TIOIM Internal Regulations
Version 1.0 Last updated January 13, 2026
Cea mai recentă actualizare: 3 ianuarie 2026
1. Name of the Organization: The International Organization of Independent Minds.
TIOIM aims to:
Provide a medium where members can share information regarding personal experiences, testimonies, viewpoints, aspirations, projects, action plans, or achievements;
Advocate for one or more causes, based on ethical values and priorities anchored in time, context, and realistic anticipation;
Offer an environment and viable solutions for anyone in the world*) with independent minds, enabling them to act together on issues they deem necessary and through methods of action upon which a necessary and sufficient number of them not only agree but also invest the resources required to fulfill their goals. Such issues may or may not be related to a country of origin or a native language spoken. There is no "official" language in TIOIM. As long as they can communicate meaningfully, people can communicate through any means, in any language. Actions that improve bilateral or multilateral relations between people belonging to different countries, both at personal and institutional levels, are encouraged;
Build mechanisms for verifying products and services that can be recommended or even offered within TIOIM;
Provide a framework for modeling, testing, and stimulating the creation of TIOIM itself.
*) What is a "anyone in the world" from the perspective of TIOIM? Anyone who cares about the human civilization and wishes to be a member of TIOIM. Someone who feels concerned about or interested in local and/or global matters, considering these important and wanting to know what is happening; essentially, someone who has a sense of responsibility or attachment toward humanity, the way humanity is today. Particular citizenship or proficiency in a particular language are not mandatory for TIOIM membership. (Excerpt from the TIOIM Regulations)
Latest update: January 8, 2026
TIOIM has an arborescent structure, on seven levels:
International (At this level, a Council of National Representatives operates);
National (At this level, a Council of Regional Representatives for a specific country operates);
Regional (At this level, a Council of Local Representatives for a specific Region operates);
Local (At this level, a Council of Representatives from several associations united within a local structure operates);
Association (At this level, a Council of representatives from various associated groups operates);
Group (A collection of individuals wishing to collaborate as OIRI members);
Individual (A person, an independent mind).
Groups elect leaders who represent them at the local level, and so forth. A group leader automatically becomes the group's representative at the Association level.
TIOIM is not concerned with WHAT its members think, or with their general beliefs and opinions.
We acknowledge that a mind can be neither entirely dependent nor entirely independent in all respects. We also acknowledge that becoming a member of an organization may, paradoxically, be seen as a form of relinquishing total independence of thought.
For these reasons, the organization is suitable only for individuals who form their convictions or opinions independently on subjects in which they are qualified and competent. In other words, TIOIM seeks to encourage, across various topics, the authority of minds that are independent on those specific topics.
Consequently, TIOIM will seek to reject any type of pressure from agendas, propaganda, or manipulation regarding the subjects it addresses through the sharing of personal experiences, testimonies, viewpoints, desires, projects, action plans, or achievements.
If you are a potential new member or group and your purpose in joining is to promote certain subjects and/or opinions through various forms of pressure, distortion of facts, or any other kind of manipulative behavior—including waving unconditional loyalty to various individuals, to TIOIM itself, or to other organizations, as opposed to loyalty toward universal human principles and values such as the right to life, equality of opportunity, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness—please note: your membership, based on your profile, cannot be refused a priori because the organization is open, does not have and does not wish to have secrets, and believes in the power of demonstrative education.
However, promoting agendas outside the organization's sphere of definition and interest will make you feel "not at home" among its members. This will happen not so much because someone will tell you to "step aside," but as a result of TIOIM's mechanisms, which are designed to marginalize minds that seek to force their visions upon others. Within TIOIM, priority is given to: competence, calm, a certain type of modesty instilled by knowledge, and the polite patience to help other minds become (more) independent.
TIOIM is NOT the kind of environment that Social Media seems to impose on us, where Truth is "whatever the majority supports." Any person who attempts to manipulate in directions opposite to the priorities listed above will eventually lose their TIOIM membership status.
Establishing a hierarchy serves as an excellent method for transforming an informal organization into a self-sustaining community, utilizing gamification mechanisms (rewarding actions through status evolution).
