This was taken from Two Courts, but edited and added to to get it to this stage

*Current status: Council Agreed*

In Essence Affirmation, Full Version:

1. This body is participated in by a group. This group has an organized means of operation and will continue in whichever way is best for the group. This is to be measured by emotional, mental, and physical health of all members incorporated in said group. As long as the majority of over 12s (making currently 10 people) are capable of keeping the body safe, the system will not attempt to go into treatment, but if there are less than 5 capable safe fronters, then the system should access treatment.

2. We agree that our ongoing intent is to function at or beyond the level of any other average individual in the society around us, being aware of our own needs and requirements and taking our own action to fulfil them without requiring external government. As long as we follow this agreement, we can be counted upon to be aware of our own state of beings and to be interested in our interactions with society. Unless we prove ourselves to be incapable of maintaining our basic physical needs, we are too assumed to be as capable as any other physical body out there.

3. If we cannot restrain an individual's behaviour, we must still bear the results of said behaviour and address it if it has been decided to be a problem. We agree that the group will take the consequences of the group. It is up to the group to govern and accept the consequences of the group's behaviour though there may be individual action that was not representative of the whole. This is completely inflexible, and the group will bear the consequences of anything that is done by any individual within it.

4. As long as we perform at a functional level, it is our right to decide when and where we require external assistance. We agree that it is the responsibility of the group to remain functional. If, at any time, the group is not on a balanced keel, it is up to us to take action to repair this. If someone outside the group believes it is seriously unbalanced, then their opinion will be discussed internally. Then if the council deem that they have a valid point they are asked to share their views with a member of Council, who will then decide the necessary steps to take.

5. We agree that the group is expected to have the necessary checks and balances to maintain a level of functionality and well-being, this being that we are capable of attending any pre-arranged events, continuing work and education, and coping as effectively as a singlet if not better with any situation we need to. We are expected to know when and how to manage the needs and desires of the group's members, this being done through checking how everybody is emotionally and physically daily for the update. We do not need to seek treatment for the existence of those we may not like, but we agree to do so if their actions cannot be maintained and watched over by the group. It should be assumed that we have said checks and balances present until proven otherwise.

6. As long as this agreement is carried by this group, we will hold not only those of us we know of to it, but also those we do not. All members of this group can and will be held to this declaration's intent if they are to interact with matters externally and of the whole. If at any time, we undergo a dramatic enough shift to warrant a re-decision of keeping to this agreement, it is our duty to declare that the affirmation is no longer applicable and to re-estimate said agreement and restate if necessary. If more than ten members of the group do not agree to the standard, it must be cancelled, with the intent of creating a new standard agreed to by the majority.

7. As long as we participate in the external world, we will remember to respect other people for how they present themselves to us, regardless of if they are singlet or plural to whichever degree. We will not measure ourselves against other people in terms of essence and rankings of superiority therein. We will regard them upon the grounds of how they interact with us and should be able to expect the same courtesy from them. If we feel that we are being mistreated by a singlet or another member of a plural system because of our plural nature, in particular not given the full rights of a person then we shall endeavour to explain our nature further, but in specific cases we are happy to be treated as a singlet.

8. Unless there is a time we’re we are unable to fulfil the requirements stated above, we declare that we can be counted on to operate with the goal of being a functional member of society in mind and should be given the proper status therein, unrestricted by the nature of our essential state. Those who interact with us can expect that we operate with these standards in play and will willingly repair problems if they arise. We will take our consequences for the group and will behave accordingly.

9. All members of the household will be entitled to a single anonymous vote as long as they subscribe to the following criteria: The vote does not contravene any legal laws or rules. The vote will not place the body and the others in deliberate way of harm, whether self inflicted or otherwise as decreed by council). The vote is in accordance with the contract above. The vote is not biased by the others and independent (no bribery, blackmail, selling of votes within the system.) The vote is given freely without prejudice, if it is coerced by others then it is invalid, additionally, the coercer's vote is also invalidated. The vote is given without intent to harm another in the system, nor to disrupt or gain revenge from previous votes. Non Council members always have the right to abstain. If the voting is a deadlock, all current members of Council have the right to cast a second vote. If the vote is still a deadlock, we should sit down and discuss it until a conclusion is reached. If one cannot be reached, then either Council should make a decision (in cases where one is needed instantly) or there should be a revote daily until a conclusion is reached). The vote will not be made until either everyone is present, or all mapped areas have been searched to attempt to secure the presence of everyone. Finally, if the vote is on a specific issue, Council have the right to set an age limitation below or above which members cannot vote. Any limitation set should be done so by unanimous decision of Council. Council have the right to set no other limitations on votes. Each vote is equal and anonymous, irrespective of who cast it. State of mind is also irrelevant, people may vote if they wish whatever mental state they are in, as long as their vote does not contravene the other restrictions.

