
│                                                         │
│  ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐  │
│  │    VPS      │    │    DNS      │    │  Networking │  │
│  │ Cherry      │◄──►│ Cloudflare  │◄──►│  Tunnels    │  │
│  │DigitalOcean │    │1984.hosting │    │  Direct IP  │  │
│  │1984.hosting │    │             │    │             │  │
│  │Existing VPS │    │             │    │             │  │
│  └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

VPS Provider Options:

• Cherry Servers: European hosting, automated provisioning
• DigitalOcean: Global provider, developer-friendly
• 1984.hosting: Iceland-based, sovereignty-focused
• Existing VPS: Bring your own server

Configuration Layer (Ansible)

Responsibilities:

• Operating system security hardening
• Docker and container runtime setup
• Service configuration and secrets management
• SSL certificate automation
• Backup and monitoring setup

Key Components:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 CONFIGURATION LAYER                     │
│                                                         │
│  ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐  │
│  │  Security   │    │ Container   │    │  Service    │  │
│  │ Hardening   │◄──►│  Runtime    │◄──►│  Config     │  │
│  │ UFW+Fail2ban│    │   Docker    │    │ Templates   │  │
│  └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Application Layer (Docker Compose)

Responsibilities:

• Service orchestration and dependencies
• Inter-service networking and communication
• Data persistence and volume management
• Health monitoring and auto-recovery

Key Components:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                  APPLICATION LAYER                      │
│                                                         │
│  ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐  │
│  │    Core     │    │Communication│    │Collaboration│  │
│  │ Traefik     │◄──►│   Matrix    │◄──►│  CryptPad   │  │
│  │ Authentik   │    │   Jitsi     │    │ LibreChat   │  │
│  └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

🔄 Data Flow Architecture

Request Routing (Matrix Configurations)

With Cloudflare Tunnels:

Internet Request → Cloudflare DNS → Cloudflare Tunnel → Traefik → Service
                    ↑                    ↑                ↑         ↑
                DNS Resolution      DDoS Protection   SSL Term.  Service
                Load Balancing      Edge Caching      Auth.      Logic

Direct IP (No Tunnels):

Internet Request → DNS Provider → Direct VPS IP → Traefik → Service
                    ↑               ↑               ↑         ↑
                DNS Resolution   Server Firewall  SSL Term. Service  
                (CF or 1984)     UFW + Fail2ban   Auth.     Logic

Service Communication

┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐
│  Frontend   │    │   Gateway   │    │  Backend    │
│  (Browser)  │◄──►│  (Traefik)  │◄──►│ (Services)  │
└─────────────┘    └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘
       ▲                   ▲                   ▲
   User Requests      Route/Authenticate    Process/Store
   HTTPS Only         Rate Limiting         Container Network

Authentication Flow

User Login → Authentik SSO → Service Access Token → Service Login
     ▲             ▲                 ▲                    ▲
  Browser      Identity          OIDC Token         Service
  Session      Provider          Validation         Authorization

🌐 Network Architecture

Container Networking

Internal Network (mc_internal):

• All services communicate via internal Docker network
• No external access to internal services
• Secure inter-service communication

External Access (via Traefik):

• Single point of entry for all web traffic
• Automatic HTTPS with Let's Encrypt
• Rate limiting and security headers

Multi-Instance Isolation

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    SERVER HARDWARE                      │
│                                                         │
│  ┌─────────────────┐         ┌─────────────────────────┐ │
│  │  Root Instance  │         │   Named Instances       │ │
│  │  (mc- prefix)   │         │  (mo-, x-, etc.)        │ │
│  │                 │         │                         │ │
│  │ mc-traefik      │         │ mo-traefik              │ │
│  │ mc-authentik    │         │ mo-authentik            │ │
│  │ mc-matrix       │         │ mo-matrix, x-matrix     │ │
│  │ mc_internal     │         │ mo_internal, x_internal │ │
│  └─────────────────┘         └─────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

🔒 Security Architecture

Defense in Depth

Layer 1: Network Security

• Cloudflare DDoS protection (tunnel modes)
• UFW firewall on server
• Non-standard SSH port
• Rate limiting at proxy level

Layer 2: Application Security

• TLS 1.3 encryption for all traffic
• Security headers (XSS, CSP, HSTS)
• Container isolation and non-root users
• Regular security updates

Layer 3: Authentication Security

• Centralized SSO via Authentik
• Strong password policies
• Multi-factor authentication ready
• Session security controls

Layer 4: Data Security

• Encrypted data at rest (where supported)
• Regular automated backups
• Secret management via environment variables
• Audit logging for critical actions

Certificate Management

Let's Encrypt → Traefik → Automatic Renewal → All Services HTTPS
      ▲            ▲             ▲                    ▲
   Free SSL    Certificate    Background         Secure
   Authority   Automation     Renewal           Connections

📊 Service Dependencies

Deployment Order

Phase 1: Core Infrastructure

Traefik (Gateway) → Authentik (Identity) → Network Foundation

Phase 2: Self-Contained Services

CryptPad, Vaultwarden, mdBook, WordPress, Nextcloud

Phase 3: Dependent Services

Matrix → Element (requires Matrix)
Ollama → LibreChat (requires Ollama)

Phase 4: Resource-Intensive Services

Jitsi, PeerTube, Mattermost (deploy separately for stability)

Service Relationships

┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐
│   Traefik   │◄──►│  Authentik  │◄──►│    All      │
│  (Gateway)  │    │    (SSO)    │    │  Services   │
└─────────────┘    └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘
       ▲                   ▲                   ▲
   HTTP Routing      Authentication       Service
   SSL Termination   Authorization        Logic
   Rate Limiting     User Management      Data Storage

💾 Data Architecture

Persistent Data Volumes

Service Data:

/opt/compose/mdbook/data → Docker Volume → Service Container
                                       ▲              ▲
                                Host Storage    Application
                                Persistent      Data Access

Configuration:

Jinja2 Templates → Ansible Processing → Service Config Files
       ▲                 ▲                     ▲
   Version Control   Variable         Runtime
   Template Files    Substitution     Configuration

Backups:

Service Data → Backup Script → Cherry Servers Storage → Offsite Backup
     ▲             ▲                    ▲                    ▲
  Live Data    Automated           Cloud Storage        Geographic
  Volumes      Schedule            100GB Included       Redundancy

🚀 Scaling Architecture

Vertical Scaling (Single Server)

Resource Allocation:

• Memory: Each service configured with appropriate limits
• CPU: Container CPU limits prevent resource starvation
• Storage: Dedicated volumes for each service
• Network: Internal Docker networking for optimal performance

Horizontal Scaling (Multiple Servers)

Multi-Instance Deployment:

# Instance 1: Root domain community
instance_name = ""      # Creates mc- containers at domain.com

# Instance 2: Subdomain community  
instance_name = "tech"  # Creates tech- containers at tech.domain.com

# Instance 3: Another community
instance_name = "arts"  # Creates arts- containers at arts.domain.com

Federation Scaling (Network Effect)

Cross-Community Connections:

Community A (Matrix) ←→ Community B (Matrix) ←→ Community C (Matrix)
Community A (Lemmy)  ←→ Community B (Lemmy)  ←→ Community C (Lemmy)
Community A (Tube)   ←→ Community B (Tube)   ←→ Community C (Tube)

🔧 Development Architecture

Infrastructure as Code Benefits

Version Control:

• All infrastructure defined in code
• Changes tracked in Git
• Peer review for infrastructure changes
• Rollback capability for failed deployments

Testing Pipeline:

Local Development → Dev Environment → Staging → Production
        ▲               ▲              ▲           ▲
   Docker Compose   Test Deployment  Integration  Live
   Local Testing    Ansible --check  Testing      Community

Configuration Management:

group_vars/all.yml → Jinja2 Templates → Service Configs
       ▲                   ▲                ▲
   Central Config     Dynamic Values    Runtime
   Variable Storage   Template System   Application

🎯 Performance Architecture

Caching Strategy

Static Content:

• Traefik serves static files with caching headers
• Cloudflare CDN caches public content (tunnel modes)
• Browser caching for frequently accessed resources

Database Optimization:

• Each service uses appropriate database technology
• Regular database maintenance via Ansible
• Backup scheduling optimized for low-impact times

Resource Monitoring:

Docker Stats → Health Checks → Auto-Restart → Alert Generation
     ▲              ▲             ▲              ▲
System Resources  Service        Container      Community
CPU/Memory/Disk   Health         Recovery       Notification

Understanding the architecture helps with:

• Troubleshooting: Know where to look when issues arise
• Customization: Modify components that fit your needs
• Scaling: Plan for community growth
• Security: Understand the security model and trust boundaries

Next Steps:

• Deployment Guide - Put this architecture to work
• Security Guide - Deep dive into security features
• Administration Guide - Learn to manage your instance

Deployment Configuration Matrix

Choose the perfect combination of VPS, DNS, and networking for your community's needs.

Maidan Cloud supports a flexible matrix configuration with 12 possible combinations across multiple providers. Mix and match to find the perfect balance of sovereignty, performance, and convenience.

🔍 Configuration Matrix

🎯 Recommended Configurations

🚀 Cherry + Cloudflare + Tunnels (Default)

Best for: First-time deployments, teams wanting maximum ease

• Global Performance: Cloudflare's edge network for fastest access worldwide
• Zero Config Networking: Tunnels handle all networking automatically
• European Hosting: GDPR-compliant Cherry Servers in Lithuania
• Free Tier Support: Cloudflare tunnels work with free accounts

# Legacy configuration (still supported)
deployment_mode = "cloudflare"
cherry_auth_token = "your_token"
cf_api_token = "your_cf_token"

🌊 DigitalOcean + Cloudflare + Tunnels ⭐

Best for: Developers familiar with DigitalOcean

• Developer-Friendly: Familiar DigitalOcean interface and pricing
• Global Performance: Same Cloudflare tunnel benefits
• Flexible Sizing: Wide range of droplet sizes available
• Excellent Docs: Well-documented provider with great community

# Matrix configuration
vps_provider = "digitalocean"
dns_provider_matrix = "cloudflare"
tunnel_mode = "enabled"
do_api_token = "your_do_token"
cf_api_token = "your_cf_token"

🏔️ 1984hosting + 1984hosting + Direct ⭐

Best for: Maximum digital sovereignty

• Complete Privacy: Iceland-based hosting with strong privacy laws
• No Third Parties: Single provider for VPS and DNS
• Data Sovereignty: Your data never touches US/EU surveillance infrastructure
• Activism-Friendly: Provider with strong commitment to free speech

# Matrix configuration  
vps_provider = "1984hosting"
dns_provider_matrix = "1984hosting"
tunnel_mode = "disabled"
manual_server_ip = "your_server_ip"
hosting_1984_username = "your_username"
hosting_1984_password = "your_password"

🏠 Existing VPS + Cloudflare + Tunnels

Best for: Teams with existing infrastructure

• Bring Your Own: Use any existing VPS or server
• Cost Savings: Leverage infrastructure you already have
• Cloudflare Benefits: Get tunnel performance without new VPS costs
• Gradual Migration: Easy way to try Maidan Cloud on existing hardware

# Matrix configuration
vps_provider = "existing"
dns_provider_matrix = "cloudflare"
tunnel_mode = "enabled"
manual_server_ip = "your_existing_server_ip"
cf_api_token = "your_cf_token"

🔀 Other Combinations

Direct IP Configurations

When you choose tunnel_mode = "disabled", traffic goes directly to your VPS:

• Simpler networking - No tunnel complexity
• Lower latency - Direct connection to your server
• Better for privacy - No traffic routing through Cloudflare
• Requires firewall setup - UFW and Fail2ban handle security

Hybrid Approaches

Mix different providers based on your priorities:

• Cherry + 1984.hosting DNS - European hosting + privacy DNS
• DigitalOcean + 1984.hosting DNS - Developer UX + privacy DNS
• 1984hosting VPS + Cloudflare DNS - Privacy hosting + convenient DNS

🛠️ Configuration Examples

Legacy Mode (Backward Compatible)

# Still works exactly as before
deployment_mode = "cloudflare"
base_domain = "yourcommunity.org"
cherry_auth_token = "your_cherry_token"
cf_api_token = "your_cf_token"

Matrix Mode (New Flexibility)

# Choose your exact combination
base_domain = "yourcommunity.org"
vps_provider = "digitalocean"
dns_provider_matrix = "cloudflare" 
tunnel_mode = "enabled"

# Provider credentials
do_api_token = "your_digitalocean_token"
cf_api_token = "your_cloudflare_token"

🎯 How to Choose

Start with these questions:

1. Do you value maximum privacy? → 1984hosting + 1984hosting + Direct
2. Do you want familiar providers? → DigitalOcean + Cloudflare + Tunnels
3. Do you want the easiest setup? → Cherry + Cloudflare + Tunnels
4. Do you have existing infrastructure? → Existing VPS + your preferred DNS
5. Do you want to minimize dependencies? → Any VPS + 1984hosting DNS + Direct

Consider your priorities:

• Performance → Any configuration with Cloudflare DNS/tunnels
• Sovereignty → 1984hosting for VPS and/or DNS
• Simplicity → Cherry Servers for automated VPS provisioning
• Cost → Existing VPS or smaller DigitalOcean droplets

Ready to deploy? Check our FAQ for common questions or join our community Matrix network to discuss with other administrators choosing their configuration.

Getting Started

Welcome to your Maidan Cloud community! This guide will help you get started with the platform and understand how to make the most of the available tools.

🔐 First Steps

1. Access Your Instance

Your Maidan Cloud instance is available at: maidan.cloud

2. Authentication & Accounts

Services use different authentication methods:

• Authentik (SSO): id.maidan.cloud - Integrated with LibreChat, Matrix, Nextcloud, Jitsi, and PeerTube
• Individual Services: CryptPad, Lemmy, Vaultwarden, WordPress require separate registration
• Tiled Access: Other services can be accessed through Authentik dashboard with role-based security
• Mixed Experience: Some services offer both SSO and individual account options

3. Bookmark Key Services

🚀 Quick Start Checklist

• Create Authentik account - Single login for Matrix, LibreChat, Nextcloud, Jitsi, PeerTube
• Join Matrix chat - Use SSO or create direct account and join community rooms
• Set up cloud storage - Access Nextcloud for file storage, calendar, and office documents
• Install password manager - Set up Vaultwarden account for secure passwords
• Explore AI tools - Try LibreChat with your SSO account
• Review community guidelines - Understand our Code of Conduct

📱 Mobile Access

Most services work great on mobile devices:

• Matrix: Use Element mobile app and connect to your instance
• Vaultwarden: Use Bitwarden mobile app with your instance URL
• Others: Access through your mobile web browser

🔧 Browser Setup

For the best experience:

• Enable JavaScript for full functionality
• Allow notifications for Matrix chat
• Bookmark frequently used services
• Consider installing Matrix client (Element) for desktop

🆘 Getting Help

• Community Chat: Ask questions in Matrix rooms
• Documentation: Browse this documentation site
• FAQ: Check our FAQ for common questions
• Administrators: Contact community admins for technical issues

🎯 Next Steps

1. Communication: Learn about Matrix Chat and Forums
2. Collaboration: Explore Cloud Storage, Document Editing, and Video Conferencing
3. AI Tools: Discover LibreChat capabilities
4. Governance: Understand our Community Guidelines

Ready to dive in? Start with our Matrix Chat guide to join the community conversations!

Communication Tools

Your Maidan Cloud community provides several communication tools to facilitate different types of interaction and collaboration.

🗣️ Real-Time Communication

Matrix Chat

Best for: Instant messaging, quick questions, real-time coordination

• Access: matrix.maidan.cloud
• Features: End-to-end encryption, group rooms, direct messages
• Mobile: Element app with full mobile support
• Learn More: Matrix Chat Guide

Video Conferencing

Best for: Face-to-face meetings, presentations, social gatherings

• Access: jitsi.maidan.cloud
• Features: HD video, screen sharing, recording, chat
• Mobile: Jitsi Meet mobile apps
• Learn More: Jitsi Guide

📋 Asynchronous Discussion

Community Forums

Best for: Structured discussions, community announcements, long-form content

• Access: lemmy.maidan.cloud
• Features: Threaded discussions, voting, communities
• Mobile: Lemmy mobile clients
• Learn More: Lemmy Forums Guide

Community Website

Best for: Official announcements, policies, permanent content

• Access: maidan.cloud
• Features: WordPress CMS, pages, blog posts
• Mobile: Responsive web design

🎯 Choosing the Right Tool

Quick Reference Guide

Communication Flow

1. Matrix Chat: Daily conversations, quick coordination
2. Video Calls: Weekly meetings, important discussions
3. Forums: Policy discussions, community decisions
4. Website: Final decisions, official announcements

🔐 Privacy & Security

Encryption

• Matrix: End-to-end encryption available
• Jitsi: Self-hosted, optional E2EE
• Forums: Server-side encryption
• Website: HTTPS encryption

Data Sovereignty

• All tools are self-hosted on your community infrastructure
• No external servers process your communications
• Community controlled data retention policies

🤝 Community Guidelines

General Principles

• Be respectful across all communication channels
• Stay on topic for each tool's purpose
• Use appropriate channels for different types of content
• Follow our Code of Conduct

Channel-Specific Etiquette

• Matrix: Real-time etiquette, use threads for long discussions
• Jitsi: Meeting etiquette, mute when not speaking
• Forums: Structured discussions, search before posting
• Website: Formal content, official community voice

📱 Mobile Access

All communication tools work on mobile devices:

• Matrix: Element mobile app
• Jitsi: Jitsi Meet mobile app
• Forums: Lemmy mobile clients or web browser
• Website: Responsive mobile web interface

🆘 Getting Help

Technical Support

• Matrix #help room: Real-time assistance
• Forums help community: Structured support discussions
• Website contact: Official support channels
• This documentation: Comprehensive guides for each tool

Community Support

• Welcome newcomers to appropriate channels
• Answer questions when you can help
• Direct users to the right tools for their needs
• Report issues to moderators or administrators

Choose your communication style! Each tool serves different needs - use them in combination for the most effective community interaction.

