Melbourne Tech Guilds – Guild Charter

• We freely share our expertise with fellow makers
• We mentor, guide and encourage the completion of projects rather than just act like a helpdesk
• We offer multiple solution options to empower informed decision-making
• We learn from each other’s successes and failures

• We work together on complex, multi-technology projects
• We leverage our collective networks for mutual benefit
• We support members in building experience and portfolios
• We respect that members contribute what they can, when they can

• We are non-commercial in nature
• Advice and problem-solving assistance are always free
• Commercial development requests are directed to trusted providers
• Materials are shared where available, with costs discussed transparently

• Each guild manages its own membership and access
• New members are welcomed through a structured onboarding process
• Members self-identify their skills, current projects, and learning goals
• Cross-guild collaboration is encouraged and facilitated
• Members may participate in multiple guilds based on their interests

• Guilds operate autonomously within this charter’s framework
• Major decisions affecting multiple guilds are discussed collectively
• We value consensus but recognize that action requires leadership
• Transparency in decision-making builds trust

• Members working with tools, machinery, or electronics must follow appropriate safety protocols
• We share safety knowledge proactively
• When meeting in person, venue safety rules must be respected
• Members work at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety

• Members protect their own and others’ credentials and access
• We follow responsible disclosure for security vulnerabilities
• Personal projects and intellectual property are respected
• We don’t engage in or support malicious activities

• Personal information shared within the community remains confidential
• Members control what information they share about themselves
• Project details are shared only with explicit permission
• We comply with relevant privacy regulations

• We welcome makers of all backgrounds, experience levels, and identities
• Discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior is not tolerated
• We challenge ideas respectfully, not people
• Constructive criticism focuses on work, not individuals
• Cultural differences are respected and celebrated

• We engage in good faith and assume good intentions
• Technical disagreements are resolved through evidence and reasoning
• Personal attacks, trolling, and inflammatory behavior are unacceptable
• We communicate clearly and respectfully, both online and in person

• Members participate voluntarily at their own risk
• We are a community of individuals, not a formal legal entity
• Members are responsible for their own projects, safety, and compliance with laws
• Advice given is peer-to-peer and not professional consultation

• Members retain ownership of their own work and ideas
• Collaborative projects require clear agreement on IP ownership
• We respect others’ patents, copyrights, and trademarks
• Open source contributions follow the relevant license terms

• Direct commercial solicitation of members is not permitted
• Members may discuss commercial opportunities organically
• Professional connections and introductions are welcomed
• Any commercial arrangements are between individuals, not the community

When conflicts arise:

1. Address issues directly and respectfully with involved parties
2. Seek mediation from guild coordinators if direct resolution fails
3. Involve broader community leadership for serious or persistent issues
4. Serious violations of safety or conduct standards may result in removal

Each guild may:

• Establish specific technical standards or practices
• Create additional guidelines relevant to their domain
• Organize events, workshops, or collaborative projects
• Manage their own communication channels and tools

All guild-specific rules must align with this charter’s principles.

This charter is a living document:

• Amendments may be proposed by any member
• Changes require discussion and broad community support
• We adapt as our community grows and learns
• The core principles of safety, respect, and knowledge-sharing remain constant

By participating in any guild within Melbourne Tech Guilds:

• I agree to uphold this charter
• I understand that I participate at my own risk
• I commit to contributing positively to our community
• I will respect the time, work, and dignity of fellow members

Version 1.0 – December 2025
melbourne.techguilds.au