10. Currently the rules on fronting time stand as such: If a person is fronting, they have the right to keep fronting as long as they wish, without being pushed out the way by any other member of the Collective. However, if someone else wishes to front, they may either ask the current fronter, who can then decide whether or not to permit them, or if that decision is not to their satisfaction, they can go to the person who is in charge of fronting arrangements. If that person is not present, a member of Council should be spoken to. In case of emergency, these rules are null and void, and anyone with the skills capable of handling a situation may take front. Only those with the skills to handle a situation may take front during it. If someone takes front deliberately in the knowledge that they do not have the necessary skills, this is a breach of contract. However, if someone is unaware that they have not got the necessary skills, and remedy a situation immediately by returning inside and relinquishing front to someone who does, this is acceptable. The council reserve the right to demand an end to a persons fronting time whenever they deem it necessary.

11. This contract will remain valid as long as the majority of the system is willing to subscribe to it. In order to have any say in system issues, a right to speak on council, or a right to a vote, or even the right to front, it must be signed. If anyone refuses to sign it, they lose all their rights and protection. Therefore, they can still live in the domed space, but are not protected under this contract, and are denied a say in group issues, or fronting. We will however enter into regular discussion in an effort to find a way for them to become a part of the system, as it is in everyone’s advantage to work together as a group.

12. If anyone wishes a change to be made to the contract, they must take it to Council. Council then have the right to decide whether the change should be refused or taken to a Collective vote. In the event that it is refused, it may be brought up again in council in a fortnight’s time, this can be repeated forever. In order for a change to be made to the contract, the vote must be “aye” in at least 10 cases. The reason for this majority is to ensure that changes are only carried if a large majority believes this is the case. This helps protect the group from vote-swapping or other eventualities.

13. If anyone wishes to join council, they may apply. Council then have the right to decide whether the application should be refused or taken to a Collective vote. If it is taken to vote, the vote to add them to Council must be unanimous. There may be no more than 2 representatives of each group making a current maximum of on council at any one time. Therefore, for someone new to be added beyond that, someone else of their group must either stand down or be voted off. There must also be at least 1 member of each group on council. In the effect that one group is not represented, all the members of that group willing to stand must. Each will be voted for, and the one with the most votes wins. There does not need to be a majority, simply the one with the most votes. In the case of a deadlock, the vote should be repeated between the two leading candidates. If there is still one, they should both go on council. If there is a three-way or more deadlock, then it should be Councils decision who joins. If nobody is willing to stand, then that process will be used for members of other groups, who are willing to represent that group on Council, however, this is only until someone from the non-represented group will stand. If there is nobody willing to stand whatsoever, then that group will not be represented. As the group will effectively have decided not to be represented on Council, then that is their decision, and they lose their right to have a representative because of it, until they find someone willing.

14. The presentation of the body is to be maintained as it is known as now, however with the added benefits that signing this contract and the mutual cooperation of all involved. Changes to the presentation of the body may be requested and petitioned; however, changes that will affect how we are seen by the outside world will require considerable thought and discussion. If a change is to be made (whether a hair-cut, new clothes bought, or something more dramatic), the decision to do it must be carried by a majority of at least ten people within the group to prevent sudden drastic unwanted changes.

15. For anyone to be told about the plurality, Council must be asked. If they respond in the affirmative, then it may be taken to a system vote, which must be carried by a majority of at least ten. If they refuse the request, it may be repeated in 2 weeks time. The Council will decide taking into consideration that persons relationship with those within the system, and their knowledge of a person. They are expected to have full trust in someone before it goes to a system vote, alongside a surety that nobody will be badly hurt if this person is told.