Matrix Chat

Secure, federated messaging that puts your community in control of its conversations.

Matrix powers your community's real-time communication with end-to-end encryption and federation capabilities. Unlike Discord or Slack, Matrix runs on your infrastructure and connects to a global network of communities.

🚀 Quick Start

Accessing Your Community Chat

1. Web Access: Visit element.maidan.cloud
2. Mobile Apps: Download Element from your app store
3. Desktop: Install Element desktop client

Creating Your Account

SSO Available: Use your Authentik account for seamless access

• Single Sign-On: Matrix integrates with your community's Authentik SSO
• Unified Experience: Same account works across LibreChat, Nextcloud, Jitsi, and PeerTube

First Login Steps:

1. Use "Sign In with SSO" if available, or create account directly
2. Choose a username for your community identity
3. Verify your session for encrypted rooms

💬 Community Rooms

Join these community spaces:

• #general - Main community discussions
• #announcements - Important community updates
• #help - Get assistance from community members
• #random - Off-topic conversations and community building

Create private rooms for working groups, projects, or focused discussions.

🔒 Privacy & Security

End-to-End Encryption

• Default Protection: New rooms are encrypted automatically
• Device Verification: Verify new devices when prompted
• Key Backup: Set up secure key backup for message recovery

Federation Benefits

• Community Choice: Your community controls who to federate with
• Data Sovereignty: Messages stay on your server or with trusted communities
• No Corporate Control: Not subject to platform monopoly decisions

📱 Mobile Setup

Element Mobile Configuration

1. Download Element from iOS App Store or Google Play
2. Add Custom Server: Enter matrix.maidan.cloud
3. Login with your community account
4. Enable Notifications for important rooms

🎯 Best Practices

Effective Communication

• Use threads for longer discussions to keep rooms organized
• @mention users when responding to specific people
• Stay on topic in focused rooms
• Search history before asking common questions

Security Habits

• Verify devices when Matrix prompts you
• Store passwords securely in Vaultwarden
• Log out from shared or public devices
• Report issues to community moderators

🔗 Learn More

Matrix is a powerful, open protocol with extensive capabilities. For detailed guides:

• Matrix.org User Documentation - Comprehensive Matrix guide
• Element User Guide - Element-specific features and settings
• Matrix Security Guide - Advanced encryption features

🌐 Related Community Tools

• Jitsi Video Calls - Community meetings and video chat
• CryptPad Documents - Share documents from Matrix
• Community Forums - Longer-form discussions via Lemmy

Ready to chat? Join the community at element.maidan.cloud and introduce yourself in #general!

Lemmy Community Forums

Lemmy provides your community with Reddit-style forums for discussions, news sharing, and community engagement.

🚀 Getting Started

Access Lemmy

• Web Interface: lemmy.maidan.cloud
• Create Account: Sign up for posting and voting
• Mobile Apps: Use Lemmy mobile clients with your instance
• Federation: Connect with other Lemmy instances

First Steps

1. Visit the Lemmy interface
2. Create Account or log in
3. Browse Communities: Explore available discussion topics
4. Subscribe: Follow communities that interest you

📋 Communities & Posts

Community Structure

• Communities: Topic-based discussion groups
• Posts: Individual discussions, links, or content
• Comments: Threaded discussions on posts
• Voting: Upvote/downvote content and comments

Content Types

• Text Posts: Discussion starters and questions
• Link Posts: Share external articles and resources
• Image Posts: Share photos and visual content
• Cross-posts: Share content between communities

👥 Participation

Posting Guidelines

• Choose Appropriate Communities: Post in relevant communities
• Clear Titles: Use descriptive, informative titles
• Quality Content: Share valuable, interesting content
• Follow Community Rules: Each community has its own guidelines

Commenting & Discussion

• Constructive Engagement: Add value to discussions
• Threaded Replies: Reply to specific comments
• Voting: Use upvotes/downvotes to indicate quality
• Report Issues: Flag inappropriate content

🏛️ Community Management

Moderation

• Community Moderators: Volunteer moderators maintain order
• Instance Admins: Overall platform administration
• Reporting: Report rule violations or inappropriate content
• Community Guidelines: Follow our Code of Conduct

Creating Communities

• Community Creation: Request new communities from administrators
• Moderation: Volunteer to moderate communities
• Guidelines: Establish clear community rules
• Growth: Promote healthy community growth

🔐 Privacy & Federation

Privacy Features

• Local Instance: Your data stays on your community server
• Selective Federation: Connect only with trusted instances
• Privacy Controls: Manage your personal information
• Community Control: Local governance of content

Federation

• Federated Network: Connect with other Lemmy instances
• Content Sharing: Access content from federated communities
• User Interaction: Interact with users from other instances
• Instance Policies: Follow federation guidelines

📱 Mobile & Desktop Access

Mobile Apps

• Jerboa: Official Android app
• Mlem: iOS client
• Third-party Apps: Various community-developed clients
• Progressive Web App: Use through mobile browser

Desktop Usage

• Web Browser: Full functionality through web interface
• Bookmarks: Save important communities and posts
• Notifications: Browser notifications for activity

🎯 Community Use Cases

Discussion Topics

• Community News: Local announcements and updates
• Governance: Policy discussions and decision-making
• Projects: Collaborative project discussions
• Help & Support: Community assistance and troubleshooting

Content Sharing

• Resources: Share useful links and documents
• Events: Announce and discuss community events
• Achievements: Celebrate community accomplishments
• Learning: Educational content and tutorials

🔧 Tips & Best Practices

Effective Participation

• Read Before Posting: Check if topic already exists
• Search Function: Use search to find relevant discussions
• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on meaningful contributions
• Engage Constructively: Build positive community culture

Community Building

• Welcome Newcomers: Help new members feel included
• Share Knowledge: Contribute your expertise
• Encourage Discussion: Ask questions and start conversations
• Respect Diversity: Appreciate different perspectives

🔗 Official Resources

• Lemmy Documentation: join-lemmy.org/docs
• Federation Guide: join-lemmy.org/docs/administration/federation
• Mobile Apps: join-lemmy.org/apps
• Community Guidelines: join-lemmy.org/docs/code_of_conduct

🤝 Community Integration

Integration with Other Services

• Matrix Chat: Discuss forum posts in Matrix rooms
• WordPress: Link to forum discussions from website
• Governance: Use for community decision-making processes
• Documentation: Reference forum discussions in documentation

Getting Help

• Community Support: Ask questions in relevant communities
• Help Community: Dedicated help and support discussions
• Matrix Chat: Real-time help in Matrix #help room
• Administrators: Contact instance admins for technical issues

Join the conversation! Start by browsing existing communities and participating in discussions. Great for building community engagement and long-form discussions!

Collaboration Tools

Your Maidan Cloud community provides powerful tools for working together on projects, documents, and creative endeavors.

📝 Document Collaboration

CryptPad

Best for: Real-time document editing, privacy-first collaboration

• Access: pad.maidan.cloud
• Features: Rich text, spreadsheets, presentations, whiteboards
• Security: End-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture
• Learn More: CryptPad Guide

WordPress CMS

Best for: Website content, blogs, permanent documentation

• Access: maidan.cloud
• Features: Content management, media library, collaborative editing
• Access: Content creators and editors with appropriate permissions

🎥 Media Collaboration

PeerTube Platform

Best for: Video content creation, community media

• Access: tube.maidan.cloud
• Features: Video hosting, playlists, community channels
• Privacy: Self-hosted, federated video platform

Video Conferencing

Best for: Live collaboration, screen sharing, presentations

• Access: jitsi.maidan.cloud
• Features: Screen sharing, recording, whiteboard, breakout rooms
• Learn More: Jitsi Guide

🤖 AI-Assisted Collaboration

LibreChat AI

Best for: Content creation, brainstorming, research assistance

• Access: ai.maidan.cloud
• Features: Local AI models, document analysis, creative assistance
• Privacy: All processing happens locally
• Learn More: LibreChat Guide

🔒 Password & Security Management

Vaultwarden

Best for: Shared credentials, secure project access

• Access: v.maidan.cloud
• Features: Password sharing, secure notes, file attachments
• Integration: Works with all browsers and mobile devices

🎯 Collaboration Workflows

Document Creation Process

1. Brainstorm: Use CryptPad whiteboard or LibreChat AI
2. Draft: Create initial version in CryptPad
3. Review: Share with team for feedback and edits
4. Finalize: Publish to WordPress or export as needed

Project Management

1. Planning: Use CryptPad Kanban boards
2. Communication: Coordinate via Matrix chat
3. Meetings: Regular check-ins via Jitsi
4. Documentation: Track progress in CryptPad or WordPress

Creative Projects

1. Ideation: Brainstorm with AI assistance
2. Creation: Use appropriate tools for content type
3. Collaboration: Real-time editing and feedback
4. Publishing: Share via PeerTube, WordPress, or other platforms

🔐 Privacy & Security

Data Protection

• Local Storage: All data stays on your community infrastructure
• Encryption: End-to-end encryption where available
• Access Control: Manage who can view and edit content
• Backup: Regular backups of collaborative work

Permission Management

• Role-Based Access: Different permissions for different users
• Project-Specific: Grant access only to relevant team members
• Audit Trail: Track changes and access history
• Secure Sharing: Share securely within and outside the community

🛠️ Best Practices

Effective Collaboration

• Clear Communication: Use Matrix chat for real-time coordination
• Version Control: Use CryptPad's revision history
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule periodic Jitsi meetings
• Documentation: Keep project documentation up to date

Security Practices

• Secure Credentials: Use Vaultwarden for shared accounts
• Access Reviews: Regularly review who has access to what
• Backup Important Work: Keep copies of critical documents
• Privacy Awareness: Understand each tool's privacy features

📱 Mobile Collaboration

Mobile Access

• CryptPad: Works well on mobile browsers
• Jitsi: Full mobile app support
• Vaultwarden: Bitwarden mobile apps
• PeerTube: Mobile-responsive interface

Cross-Platform Workflows

• Start on Desktop: Begin complex work on full-featured desktop
• Edit on Mobile: Make quick edits and updates on mobile
• Sync Seamlessly: All changes sync across devices
• Offline Capability: Some tools work offline with later sync

🤝 Community Integration

Integration Patterns

• Matrix Links: Share collaboration links in chat
• WordPress Publishing: Publish final documents to website
• PeerTube Embedding: Embed videos in documents and websites
• AI Enhancement: Use AI to improve and expand collaborative work

Community Projects

• Governance Documents: Collaborative policy development
• Event Planning: Community event coordination
• Content Creation: Newsletters, announcements, educational content
• Knowledge Base: Collaborative documentation and guides

🔗 Official Resources

Documentation Links

• CryptPad: docs.cryptpad.fr
• PeerTube: docs.joinpeertube.org
• Jitsi: jitsi.github.io/handbook
• LibreChat: docs.librechat.ai

Start collaborating! Choose the right tools for your project and leverage the power of privacy-first, community-controlled collaboration platforms.

CryptPad Document Collaboration

CryptPad is our privacy-first collaborative document platform, allowing you to create, edit, and share documents securely with community members.

🚀 Getting Started

Access CryptPad

• Web Interface: pad.maidan.cloud
• Anonymous Use: Create documents without logging in
• Registered Users: Sign up for additional features and storage

First Steps

1. Visit the CryptPad interface
2. Create Account (optional but recommended)
3. Explore available document types
4. Start Creating your first document

📝 Document Types

Core Applications

• Rich Text: Full-featured word processor
• Spreadsheet: Excel-like calculations and data
• Presentation: Slide decks and presentations
• Code Editor: Syntax highlighting for programming
• Markdown: Lightweight markup for documentation

Creative Tools

• Whiteboard: Visual collaboration and brainstorming
• Kanban: Project management boards
• Poll: Community surveys and voting
• Form: Data collection and surveys

🔐 Security Features

Zero-Knowledge Architecture

• End-to-End Encryption: Documents encrypted in your browser
• No Server Access: Server never sees your content
• Anonymous Options: Create documents without accounts
• Privacy First: No tracking or data collection

Access Control

• Link Sharing: Share documents with specific links
• Password Protection: Add passwords to sensitive documents
• Edit vs View: Control who can edit vs view documents
• Expiration: Set documents to expire automatically

👥 Collaboration Features

Real-Time Editing

• Live Collaboration: Multiple users editing simultaneously
• Author Colors: See who's editing what in real-time
• Chat Integration: Built-in chat for coordination
• Revision History: Track changes and revert if needed

Sharing Options

• Public Links: Share with anyone who has the link
• Community Sharing: Share within your Maidan Cloud community
• Matrix Integration: Share documents in Matrix chat
• Embed Options: Embed documents in WordPress or other sites

🗂️ Organization

Personal Management

• CryptDrive: Personal file manager for your documents
• Folders: Organize documents by project or topic
• Tags: Label documents for easy searching
• Templates: Create reusable document templates

Team Organization

• Shared Folders: Collaborate on document collections
• Team Drives: Dedicated spaces for working groups
• Access Management: Control who can access shared resources

🎯 Common Use Cases

Community Documentation

• Meeting Notes: Collaborative note-taking during meetings
• Project Planning: Shared planning documents and timelines
• Policy Drafts: Collaborative policy development
• Guidelines: Community rules and procedure documents

Creative Projects

• Brainstorming: Whiteboard sessions for idea generation
• Content Creation: Collaborative writing and editing
• Event Planning: Organize community events and activities
• Newsletters: Create community newsletters and updates

🔧 Tips & Best Practices

Effective Collaboration

• Clear Naming: Use descriptive document names
• Communication: Use built-in chat for coordination
• Regular Saves: Documents auto-save, but manual saves are good practice
• Version Control: Use revision history for major changes

Security Best Practices

• Sensitive Content: Use password protection for sensitive documents
• Link Management: Don't share edit links publicly unless intended
• Regular Cleanup: Remove or archive old documents
• Backup Important: Download copies of critical documents

🔗 Official Resources

• CryptPad Documentation: docs.cryptpad.fr
• User Guide: docs.cryptpad.fr/en/user_guide
• Privacy Policy: cryptpad.fr/privacy
• Security Audit: blog.cryptpad.fr/tags/security

🤝 Community Integration

Integration with Other Services

• Matrix Chat: Share document links in conversations
• WordPress: Embed documents in community website
• Presentations: Use for community meetings and presentations
• Governance: Collaborative policy and decision-making documents

Getting Help

• Built-in Help: Access help documentation within CryptPad
• Community Chat: Ask questions in Matrix #help room
• Documentation: Refer to this guide and official docs

Start collaborating! Create your first document and explore the power of privacy-first collaborative editing. Perfect for community projects and secure document sharing!

Jitsi Video Conferencing

Jitsi Meet provides your community with secure, self-hosted video conferencing capabilities for meetings, events, and casual conversations.

🚀 Getting Started

Access Jitsi

• Web Interface: jitsi.maidan.cloud
• No Account Required: Join meetings without signing up
• Mobile Apps: Jitsi Meet mobile apps work with your instance
• Custom Server: Use your instance URL in mobile apps

Starting a Meeting

1. Visit the Jitsi interface
2. Enter Room Name: Create or join a meeting room
3. Configure Audio/Video: Set up your camera and microphone
4. Join: Start or join the meeting

🎥 Meeting Features

Core Functionality

• HD Video: High-quality video conferencing
• Audio Options: Mute/unmute, push-to-talk
• Screen Sharing: Share your screen or applications
• Chat: Text chat alongside video
• Recording: Record meetings for later review

Advanced Features

• Breakout Rooms: Split large meetings into smaller groups
• Polls: Real-time polling during meetings
• Whiteboard: Collaborative drawing and annotation
• Live Streaming: Stream meetings to external platforms
• Dial-in: Phone access for participants without internet

🔐 Security & Privacy

Privacy Protection

• Self-Hosted: All traffic stays on your infrastructure
• No External Servers: Complete data sovereignty
• End-to-End Encryption: Optional E2EE for enhanced security
• No Registration: Participate without creating accounts

Meeting Security

• Room Passwords: Password-protect sensitive meetings
• Lobby Mode: Control who can join meetings
• Moderator Controls: Manage participants and content
• Participant Management: Mute, remove, or promote participants

📱 Mobile & Desktop Apps

Mobile Setup

1. Download Jitsi Meet from app store
2. Configure Server: Enter https://jitsi.maidan.cloud
3. Join Meetings: Enter room name and join
4. Push Notifications: Get notified of meeting updates

Desktop Applications

• Electron App: Native desktop application available
• Browser: Works in any modern web browser
• Calendar Integration: Schedule meetings with calendar apps

🛠️ Meeting Management

Creating Meetings

• Room Names: Use descriptive, memorable names
• Recurring Meetings: Use the same room name for regular meetings
• Scheduling: Share room links in advance
• Preparation: Test audio/video before important meetings

Moderator Features

• Participant Control: Mute all, remove disruptive participants
• Recording Management: Start/stop recordings
• Security Settings: Enable/disable features as needed
• Quality Control: Adjust video quality based on bandwidth

🎯 Common Use Cases

Community Meetings

• Town Halls: Large community gatherings
• Working Groups: Smaller focused meetings
• Social Events: Virtual social gatherings
• Educational Sessions: Training and workshops

Professional Uses

• Board Meetings: Governance and administrative meetings
• Project Planning: Collaborative planning sessions
• One-on-Ones: Private conversations between members
• Presentations: Share presentations with the community

🔧 Tips & Best Practices

Technical Best Practices

• Good Internet: Stable connection for best experience
• Headphones: Reduce echo and improve audio quality
• Lighting: Good lighting for video clarity
• Quiet Environment: Minimize background noise

Meeting Etiquette

• Mute When Not Speaking: Reduce background noise
• Use Chat: Ask questions via chat to avoid interruptions
• Be Punctual: Join meetings on time
• Test Setup: Check audio/video before important meetings

🔗 Official Resources

• Jitsi Meet Documentation: jitsi.github.io/handbook
• User Guide: jitsi.org/user-guide
• Mobile Apps: jitsi.org/downloads
• Security Features: jitsi.org/security

🤝 Community Integration

Integration with Other Services

• Matrix Chat: Share meeting links in Matrix rooms
• Calendar: Schedule meetings and share invites
• Governance: Use for community decision-making meetings
• Documentation: Record meetings for community archives

Getting Help

• Test Meetings: Use test rooms to familiarize yourself
• Community Support: Ask questions in Matrix #help room
• Documentation: Check this guide and official resources

Ready to meet? Create your first meeting room and explore the features. Perfect for community meetings, social gatherings, and collaborative sessions!