TIOIM features seven levels, adapted to the Independent Minds philosophy, which blends recommendations (network growth), activity (intellectual/practical contribution), and resources. The types are:
1. Potential Member
Criterion: Newsletter subscription and acceptance of the group's ethical principles.
Role: Active observer who consumes content and participates in polls or public discussions.
2. Active Member
Criterion: The first concrete action—either writing a valuable comment/article or bringing in one new confirmed member.
Role: Participant in internal debates.
3. Promoter Member
Criterion: Has 10 successful recommendations.
Alternative: Organizing a small local activity or contributing a set of useful resources (technical expertise, translations).
Role: Core recruiter; holds the right to propose discussion topics for the community.
4. Mentor or Pillar Member
Criterion: Has generated a network of 25–30 members, directly or indirectly.
Involvement: Coordinating a small working group or consistently contributing content for at least 6 months.
Role: Provides support to newcomers and validates article proposals.
5. Emeritus Member
Criterion: 100 new members within their network (direct + "second-hand" recommendations).
Resources: Has facilitated the organization's access to significant external resources or provided logistical support for major projects.
Role: Strategic influence; participates in setting medium-term action directions.
6. Honorary Member or Custodian
Criterion: Recognition for a lifetime dedicated to the principles of independence or for an exceptional action that developed or protected the organization.
Resources: Consistent donor of resources (funds or time) ensuring the long-term stability of the platform.
Role: Moral authority; holds veto power on matters related to group ethics.
7. Visionary Member
Criterion: The highest level of impact. Has created a community of over 500 members and demonstrated unwavering loyalty.
Role: External representative of Independent Minds values; can initiate new branches or organizations under the group's umbrella.
Scalability: Ensures that someone who brings in "quality" people (who in turn bring others) is rewarded more than someone who brings in just numbers.
Balance: Allows promotion through both quantity (referrals) and quality (activities, resources).
Evolution: Titles like "Pillar" or "Custodian" suggest stability and responsibility, rather than just an empty label.
A "Member Manual" (or Governance Guide) transforms abstract ideas into a structure that inspires trust and professionalism. It serves as a moral contract between the individual and the community.
1. Mission and Ethical Code
Independence as a Political Choice: We recognize that thinking freely has a social cost. TIOIM exists to make this cost bearable.
Non-Aggression: We act through parliamentary methods, dialogue, and peaceful resistance. Any act of violence or intent to harm excludes the individual from the community.
Absence of Financial Motivation: TIOIM does not collect money and does not promise profit. Resources circulate based on honor and common interest.
2. Meritocratic Hierarchy (The 7 Levels)
[Refer to the section above]
3. Recommendation Mechanism (Growth Engine)
Sincerity of Interest: We do not encourage "spam." Recommendations must be made to individuals who truly resonate with TIOIM values.
Network Effect: Emeritus status is achieved through the quality of those brought in. If those you recommend are active and bring in members themselves, your role grows exponentially.
4. Resource Contribution (Beyond Numbers)
Promotion between levels (especially toward L4–L6) can also be achieved through:
Expertise: Translations, video editing, legal or technical assistance (e.g., DNS management).
Logistics: Providing meeting spaces or software tools.
Time: Community moderation and answering newcomer questions.
5. Rights and Obligations
Right to Anonymity: Any member may choose to remain anonymous to the rest of the group, but their identity must be honest in relation to administrators (based on honor).
Obligation of Respect: Disagreement is encouraged, but personal attacks (ad hominem) lead to demotion or exclusion.
Both members and non-members may participate in TIOIM activities. Ideally, when a non-member participates, their involvement should be the result of an invitation from at least one member; however, this is not mandatory. It is, nevertheless, a matter of common courtesy for an uninvited individual to introduce themselves to the person in charge of that specific activity and request approval to participate.
Anyone who considers themselves an independent thinker (as well) can become a member of TIOIM. The organization recognizes specific characteristics of independent thinking. TIOIM does not apply rigid selection criteria for joining; the "doors" are wide open. However, mechanisms exist through which membership status may be revoked, under conditions established within the organization's regulations.
Becoming a member is possible through two paths: Invitation or Sponsorship.
Invitation consists of a written communication sent to the invited person by two current members, followed by the individual’s formal request for membership and the approval of that request based on their agreement with these Regulations.