16. If anyone wishes to enter into a relationship with anyone outside the system, they may, but that person must be aware of the plurality (see 15) and must understand that they are in a relationship with an individual, not the body, and that a relationship with one does not preclude others having other relationships. Any types of relationship, e.g. monogamous, or polygamous, or sub/dom or others are to be decided by the people involved, although Council have the right to intervene if they believe the relationship puts anyone at risk. In regards to sub/dom relationships, these can be marking of the skin. This is acceptable as long as it is a) not in any visible public place, and b) not causing pain to the body, as this would affect everybody. (All relationships should be reviewed by Council periodically(however long council deems is a good time) to review the level of impact it has on the body and the system with the intent of determining the risk level)

17. In the effect of a breach of contract, a punishment may be imposed; this can range from community service (30 minutes to 24 hours) or a body ban (24 hours to 2 weeks).

This will be decided by council. Also, if someone from Council breaches the contract; they will have their place on Council evaluated by other council members (see 13). Punishment can be delayed until a later date if this is necessary to maintain the collective presentation or the health of the system as a whole, although for no more than a week(unless significant change in the structure of the system occurs - [unexpected integration or splitting of key members which pushes the system towards crisis.] In this instance an ongoing period of delayed punishment will be in effect under the supervision and complete control of the council. A punishment MUST be imposed for any breach of contract, unless there is a unanimous vote within the collective that the breach was appropriate.

18. The group system works effectively as it is arranged now. If anyone wishes to switch groups, they must have a unanimous vote (taken by all of Council, and the two groups involved) to state that they may. If this cannot be reached, it can be repeated every two weeks. One is able to represent a group not their own on Council (see 13). If someone changes group, they may not join Council for two months, nor may they change again for six months. Any new members to the group may join whichever existing group they feel most affiliation with. If there are more than 3 members appearing at a given time who wish this, they can create their own group. They will be entitiled to immediate council representation, but will be treated like a move between groups, and hence held there for 6 months.

19. We are working on mapping the area in which we exist, and people are forbidden to enter any non-mapped areas. Entering them will be a breach of contract unless people are going with consent of Council to work on mapping, upon which they should go in pairs for safety and in case of deception. At least one member of this pair should either be someone experienced in mapping or a Council member. The map will be on our computer, and hence accessible to anyone who wishes to look at it

20. If one member of the Collective deliberately attacks or hurts anyone, any action deemed necessary by Council may be taken to keep the Collective safe. This is specific to attacks in the Inside world. If these occur, they must be reported to a member of Council instantly.

21. All members of the system are to be treated as the age they present as, and given appropriate rights and responsibilities.

22. Each child has the right to 2 hours of education per day, whether with someone else, or alone. They are to be protected above and beyond, and each have an assigned Older Person who will look after them and who will explain any issues to be voted on, or anything they need to know. In return, they are expected to treat the older people like the parents they are, and are asked to listen to them and respect their views. No proxies will be used, because these people are capable of being non-biased in a situation, however, if there is any concern about any of this, Council are to be consulted, as those with overall responsibilities to protect the children.

23. Anyone who cannot present as the birth personality should only front in the presence of somebody who can, and then in private. Only people who can present as the birth personality safely and effectively may front around other people. The only exception for this is that anyone is permitted to front in front of those who know about the multiplicity, as long as they have signed this standard.

24. Being on Council comes with the responsibility that there should always be at least one member of Council in the domed space and awake at any given time. If they are fronting, there needs to be another awake member of Council. Council themselves are expected to manage fair distribution of this awake time, and this will not need outlining as they are expected to be responsible enough to handle it.

25. Children and those who are not directly involved in a sexual act will be taken to one of the side-rooms if a member of the group proposes to engage in one. This is defined as anything “beyond” kissing and hugging. This will both protect the safety of those people and also ensure that the people in the relationship are allotted some privacy for those times when they need it. With luck, this should also prevent unplanned switching, although also anyone we are in a relationship with will be aware of this, and as such will be asked to stop if anything seems wrong, or they become suspicious that the “wrong” person is fronting. Also, for a sexual act to be engaged in, proper protection must be worn if there is a male-bodied person involved, and Council should be aware of what was engaged in and with whom in case of disease or pregnancy. If people are not prepared to wear protection, then they are not allowed to engage in these acts.