AI Tools & Capabilities

Your Maidan Cloud community provides powerful AI capabilities through locally-hosted models, ensuring privacy and community control over AI interactions.

🤖 LibreChat AI Platform

Access & Features

• Web Interface: ai.maidan.cloud
• Local Models: Powered by Ollama running on your infrastructure
• Privacy-First: All AI processing happens locally
• Full Guide: LibreChat Detailed Guide

Core Capabilities

• Conversational AI: Natural language chat and assistance
• Document Analysis: Upload and analyze files, PDFs, images
• Code Assistance: Programming help and code review
• Creative Writing: Content generation and creative projects
• Research Support: Information analysis and synthesis

🧠 Available AI Models

Model Types

Your instance includes access to various AI models:

• General Purpose: Balanced models for everyday tasks
• Specialized: Models optimized for specific use cases
• Coding: Models trained for programming assistance
• Creative: Models enhanced for creative writing and content

Model Selection

• Performance: Different models for different computational needs
• Specialization: Choose models based on your task
• Resource Usage: Larger models provide better results but use more resources
• Community Policies: Follow community guidelines for model usage

🎯 Common Use Cases

Community Management

• Content Creation: Generate announcements, newsletters, documentation
• Meeting Summaries: Process and summarize community meetings
• Policy Development: Assist with drafting community policies
• Communication: Help with clear, inclusive communication

Personal Productivity

• Writing Assistance: Help with emails, documents, reports
• Learning Support: Explanations, tutorials, concept clarification
• Problem Solving: Break down complex issues step by step
• Research: Information gathering and analysis

Technical Tasks

• Code Review: Get feedback on programming projects
• Documentation: Generate technical documentation
• Troubleshooting: Debug issues and find solutions
• Learning: Understand new technologies and concepts

Creative Projects

• Brainstorming: Generate ideas for projects and initiatives
• Content Planning: Structure articles, presentations, videos
• Creative Writing: Stories, poetry, creative content
• Design Thinking: Approach problems from new angles

🔒 Privacy & Ethics

Data Protection

• Local Processing: All AI interactions happen on your infrastructure
• No External APIs: No data sent to external AI services
• Community Control: Only your community has access to conversations
• Data Retention: Conversations stored according to community policies

Ethical AI Use

• Fact Verification: Always verify important information from AI
• Human Oversight: AI augments, doesn't replace human judgment
• Attribution: Give credit when sharing AI-generated content
• Community Guidelines: Follow community standards for AI use

Responsible Practices

• Bias Awareness: Understand potential biases in AI outputs
• Critical Thinking: Apply critical analysis to AI suggestions
• Privacy Respect: Don't input others' personal information
• Constructive Use: Use AI to enhance community collaboration

🛠️ Advanced Features

Document Processing

• File Upload: Analyze PDFs, text files, images
• Summarization: Extract key points from long documents
• Translation: Basic translation capabilities
• Data Extraction: Pull structured information from documents

Integration Capabilities

• Matrix Sharing: Share AI insights in community chat
• Document Creation: Use AI to help create CryptPad documents
• Content Enhancement: Improve existing community content
• Research Support: Assist with community research projects

📚 AI Literacy

Understanding AI

• Capabilities: What AI can and cannot do
• Limitations: Understanding model limitations and biases
• Best Practices: How to get the most out of AI interactions
• Critical Evaluation: Assessing AI-generated content

Effective Prompting

• Be Specific: Clear, detailed questions get better responses
• Provide Context: Background information improves results
• Iterate: Refine questions based on responses
• Experiment: Try different approaches to find what works

🤝 Community Guidelines

Acceptable Use

• Constructive Purposes: Use AI to benefit the community
• Respectful Content: Generate appropriate, respectful content
• Fact-Checking: Verify important claims and information
• Attribution: Acknowledge AI assistance when appropriate

Collaboration with AI

• Human-AI Partnership: AI as a tool to enhance human creativity
• Community Values: Ensure AI use aligns with community values
• Transparency: Be open about AI assistance when relevant
• Learning: Use AI to learn and grow, not to replace learning

🔧 Technical Considerations

Model Management

• Resource Usage: Understand computational requirements
• Performance: Balance between model capability and speed
• Updates: Models may be updated to improve performance
• Community Feedback: Provide feedback on model performance

System Integration

• Ollama Backend: AI models run via Ollama server
• LibreChat Frontend: User-friendly interface for AI interaction
• Resource Monitoring: Track AI usage and system performance
• Community Policies: Follow established guidelines for AI resource use

🔗 Official Resources

Documentation

• LibreChat: docs.librechat.ai
• Ollama: ollama.com/library
• AI Safety: docs.librechat.ai/install/configuration/ai_safety

Learning Resources

• Prompt Engineering: Best practices for AI interaction
• AI Ethics: Understanding responsible AI use
• Community Guidelines: Local policies for AI use

Explore AI capabilities! Start with simple questions and gradually explore more complex use cases. AI is a powerful tool to augment human creativity and problem-solving in your community.

LibreChat AI Assistant

Community-controlled AI assistance with local language models - no Big Tech data harvesting.

LibreChat gives your community access to powerful AI models running entirely on your own infrastructure. Unlike ChatGPT or Claude, your conversations stay within your community's control.

🚀 Quick Start

Access Your AI Assistant

1. Visit LibreChat: ai.maidan.cloud
2. Login with SSO: Use your Authentik account for automatic access
3. Start Chatting: Choose a model and begin your conversation

Note: LibreChat uses Authentik SSO along with Matrix, Nextcloud, Jitsi, and PeerTube.

Your First Conversation

1. Click "New Conversation"
2. Select a model from available options (depends on your server)
3. Ask questions or request assistance
4. Build on responses for complex topics

🤖 Local AI Models

Privacy-First AI: All models run on your community's server

Common Available Models

• Llama 2/3: General conversation and reasoning
• Code Llama: Programming assistance and code review
• Mistral: Efficient multilingual model
• Phi-3: Compact but capable model

Available models depend on your server resources. Contact administrators to request specific models.

Why Local Models Matter

• Complete Privacy: No conversations sent to external companies
• Community Control: Your community decides which models to run
• No Censorship: Not subject to corporate content policies
• Cost Effective: No per-message fees or subscription costs

💡 How to Use AI Effectively

Getting Better Responses

• Be specific: "Help me plan a community event for 50 people" vs "help me plan something"
• Provide context: Include relevant background information
• Ask follow-up questions: Build on previous responses
• Iterate: Refine your questions based on AI responses

Best Practices

• Fact-check important information: AI can make mistakes
• Use as a starting point: AI suggestions need human review
• Respect community guidelines: Use AI assistance responsibly
• Share useful insights: Help other community members learn

🔒 Privacy & Security

Data Protection

• Local Processing: Everything happens on your community server
• No External Sharing: Zero data sent to OpenAI, Google, or other companies
• Community Ownership: Your conversations belong to your community
• Secure Authentication: Authentik SSO protects access

What This Means

• No Training Data: Your conversations won't train external AI models
• No Surveillance: No corporate monitoring of your AI usage
• Community Policies: Your community sets AI usage rules
• Data Retention: Community controls how long conversations are stored

🎯 Community Use Cases

Getting Help

• Learn community tools: "How do I use Matrix encryption?"
• Understand governance: "Explain our decision-making process"
• Technical support: "Help me troubleshoot service issues"
• Onboarding: "What should new community members know?"

Content Creation

• Community content: Draft announcements, guides, or proposals
• Documentation: Help improve community documentation
• Creative projects: Brainstorm ideas for community initiatives
• Communication: Improve clarity of community messages

Research & Learning

• Topic exploration: Research subjects relevant to your community
• Skill development: Learn new tools and technologies
• Problem solving: Work through community challenges
• Education: Get explanations of complex concepts

🔗 Learn More

For detailed LibreChat features and advanced usage:

• LibreChat Documentation - Complete feature guide
• Ollama Model Library - Available AI models
• AI Safety Best Practices - Responsible AI usage

🌐 Related Community Tools

• Matrix Chat - Share AI insights with community members
• CryptPad Documents - Use AI to help with collaborative writing
• Community Forums - Discuss AI assistance in forums

Start exploring community-controlled AI: Visit ai.maidan.cloud and discover how local AI can support your community's work!

Available Services

Your Maidan Cloud instance provides a comprehensive suite of services designed for community collaboration, communication, and digital sovereignty.

🚀 Service Directory

Core Infrastructure

Communication & Collaboration

Media & Content

🔐 Authentication & Access

Authentication Methods

• Authentik SSO: Integrated with LibreChat, Matrix, Nextcloud, Jitsi, and PeerTube
• Tiled Access: Other services can be added as secured links in Authentik
• Role-Based Access: Control service access by user, group, or role
• Mixed Authentication: Some services still require individual accounts

Service-Specific Accounts

• SSO Integrated: LibreChat, Matrix, Nextcloud, Jitsi, PeerTube use Authentik single sign-on
• Individual Accounts: CryptPad, Lemmy, Vaultwarden, WordPress require separate registration
• Tiled Links: Non-SSO services can be secured through Authentik dashboard
• Access Control: Administrators can control who accesses which services

Nextcloud Collaboration Features:

• Complete Office Suite: Document, spreadsheet, and presentation editing
• File Storage & Sync: Replace Google Drive with community-controlled storage
• Calendar & Contacts: Integrated scheduling and contact management
• Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on documents simultaneously

🛡️ Privacy & Security

Data Sovereignty

• Self-Hosted: All services run on your community infrastructure
• No External Dependencies: Data stays within your control
• Privacy-First: Designed with privacy and security in mind
• Community Controlled: Policies set by your community

Security Features

• HTTPS: All services use encrypted connections
• Strong Authentication: Multi-factor authentication available
• Regular Updates: Services kept updated for security
• Monitoring: Health checks and security monitoring

📱 Mobile Access

Mobile-Friendly Services

• Responsive Design: All web interfaces work on mobile
• Native Apps: Matrix (Element), Jitsi, Vaultwarden have mobile apps
• Progressive Web Apps: Some services work offline
• Cross-Platform: Consistent experience across devices

Mobile App Setup

• Matrix: Element app with custom server
• Jitsi: Jitsi Meet app with custom server
• Vaultwarden: Bitwarden app with custom server
• Others: Access via mobile web browser

🔧 Service Categories

Essential Services

Required for basic community operation

• Identity Management (Authentik)
• Community Hub (WordPress)
• Chat (Matrix/Element)

Communication Services

For community interaction

• Video Conferencing (Jitsi)
• Forums (Lemmy)
• Documentation (mdBook)

Collaboration Services

For working together

• Document Editing (CryptPad)
• AI Assistant (LibreChat)
• Video Platform (PeerTube)

Utility Services

Supporting tools

• Password Manager (Vaultwarden)
• File Storage (integrated with other services)

🎯 Getting Started Guide

New User Checklist

1. Create Authentik Account: Register at identity management portal for SSO access
2. Access SSO Services: Matrix, LibreChat, Nextcloud, Jitsi, PeerTube with one login
3. Set Up Individual Accounts: Create accounts for CryptPad, Lemmy, Vaultwarden, WordPress
4. Explore All Services: Try different tools based on your needs
5. Read Guidelines: Understand community policies

Service Priority

Start with these services:

1. Authentik Portal: Create your SSO account for multiple services
2. Matrix Chat: Join community conversations (SSO or direct account)
3. LibreChat: AI assistance (uses Authentik SSO)
4. Password Manager: Secure your credentials (individual Vaultwarden account)

Then explore:

• Video conferencing for meetings
• Forums for structured discussions
• AI tools for assistance
• Video platform for media

🔗 Service Integration

Interconnected Services

• SSO Integration: Seamless login across platforms
• Content Sharing: Share between Matrix, documents, and forums
• Unified Experience: Consistent interface and branding
• Cross-Platform: Tools work together effectively

Workflow Examples

• Project Collaboration: Matrix chat → CryptPad documents → Video meetings
• Content Creation: AI assistance → Document editing → Website publishing
• Community Engagement: Forums → Video discussions → Documentation

📊 Service Status

Health Monitoring

• Uptime Tracking: Monitor service availability
• Performance Metrics: Track response times and usage
• Status Page: Check service health and announcements
• Incident Reports: Transparent communication about issues

Support & Maintenance

• Regular Updates: Services updated for security and features
• Community Feedback: User input shapes service improvements
• Technical Support: Help available through community channels
• Documentation: Comprehensive guides for each service

🆘 Getting Help

Support Channels

• Matrix #help: Real-time community support
• Documentation: Detailed guides for each service
• Community Forums: Structured help discussions
• Administrative Contact: For technical issues

Self-Service Resources

• Service Guides: Individual guides for each service
• FAQ: Common questions and answers
• Video Tutorials: Visual guides for complex features
• Best Practices: Community-developed usage patterns

Explore your digital town square! Each service is designed to work together, creating a comprehensive platform for community collaboration and digital sovereignty.

Nextcloud Cloud Storage

Your community's complete digital workspace - file storage, office suite, calendar, and collaboration platform.

Nextcloud provides comprehensive cloud storage and productivity tools that replace Google Drive, Microsoft 365, and other Big Tech platforms with a community-controlled alternative.

🌟 What is Nextcloud?

Nextcloud is an open-source productivity platform that gives your community:

• 📁 File Storage & Sync: Store, organize, and sync files across all devices
• 📝 Office Suite: Create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
• 📅 Calendar & Contacts: Manage schedules and contact information
• 🤝 Real-time Collaboration: Work together on documents with multiple users
• 📱 Mobile & Desktop Apps: Access your files from anywhere
• 🔒 Enterprise Security: End-to-end encryption and advanced security features

🚀 Getting Started

Access Your Nextcloud

Web Interface: next.maidan.cloud

Mobile Apps:

• Android: Nextcloud on Google Play
• iOS: Nextcloud on App Store

Desktop Clients:

• Windows/Mac/Linux: Download from Nextcloud.com

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Nextcloud is integrated with Authentik SSO:

• No separate registration needed - use your community Authentik account
• Seamless access from the Authentik dashboard
• Consistent permissions managed centrally

📁 Core Features

File Management

• Upload & Download: Drag-and-drop file management
• Folder Organization: Create hierarchical folder structures
• File Sharing: Share files and folders with community members
• Version History: Track changes and restore previous versions
• Bulk Operations: Move, copy, and delete multiple files at once

Office Suite Integration

• Document Editor: Create and edit text documents (LibreOffice Online)
• Spreadsheets: Build and analyze data with Calc
• Presentations: Design presentations with Impress
• Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit simultaneously
• Export Options: Save as PDF, Microsoft Office formats, and more

Calendar & Scheduling

• Personal Calendars: Manage your schedule and events
• Shared Calendars: Community-wide event planning
• Meeting Integration: Connect with Jitsi for video conferences
• Mobile Sync: Access calendar from your phone
• Import/Export: CalDAV support for external calendar apps

Contacts Management

• Contact Storage: Centralized address book
• Contact Sharing: Share contacts with community members
• CardDAV Sync: Sync with phone and email clients
• Group Organization: Organize contacts into groups

🤝 Collaboration Features

File Sharing & Permissions

• Internal Sharing: Share with other community members
• Permission Control: Read-only, edit, or full access
• Share Links: Create links for external sharing (if enabled)
• Expiration Dates: Set automatic expiry for shared content
• Password Protection: Secure sensitive shared content

Real-time Collaboration

• Simultaneous Editing: Multiple users editing the same document
• Comment System: Add comments and suggestions to documents
• Change Tracking: See who made what changes and when
• Conflict Resolution: Automatic handling of editing conflicts
• Notification System: Get notified of changes and comments

Team Workspaces

• Group Folders: Shared folders for teams and projects
• Project Organization: Organize files by community initiatives
• Role-based Access: Different permission levels for different roles
• Activity Feeds: Track what's happening in shared spaces

📱 Mobile & Desktop Sync

Desktop Client Features

• Automatic Sync: Keep local folders synchronized
• Selective Sync: Choose which folders to sync locally
• Offline Access: Work with files when offline
• Conflict Resolution: Handle sync conflicts gracefully
• Bandwidth Control: Limit sync speed if needed

Mobile App Capabilities

• Photo Backup: Automatically backup photos and videos
• Offline Files: Mark files for offline access
• Share from Apps: Share content directly to Nextcloud
• Document Scanning: Scan documents with phone camera
• Push Notifications: Get notified of file changes and shares

🔐 Privacy & Security

Data Sovereignty

• Community Control: All data stored on your infrastructure
• No External Dependencies: Files never leave your servers
• Privacy by Design: Built with privacy and security first
• Audit Trails: Track access and changes to sensitive files

Security Features

• End-to-End Encryption: Encrypt files on device before upload
• Access Control: Granular permissions and access controls
• Two-Factor Authentication: Additional security via Authentik
• Secure Sharing: Password-protected and expiring shares
• Activity Monitoring: Track who accesses what and when

Compliance & Backup

• Data Retention: Control how long files are kept
• Automated Backups: Regular backups of your data
• Export Capabilities: Download all your data anytime
• GDPR Compliance: Built-in privacy compliance tools

🔧 Advanced Features

Apps & Extensions

• App Store: Extend functionality with community apps
• Custom Integrations: Connect with other community services
• Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks
• External Storage: Connect to other storage systems
• API Access: Integrate with third-party applications

Administration Features

• User Management: Managed through Authentik SSO
• Storage Quotas: Control storage usage per user
• Activity Reports: Monitor usage and activity
• Security Scanning: Detect and prevent security issues
• Performance Monitoring: Track system performance

🆚 Nextcloud vs Big Tech Alternatives

Replace Google Drive

• ✅ Privacy: Your data stays in your community
• ✅ No Ads: No algorithm analyzing your files
• ✅ Unlimited Storage: Limited only by your server capacity
• ✅ Real Ownership: Export your data anytime
• ✅ Custom Features: Add functionality your community needs

Replace Microsoft 365

• ✅ Office Suite: Full document, spreadsheet, and presentation editing
• ✅ Calendar Integration: Manage schedules and meetings
• ✅ Email Integration: Connect with community email systems
• ✅ Collaboration Tools: Real-time editing and sharing
• ✅ Cost Effective: No monthly subscription fees

Replace Dropbox/Box

• ✅ File Sync: Desktop and mobile synchronization
• ✅ Team Collaboration: Shared folders and permissions
• ✅ Version Control: Track changes and restore versions
• ✅ Security: Enterprise-grade security features
• ✅ Integration: Works with existing community tools

📚 Getting Help

Learning Resources

• Official Documentation: Nextcloud User Manual
• Video Tutorials: Available in the Nextcloud community
• Community Forum: Ask questions and get help
• In-app Help: Built-in help system and tooltips

Community Support

• Matrix Chat: Ask questions in community channels
• Administrator Support: Contact admins for technical issues
• User Training: Community-organized training sessions
• Best Practices: Learn from other community members

🎯 Best Practices

File Organization

• Logical Structure: Create clear folder hierarchies
• Naming Conventions: Use consistent file naming
• Archive Old Files: Keep active workspace clean
• Regular Cleanup: Remove unnecessary files periodically

Collaboration Workflow

• Clear Permissions: Set appropriate access levels
• Version Control: Use meaningful version names
• Comment Guidelines: Provide constructive feedback
• Notification Settings: Configure notifications appropriately

Security Habits

• Regular Backups: Keep local copies of critical files
• Secure Sharing: Be careful with external shares
• Privacy Awareness: Understand what you're sharing
• Access Review: Regularly review shared content permissions

Ready to take control of your digital workspace? Nextcloud provides everything you need to collaborate effectively while maintaining complete control over your community's data and privacy.