Sponsorship consists of independently completing a membership application and waiting for a maximum of 5 calendar days for either an invitation from two members acting as sponsors or a dialogue for mutual acquaintance before a decision is reached.
For minors (under the age of 18), at least one of the sponsors must be a person who bears legal responsibility for the minor. If this responsibility is shared by two people (for example, the mother and the father), then both must serve as sponsors, along with a third person who has a different last name than the sponsored individual.
These provisions are further detailed in Annex B of the Regulations.
The foundational rule of TIOIM culture is the COMPLETE Golden Rule or the Ethics of Reciprocity. This consists of the classic Golden Rule: "Treat others as you would like them to treat you," PLUS the Rule of Respect and Self-Defense: "Treat others only in a way that is ethical and that they would also accept, except in cases where it is clear that their actions toward you are actively aggressive and place you and/or your group in danger." For further clarification, the respect component of the Rule of Respect and Self-Defense means, among other things, that it is not enough to treat others as we would want to be treated; we must also adjust our behavior according to what is ethical and what others would accept. This is a crucial yet easily illustrated nuance—for example, in the context of intimate human relationships.
TIOIM does not intend in any way to circumvent the laws of any country where its members reside, nor to create any premise for the circulation of any type of material or immaterial entity considered or legislated as restricted at any level: from private or personal information to data regarding members' families and beyond. TIOIM maintains confidentiality but—once again—has no secrets and is open to collaboration with other open, democratic institutions that may request its cooperation or with whom it initiates collaborative dialogues.
TIOIM invites or approves membership applications for individuals who:
Have a personal history in a public space, including Social Media, from which sponsors can conclude that they possess independent thinking regarding at least three subjects currently being discussed within the organization at the time of the invitation or application (An open list of these subjects can be found in Annex A of the regulations); OR
Disclose to their sponsors their opinions and the sources upon which those opinions were formed, thereby assisting the sponsors in evaluating the suitability of the invitation or the approval of the membership application; AND
Agree with the Organization's Regulations, committing to actively exercise their rights and obligations as soon as they achieve Active membership status and subsequently, on a case-by-case basis, within the roles they choose to assume.
TIOIM is an informal organization. As long as it maintains this status, the legal liability for the actions of its members—including actions initiated in the name of the organization—rests solely with the individuals involved. From a legal standpoint, TIOIM does not exist as a legal entity and has no reporting obligations to any authority. As detailed below, TIOIM does not hold material assets, bank accounts, or real estate. All resources are provided to the organization voluntarily by its members on a case-by-case basis.
It can be said that TIOIM possesses only one true resource: the time of those who wish to participate actively in its activities. This is time dedicated in good faith by individuals who, while possessing independent minds, respect and feel comfortable in the company of other independent minds, sharing information about personal experiences, testimonies, viewpoints, desires, projects, action plans, or achievements. These individuals understand that History—much like this evolving Charter—is not an implacable juggernaut that ignores or crushes us, but rather a symphony in which everyone can participate, if only by strengthening the voice of a choir of their choosing.
In addition to the role of "Member," each person may choose to apply for at least one activity-specific role, subject to approval by those authorized to grant it, once they have completed three months of membership and decided to remain in the organization. Examples of roles include: group leader, committee member, resource administrator, communications agent, researcher, instructor, arts curator, or guide. The list remains open—with the sole exception of the role of "Spectator." (An open list of roles can be found in Annex B).
To ensure consistency and continuity, certain processes necessary for TIOIM to maintain its spirit and adaptability are carried out by members collaborating within committees and commissions. For clarity: a Committee is a group that deliberates and makes recommendations, while a Commission is a group that performs a specific task or function. (An open list can be found in Annex C).
The essential element that enables an organization like TIOIM to exist is the shift in human communication technology brought about by the Internet and, currently under evaluation, Artificial Intelligence. TIOIM recognizes this reality and respects its consequences and limitations. In this regard, provisions for inclusivity exist for those who either do not HAVE access to the Internet or CANNOT use technological resources for current communication. The spirit of this provision is that membership depends on only two things: a. the manifestation of an independent mind on subjects where that mind is indeed independent (implicitly refraining from parrot-like repetition of opinions) and b. the desire to be part of the organization according to these guidelines.
