420M+
open source projects
as of June 30, 2024
CommunityRule
isatoolthathelpsgroups
definewhotheywanttobe
From projects to communities
27%
year over year growth in open source
as of June 30, 2024
45%
adults in the US participate in community service
as of June 30, 2024
8000+
mutual aid groups in the U.S.
as of June 30, 2024
Share Leadership and Prevent Burnout
Rotating roles and setting clear expectations for contributions can prevent a few people from taking on too much. A living document outlining responsibilities and group values helps distribute labor fairly and avoids misunderstandings.
A transportation assistance group avoided burnout by introducing a weekly shift system, making participation more sustainable.
Frameworks for Community Governance
CommunityRule provides customizable templates that help communities define decision-making structures, leadership roles, and processes for collective action.
Establish Transparent, Inclusive Decision-Making
Deciding early on how your group makes choices—whether consensus, majority vote, or delegation—can prevent confusion. Transparency and regular check-ins help avoid unspoken hierarchies and keep everyone engaged.
A disaster relief group sped up decisions by adopting a “consensus-minus-one” model, preventing gridlock while maintaining group alignment.
Empowering Self-Governance
The platform enables communities, mutual aid groups, and open-source projects to foster transparency and accountability without relying on top-down authority.
Address Conflicts Before They Grow
A basic conflict resolution process can prevent disputes from escalating. Clear guidelines for resource distribution reduce misunderstandings and maintain trust. Assume good faith and use structured discussions to resolve issues.
Members noticed frustration when some folks felt unheard in decisions about new projects. By anonymous feedback box, they created a space to address concerns early and make adjustments before conflicts escalated.
Flexible & Open-Source Approach
Users can modify existing governance templates or create their own, making it a versatile tool for diverse community needs, from co-ops to digital collectives.
Get the Community Rules Book
Community Rules is a simple tool to help make great communities even better and healthier. It includes nine templates for organizational structures that communities can choose from, combine, or react against.
Get answers to your questions
Too many of our communities adopt default governance practices that rely on unchecked authority without even basic democratic features. Community Rule helps communities establish better norms for decision-making, stewardship, and culture.