Next Steps:

• Access Nextcloud - Start using your cloud storage
• Download Apps - Get mobile and desktop clients
• Getting Started Guide - Learn about other community services
• Community Guidelines - Understand sharing and collaboration policies

WordPress Community Website

WordPress powers your community's main website, providing a flexible platform for content management, news, and community information.

🚀 Accessing WordPress

Public Website

• Main Site: maidan.cloud
• Public Access: Anyone can view the website
• Mobile Friendly: Responsive design for all devices
• SEO Optimized: Search engine friendly

Admin Dashboard

• Admin Area: maidan.cloud/wp-admin
• Login Required: Use WordPress credentials (no SSO integration)
• Role-Based Access: Different permissions for different users
• HTTPS Secure: All admin access is encrypted

👥 User Roles & Permissions

Available Roles

• Administrator: Full site management access
• Editor: Can publish and manage all content
• Author: Can publish and manage their own content
• Contributor: Can write and edit their own posts (requires approval)
• Subscriber: Can only read content and manage their profile

Role Capabilities

• Content Management: Create, edit, and publish posts/pages
• Media Library: Upload and manage images, documents, videos
• User Management: Manage user accounts and permissions (Admin only)
• Theme/Plugin Management: Customize site appearance and functionality (Admin only)

📝 Content Management

Posts vs Pages

• Posts: Blog entries, news updates, time-sensitive content
• Pages: Static content like About, Contact, Policies
• Categories: Organize posts by topic
• Tags: Add keywords for better organization

Content Creation

• Block Editor: Modern, intuitive editing interface
• Media Integration: Easily embed images, videos, documents
• Formatting Options: Rich text editing with various formatting
• SEO Features: Built-in optimization tools

Publishing Workflow

1. Draft: Create and save content as draft
2. Review: Collaborate with editors for feedback
3. Publish: Make content live on the website
4. Update: Modify published content as needed

🎨 Customization

Theme Management

• Active Theme: Community-selected theme
• Customization: Colors, fonts, layout options
• Logo/Branding: Community identity and branding
• Navigation: Menu structure and organization

Plugin Functionality

• Security: Enhanced security features
• SEO: Search engine optimization tools
• Performance: Speed and optimization plugins
• Community Features: Integration with other platform services

🔒 Security & Privacy

Security Features

• HTTPS: All traffic encrypted
• Strong Authentication: Secure login requirements
• Regular Updates: WordPress core and plugins kept current
• Backup System: Regular automated backups
• Access Logging: Track administrative access

Privacy Protection

• Data Minimization: Only collect necessary information
• User Privacy: Respect user privacy preferences
• GDPR Compliance: European privacy regulation compliance
• No Tracking: Minimal external tracking or analytics

🔧 Content Guidelines

Publishing Standards

• Quality Content: Well-written, valuable information
• Community Relevance: Content that serves the community
• Accuracy: Fact-checked and reliable information
• Appropriate Tone: Professional yet accessible writing

Content Categories

• News & Updates: Community announcements and news
• Resources: Helpful guides and information
• Events: Community event information
• Governance: Official policies and procedures

📱 Mobile Experience

Mobile Optimization

• Responsive Design: Adapts to all screen sizes
• Touch-Friendly: Easy navigation on mobile devices
• Fast Loading: Optimized for mobile performance
• App-Like Experience: Progressive web app features

Mobile Management

• WordPress Mobile App: Manage content on mobile
• Quick Edits: Make simple changes from mobile
• Image Upload: Add photos directly from mobile
• Notifications: Get alerts about site activity

🔗 Integration Features

Platform Integration

• Matrix Chat: Link to community chat rooms
• PeerTube: Embed community videos
• CryptPad: Link to collaborative documents
• Events: Integration with community calendar

External Connectivity

• RSS Feeds: Syndicate content to other platforms
• Social Media: Share content on social platforms
• Email Newsletters: Notify subscribers of new content
• APIs: Connect with other community tools

📊 Analytics & Insights

Content Performance

• Page Views: Track popular content
• User Engagement: Monitor user interaction
• Search Terms: Understand what users seek
• Mobile Usage: Track mobile vs desktop access

Community Metrics

• Growth Tracking: Monitor community growth
• Content Effectiveness: Measure content impact
• User Feedback: Gather community input
• Performance Optimization: Improve site speed and usability

🆘 Getting Help

User Support

• WordPress Documentation: wordpress.org/support
• Block Editor Guide: wordpress.org/support/article/wordpress-editor
• Community Help: Matrix #help channel
• Admin Support: Contact site administrators

Best Practices

• Regular Updates: Keep content fresh and current
• SEO Optimization: Use good titles and descriptions
• Image Optimization: Compress images for faster loading
• Link Management: Keep internal and external links current

🔧 Technical Features

Performance Optimization

• Caching: Fast page loading
• Image Optimization: Automatic image compression
• Database Optimization: Efficient data storage
• CDN Integration: Content delivery optimization

Backup & Security

• Automated Backups: Regular site backups
• Security Scanning: Malware and vulnerability detection
• Update Management: Automatic security updates
• Access Control: Strong authentication requirements

🔗 Official Resources

• WordPress.org: wordpress.org
• Block Editor Handbook: developer.wordpress.org/block-editor
• WordPress Support: wordpress.org/support
• Security Guide: wordpress.org/security

Start creating! WordPress provides powerful tools for building your community's online presence. Focus on creating valuable content that serves your community's needs and goals.

PeerTube Video Platform

PeerTube is your community's decentralized video hosting platform, providing privacy-first video sharing with federation capabilities.

🚀 Getting Started

Access PeerTube

• Web Interface: tube.maidan.cloud
• Account Required: Register a new PeerTube account (SSO plugin available but not pre-configured)
• Mobile Friendly: Responsive web interface
• Federation: Disabled by default for privacy

First Steps

1. Create Account: Register with your community instance
2. Complete Profile: Add profile information and avatar
3. Explore Content: Browse existing community videos
4. Subscribe: Follow channels that interest you

📹 Video Management

Uploading Videos

• Supported Formats: MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI, and more
• Quality Options: Multiple resolutions and bitrates
• File Size Limits: Check your instance's upload limits
• Batch Upload: Upload multiple videos at once

Video Settings

• Privacy Levels: Public, unlisted, private, internal
• Descriptions: Rich text descriptions with markdown
• Tags: Categorize videos with relevant tags
• Thumbnails: Custom thumbnails for better presentation

Channel Management

• Create Channels: Organize videos by theme or topic
• Channel Branding: Custom banners and descriptions
• Playlists: Group related videos together
• Subscriptions: Build an audience for your content

🔐 Privacy & Federation

Privacy Controls

• Instance-Level: Your videos stay on your community server
• User Controls: Manage who can view your content
• Comment Management: Control comments on your videos
• Federation Settings: Choose which instances can access content

Federation Features

• Federation Disabled: By default, federation is disabled for privacy
• Local-Only: Videos stay within your community
• Optional Federation: Can be enabled by administrators if desired
• Community Control: Your instance decides federation policies

🎥 Video Features

Streaming Capabilities

• Live Streaming: Real-time video broadcasting
• Scheduled Streams: Plan and announce live events
• Chat Integration: Live chat during streams
• Recording: Automatically save live streams

Interactive Features

• Comments: Community discussion on videos
• Ratings: Like/dislike system
• Sharing: Share videos within and outside the platform
• Embedding: Embed videos in other websites

🛠️ Content Creation

Video Production Tips

• Quality: Good lighting and audio improve engagement
• Content Planning: Plan videos to serve community needs
• Thumbnails: Create eye-catching thumbnails
• Descriptions: Write clear, searchable descriptions

Community Content

• Meeting Recordings: Archive community meetings
• Educational Content: Tutorials and how-to videos
• Community Events: Document community activities
• Announcements: Important community information

📱 Mobile Experience

Mobile Web Interface

• Responsive Design: Works well on all mobile devices
• Touch Controls: Mobile-optimized video player
• Offline Viewing: Download videos for offline viewing
• Push Notifications: Alerts for new content

Mobile Upload

• Direct Upload: Upload videos from mobile devices
• Camera Integration: Record and upload directly
• Simple Interface: Easy mobile video management
• Background Upload: Continue using device while uploading

🔧 Advanced Features

Video Processing

• Transcoding: Automatic conversion to web-friendly formats
• Multiple Qualities: Various resolutions for different bandwidth
• Subtitles: Add closed captions and subtitles
• Chapters: Organize longer videos with chapters

Analytics & Insights

• View Statistics: Track video performance
• Audience Analytics: Understand your viewers
• Engagement Metrics: Monitor likes, comments, shares
• Growth Tracking: Monitor channel growth over time

🤝 Community Integration

Platform Integration

• Matrix Sharing: Share video links in community chat
• WordPress Embedding: Embed videos in community website
• Forum Integration: Discuss videos in community forums
• Event Documentation: Archive community events

Collaboration Features

• Channel Collaboration: Multiple users can manage channels
• Content Moderation: Community-driven moderation
• Playlists: Collaborative playlist creation
• Comments: Community discussion and feedback

🔒 Security & Safety

Content Moderation

• Community Guidelines: Follow platform rules
• Reporting System: Report inappropriate content
• Moderation Tools: Admin and user moderation features
• Age Restrictions: Appropriate content labeling

Account Security

• Strong Passwords: Use secure authentication
• Two-Factor Authentication: Enhanced account security
• Privacy Settings: Control who can contact you
• Data Export: Download your content and data

📊 Instance Management

Community Policies

• Content Guidelines: Community-specific rules
• Upload Limits: Storage and bandwidth considerations
• Federation Rules: Which instances to federate with
• Moderation Policies: How content is moderated

Resource Management

• Storage Monitoring: Track storage usage
• Bandwidth Optimization: Efficient video delivery
• Performance Tuning: Optimize for community needs
• Backup Strategy: Regular backups of video content

🔗 Official Resources

• PeerTube Documentation: docs.joinpeertube.org
• User Guide: docs.joinpeertube.org/use
• Administration Guide: docs.joinpeertube.org/admin
• Federation Guide: docs.joinpeertube.org/admin/federation

🎯 Best Practices

Content Strategy

• Community Value: Create content that serves your community
• Regular Schedule: Consistent posting schedule
• Engagement: Respond to comments and feedback
• Collaboration: Work with other community members

Technical Tips

• Video Optimization: Compress videos for web delivery
• Metadata: Use descriptive titles and tags
• Thumbnails: Create custom thumbnails
• Accessibility: Add subtitles and descriptions

Start sharing! PeerTube provides powerful video hosting with community control and federation capabilities. Perfect for documenting community activities and sharing knowledge.

Vaultwarden Password Manager

Community-controlled password management - secure credential storage on your own infrastructure.

Vaultwarden provides your community with a full-featured password manager that's compatible with all Bitwarden apps, but runs entirely on your own server.

🚀 Quick Start

Create Your Password Vault

1. Visit Vaultwarden: v.maidan.cloud
2. Create Account: Register with your email (separate from other community services)
3. Set Master Password: Choose a strong password you can remember
4. Enable 2FA: Add two-factor authentication for extra security

Access Your Passwords Everywhere

Mobile Apps: Download "Bitwarden" from your app store

• Custom Server: Enter v.maidan.cloud in settings
• Login: Use your Vaultwarden account credentials

Browser Extensions: Install Bitwarden extension for your browser

• Server Settings: Point to your community's Vaultwarden server
• Auto-fill: Automatically fill login forms on websites

🔒 Why Community Password Management?

Data Sovereignty

• Your Infrastructure: Passwords stored on your community server
• No External Dependencies: Not subject to corporate policy changes
• Community Control: Your community sets retention and access policies
• Zero Knowledge: Even administrators can't see your passwords

Cost & Features

• Free Premium Features: All Bitwarden premium features included
• No Subscription Fees: One-time infrastructure cost
• Unlimited Storage: No artificial limits on passwords or secure notes
• Full Compatibility: Works with all official Bitwarden apps

🛠️ Essential Features

Password Management

• Auto-fill: Automatically fill login forms
• Password Generator: Create strong, unique passwords
• Password Health: Check for weak and reused passwords
• Breach Monitoring: Check if passwords appear in data breaches

Secure Storage

• Secure Notes: Store sensitive text information
• Payment Cards: Securely store credit card information
• Identity Information: Store personal details securely
• File Attachments: Store secure files and documents

Multi-Device Sync

• Real-Time Sync: Passwords available across all your devices
• Offline Access: Access passwords even when server is unreachable
• Cross-Platform: Works on phones, tablets, computers, and browsers

🤝 Community Sharing

Organization Features

• Shared Vaults: Share passwords with community teams
• Collections: Organize shared passwords by project or team
• Access Control: Control who can see which passwords
• Admin Management: Community administrators can manage shared access

Secure Sharing

• Send Feature: Securely share passwords temporarily
• Emergency Access: Trusted members can access your vault if needed
• Granular Permissions: Control read/write access to shared items

🎯 Best Practices

Password Security

• Unique Passwords: Use different passwords for every service
• Strong Master Password: Use a memorable passphrase
• Enable 2FA: Add extra security to important accounts
• Regular Health Checks: Review and update weak passwords

Community Guidelines

• Personal vs Community: Keep personal and shared passwords separate
• Access Reviews: Regularly review who has access to shared passwords
• Offboarding: Remove access when community members leave
• Critical Passwords: Ensure multiple trusted members can access essential services

📱 Mobile & Desktop Setup

Mobile Configuration

1. Download "Bitwarden" from iOS App Store or Google Play
2. Tap Settings → Self-hosted Environment
3. Server URL: Enter v.maidan.cloud
4. Login with your community Vaultwarden account
5. Enable biometric unlock for convenience

Browser Extension Setup

1. Install Bitwarden extension for your browser
2. Click extension icon → Settings → Self-hosted Environment
3. Server URL: Enter v.maidan.cloud
4. Login and enable auto-fill for websites

🔗 Learn More

For detailed Bitwarden/Vaultwarden features:

• Bitwarden Help Center - Complete user guides
• Vaultwarden Documentation - Technical documentation
• Password Security Guide - Security best practices

🌐 Related Community Tools

• Matrix Chat - Store Matrix credentials securely
• LibreChat - Secure your AI assistant account
• Administration - Community administrators use Vaultwarden for service credentials

Secure your digital life: Visit v.maidan.cloud to create your password vault and start using strong, unique passwords for every account!

Governance Overview

Welcome to the governance framework for our Maidan Cloud community. This section outlines how our community makes decisions, resolves conflicts, and maintains the digital town square that serves our collective needs.

🏛️ Governance Philosophy

Our governance is built on the principles of:

• Digital Sovereignty: Community control over our digital infrastructure and data
• Transparency: Open decision-making processes and accessible information
• Inclusivity: Equal opportunity for all community members to participate
• Consensus Building: Collaborative decision-making that seeks broad agreement
• Accountability: Clear roles, responsibilities, and mechanisms for feedback

🎯 What We Govern

Platform Operations

• Service availability and configuration
• User access and permissions
• Data retention and privacy policies
• Technical infrastructure decisions

Community Standards

• Code of conduct and behavioral expectations
• Content policies and moderation guidelines
• Conflict resolution procedures
• Community events and initiatives

Resource Allocation

• Budget decisions and financial transparency
• Infrastructure costs and funding
• Volunteer time and community contributions
• Platform improvements and new features

🔄 Governance Process

1. Proposal Phase

• Community members can submit proposals for consideration
• Proposals are reviewed for clarity and community impact
• Initial discussion and refinement happens in community forums

2. Discussion Phase

• Open community discussion on Matrix chat and forums
• Feedback collection and proposal amendments
• Impact assessment and feasibility review

3. Decision Phase

• Formal consensus-building or voting process
• Clear timeline and participation requirements
• Documentation of rationale and dissenting views

4. Implementation Phase

• Action plan development and resource allocation
• Progress tracking and community updates
• Evaluation and adjustment as needed

👥 Governance Structure

Community Members

All users of our Maidan Cloud instance who agree to follow community guidelines.