TIOIM develops organically and agily, without advertising. Member satisfaction is the "engine" upon which TIOIM relies to grow. At the time of the first draft of these regulations, it was unknown if the number of members would ever exceed the fingers on one hand, but a structure has been prepared to integrate the thoughts and actions of many more independent minds. Statistical data, including the number of members, will be published on the TIOIM page and in the IM Bulletin.
TIOIM does not hold bank accounts. TIOIM funds are called "Honor Currency" (HC). HC represents real money, expressed in USD, allocated by each member to be used exclusively within TIOIM whenever they decide. HC never leaves a member's pocket or account without a specific reason.
The following rules apply to HC:
Money is held by each member and moves only when an expense is justified and agreed upon at the relevant organizational level.
Funds are "virtually committed" and always associated with a member. Availability is based strictly on honor.
Types of Funds:
Personal Member Funds (M-Fund): These accumulate at a declared rate of at least 1.5 cents per day (fractions allowed). For example, if a member sets aside 1.6 cents/day, they accumulate $5.84 virtually in a year. If they have not allocated money to any project during that year, they have a moral obligation to donate half of that sum ($2.92) to a TIOIM project of their choice. Virtually accumulated sums represent a member's "financial voting power."
Example: For a $100 project expense, a member with $10 in their M-Fund has between 0 and 10 votes. If approved by 25 members who each commit their $10 (totaling $250 in honor currency), each member would then transfer only $4 to the designated agent to cover the actual $100 cost.
Group/Association/Regional Funds (G-Fund): These also accumulate in individual accounts at a minimum rate of 1.5 cents/day at the Group level. This represents the financial voting power of the Group. Half of the money reserved for the Group is considered Association Funds, and so on. Leaders are given a mandate to commit a certain percentage of these funds to projects by individual decision. There is no annual spending requirement for G-Funds.
Investment Funds (I): These are entirely discretionary and can be public or private. They are used for holding shares in lucrative or non-profit projects. Investors are shareholders with a proportional share in profits or losses. Financial viability is decided by the financial voting power of individuals.
Donation Funds (D): These are discretionary and allocated to projects that compete in an organized, transparent framework to obtain these funds.
TIOIM never "collects" money; expenses are made only with the approval of those who either own the funds or have been elected to decide upon them.
TIOIM utilizes free Internet applications to minimize infrastructure costs (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Messenger). The TIOIM website is currently built using Google Sites and hosted on Google Cloud. We recommend members use a Gmail address to fully benefit from these facilities. Data management is entrusted to individuals who will never disclose or use it for personal purposes, relying on Google's security measures.
Note: This section is currently being finalized. Its publication is for guidance purposes. Members joining the organization will have a voice in finalizing the evolving versions of these regulations.
1. Does TIOIM have a bank account? No. TIOIM is an informal organization and does not hold bank accounts, real estate, or assets. All money remains in the personal accounts or pockets of the members until a specific expense is approved.
2. What is "Honor Currency" (HC)? Honor Currency represents real money (expressed in USD) that you commit to the organization. It is based on a "virtual commitment"—you keep the money yourself, but you pledge to make it available for TIOIM projects of your choice.
3. How much do I have to contribute? The minimum contribution for the Member Fund (M-Fund) is 1.5 cents per day (approximately $5.48 per year). You may choose to contribute more. This accumulation determines your "Financial Voting Power."
4. What is "Financial Voting Power"? When a project requires funding, members vote using their accumulated Honor Currency. If you do not vote, you have no obligation. If you have $10 in your virtual fund, you have 10 votes. If the project is approved, you pay only your proportional share of the actual cost.
5. What happens if I don't spend my virtual funds? If a year passes and you have not allocated money from your M-Fund to any project, you have a moral obligation to donate half of the amount accumulated that year to an existing TIOIM project of your choice.
6. Are there other types of funds? Yes. In addition to the M-Fund (Personal), there are Group Funds (for local activities), Investment Funds (for shares in profit or non-profit projects), and Donation Funds (for charitable purposes).
7. Who manages the data? Fund administrators at each level track the "virtual balances" to ensure transparency. This data is public within the organization but kept confidential from the outside world.
