About Participation Stars
A shared participation agreement based on trust, contribution, and balance.
Core Principles
Stars are not currency, debt, or a moral judgment. They reflect recent reliability and participation.
Indicate Readiness
Stars show a member's recent and consistent participation.
Maintain Trust
They help create a reliable environment for everyone.
No Permanent Status
Star levels decay over time and can always be rebuilt.
Voluntary Participation
Anyone may pause their participation without justification.
Plateaus of Trust
As members participate, they reach new plateaus that reflect their journey in the network.
Getting Started
1-4 Stars
New members or those re-engaging after a pause. Focus is on low-stakes support and finding a sustainable pace.
Building Momentum
5-9 Stars
Members who show up consistently and communicate clearly. They form the reliable backbone of the community.
Established Participant
10+ Stars
Long-standing members with a strong history of reliable contribution and community support.
How Stars Change
How Stars Increase
- Completing an agreed hour-for-hour exchange.
- Showing up consistently and communicating clearly.
- Contributing to collective or community-wide tasks.
How Stars Decrease
- "Ghosting" or failing to show up for agreed commitments.
- Repeatedly failing to follow through without communication.
- Taking support while remaining disengaged over time.