Rights:

• Participate in community discussions
• Submit proposals for community consideration
• Vote on community decisions (where applicable)
• Access all community services and resources

Responsibilities:

• Follow the code of conduct
• Respect other community members
• Contribute constructively to discussions
• Report violations and conflicts appropriately

Moderators

Community members elected to help maintain healthy discussions and enforce community standards.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor community spaces for violations
• Mediate conflicts between members
• Enforce community guidelines fairly and consistently
• Report significant issues to administrators

Administrators

Technical administrators responsible for platform operations and community coordination.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain technical infrastructure
• Implement community decisions
• Coordinate governance processes
• Ensure platform security and data protection

📋 Key Governance Documents

• Decision Making Process - How we make community decisions
• Community Roles - Detailed role descriptions and selection processes
• Code of Conduct - Community behavioral standards
• Transparency Practices - How we maintain openness and accountability

🚀 Getting Involved

For New Members

1. Read this governance overview and related documents
2. Join community discussions on Matrix and forums
3. Attend community meetings and decision-making sessions
4. Consider volunteering for community roles or initiatives

For Active Members

1. Submit proposals for community improvements
2. Participate in consensus-building and voting
3. Consider running for moderator or other community roles
4. Help new members understand governance processes

For Technical Contributors

1. Contribute to platform development and maintenance
2. Participate in technical decision-making processes
3. Help document technical aspects of governance
4. Consider taking on administrator responsibilities

🔍 Governance Review

Our governance structure is designed to evolve with our community. We regularly review and update these processes based on:

• Community feedback and suggestions
• Practical experience with current procedures
• Changing needs as our community grows
• Best practices from other digital communities

Next Review Scheduled: [To be determined by community]

Questions About Governance?

• Join the discussion: #governance channel on Matrix
• Attend meetings: Community governance meetings (schedule TBD)
• Contact moderators: For specific questions or concerns
• Review documents: All governance documents are available in this documentation

Together, we're building a digital community that serves our collective needs while respecting individual rights and maintaining democratic principles.

Decision Making Process

Our community uses a collaborative decision-making process designed to ensure all voices are heard while maintaining the ability to move forward effectively.

🎯 Decision-Making Principles

Transparency

• All major decisions are made in public forums
• Decision rationale is documented and accessible
• Community members have access to relevant information

Participation

• All community members can contribute to discussions
• Multiple channels available for input (Matrix, forums, meetings)
• Accommodations made for different participation styles and schedules

Consensus Building

• We strive for consensus whenever possible
• Dissenting views are acknowledged and addressed
• Compromise solutions are actively sought

Efficiency

• Clear timelines for decision-making processes
• Fallback mechanisms when consensus cannot be reached
• Regular progress updates to maintain momentum

📊 Types of Decisions

Administrative Decisions

Examples: User account issues, routine maintenance, basic policy clarifications

Process: Administrators can make these decisions independently with community notification

Timeline: Immediate to 48 hours

Community Standards Decisions

Examples: Code of conduct updates, content policies, moderation guidelines

Process: Community discussion → Consensus building → Implementation

Timeline: 1-2 weeks for discussion, 1 week for consensus

Platform Decisions

Examples: New service additions, infrastructure changes, significant policy changes

Process: Proposal → Extended discussion → Formal consensus or vote → Implementation

Timeline: 2-4 weeks depending on complexity

Constitutional Decisions

Examples: Governance structure changes, fundamental community principles

Process: Extended community discussion → Formal proposal → Extended consensus period → Implementation

Timeline: 4-8 weeks with multiple discussion phases

🔄 Standard Decision-Making Process

Phase 1: Proposal Submission (2-3 days)

• Community member submits proposal
• Initial review for clarity and completeness
• Proposal posted in designated governance channels

Proposal Requirements:

• Clear problem statement or opportunity
• Proposed solution with specific actions
• Expected impact on community
• Resource requirements (time, money, technical)
• Timeline for implementation

Phase 2: Community Discussion (7-14 days)

• Open discussion on Matrix #governance channel
• Forum thread for detailed written feedback
• Optional community meeting for real-time discussion
• Proposal amendments based on feedback

Discussion Guidelines:

• Stay focused on the proposal topic
• Provide constructive feedback and suggestions
• Acknowledge different perspectives respectfully
• Seek clarification rather than making assumptions

Phase 3: Consensus Building (3-7 days)

• Moderators facilitate consensus-building process
• Identify areas of agreement and disagreement
• Work toward compromise solutions where possible
• Document final proposal version

Consensus Indicators:

• ✅ Strong Support: Enthusiastic agreement from community
• ✅ Weak Support: Agreement with minor reservations
• ⚠️ Concerns: Specific issues that need addressing
• ❌ Strong Opposition: Fundamental disagreement with proposal

Phase 4: Final Decision (1-3 days)

• Determine if consensus has been reached
• If consensus: Move to implementation
• If no consensus: Consider voting or further discussion

Phase 5: Implementation (Varies)

• Create action plan with specific steps and timeline
• Assign responsibilities to community members or administrators
• Regular progress updates to community
• Evaluation after implementation

🗳️ Voting Procedures

When consensus cannot be reached, we may use formal voting:

When Voting is Used

• Consensus building has been attempted but failed
• Time-sensitive decisions requiring resolution
• Equal levels of support for different options
• Community requests formal vote

Voting Eligibility

• Active community members (participated in last 30 days)
• Account in good standing with no recent violations
• Participated in the discussion phase of the decision

Voting Methods

• Simple Majority: Standard decisions (>50% approval)
• Qualified Majority: Significant changes (>66% approval)
• Supermajority: Constitutional changes (>75% approval)

Voting Timeline

• Announcement: 3 days advance notice
• Voting Period: 5 days for standard votes, 7 days for major decisions
• Results: Announced within 24 hours of voting closure

📝 Documentation Requirements

For All Decisions

• Record of proposal and discussion
• Summary of key arguments and perspectives
• Final decision rationale
• Implementation plan and timeline

Decision Archive

All decisions are documented in:

• Meeting Minutes: For decisions made in meetings
• Forum Posts: For async decision-making processes
• Governance Log: Chronological record of all major decisions

⚠️ Emergency Procedures

For urgent issues requiring immediate action:

Emergency Criteria

• Platform security vulnerabilities
• Legal compliance requirements
• Imminent service disruption
• Community safety issues

Emergency Process

1. Immediate Action: Administrators take necessary immediate steps
2. Community Notification: Notify community within 24 hours
3. Explanation: Provide detailed rationale for emergency action
4. Review: Community review of emergency decision within 7 days
5. Adjustment: Modify or reverse decision based on community input

🔄 Appeals and Review

Decision Appeals

Community members can appeal decisions by:

• Submitting appeal with new information or arguments
• Demonstrating procedural violations in decision-making
• Providing evidence of changed circumstances

Review Process

• Appeals reviewed by moderators and administrators
• Community discussion if appeal has merit
• Possible decision modification or reversal

📊 Decision-Making Tools

Communication Channels

• #governance Matrix channel for ongoing discussions
• Governance forum for detailed proposals and documentation
• Community meetings for real-time discussion and consensus building

Documentation Tools

• Proposal templates for consistent submission format
• Decision logs tracking all major community decisions
• Meeting minutes documenting synchronous discussions

Consensus Tools

• Temperature checks to gauge community sentiment
• Dot voting for prioritizing multiple options
• Fist-to-five for measuring consensus levels

🤝 Participating in Decision Making

As a Community Member

• Stay informed about ongoing decisions
• Participate constructively in discussions
• Provide feedback and suggestions
• Respect the final community decision

As a Moderator

• Facilitate discussions fairly and inclusively
• Help community members understand the process
• Ensure all voices are heard
• Document decisions thoroughly

As an Administrator

• Implement community decisions promptly
• Provide technical expertise for platform decisions
• Ensure transparency in administrative actions
• Support the democratic decision-making process

Our decision-making process is designed to balance thorough consideration with practical action. By participating actively and respectfully, we can make decisions that serve our community's best interests while maintaining the democratic values that guide our digital town square.

Consensus Guidelines

Spokescouncils

Voting Procedures

This document outlines the voting procedures for community decisions that require formal consensus.

When Voting is Required

Mandatory Voting Scenarios

• Platform Changes: Major service additions or removals
• Policy Updates: Changes to community guidelines or code of conduct
• Resource Allocation: Significant budget or infrastructure decisions
• Governance Changes: Modifications to decision-making processes
• Administrative Actions: Appointment or removal of moderators/administrators

Advisory Voting

• Feature Requests: Community input on new capabilities
• Event Planning: Organizing community activities
• Content Policies: Guidelines for specific services
• Technical Decisions: Input on technical implementation choices

Voting Methods

Matrix Room Voting

• Platform: Community Matrix room
• Duration: 72 hours minimum
• Quorum: 10% of active community members
• Notification: 48-hour advance notice required

Forum Voting

• Platform: Community Lemmy instance
• Duration: 1 week for major decisions
• Visibility: Pinned posts for important votes
• Discussion: Structured debate before voting

Emergency Voting

• Criteria: Security issues, service outages, urgent policy needs
• Duration: 24 hours minimum
• Platform: Matrix room for immediate response
• Ratification: Must be ratified in standard vote within 1 week

Voting Process

1. Proposal Phase

• Submission: Any community member can submit proposals
• Review: 48-hour review period for clarification
• Refinement: Proposal may be modified based on feedback
• Finalization: Final proposal posted for voting

2. Voting Phase

• Announcement: Clear notification across all platforms
• Options: Yes/No/Abstain for simple decisions
• Ranked Choice: Multiple options for complex decisions
• Transparency: All votes visible to community

3. Results Phase

• Counting: Automated where possible, manual verification
• Announcement: Results posted within 24 hours
• Implementation: Timeline for decision implementation
• Appeal Process: 48-hour period for challenging results

Voting Rights

Eligible Voters

• Active Members: Regular participation in community platforms
• Account Age: Minimum 30 days in community
• Good Standing: No recent violations of community guidelines
• Identity Verification: Confirmed community member

Voting Power

• Equal Voice: One vote per community member
• No Weighted Votes: Equal participation regardless of technical contribution
• Transparent Process: All eligible voters clearly identified
• Inclusive Approach: Effort to ensure all voices are heard

Special Voting Procedures

Constitutional Changes

• Supermajority: 67% approval required
• Extended Period: 2-week voting window
• Community Input: Town hall meetings before voting
• Implementation Delay: 30-day implementation period

Budget Decisions

• Transparency: Full budget disclosure required
• Options: Multiple budget proposals when applicable
• Oversight: Regular budget review votes
• Community Benefit: Priority for community-serving expenses

Technical Infrastructure

• Expert Input: Technical advisory committee recommendations
• Risk Assessment: Security and privacy impact evaluation
• Rollback Plan: Contingency plans for technical changes
• Testing Phase: Pilot programs before full implementation

Voting Security

Ballot Integrity

• Verification: Cryptographic signatures where possible
• Audit Trail: Complete voting record maintained
• Privacy Protection: Anonymous voting with verification
• Fraud Prevention: Multiple safeguards against manipulation

Dispute Resolution

• Challenge Process: Clear procedure for challenging results
• Review Committee: Neutral parties to review disputes
• Transparency: Open process for resolving voting disputes
• Final Authority: Community decision on disputed results

Digital Voting Tools

Current Platforms

• Matrix: Real-time discussion and simple voting
• Lemmy: Structured proposals and longer-term voting
• Future Tools: Dedicated voting platforms under consideration

Voting Bot Features

• Automated Counting: Reduce human error in vote tallying
• Reminder System: Notifications for upcoming votes
• Result Tracking: Historical voting record maintenance
• Access Control: Ensure only eligible voters participate

Participation Encouragement

Community Engagement

• Education: Voting importance and process education
• Accessibility: Multiple ways to participate in voting
• Feedback: Post-vote feedback collection
• Recognition: Acknowledgment of active community participation

Removing Barriers

• Multilingual: Translation support for non-English speakers
• Accessibility: Support for community members with disabilities
• Time Zones: Voting periods accommodate global community
• Technical Support: Help with voting platform usage

Remember: Voting is a privilege and responsibility. Every vote helps shape our community's future and maintain our commitment to democratic governance.

Community Roles

This document outlines the different roles within our community, their responsibilities, and how they contribute to our democratic governance structure.

Role Overview

Community Structure

Our community operates with a clear structure that balances democratic participation with effective governance:

• Members: The foundation of our community
• Moderators: Maintain healthy community spaces
• Administrators: Manage technical infrastructure
• Working Groups: Focus on specific community initiatives
• Governance Bodies: Oversee community-wide decisions

Role Definitions

Community Members

Primary Role: Participate in community life and democratic governance

Responsibilities:

• Engage respectfully in community discussions
• Participate in community voting and decision-making
• Follow community guidelines and code of conduct
• Contribute to community projects and initiatives
• Welcome and support new members

Rights:

• Voice in community decisions through voting
• Access to all community services and platforms
• Privacy and data protection
• Fair treatment and due process

Moderators

Primary Role: Facilitate healthy community interactions and enforce guidelines

Responsibilities:

• Monitor community platforms for guideline violations
• Mediate conflicts and disputes between members
• Enforce community policies fairly and consistently
• Support new members and answer questions
• Report issues and trends to administrators

Selection: Chosen through community nomination and voting process Term: 1-year renewable terms with quarterly reviews Accountability: Regular reporting to community and administrator oversight

Administrators

Primary Role: Manage technical infrastructure and implement community decisions

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and operate community technical infrastructure
• Implement policies and decisions made by the community
• Ensure platform security and member privacy
• Manage community resources and finances
• Provide technical support to members and moderators

Selection: Elected by community members through democratic voting Term: 2-year renewable terms with annual performance reviews Accountability: Regular reporting to community and subject to recall votes

Working Groups

Primary Role: Focus on specific community initiatives and projects

Types of Working Groups:

• Technical: Platform development and maintenance
• Governance: Policy development and community procedures
• Outreach: Community growth and external relations
• Education: Member education and documentation
• Events: Community events and activities

Formation: Created by community vote or administrator appointment Leadership: Elected by working group members Reporting: Regular reports to community on progress and decisions

Role Progression

Pathway to Involvement

1. New Member: Join community and learn about services and culture
2. Active Member: Regular participation in community activities
3. Contributing Member: Take on specific projects or responsibilities
4. Leadership Role: Moderator, administrator, or working group leader

Mentorship and Support

• Buddy System: New members paired with experienced members
• Training Programs: Skill development for community roles
• Leadership Development: Preparation for leadership positions
• Cross-Training: Understanding of different community roles

Role Boundaries

Separation of Powers

• Moderation: Focused on community interaction and content
• Administration: Focused on technical and operational management
• Governance: Community-wide decision making through democratic processes
• Working Groups: Specific projects and initiatives

Checks and Balances

• Community Oversight: All roles accountable to community members
• Term Limits: Regular rotation of leadership positions
• Removal Process: Clear procedures for removing ineffective role holders
• Transparency: Regular reporting and open communication

Role Support

Training and Resources

• Role-Specific Training: Tailored training for each role
• Documentation: Comprehensive guides and procedures
• Mentorship: Experienced members guide newcomers
• Skill Development: Ongoing learning opportunities

Tools and Access

• Platform Access: Appropriate access levels for each role
• Communication Tools: Dedicated channels for role coordination
• Documentation Tools: Access to community knowledge base
• Decision-Making Tools: Voting and consensus-building platforms

Role Recognition

Appreciation and Acknowledgment

• Regular Recognition: Monthly appreciation for outstanding contributions
• Community Awards: Annual awards for exceptional service
• Peer Recognition: Member-nominated appreciation system
• Legacy Recognition: Acknowledgment of long-term contributions

Professional Development

• Skill Building: Opportunities to develop new skills
• Leadership Experience: Real-world leadership and management experience
• Network Building: Connections with other community leaders
• Portfolio Development: Documented experience for external opportunities

Role Evolution

Adaptive Structure

• Flexible Roles: Roles can evolve based on community needs
• New Roles: Creation of new roles as community grows
• Role Modification: Adjustment of existing roles based on experience
• Feedback Integration: Regular feedback on role effectiveness

Community Growth

• Scalability: Role structure designed to scale with community growth
• Specialization: More specialized roles as community becomes more complex
• Distributed Leadership: Multiple leaders sharing responsibilities
• Regional Variations: Adaptation for different geographic regions

Role Transitions

Entering Roles

• Application Process: Clear process for expressing interest in roles
• Selection Criteria: Transparent criteria for role selection
• Onboarding: Comprehensive introduction to role responsibilities
• Probationary Period: Initial period with additional support and oversight

Exiting Roles

• Voluntary Departure: Clear process for stepping down from roles
• Knowledge Transfer: Procedures for transferring knowledge and responsibilities
• Appreciation: Recognition of service when leaving roles
• Continued Involvement: Opportunities for continued community involvement

Role Conflicts

• Conflict Resolution: Procedures for addressing role-related conflicts
• Mediation: Third-party mediation for complex conflicts
• Appeals Process: Fair process for appealing role decisions
• Restoration: Procedures for restoring relationships after conflicts

Special Considerations

Diversity and Inclusion

• Inclusive Recruitment: Efforts to ensure diverse representation in roles
• Barrier Removal: Removing barriers to role participation
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of cultural differences in leadership styles
• Accessibility: Ensuring roles are accessible to members with disabilities

Global Community

• Time Zone Considerations: Accommodating global participation
• Language Support: Multilingual support for role holders
• Cultural Adaptation: Adapting roles for different cultural contexts
• Remote Participation: Effective tools for remote role participation

Community roles are designed to serve the community while empowering individuals to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to our shared digital town square.

Community Members

Community members are the foundation of our digital town square. This document outlines member rights, responsibilities, and pathways for participation.