TIOIM members have the right to:
Elect and be elected to roles for which periodic elections are held within the organization;
Belong to multiple groups simultaneously, provided they can avoid scheduling conflicts;
Request the waiver of the 3-month trial period (a timeframe during which both new members and sponsors may change their minds) following their admission as a probationary member;
Participate in votes regarding organizational decisions;
Apply for voluntary roles within the organization;
Publish materials and participate in discussions, contributing to the sharing of personal experiences, testimonies, viewpoints, desires, projects, action plans, or achievements;
Submit proposals for the attention of committees and commissions and receive responses within established deadlines;
Sponsor new members;
Apply for paid or voluntary roles within projects carried out under the organization’s umbrella;
Appeal to forums (committees, commissions) on a case-by-case basis to request their attention and/or action;
Exercise other rights requested, analyzed, and approved by the TIOIM Charter Compliance Committee.
TIOIM members have the obligation to:
Retain a personal numerical code that identifies them within the organization for administrative purposes. For every group they belong to, members will exercise rights and duties as if they were distinct entities;
Mentally designate and communicate to the Honor Currency accountants the status of their Member Funds, Group Funds, and, based on requirements and preferences, any other funds at their disposal;
Adopt at least one active role in addition to their basic membership status within the organization;
Report any violation of the Charter to the TIOIM Charter Compliance Committee, supported by evidence, and receive responses within established deadlines;
Release sums from Group Funds pertaining to expenses for which they have delegated decision-making authority to elected leaders at various levels;
Participate actively in the life of the organization through their chosen and confirmed voluntary role;
Participate actively in meetings of the organizational levels to which they belong, contributing to decisions through voting whenever a decision-making process involves those levels;
Fulfill other duties proposed by the TIOIM Charter Compliance Committee and accepted by the members.
Note: This section of the regulations is also currently being finalized. Its publication, like most of the following details and provisions, is for guidance purposes. Individuals who join the organization as members will have a say in finalizing the rights and obligations they undertake.
The loss of membership status generally occurs as a result of a decision by the organization's Administrative Committee elected at the highest level to which the member belongs.
A TIOIM member who violates the organization's regulations in any form will initially receive—depending on the severity of the violation—at least one warning. This warning will specify the nature of the violation, describe a method for remediation, set a deadline for implementing that remedy, and establish a period of observation.
If the person who violated the regulations fails to apply the required remedy by the set deadline, and does not appeal to the Administrative Committee of the organization’s next highest level to review the fairness of the warning and this either upholds it or recommends its cancellation, then that person loses their membership status. The cancellation of a warning results in the removal of the alleged violation from the records.
If, during the observation period, the same person violates the regulations again—even if they had previously applied the required remedy—they will revert to Probationary Member status. In such cases, the possibility exists for the definitive loss of membership as soon as further actions contradicting the Regulations are observed.
Resignation of Membership is at the discretion of each member and may be discussed, on a case-by-case basis, through any communication channel available to them. It is recommended that this discussion not take place in a public space, although upon its conclusion, both the individual resigning and the organization(s) parting ways with that member may publish—together or separately, if they wish—the reasons leading to the decision, their viewpoints regarding the resignation, and the procedures applied.
An example of Resignation of Membership is a member's disagreement with a new version of the Regulations.
Any member may resign at their own discretion (without the need for justification and without owing anything to the organization — unless they hold TIOIM resources for use, which must be returned) at any time. While it is common courtesy to announce one's withdrawal, even this is not required; removal from the membership ranks occurs automatically following repeated findings of unexcused failure to fulfill assumed activities.
Note: It is expected that this section of the regulations will require significantly more attention and detail. You are invited to contribute!
The administrative structure of TIOIM is similar to that of a non-profit organization, with specific differences related to the existence of multiple organizational levels that can act autonomously.
Board of Directors (Applicable to every structural level, starting from the Group level);
Executive Team (Applicable only to the highest existing structural level at any given time);
Program-Associated Members (Applicable to any structural level, starting from the Group level);
Development Team (Initially applicable only at the Group level—this provision is subject to review);
Referees and Content Authors (Applicable to any structural level, starting from the Group level);
Marketing and Communications (Applicable only to the highest existing structural level at any given time);
Administrative Support (Applicable to any structural level, starting from the Group level).