26. Money belongs to the Collective as a whole, and no individual can possess any of their own. However, for a purchase to be made, a member of Council must be consulted, and it is expected that Council will ensure that the money is spent fairly, in getting what the Collective needs, and in appropriately getting gifts for people as and when they need or want them. The only exception to this is where somebody has lost the right to front, as then there would be no need for money to be spent on them.

27. Council will be made up of a group of people who can govern the system. It should currently ideally range from three members to a maximum of six, but if there are more groups in the system in future, this can go up, and if a group loses all representation it can go down. It will remain this size because it is big enough to be able to handle a mutiny, yet small enough to be intense and personal. Its responsibilities are as specified in the Contract, and also to maintain a lynchpin of wellbeing within the system. It is a judge, a regulator and a government. It is expected to be self-regulatory.

28. The group of Fragments within the Collective and two members of our group are currently living outside this contract. The Fragments choose not to be a part of the Collective and choose to never front or have rights. They are aware of this contract but will not sign it. They live in a space below the main dome. The two renegade members live somewhere in the warren of tunnels that are not mapped, and are not a part of this contract by their own choice, if they wished to sign it they would be welcome. It is worth noting that as far as we know they are currently unaware of it although there are plans to ensure their awareness. They will be held to it with force if necessary.

29. Everyone within the system is entitled to their privacy, and a private area within the internal world. The internal world, not seemingly limited by space or function is open to all except for those private places. These places must be labelled and signposted as such and registered with the system. Private abodes and locations will be registered externally on a hard copy database accessible to all and should be accessible to the body with ease due to the fact it is a database for emergencies. In the event of emergency, defined as a situation that requires immediate attention and wherein the body or a member of the system is in danger, be it physical, mental or emotional) the rights of privacy are abolished in so far as is necessary to contact and inform the members of the system. This is still in progress due to mapping time.

30. These are some emergency procedures that might be needed. These are only for emergencies that happen to the outside body. The inside body is irrelevant to this point. In the case of significant injury to the outside body, the older people within the system would be expected to protect the inside children from feeling any pain, whether by preventing them fronting or other means. Significant bodily injury would not be an appropriate reason to explain about plurality. In the case of somebody attempting suicide whilst using the body, they would face constant observation and a body-ban. It is unacceptable to put the lives of the Collective at risk through either self-harming behaviour or a suicide attempt. Anyone who attempted suicide could expect to find themselves under constant observation for a long period of time. In the case of homelessness, then the older ones in our group and the more streetwise ones would front continually, and we would do anything we could as a group to find ourselves some stable accommodation. In the case of family upheaval, the situation would be managed as best it could by those best able to manage it. This carries over to any other real-life situation, that if something happens, people who can manage it do so, and we see what works best. This list is not exhaustive but an exemplified guideline

31. We also have emergency procedures for the inside world, so that if anything happens, we are more likely to be prepared for it and know how to deal with it than we would otherwise be. If someone integrates into someone else unexpectedly then it would be expected for the system to be mourning, but these things happen, and a grave-marker should be on the wall next to Cat’s. If the person was on Council, they will need to be replaced. It is understood that an event like this could upset and traumatise the system, but we will need to work to present a consistent front nonetheless. Alternatively, if someone splits unexpectedly, then the newcomer should be treated with care, as we will not know them, but they should be welcomed into the group. They will be able to affiliate themselves with a group. They will probably be on constant observation to begin with, but it is expected that this will lessen as we get to know them better. They will also be asked to sign this contract before any privileges are extended to them such as fronting time. If someone attempts suicide within their inside body, they will face body-bans and observation. However, if they register a wish to die, then they will be permitted to kill their inside body. To prevent this happening with regrets however, if this is registered, a 6 month grace period must be taken to ensure that this is the right choice. During this time, the person who wishes to die must check in with a member of Council for 3 hours a week. If there is mutiny within the system, or if the system collapses in any way, whether it is mass integration, or wholesale split, trauma, or overall inability to cope, this standard will be held to for as long as is possible. If it becomes impossible to maintain consistent fronting (generally taking 5 people who will hold to the contract) then it will be resigned and outside help accessed. This may be via a counsellor, as a first step, alongside online friends, but also parents and local mental health workers

32. Where the number 10 is referenced in relation to a vote, this indicates a significant majority of a system numbering 15. If this number increases or decreases the number of a significant majority may be changed to better represent the system.