Member Classifications

Active Members

• Regular Participation: Engage in community platforms weekly
• Platform Presence: Active on at least 2 community services
• Contribution: Participate in discussions, events, or content creation
• Good Standing: Follow community guidelines and code of conduct

Contributing Members

• Content Creation: Regularly create valuable community content
• Platform Improvement: Suggest and implement service improvements
• Community Support: Help onboard new members and provide assistance
• Event Organization: Organize or facilitate community events

Founding Members

• Early Adopters: Among the first to join the community
• Platform Development: Contributed to initial platform setup
• Community Building: Helped establish community culture and norms
• Legacy Recognition: Acknowledged for foundational contributions

Member Rights

Participation Rights

• Voice in Decisions: Voting rights on community matters
• Platform Access: Full access to all community services
• Free Expression: Share ideas within community guidelines
• Privacy Protection: Control over personal data and information

Service Access

• Equal Access: All services available to all members
• Support: Technical and community support when needed
• Privacy: Secure, private communication and collaboration
• Sovereignty: Data ownership and control

Governance Rights

• Proposal Submission: Submit ideas for community consideration
• Voting Participation: Participate in all community votes
• Committee Participation: Join working groups and committees
• Leadership Opportunities: Run for community leadership roles

Member Responsibilities

Community Conduct

• Respect: Treat all community members with dignity and respect
• Guidelines: Follow community code of conduct and service policies
• Constructive Engagement: Contribute positively to discussions
• Conflict Resolution: Address disagreements respectfully

Platform Stewardship

• Responsible Usage: Use services appropriately and efficiently
• Security Awareness: Maintain good security practices
• Reporting: Report bugs, issues, or policy violations
• Resource Conservation: Use community resources thoughtfully

Community Building

• Welcoming: Help new members feel included and supported
• Knowledge Sharing: Share expertise and experiences
• Participation: Engage in community governance and decision-making
• Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on services and policies

Membership Pathway

Joining the Community

1. Discovery: Learn about community values and services
2. Registration: Create accounts on community platforms
3. Orientation: Participate in new member orientation
4. Integration: Begin participating in community activities

New Member Support

• Buddy System: Paired with experienced community member
• Orientation Session: Introduction to platforms and culture
• Resource Guide: Comprehensive guide to community services
• Check-in: Regular follow-up during first month

Membership Progression

• Engagement: Increase participation over time
• Contribution: Begin contributing to community projects
• Leadership: Take on leadership roles and responsibilities
• Mentorship: Help guide newer community members

Member Recognition

Contribution Recognition

• Monthly Highlights: Recognize outstanding community contributions
• Service Awards: Acknowledge significant service to community
• Innovation Recognition: Celebrate creative solutions and ideas
• Peer Nominations: Member-nominated recognition programs

Leadership Opportunities

• Working Groups: Lead specific community initiatives
• Committee Roles: Serve on governance and advisory committees
• Mentorship: Guide new members and contribute to onboarding
• Ambassadorship: Represent community in external contexts

Member Support

Technical Support

• Platform Help: Assistance with service usage and troubleshooting
• Security Support: Help with privacy and security configurations
• Training: Workshops and resources for skill development
• Documentation: Comprehensive guides and FAQs

Community Support

• Mental Health: Resources for community member wellbeing
• Conflict Resolution: Mediation and conflict resolution services
• Accessibility: Support for members with varying needs
• Language Support: Multilingual resources and translation

Member Privacy

Data Protection

• Minimal Collection: Only necessary data collected
• Consent: Clear consent for all data usage
• Access Rights: Members control their own data
• Deletion Rights: Right to remove personal data

Communication Privacy

• Encrypted Messaging: Secure communication channels
• Anonymous Options: Anonymous participation where appropriate
• Confidentiality: Respect for private conversations
• Transparency: Clear privacy policies and practices

Member Accountability

Community Standards

• Code of Conduct: Clear behavioral expectations
• Reporting System: Safe way to report violations
• Due Process: Fair investigation and resolution procedures
• Restorative Justice: Focus on repair and learning

Enforcement Actions

• Warning System: Progressive response to violations
• Temporary Restrictions: Limited access for serious violations
• Mediation: Facilitated resolution of conflicts
• Community Service: Positive contributions to address harm

Inactive Members

Dormant Status

• Definition: No activity for 6 months
• Status: Maintained access with reduced privileges
• Reactivation: Simple process to resume active status
• Data Retention: Account and data preserved

Account Maintenance

• Notification: Advance notice of account status changes
• Data Backup: Member control over data preservation
• Reactivation: Streamlined process for returning members
• Community Welcome: Re-integration support for returning members

Global Community

Cultural Diversity

• Inclusive Environment: Welcome members from all backgrounds
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for different perspectives
• Language Support: Multilingual community resources
• Time Zone Consideration: Global participation accommodation

Local Connections

• Regional Groups: Location-based community connections
• Local Events: In-person meetups and gatherings
• Cultural Exchange: Share traditions and perspectives
• Global Solidarity: Support for community members worldwide

Community membership is both a privilege and a responsibility. Together, we build a space that reflects our shared values of privacy, collaboration, and democratic participation.

Community Moderators

Moderators help maintain healthy community spaces and ensure adherence to community guidelines. This document outlines moderator roles, responsibilities, and selection processes.

Moderator Role

Core Responsibilities

• Community Guidelines: Enforce code of conduct and community policies
• Conflict Resolution: Mediate disputes and facilitate healthy discussions
• Content Moderation: Review and moderate content across platforms
• Member Support: Provide assistance and guidance to community members

Platform-Specific Moderation

• Matrix Chat: Monitor channels, moderate discussions, manage spam
• Forums (Lemmy): Review posts, moderate comments, maintain topic organization
• WordPress: Content review, user management, spam prevention
• General: Cross-platform coordination and policy enforcement

Moderator Selection

Eligibility Requirements

• Community Standing: Active member in good standing for 6+ months
• Platform Knowledge: Familiarity with community services and culture
• Conflict Resolution: Demonstrated ability to handle disputes fairly
• Time Commitment: Available for regular moderation duties

Selection Process

• Nominations: Self-nomination or community nomination
• Application: Detailed application including experience and philosophy
• Community Input: Open feedback period for community assessment
• Selection: Chosen by existing moderators and administrators

Terms of Service

• Term Length: 1-year renewable terms
• Performance Review: Quarterly evaluation of moderation effectiveness
• Removal Process: Clear procedures for addressing moderator issues
• Rotation: Opportunity for new moderators to join regularly

Moderation Philosophy

Principles

• Fair and Consistent: Apply rules equally to all community members
• Transparent: Clear communication about moderation decisions
• Educational: Focus on learning and improvement rather than punishment
• Restorative: Emphasize repair and community healing

Approach

• De-escalation: Calm tensions before they escalate
• Context Awareness: Consider circumstances and intent
• Community Benefit: Prioritize overall community wellbeing
• Progressive Response: Graduated responses based on severity

Moderation Powers

Content Moderation

• Edit/Remove: Edit or remove inappropriate content
• Pin/Unpin: Highlight important community information
• Lock Threads: Prevent further discussion when necessary
• Content Labeling: Add warnings or context to content

Member Management

• Temporary Mute: Short-term restrictions on posting
• Channel Restrictions: Limit access to specific areas
• Warning System: Issue formal warnings for policy violations
• Escalation: Refer serious issues to administrators

Platform Management

• Channel Creation: Create new discussion spaces as needed
• Topic Organization: Maintain organized, accessible content
• Spam Prevention: Implement and maintain anti-spam measures
• Bot Management: Configure and maintain moderation bots

Moderation Guidelines

Response Levels

1. Informal Warning: Private message addressing minor issues
2. Formal Warning: Official warning with documentation
3. Temporary Restriction: Limited access to specific services
4. Escalation: Refer to administrators for serious violations

Common Scenarios

• Spam: Immediate removal, possible account restriction
• Harassment: Swift intervention, support for affected members
• Misinformation: Correction, context addition, possible removal
• Off-topic: Gentle redirection, topic organization

Documentation

• Incident Reports: Document all moderation actions
• Pattern Recognition: Track repeat offenses and escalation
• Appeals Process: Fair review of moderation decisions
• Transparency: Regular reports to community on moderation activity

Moderator Tools

Platform Tools

• Matrix: Room management, user permissions, bot integration
• Lemmy: Post moderation, user management, community settings
• WordPress: Content moderation, user roles, comment management
• Cross-Platform: Coordination tools and communication channels

Automated Assistance

• Spam Detection: Automated spam filtering and removal
• Content Scanning: Automated flagging of potentially problematic content
• User Monitoring: Tracking of user behavior patterns
• Reporting System: Streamlined reporting and response workflows

Moderator Support

Training and Resources

• Onboarding: Comprehensive training for new moderators
• Ongoing Education: Regular updates on policies and best practices
• Conflict Resolution: Training in mediation and de-escalation
• Platform Expertise: Deep knowledge of community services

Moderator Community

• Private Channels: Secure communication for moderator coordination
• Regular Meetings: Weekly check-ins and strategy sessions
• Peer Support: Mutual assistance and consultation
• Burnout Prevention: Support for moderator wellbeing

Accountability

Oversight

• Administrator Review: Regular review of moderator actions
• Community Feedback: Open channels for community input
• Peer Review: Moderator evaluation of each other's actions
• Self-Assessment: Regular self-evaluation and improvement

Appeals Process

• Member Appeals: Clear process for challenging moderation decisions
• Review Committee: Independent review of appealed decisions
• Transparency: Open communication about appeal outcomes
• Policy Adjustment: Use appeals to improve moderation guidelines

Specialized Moderation

Technical Moderation

• Service Abuse: Monitor and prevent service misuse
• Security Issues: Respond to security threats and vulnerabilities
• Performance: Ensure services remain accessible and functional
• Integration: Coordinate moderation across multiple platforms

Content Specialization

• Legal Compliance: Ensure content meets legal requirements
• Cultural Sensitivity: Navigate cultural differences respectfully
• Educational Content: Moderate educational and informational content
• Creative Content: Support and moderate creative community contributions

Volunteer Recognition

Recognition Programs

• Service Awards: Acknowledge outstanding moderation service
• Community Recognition: Public appreciation for moderator contributions
• Skill Development: Opportunities for training and growth
• Leadership Pathways: Progression to administrative roles

Burnout Prevention

• Workload Management: Reasonable expectations and time limits
• Break Policies: Mandatory breaks and vacation time
• Support Systems: Mental health and stress management resources
• Rotation Options: Ability to change platforms or take breaks

Community Feedback

Transparency Reports

• Monthly Reports: Summary of moderation activity and trends
• Policy Updates: Communication about changes to moderation approach
• Community Input: Regular solicitation of community feedback
• Improvement Process: Continuous refinement of moderation practices

Community Engagement

• Office Hours: Regular availability for community questions
• Feedback Sessions: Structured opportunities for community input
• Policy Discussions: Open discussion about moderation philosophy
• Education: Help community understand moderation rationale

Moderation is a service to the community. Our moderators work to create spaces where all members can participate safely and constructively in our digital town square.

Community Administrators

Administrators are responsible for the technical infrastructure and overall governance of the community platform. This document outlines administrator roles, responsibilities, and accountability.

Administrator Role

Core Responsibilities

• Platform Management: Maintain and operate community infrastructure
• Security Oversight: Ensure platform security and member privacy
• Policy Implementation: Implement community decisions and policies
• Crisis Management: Handle emergencies and platform-wide issues

Technical Responsibilities

• Service Deployment: Deploy and maintain community services
• Performance Monitoring: Ensure platform reliability and performance
• Backup Management: Maintain data backup and recovery systems
• Update Management: Keep services secure and up-to-date

Governance Responsibilities

• Community Decisions: Implement voted community decisions
• Policy Enforcement: Ensure adherence to community policies
• Transparency: Maintain open communication about platform operations
• Accountability: Regular reporting to community on administrative actions

Administrator Selection

Eligibility Requirements

• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience
• Community Standing: Long-term active community member
• Trust: Proven trustworthiness and commitment to community values
• Availability: Commitment to regular platform maintenance and support

Selection Process

• Community Nomination: Nominated by community members
• Technical Assessment: Evaluation of technical capabilities
• Community Vote: Democratic selection by community members
• Probationary Period: 6-month trial period with community review

Terms of Service

• Term Length: 2-year renewable terms
• Performance Review: Annual evaluation by community
• Removal Process: Clear procedures for addressing administrator issues
• Succession Planning: Preparation for administrator transitions

Administrative Powers

Platform Control

• Service Management: Full control over community services
• User Management: Ability to manage user accounts and access
• Data Management: Control over community data and backups
• Network Management: Control over platform networking and security

Policy Implementation

• Rule Enforcement: Implement and enforce community policies
• Access Control: Manage platform access and restrictions
• Content Management: Ultimate authority over content moderation
• Emergency Powers: Ability to take swift action during emergencies

Financial Management

• Budget Control: Manage community financial resources
• Service Procurement: Purchase and manage service subscriptions
• Financial Reporting: Regular financial transparency to community
• Audit Compliance: Ensure financial accountability and transparency

Administrative Accountability

Community Oversight

• Monthly Reports: Regular reporting on platform status and actions
• Community Meetings: Regular meetings with community members
• Decision Documentation: Clear documentation of administrative decisions
• Appeal Process: Fair process for challenging administrative actions

Transparency Requirements

• Open Communication: Regular updates on platform operations
• Decision Rationale: Clear explanation of administrative decisions
• Financial Transparency: Open books on community finances
• Incident Reporting: Transparent communication about platform issues

Performance Metrics

• Platform Uptime: Maintain service availability standards
• Security Metrics: Track and report security incidents
• Community Satisfaction: Regular community feedback on administration
• Response Times: Timely response to community issues and requests

Administrative Responsibilities

Security Management

• Platform Security: Maintain robust security measures
• Member Privacy: Protect member data and communications
• Incident Response: Rapid response to security incidents
• Vulnerability Management: Proactive identification and remediation

Service Reliability

• Uptime Management: Maintain high service availability
• Performance Optimization: Ensure fast, responsive services
• Scalability Planning: Plan for community growth and expansion
• Disaster Recovery: Maintain comprehensive disaster recovery plans

Community Support

• Technical Support: Provide technical assistance to members
• Platform Education: Help members understand and use services
• Issue Resolution: Address member concerns and problems
• Feature Development: Implement community-requested features

Administrative Limits

Community Oversight

• Democratic Accountability: All major decisions subject to community input
• Policy Limitations: Cannot override community-voted policies
• Transparency Requirements: Must maintain open communication
• Removal Process: Community can remove administrators for cause

Technical Constraints

• Privacy Respect: Cannot access private member communications
• Data Protection: Must maintain strong data protection practices
• Emergency Only: Extraordinary powers only for genuine emergencies
• Audit Requirements: All actions subject to community audit

Financial Boundaries

• Budget Approval: Major expenses require community approval
• Transparency: All financial activities must be transparent
• Conflict of Interest: Cannot benefit personally from administrative role
• Community Benefit: All financial decisions must benefit community

Administrative Tools

Platform Management

• Server Access: Full access to community infrastructure
• Monitoring Tools: Comprehensive platform monitoring and alerting
• Backup Systems: Automated backup and recovery capabilities
• Security Tools: Advanced security monitoring and response tools

Community Management

• User Management: Tools for managing community member accounts
• Content Management: Ability to moderate content across platforms
• Communication Tools: Direct communication with community members
• Analytics: Insights into platform usage and community engagement

Administrative Support

Technical Resources

• Documentation: Comprehensive technical documentation
• Training: Ongoing training in platform management
• Vendor Support: Access to technical support from service providers
• Community Expertise: Access to technical expertise within community

Operational Support

• Administrative Team: Collaboration with other administrators
• Moderator Coordination: Work closely with community moderators
• Community Feedback: Regular input from community members
• External Resources: Access to external expertise when needed

Emergency Procedures

Crisis Response

• Incident Command: Clear leadership structure during emergencies
• Communication Plan: Rapid communication to community during crises
• Service Continuity: Maintain essential services during emergencies
• Recovery Planning: Comprehensive recovery procedures

Emergency Powers

• Temporary Restrictions: Ability to restrict access during emergencies
• Service Shutdown: Authority to shutdown services if necessary
• Data Protection: Emergency data protection measures
• Communication Override: Ability to communicate directly with all members

Administrative Ethics

Ethical Standards

• Community First: Always prioritize community wellbeing
• Transparency: Maintain open, honest communication
• Privacy Respect: Protect member privacy and data
• Conflict Avoidance: Avoid conflicts of interest

Professional Conduct

• Competence: Maintain high technical and professional standards
• Integrity: Act with honesty and integrity at all times
• Accountability: Take responsibility for administrative actions
• Continuous Learning: Stay current with best practices and technologies

Succession Planning

Knowledge Transfer

• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive operational documentation
• Training: Prepare potential successors through training programs
• Mentorship: Mentor incoming administrators
• Continuity: Ensure smooth transitions between administrators

Community Continuity

• Institutional Knowledge: Preserve community history and practices
• Relationship Maintenance: Maintain important external relationships
• Policy Continuity: Ensure consistent policy implementation
• Culture Preservation: Maintain community culture and values

Administration is a service to the community. Our administrators work to maintain the technical infrastructure that enables our digital town square to thrive while remaining accountable to the community they serve.

Community Guidelines

These guidelines help create a welcoming, inclusive, and productive environment for all community members. They complement our Code of Conduct and provide practical guidance for everyday interactions.