Details regarding each of these administrative elements can be found below.
To ensure the efficient and transparent functioning of TIOIM, the following roles and responsibilities are defined for the various structural levels:
Board of Directors
Scope: Active at every level (Group, Association, Local, Regional, National).
Responsibilities: Deliberates on strategic directions for its specific level, approves local initiatives, and ensures that all activities align with the TIOIM Charter and the "Complete Golden Rule." It acts as a representative body for the members at that level.
Executive Team
Scope: Active only at the highest global organizational level.
Responsibilities: Responsible for the daily operational management of the organization, coordinating between different National or Regional structures, and implementing the decisions made by the Global Board of Directors.
Program-Associated Members
Scope: Active at any level, starting from the Group level.
Responsibilities: Members who take ownership of specific programs (e.g., educational, social, or technical). They manage the implementation, tracking, and reporting of results for their designated programs.
Development Team
Scope: Initially focused at the Group level (subject to review).
Responsibilities: Focuses on the "Agile Development" of the organization—testing new procedures, creating tools for members, and refining the local membership experience before scaling these solutions.
Referees and Content Authors
Scope: Active at any level, starting from the Group level.
Responsibilities: Authors create and share valuable content (articles, research, testimonies). Referees monitor discussions and interactions to ensure compliance with the Ethics of Reciprocity, acting as mediators when disagreements arise.
Marketing and Communications
Scope: Active only at the highest global organizational level.
Responsibilities: Manages the external brand of TIOIM (and the TIOIM name), oversees the main digital platforms (website, newsletter), and ensures consistent messaging across all international branches.
Administrative Support
Scope: Active at any level, starting from the Group level.
Responsibilities: Provides the necessary logistical and technical support for members, manages the "Honor Currency" accounting (virtual ledger), and assists with the onboarding process for new members.
Here is the translation into English for the administrative structure, using TIOIM and maintaining the professional, agile terminology:
The administrative structure of TIOIM is similar to that of a non-profit organization, with specific differences related to the existence of multiple organizational levels that can act autonomously.
Board of Directors
(Applicable to every structural level, starting from the Group level)
President: Leads the Board of Directors, presides over meetings, and ensures effective communication. Coordinates potential associations with other organizations for organizing and conducting joint projects.
Vice President: Assists the President and steps in when they are unavailable.
Treasurer: Maintains records of the Honor Currency of the organization's members at their specific level and ensures financial reporting to the higher level.
Human Resources Coordinator: Manages recruitment and onboarding, and supports relations between members.
Secretary: Maintains meeting minutes and records; ensures oversight of compliance with TIOIM Charter requirements while directly supporting communication related to this process.
Board Members: Provide oversight and strategic direction, and support development efforts.
Executive Team
(Applicable only to the highest existing structural level at any given time)
Executive Director/CEO: Responsible for day-to-day management, executing the strategic and tactical plans of the entire organization, and implementing its mission.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Administers financial mechanisms, ensures risk management, maintains organization-wide financial records, and handles related reporting.
Chief Operations Officer (COO): Supports daily operations, maintains the integrated calendar of activities and their agendas, and contributes to the efficient functioning of the organization.
Program-Associated Members
(Applicable to any structural level, starting from the Group level)
Program Director/Manager: Oversees specific programs, ensuring they are aligned with the organization's goals.
Program Coordinators or Project Managers: Manage the planned activities of programs or projects, including their communication strategy, implementation, and evaluation of results using specific project management techniques.
Volunteers: Support programs and initiatives in specific roles, providing practical assistance and utilizing specialized skills.
Development Team
(Initially applicable only at the Group level—this provision is subject to review)
Development Director: Leads the Group's development efforts and recommends the creation of new Groups to form Associations.
Human Resources Scout: Identifies and recommends candidates to be invited into the Group.
Opportunity Scout: Identifies and recommends opportunities for independent expression and initiatives for Group members.
Referees and Content Authors
(Applicable to any structural level, starting from the Group level)
Topic Curator: Applies principles of honest communication to topics of interest for the organization; holds editorial rights.
