• Decision-Making Processes: The Community Constellation will strive to make decisions by consensus whenever possible. This involves open dialogue, active listening, and a willingness to find solutions that meet the needs of all members. Where consensus cannot be reached after reasonable efforts, decisions will be made by a simple majority vote of the members present at a duly constituted meeting.  
  • Communication Protocols: The primary method of communication within the Community Constellation will be via email. A dedicated email list will be maintained for sharing updates, announcements, and relevant information. In addition, a Sharepoint site has been created for file sharing. Regular updates will be provided to members at least bi-monthly, coinciding with the online hui. Urgent matters will be communicated promptly as needed. Working groups may establish their own preferred communication methods, consistent with this protocol. 
  • Inclusion: The Community Constellation is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values and respects the diversity of all its members and the communities they serve. This commitment extends to all aspects of the Constellation’s work, including membership, decision-making, communication, and project participation. We actively seek to create a welcoming and accessible space for individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic statuses, beliefs, and abilities. Specifically, the Community Constellation recognises the importance of including the voices and perspectives of disabled people and is committed to ensuring that its activities and initiatives are accessible and inclusive of people with disabilities. We will work to remove barriers to participation and create opportunities for disabled people to contribute their skills, knowledge, and experiences to the Constellation’s collective efforts. 
  • Conflict Resolution: Any disagreements or conflicts that arise between members will be addressed promptly and constructively. In the first instance, the parties involved should attempt to resolve the issue directly through open communication and good faith efforts. If a resolution cannot be reached, the matter will be referred to Hui E! as the coordinating organisation, who will facilitate a mediation process involving all relevant parties. The goal of mediation is to reach a mutually acceptable solution that aligns with the values and objectives of the Constellation. 
  • IP and Confidentiality: Members of the Community Constellation acknowledge that they may share intellectual property (IP) and confidential information during the course of their collaboration. All members agree to respect the IP rights of others and to treat confidential information with due care. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, any IP created jointly by members will be jointly owned. Members will not disclose confidential information to third parties without the express consent of the disclosing party. This clause shall survive the termination of membership in the Constellation. 
  • Exit Strategy: Any organisation may withdraw from the Community Constellation by providing written notice to Hui E!, the coordinating organisation. Upon withdrawal, the organisation will no longer be entitled to the benefits of membership and will cease to represent itself as a member of the Constellation. The organisation will remain bound by the IP and Confidentiality clause with respect to any information shared during its membership. 
  • Evaluation: The effectiveness of the Community Constellation will be evaluated on an ongoing basis through a variety of methods, including:  
    • Regular feedback from members via surveys and hui discussions. 
    • Tracking progress towards achieving the Constellation’s goals, as outlined in its strategic plan. 
    • Monitoring the impact of the Constellation’s advocacy efforts on policy and practice. 
    • Annual review of the Constellation’s activities and outcomes, including seeking funding for evaluation. 
    • The results of these evaluations will be used to inform the Constellation’s future direction and to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in supporting communities.