Core Principles

Respect and Dignity

• Treat all members with respect: Everyone deserves dignity regardless of background, experience, or viewpoints
• Value diverse perspectives: Different viewpoints strengthen our community
• Practice empathy: Try to understand others' perspectives and experiences
• Be patient: Remember that people have different skill levels and learning styles

Constructive Communication

• Focus on ideas, not people: Criticize ideas respectfully, never attack individuals
• Use clear, kind language: Communicate clearly while maintaining a friendly tone
• Listen actively: Give others your full attention and consider their points
• Ask questions: Seek clarification when you don't understand something

Collaborative Spirit

• Share knowledge freely: Help others learn and grow
• Give credit: Acknowledge others' contributions and ideas
• Work together: Collaborate rather than compete
• Support community goals: Align personal actions with community objectives

Platform-Specific Guidelines

Matrix Chat

• Stay on topic: Keep discussions relevant to the channel purpose
• Use threads: Use threaded replies for detailed discussions
• Respect notifications: Use @mentions thoughtfully
• Keep it conversational: Chat is for real-time, informal communication

Forums (Lemmy)

• Search before posting: Check if your question has been answered
• Use descriptive titles: Help others find and understand your posts
• Provide context: Give enough information for others to help
• Follow up: Update the community on resolution of issues

Collaborative Documents (CryptPad)

• Collaborate respectfully: Work together without overriding others' contributions
• Use comments: Use comment features for suggestions and discussions
• Save regularly: Protect everyone's work by saving frequently
• Organize content: Maintain document structure and organization

Video Conferencing (Jitsi)

• Test your setup: Check audio/video before important meetings
• Mute when not speaking: Reduce background noise for others
• Use video when possible: Visual cues improve communication
• Respect time: Start and end meetings as scheduled

Content Guidelines

Acceptable Content

• Community-relevant: Content should relate to community interests
• Educational: Share knowledge, tutorials, and learning resources
• Collaborative: Projects and initiatives that involve multiple members
• Constructive feedback: Helpful suggestions and improvements

Content to Avoid

• Off-topic discussions: Content unrelated to community purpose
• Commercial promotion: Spam or excessive self-promotion
• Divisive content: Content intended to create conflict or division
• Misinformation: Unverified or deliberately false information

Content Moderation

• Community-driven: Members help identify problematic content
• Transparent process: Clear procedures for content review
• Fair application: Guidelines applied consistently to all members
• Appeal process: Fair way to contest moderation decisions

Privacy and Security

Personal Information

• Protect privacy: Don't share others' personal information
• Be cautious: Think before sharing your own personal details
• Respect boundaries: Honor others' privacy preferences
• Secure practices: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication

Digital Security

• Report issues: Notify administrators of security concerns
• Follow best practices: Keep software updated and use secure connections
• Protect accounts: Don't share login credentials
• Be aware: Watch for phishing and social engineering attempts

Conflict Resolution

Preventing Conflicts

• Communicate clearly: Misunderstandings often lead to conflicts
• Assume good intent: Give others the benefit of the doubt
• Address issues early: Don't let small problems become big ones
• Seek clarification: Ask questions when something seems unclear

Resolving Conflicts

1. Direct communication: Try to resolve issues directly with the other person
2. Seek mediation: Ask a moderator to help facilitate discussion
3. Formal process: Use formal conflict resolution procedures if needed
4. Community healing: Focus on restoring relationships and community harmony

Escalation Process

• Informal resolution: Start with direct, respectful communication
• Moderator assistance: Involve moderators for guidance and mediation
• Formal complaints: Use formal procedures for serious violations
• Administrative action: Administrators handle severe or repeated violations

Participation Guidelines

Active Participation

• Regular engagement: Participate consistently in community activities
• Contribute meaningfully: Add value to discussions and projects
• Stay informed: Keep up with community news and decisions
• Vote responsibly: Participate in community decision-making

Quality Contributions

• Thoughtful posts: Take time to craft meaningful contributions
• Helpful responses: Provide useful answers and assistance
• Constructive criticism: Offer feedback that helps improve things
• Creative ideas: Share innovative solutions and suggestions

Community Building

• Welcome newcomers: Help new members feel included
• Share expertise: Teach others and share your knowledge
• Mentor others: Guide less experienced members
• Build relationships: Form connections with other community members

Special Situations

Community Events

• Be punctual: Arrive on time and stay for the duration
• Participate actively: Engage in activities and discussions
• Respect organizers: Follow event guidelines and instructions
• Provide feedback: Help improve future events with constructive feedback

Community Projects

• Meet commitments: Follow through on what you promise to do
• Communicate status: Keep others informed of your progress
• Ask for help: Reach out when you need assistance
• Document work: Keep records of project progress and decisions

Emergency Situations

• Stay calm: Remain composed during technical or community emergencies
• Follow instructions: Listen to administrators and moderators
• Offer help: Assist others and the community as appropriate
• Be patient: Understand that resolution may take time

Continuous Improvement

Feedback Culture

• Give feedback: Offer constructive suggestions for improvement
• Receive feedback: Accept suggestions gracefully and consider implementation
• Regular review: Participate in regular review of community guidelines
• Adaptation: Support evolution of guidelines as community grows

Learning and Growth

• Stay curious: Continue learning about community topics and technologies
• Share learning: Teach others what you've learned
• Embrace change: Adapt to new tools and procedures
• Personal growth: Use community participation for personal development

Community Evolution

• Support innovation: Embrace new ideas and technologies that benefit the community
• Maintain values: Ensure changes align with core community values
• Democratic process: Participate in discussions about community direction
• Long-term thinking: Consider the long-term impact of decisions and changes

These guidelines are living documents that evolve with our community. They represent our shared commitment to creating a space where everyone can contribute, learn, and thrive together.

Community Code of Conduct

Our community is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all members. This Code of Conduct outlines our shared values and expectations for behavior across all Maidan Cloud platforms and spaces.

🌟 Our Values

Digital Sovereignty

We believe in community control over our digital spaces and respect each member's right to privacy and self-determination.

Inclusivity

We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives while fostering an environment where everyone can participate meaningfully.

Transparency

We value open communication, honest dialogue, and accessible decision-making processes.

Collaboration

We work together constructively, seeking solutions that benefit the entire community.

Respect

We treat all community members with dignity, empathy, and understanding.

✅ Expected Behaviors

In All Community Spaces

• Be respectful in all interactions, even during disagreements
• Assume good intentions when interpreting others' communications
• Listen actively to different perspectives and experiences
• Communicate clearly and avoid ambiguous or inflammatory language
• Help others learn and participate in community activities
• Respect privacy and obtain consent before sharing personal information

In Matrix Chat and Forums

• Stay on topic in designated channels and threads
• Use appropriate channels for different types of discussions
• Search before posting to avoid duplicate conversations
• Use content warnings for sensitive or potentially triggering topics
• Respect do-not-disturb indicators and time zones

In Collaborative Tools (CryptPad, etc.)

• Respect others' work and ask before making major changes
• Document your contributions clearly for other collaborators
• Save work regularly and communicate about editing sessions
• Follow project-specific guidelines established by document owners

In Video Calls and Meetings

• Mute when not speaking to reduce background noise
• Respect speaking time and give others opportunities to contribute
• Use inclusive language and avoid interrupting others
• Be present and engaged during meetings you choose to attend

❌ Unacceptable Behaviors

Harassment and Discrimination

• Personal attacks, insults, or derogatory comments
• Discrimination based on identity, background, or personal characteristics
• Unwelcome sexual attention or inappropriate advances
• Doxxing or sharing personal information without consent
• Threats of violence or intimidation

Disruptive Behavior

• Trolling, baiting, or deliberately inflammatory comments
• Spam, excessive self-promotion, or off-topic content
• Deliberately disrupting conversations or community activities
• Impersonating other community members or authority figures

Platform Abuse

• Attempting to access others' accounts or private information
• Circumventing technical restrictions or community bans
• Using automated tools to spam or disrupt services
• Sharing malicious links, viruses, or harmful content

Violations of Trust

• Sharing private conversations without permission
• Breaking confidentiality agreements or trust
• Deliberately spreading misinformation
• Using community resources for commercial gain without permission

⚖️ Enforcement Process

Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct:

1. Document the incident with screenshots or detailed notes if possible
2. Report to moderators via:
   • Direct message to any moderator on Matrix
   • Email to [moderators@community-domain.com] (if configured)
   • Private message in forum platforms
3. Include relevant details: what happened, when, who was involved, and any evidence

Investigation Process

• Acknowledgment: Reports are acknowledged within 24 hours
• Review: Moderators review evidence and may interview involved parties
• Consultation: Complex cases may involve administrator consultation
• Decision: Appropriate response determined based on severity and context
• Follow-up: Reporter and involved parties notified of outcomes

Possible Responses

Minor Violations

• Warning: Private message explaining the violation and expected changes
• Temporary restrictions: Limited access to specific channels or features
• Required apology: Public or private acknowledgment of harm caused

Moderate Violations

• Temporary suspension: Time-limited removal from community platforms
• Content removal: Deletion of violating posts or messages
• Mediation: Facilitated conversation between affected parties

Severe Violations

• Permanent ban: Removal from all community platforms and services
• Account termination: Complete loss of access to community resources
• Legal action: Involvement of law enforcement for illegal activities

Appeals Process

Community members may appeal enforcement decisions by:

• Submitting written appeal within 30 days of decision
• Providing new evidence or context not previously considered
• Demonstrating changed behavior or understanding

Appeals are reviewed by administrators and may result in:

• Confirmation of original decision
• Modification of consequences
• Complete reversal of decision

🛡️ Protecting Community Members

Support for Victims

• Confidential reporting options for sensitive situations
• No retaliation policy protecting those who report violations
• Community support for members who experience harassment
• Resource connections to external support services when needed

Privacy Protection

• Minimal data collection in investigation processes
• Confidential handling of sensitive personal information
• Secure storage of incident reports and evidence
• Limited access to investigation materials on need-to-know basis

🔄 Code of Conduct Evolution

Regular Review

This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually or when:

• Community needs change significantly
• New types of violations emerge
• Best practices evolve in online community management
• Community members request specific changes

Modification Process

Changes to the Code of Conduct follow our standard decision-making process:

• Community discussion period
• Feedback incorporation
• Consensus building or voting
• Implementation with transition period

Community Input

All community members are encouraged to:

• Suggest improvements to the Code of Conduct
• Share experiences about enforcement effectiveness
• Propose new guidelines for emerging technologies or situations
• Participate in annual review discussions

📚 Additional Resources

Community Guidelines

• Content Policies - Specific rules for different types of content
• Conflict Resolution - Structured approaches to resolving disputes
• Moderation Guidelines - How moderators apply these standards

External Resources

• Digital wellness guides for healthy online participation
• Privacy tools and education for protecting personal information
• Conflict resolution training for community members and moderators
• Accessibility resources for inclusive communication

🤝 Commitment to Improvement

We recognize that creating and maintaining an inclusive community is an ongoing process. We commit to:

• Learning from mistakes and adjusting our approach based on experience
• Centering affected voices in discussions about harm and healing
• Providing education rather than only punishment when appropriate
• Building restorative practices that repair relationships and trust

❓ Questions and Clarifications

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct:

• Ask moderators for clarification about specific situations
• Join governance discussions about community standards
• Review enforcement decisions to understand how guidelines are applied
• Suggest improvements based on your community experience

By participating in our Maidan Cloud community, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct and help create a space where everyone can thrive. Together, we can build a digital town square that reflects our shared values of respect, inclusivity, and democratic participation.

This Code of Conduct is adapted from best practices in online community management and is specifically tailored for our digital sovereignty-focused community.

Content Policies

These policies govern the creation, sharing, and management of content across all community platforms. They ensure our digital spaces remain welcoming, constructive, and aligned with our community values.

Content Standards

Acceptable Content

• Community-Relevant: Content related to community interests, projects, and discussions
• Educational: Learning resources, tutorials, documentation, and knowledge sharing
• Collaborative: Projects, discussions, and initiatives involving community members
• Constructive: Content that builds up the community and helps members
• Original or Attributed: Original work or properly credited content from other sources

Prohibited Content

• Illegal: Content that violates applicable laws and regulations
• Harassment: Content targeting individuals or groups for abuse or intimidation
• Hate Speech: Content promoting hatred or discrimination based on protected characteristics
• Misinformation: Deliberately false or misleading information
• Spam: Repetitive, irrelevant, or commercial content without community value
• Explicit Content: Sexually explicit, graphic violence, or otherwise inappropriate material

Platform-Specific Policies

Matrix Chat

• Real-time Guidelines: Content appropriate for real-time conversation
• Channel Relevance: Keep messages relevant to specific channel topics
• Link Sharing: Share links with context and verification
• File Sharing: Only share appropriate files with virus scanning

Forums (Lemmy)

• Topic Organization: Post in appropriate communities and categories
• Title Guidelines: Use clear, descriptive titles for posts
• Long-form Content: Detailed posts with proper formatting and structure
• Source Citation: Cite sources for claims and information

Collaborative Documents (CryptPad)

• Respectful Editing: Make thoughtful additions without overriding others' work
• Version Control: Use document history features responsibly
• Access Management: Share documents appropriately based on sensitivity
• Content Organization: Maintain document structure and readability

WordPress (Community Website)

• Publication Standards: High-quality content suitable for public website
• Editorial Review: Content may be reviewed before publication
• Attribution: Proper credit for authors and contributors
• Representation: Content represents community values and goals

Content Creation Guidelines

Quality Standards

• Accuracy: Ensure information is correct and up-to-date
• Clarity: Write clearly and understandably for your audience
• Completeness: Provide sufficient detail and context
• Accessibility: Consider accessibility for users with disabilities

Attribution and Copyright

• Original Work: Create original content or properly license existing content
• Attribution: Give credit to original authors and sources
• Fair Use: Understand and respect fair use limitations
• Licensing: Use appropriate Creative Commons or other open licenses

Inclusive Language

• Welcoming Tone: Use language that welcomes all community members
• Avoid Assumptions: Don't assume gender, background, or experience level
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful of different cultures and perspectives
• Accessibility: Use plain language and avoid jargon when possible

Content Moderation

Community-Driven Moderation

• Member Reporting: Community members help identify problematic content
• Peer Review: Content reviewed by multiple community members
• Transparent Process: Clear procedures for content review and decisions
• Appeal Rights: Fair process for appealing moderation decisions

Moderation Actions

• Content Warning: Add warnings to potentially problematic content
• Content Editing: Minor edits to improve clarity or remove issues
• Content Removal: Remove content that violates policies
• Access Restriction: Limit access to specific content or areas

Escalation Process

1. Community Flags: Members report concerning content
2. Moderator Review: Moderators assess flagged content
3. Action Decision: Appropriate action taken based on severity
4. Communication: Decision communicated to content creator and community
5. Appeal Process: Content creator can appeal moderation decisions

Intellectual Property

Copyright Compliance

• Respect Copyrights: Only use content you have rights to use
• Fair Use: Understand fair use limitations and applications
• DMCA Compliance: Follow Digital Millennium Copyright Act procedures
• International Law: Respect international copyright agreements

Community Content Licensing

• Default License: Community content uses Creative Commons licenses
• Member Choice: Members can choose specific licenses for their content
• Attribution Requirements: Maintain proper attribution for all content
• Commercial Use: Clear policies on commercial use of community content

Privacy and Personal Information

Personal Data Protection

• Consent: Only share personal information with explicit consent
• Minimal Sharing: Share only necessary personal information
• Data Security: Protect personal information from unauthorized access
• Right to Privacy: Respect members' privacy choices and boundaries

Public vs Private Content

• Public Awareness: Understand which content is publicly visible
• Privacy Settings: Use appropriate privacy settings for sensitive content
• Accidental Disclosure: Procedures for handling accidental information disclosure
• Data Portability: Members can export their own content and data

Content Preservation and Archival

Community Memory

• Important Content: Preserve valuable community discussions and decisions
• Historical Record: Maintain historical record of community development
• Searchable Archive: Make archived content searchable and accessible
• Privacy Respect: Respect privacy when archiving personal communications

Content Lifecycle

• Active Content: Current, relevant content easily accessible
• Archived Content: Older content preserved but marked as archived
• Deprecated Content: Outdated content clearly marked or removed
• Deleted Content: Clear policies on content deletion and recovery

Special Content Types

Technical Documentation

• Accuracy: Technical information must be accurate and tested
• Updates: Keep technical documentation current with system changes
• Peer Review: Technical content reviewed by knowledgeable community members
• Version Control: Track changes to technical documentation

Community Governance

• Transparency: Governance content must be clear and accessible
• Participation: Enable community participation in governance discussions
• Decision Records: Maintain clear records of community decisions
• Implementation: Track implementation of governance decisions

Educational Content

• Learning Objectives: Clear learning goals for educational content
• Skill Levels: Content appropriate for different skill levels
• Interactive Elements: Encourage interactive learning and participation
• Assessment: Provide ways to assess learning and understanding

Content Promotion and Discovery

Content Visibility

• Merit-Based: Quality content receives appropriate visibility
• Community Interest: Popular content gets more exposure
• Diversity: Ensure diverse voices and perspectives are heard
• Anti-Gaming: Prevent manipulation of content promotion systems

Search and Discovery

• Tagging: Use appropriate tags and categories for content
• Cross-Referencing: Link related content for better discovery
• Recommendations: System and community recommendations for relevant content
• Accessibility: Ensure search tools are accessible to all members

Enforcement and Appeals

Violation Response

• Proportional Response: Enforcement action proportional to violation severity
• Educational Focus: Help members understand and correct violations
• Progressive Discipline: Escalating consequences for repeated violations
• Restoration: Focus on repairing harm and restoring community harmony

Appeals Process

• Fair Hearing: Right to fair hearing for content moderation decisions
• Independent Review: Appeals reviewed by different moderators when possible
• Timely Response: Appeals processed within reasonable timeframes
• Clear Communication: Decisions clearly communicated with rationale

Policy Evolution

• Community Input: Regular community input on content policy effectiveness
• Policy Updates: Regular review and updating of content policies
• Transparency: Clear communication about policy changes
• Implementation: Gradual implementation of policy changes with community education

Content policies are designed to foster a creative, collaborative, and respectful environment where all community members can contribute meaningfully to our shared digital space.

Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are natural in any community. Our conflict resolution process focuses on healing, learning, and strengthening community bonds through fair, transparent, and restorative approaches.

