Introduction

In its daily activities, the public organization (hereinafter referred to as the PO), its members, and employees are guided by the Charter, the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, and other documents currently in force within the PO.

The PO “Global Ecovillage Network Ukraine” operates within the legal framework of Ukraine, guided by the Constitution of Ukraine, current Ukrainian legislation, and norms of international law.

The PO ensures the management of the organization’s structure by involving its members, network members, and representatives of the target audience in its activities and decision-making processes. Activities are organized at the initiative of its members who have decided to adhere to the values and goals of the organization and address general social issues. The principle of voluntariness is key for members of the organization and the network.

Vision of the PO “Global Ecovillage Network”:

Communities of Ukraine are the driving force of sustainability, adaptability, and resilience for the development of civil society.

Mission of the PO “Global Ecovillage Network”:

To unite and promote the development of ecovillages and other sustainable communities in Ukraine to spread environmental values and the philosophy of conscious living in society.

Values of the PO “Global Ecovillage Network Ukraine”:

1. Horizontal connections, trust, and collective action (collegial decisions)

   Members, representatives of the PO and the Network (ecovillages, communities, individual members, and partners (hereinafter “Communities”)) are valued, participate in the development of the organization and specific sectors, have a defined right to vote, and hold their role within their circle in the Network structure, according to the basic principles of sociocracy. The PO creates a space for interaction between Communities in the Network.

2. Pro-Ukrainian position, promotion of Ukrainian culture

   The PO is a Ukrainian organization that promotes the development of Ukraine and its Communities. We do not work with representatives or communities that support the Russian-Ukrainian war, cooperate with the enemy, or promote the culture and customs of the enemy country. The working language of the organization (official communication, events, social media) is Ukrainian.

3. Unity in diversity, respect, and support

   We recognize the uniqueness of every individual and strive to hear all voices. Despite having different views and opinions, we try to treat diversity with respect, find common goals, and support each other in interaction to achieve our objectives.

4. Mindfulness, creativity, and the pursuit of self-development

   We know where we are now and what we aspire to. As a team, we analyze and reflect on what has been done and plan next steps. We do not stand still—we constantly learn and develop our abilities, create conditions for growth in all directions, and invite others to do the same. To solve tasks, we use both familiar and non-standard, creative approaches and tools.

5. Resilience, sustainability, adaptability

   Even in a changing world and during crises, we find solutions in any situation and only become stronger. In our activities, we are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

6. Freedom, joy, and love

   We respect the human right to act according to one’s desires and to do what is not prohibited by law, does not cause unjustified harm to the rights and freedoms of others, and aligns with the values described above (for more on human rights and freedoms, see the UN Convention). We value moments of shared joy. We strive to be guided by love in our actions.

Goals of the PO “Global Ecovillage Network”:

1. To form and maintain the organizational and management structure of the ecovillage network, organizing communication between divisions (two-way links).

2. To establish relationships between ecovillage communities and facilitate effective interaction among them.

3. To promote the development of ecovillage infrastructure with the aim of creating local venues for network events.

4. To create conditions for the economic, social, cultural, and environmental development of ecovillage communities.

5. To facilitate educational programs to increase the level of awareness and competencies of network representatives (ecovillage communities and network staff).

6. To help ecovillage communities organize and develop entrepreneurial activities that comply with sustainability principles and meet the material needs of the communities.

7. To help ecovillage communities be active drivers of environmental projects in their regions.

8. To protect the interests of sustainable communities at local, regional, and national levels.

The PO strives for a friendly, cohesive atmosphere in the team. This goal is supported by the following principles of relationship building within the organization:

• Tolerance toward opinions, beliefs, and convictions, as well as toward the character traits of other members;

• Caring for every team member, attention to their personal problems, and informal communication outside of working hours or official events;

• Protection of members from discrimination (gender, ageism, etc.) and aggressive behavior (physical or psychological) that may be caused by their activities;

• In our interactions, we are guided by the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC);

• Disputes are resolved through discussion in circles according to sociocratic principles. If an issue cannot be resolved independently, the organization seeks assistance from mediators;

• Preference is given to communication without psychoactive substances.

We build relationships on the basis of partnership. We cooperate with state authorities, local governments, individuals, and legal entities, regardless of ownership form, on the basis of equal partnership. To achieve overlapping goals, we conclude agreements on mutually beneficial terms.

• We interact with organizations and partners whose values do not contradict the values of GEN Ukraine.

• In our activities, we adhere to honesty and transparency (contracts, reports, agreements according to Ukrainian legislation). We provide truthful information about ourselves and our projects, fulfill oral and written obligations to partners and the state, and expect the same from our partners.

• We may create or join public unions as equal partners.

• We implement joint programs with international and national partner organizations.

• In case of disagreements or conflicts, we try to reach an agreement through nonviolent communication, involving experts, mediators, or lawyers if necessary.

We support and promote:

• Conservation of natural resources;

• The Zero Waste philosophy (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, compost);

• Environmental education;

• Green infrastructure;

• Organic/ecological food production;

• Active civic position in the field of ecology;

• Eco-friendly event management.

• We support and encourage electronic document management. We print documents only in case of urgent need.

• We prefer ecological modes of transport.

• We prefer vegetarian meals.

• Financial distribution is handled by the network coordination circle together with individual project coordinators.

• Funds are distributed according to network development priorities and urgent needs.

• The annual financial report is submitted for approval at the General Meeting and published on the website.

• Budgets for individual projects are considered in project circles, and distribution is approved by the coordination circle as needed.

• The project coordinator is responsible for the budget distribution of their specific project. Various working circles may be formed within a project. We encourage transparency and the involvement of all participants within these circles.

• The organization ensures the full accuracy and compliance of financial reporting with the financial and business operations performed.

• Material assets on the organization’s balance sheet are the property of the organization. The PO reserves the right to manage this property. Assets transferred to the balance of other POs become the property of those organizations.

• As an organization, we are interested in ensuring that all resources and property transferred to settlements or other organizations are used effectively. We encourage the transfer of unused property and resources to other settlements or organizations within the Network.

• We encourage the shared use of received property and resources within settlements or organizations. In line with the value of horizontal connections, we encourage settlements and organizations to lend property and resources to other Network participants.

• The Head of the Organization, Board members, and working circle members must promptly report any potential or existing conflict of interest regarding any decision being considered or planned for consideration.

• They must promptly report any involvement with a current or potential supplier of goods/services or any other circumstances that may imply competition or conflicting personal interests.

• In exercising their powers, they must act only within the scope of their authority and behave toward third parties in a way that does not damage the business reputation of the organization.

• They must declare any personal financial or other interest that may affect the performance of their duties, including business shares held by themselves, family members, or close partners/friends.

• In the event of a conflict of interest, the individual must notify the coordination circle in writing (who in turn notifies the Head) before the matter is considered. The Head then has 5 business days to make a decision, with subsequent approval by the Board.

• In case of non-compliance, the interested party is liable to the organization for damages in accordance with the Charter and Ukrainian law.

We constantly improve to adhere to the standards set out in this Code of Ethics and expect the same from members of the PO and the Network. We promote and develop a culture of individual and group learning (NVC, sociocracy, community building, etc.) through our interaction with members of the PO and the Network.