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Preamble

This Charter outlines the guiding principles, governance framework, and operational guidelines for FreeWP, a worker-owned benefit corporation dedicated to advancing, restoring, and safeguarding the independence and integrity of the WordPress open-source project and its community.

I. Mission Statement

Our mission is to cultivate a thriving, independent, and equitable WordPress ecosystem by:
Championing Open-Source Principles: Upholding the right to use, modify, and distribute WordPress freely, ensuring accessibility and freedom for all users and developers.
Restoring Independence and Integrity: Actively engaging with the WordPress community to restore and protect the project’s autonomy.
Providing Unbiased Reporting: Delivering accurate and impartial analysis of events and trends impacting the WordPress community.
Promoting Transparency: Advocating for transparent and accountable governance structures within the WordPress project and in all our operations.
Empowering Workers: Fostering shared ownership, profit-sharing, and democratic decision-making processes among employees.
Investing in Innovation: Supporting projects and initiatives that enhance the open-source ecosystem and benefit the broader WordPress community.

II. Values and Stakeholder Integration

The following core values guide FreeWP and acknowledge its responsibility to a broad group of stakeholders, including WordPress community members, developers, users, and individuals affected by open-source integrity:
Freedom
Upholding the principles of open-source software.
Equity
Ensuring equal access and opportunities for all, particularly underrepresented groups.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for actions and maintaining high standards.
Transparency
Communicating openly about processes, funding, and decisions.
Collaboration
Working together and valuing diverse perspectives.
Courage
Confronting challenges directly and advocating for what is right.
Innovation
Exploring new ideas and striving for continuous improvement.
Competition
Embracing fair competition to elevate standards.
Resilience
Adapting to change while remaining committed to long-term goals.
Sustainability
Considering the future well-being of the organization, community, and environment.
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We are committed to ensuring that these stakeholders have a meaningful role in our governance, especially concerning decisions that impact the WordPress open-source ecosystem.

III. Structure and Governance

FreeWP is organized as a worker-owned benefit corporation under the laws of [Jurisdiction], dedicated to balancing the financial interests of shareholders with social and environmental impacts.
Ecosystem Structure:
FreeWP Digital: Media production and content creation arm producing high-quality content for the WordPress community.
FreeWP Ventures: Investment and accelerator arm supporting startups aligned with our mission.
FreeWP Trust: Non-profit foundation supporting contributors, funding community projects, and upholding our social mission.
Governance Framework:
Worker Ownership: All full-time employees are granted shareholder status.
Board of Directors: Comprising representatives from the WordPress developer community, workers, and independent third parties.
Decentralized Power: Ensuring equitable decision-making without disproportionate control by any individual or group.
Elected Leadership: Leadership positions filled through democratic elections with term limits and role rotation.
Community Advisory Board: A representative body providing input on major decisions.

IV. Governance and Decision-Making

FreeWP embraces a democratic, transparent, and decentralized governance model characterized by:
Open Communication Channels: Maintaining accessible platforms for engagement and feedback.
Transparent Decision-Making: Ensuring decisions are made openly with stakeholder input.
Regular Reporting: Providing periodic updates on financials, operations, and mission progress.
Legal Protections: Safeguarding our mission through provisions requiring a supermajority (75%) vote of both the Board of Directors and shareholders for significant changes.

V. Funding, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Benefits

We employ a multifaceted approach to funding, balancing financial sustainability with community benefit:
Revenue Generation:
FreeWP Digital: Advertising, subscriptions, and content licensing.
FreeWP Ventures: Attracting mission-aligned investments.
FreeWP Trust: Receiving donations, grants, and profit allocations.
Profit Allocation:
A portion of profits directed to a stakeholder fund for:
Supporting open-source projects.
Funding community initiatives.
Enhancing transparency and independence within WordPress.
Compensation Limits: Capping executive compensation and shareholder dividends to ensure mission sustainability.
Worker Empowerment: Promoting shared ownership and profit-sharing among employees.

VI. Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability

We prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and accountability in all operations:
Open Communication: Clear and accessible stakeholder communication channels.
Financial Transparency: Public disclosure of funding sources, financial reports, and resource allocation.
Journalistic Integrity: Adhering to ethical guidelines ensuring accuracy and impartiality.
Fact-Checking and Corrections: Robust mechanisms for information verification and addressing inaccuracies.
Diversity and Inclusion: Championing equitable representation and inclusivity.
Annual Independent Audits:
Evaluating performance against our mission.
Assessing contributions to the open-source community and governance transparency.
Publicly reporting audit findings.

VII. Legal Protections and Amendment Procedures

Our mission is safeguarded by mission lock provisions:
Amendments: Changes affecting stakeholder involvement or public benefit require a supermajority (75%) vote of both the Board of Directors and shareholders.
Mission Integrity: Ensuring alignment with our mission and stakeholder interests through stringent amendment procedures.

VIII. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

We are committed to active engagement with the WordPress community and stakeholders:
Community Advisory Board: Includes representatives from developers, users, and other stakeholders.
Open Communication Channels: Engaging with the community for feedback and collaboration.
Stakeholder Integration: Providing meaningful roles in governance, especially for decisions impacting the open-source ecosystem.

IX. Exit Strategy and Continuity

In the event of acquisition, merger, or dissolution:
Mission Continuity: Prioritizing the continuation of our mission to support the WordPress ecosystem.
Approval Requirements: Any ownership transfer must be approved by the Community Advisory Board and must not compromise our mission.

X. Conclusion, Effective Date, and Review

This Charter represents the foundation upon which FreeWP operates, outlining our mission, values, structure, and commitment to transparency and community benefit.
The Charter will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with our mission and stakeholder needs.
By fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and ethical practices, FreeWP seeks to create a sustainable and impactful model for a more equitable and empowering digital world.
Preamble
I. Mission Statement
II. Values and Stakeholder Integration
III. Structure and Governance
IV. Governance and Decision-Making
V. Funding, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Benefits
VI. Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability
VII. Legal Protections and Amendment Procedures
VIII. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
IX. Exit Strategy and Continuity
X. Conclusion, Effective Date, and Review
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