Philosophy

Restorative Justice

• Repair Harm: Focus on repairing damage to relationships and community
• Understanding: Help all parties understand the impact of their actions
• Accountability: Encourage genuine accountability and responsibility
• Community Healing: Restore trust and harmony within the community

Collaborative Resolution

• Shared Ownership: All parties participate in finding solutions
• Multiple Perspectives: Consider all viewpoints and experiences
• Creative Solutions: Develop innovative approaches to address conflicts
• Long-term Thinking: Focus on sustainable resolutions that prevent future conflicts

Types of Conflicts

Interpersonal Conflicts

• Communication Misunderstandings: Different interpretation of messages or intentions
• Personality Clashes: Incompatible communication or working styles
• Boundary Violations: Crossing personal or professional boundaries
• Trust Issues: Breakdown of trust between community members

Content and Policy Conflicts

• Guideline Interpretation: Different views on how guidelines apply
• Content Disputes: Disagreements about appropriate content
• Policy Implementation: Conflicts over policy enforcement
• Moderation Decisions: Disputes about moderation actions

Resource and Project Conflicts

• Resource Allocation: Disagreements about community resource use
• Project Decisions: Conflicts about project direction or implementation
• Leadership Disputes: Disagreements about leadership decisions
• Participation Issues: Conflicts about participation levels or contributions

Resolution Process

Informal Resolution (Level 1)

Goal: Resolve conflicts directly between parties

Steps:

1. Self-Reflection: Each party reflects on their role in the conflict
2. Direct Communication: Parties attempt to discuss the issue directly
3. Active Listening: Each party listens to understand the other's perspective
4. Mutual Agreement: Parties work together to find a mutually acceptable solution

Timeline: Immediate to 48 hours Support: Self-help resources and communication guidelines available

Mediated Resolution (Level 2)

Goal: Resolve conflicts with neutral third-party assistance

Process:

1. Mediation Request: Either party or community member requests mediation
2. Mediator Assignment: Neutral moderator or trained community member assigned
3. Structured Discussion: Facilitated conversation following mediation protocols
4. Agreement Development: Collaborative development of resolution agreement
5. Follow-up: Check-in to ensure agreement is working

Timeline: 3-7 days from request Mediators: Trained moderators or community volunteers

Formal Resolution (Level 3)

Goal: Address serious conflicts through structured community process

Process:

1. Formal Complaint: Written complaint submitted to community leadership
2. Investigation: Fact-finding and information gathering
3. Community Input: Relevant community members provide input
4. Resolution Committee: Panel reviews case and develops recommendations
5. Community Decision: Community votes on resolution recommendations
6. Implementation: Resolution implemented with community oversight

Timeline: 1-3 weeks depending on complexity Oversight: Community leadership and governance structures

Mediation Guidelines

Mediator Role

• Neutrality: Remain neutral and unbiased throughout the process
• Facilitation: Help parties communicate effectively with each other
• Structure: Provide structure and guidelines for productive discussion
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality of mediation discussions

Mediation Process

1. Opening: Explain process, set ground rules, confirm participation
2. Storytelling: Each party shares their perspective without interruption
3. Questioning: Mediator asks clarifying questions to understand issues
4. Problem-Solving: Parties work together to identify solutions
5. Agreement: Document any agreements reached during mediation
6. Closure: Summarize outcomes and next steps

Ground Rules

• Respect: Treat all parties with dignity and respect
• Active Listening: Listen to understand, not to argue
• No Interruptions: Allow each person to speak without interruption
• Confidentiality: Keep mediation discussions private
• Good Faith: Participate honestly and with genuine intent to resolve

Community Support

Prevention Strategies

• Clear Guidelines: Maintain clear community guidelines and expectations
• Communication Training: Provide training in effective communication
• Early Intervention: Address small issues before they become big conflicts
• Community Building: Foster positive relationships and community connection

Support Resources

• Conflict Resolution Guide: Self-help guide for managing conflicts
• Communication Workshops: Regular workshops on effective communication
• Peer Support: Trained community members available for informal support
• Mental Health Resources: Professional resources for members who need them

Healing and Restoration

• Community Circles: Facilitated community discussions about conflicts
• Healing Practices: Culturally appropriate healing and restoration practices
• Relationship Repair: Specific programs to help repair damaged relationships
• Community Service: Opportunities to contribute positively to community healing

Special Situations

Power Imbalances

• Recognition: Acknowledge when power imbalances affect conflicts
• Advocacy: Provide advocacy support for less powerful parties
• Modified Process: Adapt resolution process to address power dynamics
• Community Protection: Protect vulnerable community members

Repeated Conflicts

• Pattern Analysis: Analyze patterns in repeated conflicts
• Skill Development: Provide additional training and skill development
• Community Agreement: Develop specific agreements for managing future interactions
• Escalated Intervention: More intensive intervention for persistent issues

Community-Wide Conflicts

• Large Group Process: Special processes for conflicts affecting many members
• Multiple Stakeholders: Include all affected parties in resolution process
• Phased Resolution: Break large conflicts into manageable components
• Community Healing: Focus on healing community divisions

Accountability Measures

Personal Accountability

• Acknowledgment: Recognize harm caused to others
• Responsibility: Take responsibility for one's actions and choices
• Amends: Make appropriate amends for harm caused
• Commitment: Commit to changed behavior and actions

Community Accountability

• Transparent Process: Maintain transparency in conflict resolution process
• Fair Treatment: Ensure all parties receive fair and equal treatment
• Learning: Use conflicts as learning opportunities for the community
• Policy Improvement: Improve policies and procedures based on conflict experiences

Follow-up and Monitoring

• Check-ins: Regular check-ins to ensure resolutions are working
• Adjustment: Modify agreements if they're not working effectively
• Support: Provide ongoing support for parties working through conflicts
• Prevention: Use lessons learned to prevent similar future conflicts

Training and Education

Conflict Resolution Skills

• Communication: Training in effective communication techniques
• Active Listening: Skills for truly hearing and understanding others
• Empathy: Developing empathy and perspective-taking abilities
• Problem-Solving: Collaborative problem-solving techniques

Mediation Training

• Basic Mediation: Training for community members in basic mediation skills
• Advanced Techniques: Advanced training for experienced mediators
• Cultural Competency: Training in culturally sensitive mediation approaches
• Specialized Situations: Training for specific types of conflicts or situations

Community Education

• Conflict Prevention: Education on preventing conflicts before they start
• Healthy Communication: Community-wide education on healthy communication
• Restorative Justice: Education on restorative justice principles and practices
• Community Building: Building strong relationships to prevent and resolve conflicts

Evaluation and Improvement

Process Evaluation

• Effectiveness: Regular evaluation of conflict resolution effectiveness
• Satisfaction: Measure satisfaction of parties who use the process
• Accessibility: Ensure process is accessible to all community members
• Cultural Appropriateness: Evaluate cultural appropriateness of approaches

Continuous Improvement

• Feedback Collection: Regular collection of feedback from process participants
• Process Refinement: Continuous refinement of resolution processes
• Training Updates: Update training based on experience and best practices
• Community Input: Regular community input on conflict resolution approaches

Conflict resolution is an opportunity for growth, understanding, and stronger community bonds. Through fair, transparent, and restorative processes, we can turn conflicts into catalysts for positive change.

Transparency Practices

Transparency is a cornerstone of our community governance. This document outlines how we ensure openness, accountability, and accessible information sharing across our Maidan Cloud community.

🌟 Transparency Principles

Open by Default

Information is publicly accessible unless there's a specific reason for confidentiality (privacy, security, legal requirements).

Proactive Disclosure

We share information proactively rather than waiting for requests, including decisions, finances, and platform changes.

Accessible Communication

Information is presented in clear, understandable language and multiple formats to accommodate different needs.

Timely Updates

Community members receive timely updates about decisions, changes, and developments that affect them.

Accountability Mechanisms

Clear processes exist for community members to request information and hold leadership accountable.

📊 What We Share Publicly

Governance Activities

• Meeting minutes from all governance meetings
• Decision records with rationale and community input
• Voting results and participation statistics
• Policy changes and their implementation timelines
• Role appointments and selection processes

Financial Information

• Budget summaries showing income and expenses
• Funding sources and any restrictions or obligations
• Infrastructure costs broken down by service
• Reserve funds and financial planning
• Donation tracking (while protecting donor privacy)

Platform Operations

• Service status and uptime statistics
• Security incidents (after resolution, with appropriate detail)
• Software updates and version changes
• Performance metrics and usage statistics
• Planned maintenance schedules and impacts

Community Data

• Membership statistics (aggregated, not individual)
• Usage patterns across platform services
• Growth trends and demographic information
• Engagement metrics for community activities
• Survey results and community feedback

📋 Regular Reporting

Monthly Community Reports

Published the first week of each month, covering:

• Governance decisions made in the previous month
• Financial summary of income and expenses
• Platform updates and service changes
• Community highlights and achievements
• Upcoming decisions and opportunities for input

Quarterly Financial Reports

Detailed financial information including:

• Income statement with revenue sources
• Expense breakdown by category and service
• Cash flow analysis and projections
• Budget vs. actual spending comparison
• Reserve fund status and allocation

Annual Community Report

Comprehensive yearly overview including:

• Community growth and engagement metrics
• Major decisions and their outcomes
• Financial summary and sustainability planning
• Platform improvements and new features
• Goals and priorities for the coming year

🏛️ Meeting Transparency

Public Meetings

• Governance meetings are open to all community members
• Meeting schedules published with advance notice
• Agendas shared at least 48 hours before meetings
• Live streaming or recording when technically feasible
• Real-time notes taken during meetings

Meeting Minutes

All meetings are documented with:

• Attendance list (with permission)
• Agenda items and discussion summaries
• Decisions made and voting results
• Action items with responsible parties and deadlines
• Next meeting date and tentative agenda

Meeting Archive

• Searchable repository of all meeting minutes
• Organized by date and topic for easy navigation
• Cross-referenced with related decisions and documents
• Multiple formats (web, PDF, plain text)

💰 Financial Transparency

Budget Process

• Community input on budget priorities and allocations
• Public discussion of budget proposals
• Clear rationale for funding decisions
• Regular reviews and adjustments as needed

Expense Tracking

• Real-time dashboard showing current spending
• Categorized expenses by service and activity type
• Vendor information for significant contracts
• Cost per user calculations for sustainability planning

Funding Sources

• Donation tracking with privacy protection
• Grant information including requirements and restrictions
• Volunteer contributions valued and acknowledged
• In-kind donations and their estimated value

🔐 Information Requests

Community Member Rights

Any community member can request:

• Specific information about governance or operations
• Clarification of decisions or policies
• Documents not already publicly available
• Data about their own account or contributions

Request Process

1. Submit request via designated channels (Matrix, forum, email)
2. Acknowledgment within 48 hours
3. Initial response within 7 days
4. Full response within 21 days for complex requests

Response Standards

• Clear explanations if information cannot be shared
• Alternative information when full disclosure isn't possible
• Appeal process for denied requests
• Public posting of frequently requested information

🛡️ Privacy and Security Balance

Information We Don't Share

• Personal information of community members
• Private communications between individuals
• Security vulnerabilities before they're resolved
• Legal matters under attorney-client privilege
• Confidential reports of harassment or abuse

Privacy Protection

• Data minimization in public reports
• Anonymization of sensitive information
• Consent requirements before sharing personal details
• Right to deletion for former community members

Security Considerations

• Delayed disclosure for security-sensitive information
• Redacted documents when full disclosure would create risks
• Secure channels for sharing sensitive information when necessary
• Regular security audits of transparency practices

📈 Transparency Metrics

Accountability Indicators

We track and report on:

• Information request response times
• Meeting attendance and participation
• Budget variance and explanations
• Decision implementation timelines
• Community feedback and satisfaction

Continuous Improvement

• Annual transparency reviews to identify gaps
• Community feedback on information quality and accessibility
• Best practice adoption from other organizations
• Technology improvements for better information sharing

🔍 Transparency Tools

Communication Platforms

• Public forums for ongoing discussions
• Matrix channels for real-time community updates
• Website sections dedicated to governance information
• Email newsletters for regular community updates

Documentation Systems

• Version-controlled documents showing change history
• Search functionality across all public information
• RSS feeds for automatic updates
• Mobile-friendly access to all transparency information

Data Visualization

• Dashboard displays of key community metrics
• Charts and graphs for financial and usage data
• Interactive maps of community growth and engagement
• Timeline views of major decisions and changes

🤝 Community Participation

Feedback Mechanisms

• Regular surveys about transparency effectiveness
• Open comment periods for transparency policy changes
• Suggestion boxes for information requests
• Exit interviews with departing community members

Volunteer Opportunities

• Meeting note-taking and minute preparation
• Data visualization and report design
• Translation services for accessibility
• Technical assistance with transparency tools

🔄 Transparency Policy Evolution

Regular Reviews

This transparency framework is reviewed:

• Annually as part of governance review
• After major incidents that affect information sharing
• When new technologies offer better transparency options
• Following community feedback about transparency gaps

Improvement Process

• Community input on transparency priorities
• Pilot programs for new transparency initiatives
• Impact assessment of transparency changes
• Best practice research and adaptation

📞 Transparency Contacts

Information Requests

• Email: transparency@[community-domain]
• Matrix: #transparency channel
• Forum: Transparency category

Concerns and Feedback

• Transparency gaps or information access issues
• Suggestions for improving openness
• Complaints about information quality or timeliness
• Appeals of information request denials

By maintaining these transparency practices, we ensure our community can hold leadership accountable, make informed decisions, and participate meaningfully in our digital town square's governance.

Meeting Minutes

This document serves as a template and archive for community meeting minutes. Regular meetings ensure transparent governance and democratic participation in community decisions.

Meeting Types

Community Assemblies

• Frequency: Monthly community-wide meetings
• Purpose: Major community decisions and general updates
• Participation: Open to all community members
• Decision Authority: Community votes on proposals and policies

Working Group Meetings

• Frequency: Varies by working group (typically bi-weekly)
• Purpose: Focused work on specific projects and initiatives
• Participation: Working group members and interested community members
• Decision Authority: Working group decisions within delegated authority

Administrative Meetings

• Frequency: Weekly administrative coordination meetings
• Purpose: Operational coordination and urgent issue resolution
• Participation: Administrators and moderators
• Decision Authority: Operational decisions within established policies

Emergency Meetings

• Frequency: As needed for urgent issues
• Purpose: Address critical issues requiring immediate attention
• Participation: Relevant stakeholders and decision-makers
• Decision Authority: Emergency decisions subject to community ratification

Meeting Minutes Template

Meeting Header

# [Meeting Type] - [Date]

**Date**: [YYYY-MM-DD]
**Time**: [Start Time] - [End Time] UTC
**Platform**: [Matrix Room/Jitsi/Other]
**Meeting Chair**: [Name]
**Minutes Recorder**: [Name]

## Attendees
- [Name] (Role)
- [Name] (Role)
- [Name] (Role)

## Agenda
1. [Agenda Item 1]
2. [Agenda Item 2]
3. [Agenda Item 3]

Discussion Format

## [Agenda Item Title]

**Presenter**: [Name]
**Duration**: [Time spent]

### Summary
[Brief summary of the item discussion]

### Key Points
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]

### Decisions Made
- [Decision 1 with vote count if applicable]
- [Decision 2 with vote count if applicable]

### Action Items
- [ ] [Action item] - Assigned to [Name] - Due: [Date]
- [ ] [Action item] - Assigned to [Name] - Due: [Date]

Meeting Conclusion

## Next Steps
- [Next step 1]
- [Next step 2]

## Next Meeting
**Date**: [Next meeting date]
**Agenda Preparation**: [Who is responsible]

## Meeting Evaluation
**Effectiveness**: [Rating/feedback]
**Improvements**: [Suggestions for future meetings]

Recent Meeting Minutes

Community Assembly - 2024-12-15

Date: 2024-12-15 Time: 19:00 - 21:00 UTC Platform: Jitsi (jitsi.maidan.cloud) Meeting Chair: Community Member A Minutes Recorder: Community Member B

Attendees

• 15 community members
• 3 administrators
• 2 moderators

Agenda Items

1. Platform Status Update

Presenter: Lead Administrator

Summary: Review of platform performance and recent improvements

Key Points:

• All services running smoothly with 99.8% uptime last month
• LibreChat AI service successfully integrated with Ollama
• mdBook documentation significantly expanded
• Security updates completed across all services

Decisions Made:

• Approved: Continue current service configuration (unanimous)
• Approved: Schedule monthly platform performance reviews (12-3 vote)

Action Items:

• Document service uptime metrics - Assigned to Admin Team - Due: 2024-12-30
• Create automated health monitoring dashboard - Assigned to Tech Team - Due: 2025-01-15

2. Community Growth Strategy

Presenter: Community Outreach Team

Summary: Discussion of strategies to welcome new members and grow the community

Key Points:

• Current member count: 45 active users
• Proposal for onboarding improvements using mdBook guides
• Need for more community moderators as we grow
• Success of recent Matrix chat reorganization

Decisions Made:

• Approved: Create welcome package for new members (14-1 vote)
• Approved: Recruit 2 additional moderators (unanimous)
• Deferred: Decision on federation with other instances (needs more discussion)

Action Items:

• Design new member welcome flow - Assigned to UX Team - Due: 2025-01-10
• Open moderator applications - Assigned to Admin Team - Due: 2024-12-20
• Research federation best practices - Assigned to Tech Team - Due: 2025-01-30

3. Financial Report

Presenter: Treasurer

Summary: Review of community finances and budget planning

Key Points:

• Current monthly costs: €45 for VPS and infrastructure
• Donation fund balance: €320
• Projected 6-month runway with current expenses
• Discussion of sustainable funding options

Decisions Made:

• Approved: Maintain current donation-based funding model (unanimous)
• Approved: Create transparency report on platform costs (13-2 vote)
• Tabled: Discussion of optional paid services for future meeting

Action Items:

• Publish financial transparency report - Assigned to Treasurer - Due: 2024-12-31
• Research grant opportunities - Assigned to Fundraising Team - Due: 2025-02-01