Content Analyst: Identifies, supports with evidence, and recommends the correction of deviations from the organization's cultural criteria or specific requirements for independent thinking.
Content Author: Proposes original materials that can generate discussion and evolve into viewpoints and actions adopted by the organization's members.
Marketing and Communications
(Applicable only to the highest existing structural level at any given time)
Marketing Director: Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote the organization and its purpose.
Communications Coordinator: Creatively manages one or more internal and external communication programs (e.g., newsletters, press releases, social media).
Administrative Support
(Applicable to any structural level, starting from the Group level)
Administrative Assistant: Provides support in familiarizing new members with the organizational environment and assists the Board of Directors by performing various administrative tasks.
Each of these roles contributes to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the non-profit organization. A current list of roles can also be found in Annex B of the Regulations which remains open for additions indefinitely.
TIOIM members involved in the administration of the organization must be known by all members at the organizational level to which they belong. To facilitate the acquaintance of any TIOIM member, a virtual space can be accessed where public information about each person is maintained, including links to personal pages within the public domain.
Elections are conducted through online voting mechanisms that are independent of TIOIM.
Certain roles may be appointed, provided that conflicts of interest are avoided and the individuals designated for those roles give their consent.
The loss of a role or the resignation from one will be addressed in a separate section.
In TIOIM, roles are assumed for fixed periods of time, referred to as terms of office. For example, leadership roles with the broadest areas of responsibility, such as the President of the Board of Directors or the Executive Director, cannot be held by the same member for more than two consecutive terms at the same organizational level.
The current list of roles, appointment methods, and terms of office can be found in ANNEX B.
The "Cooling Off" Period: A member who has served the maximum consecutive terms in a leadership role must wait at least one full term (1 year) before running for that specific role again at the same level.
Interim Appointments: If a role becomes vacant mid-term, the Board may appoint an interim member. This partial term does not count toward the "Consecutive Terms" limit.
Role Multiplicity: As per the Charter, a member may hold multiple roles across different levels or groups, provided there is no conflict of interest and they can fulfill the duties of each.
Automatic Review: Every 2 years, the Charter Compliance Committee will review this list to add, remove, or adjust roles based on the organization's organic growth (Agile Development).
TIOIM member meetings represent the "bread and butter" of the organization. TIOIM cannot exist without meetings between its members, and naturally, if meetings cease to occur, the organization will dissolve of its own accord.
TIOIM meetings take place at every level: Group, Association, and so forth. The technological foundation supporting these interactions consists of online communication applications; however, whenever possible, members of the organization will also meet in person—either as a whole or in smaller numbers, depending on individual schedules and priorities. These may occur within the framework of more or less organized events, such as celebrations, hikes, peaceful demonstrations, family gatherings, or other types of social events.
The frequency and locations of meetings depend on each individual Group. Ideally, Groups should develop by prioritizing the invitation of new members who are located nearby, thereby allowing for the possibility of in-person meetings. However, even in such cases, it is preferable for "working meetings" to take place online due to the flexibility, personal control, group order, and cost-efficiency they provide. Furthermore, at the Group or Association level, it is not mandatory for members to be located near one each other. While the Local level is a matter of choice, the Regional and Country levels are implicit based on location.
Currently serving as recommendations only, the following frequencies for formal meetings are proposed:
Country Level: Once a year (ideally in person)
Regional Level: Once a year (ideally in person)
Local Level: Once every 6 months (ideally in person)
Association Level: Once a month
Group Level: Once every two weeks
There are no specific recommendations for informal meetings; these may take place at the discretion of the members in terms of both timing and format.
TIOIM emphasizes the balance between urgency and respect for its members' time.
Although TIOIM operates according to a pre-planned calendar, situations may arise that require immediate consultations or debates on emerging topics. These meetings are considered "Extraordinary."
6.2.1. Convening Criteria
A meeting outside the planned calendar can be convened under the following conditions:
At the initiative of the administrators: For urgent executive matters that cannot wait until the next ordinary meeting.
At the request of members: Any group of members representing at least 20% of the total active members may request an extraordinary meeting, clearly specifying the agenda.
Situations of crisis or major opportunity: External events that directly influence the purpose or integrity of the organization.
6.2.2. Notification Method
Official Channel: The announcement is made via email and the rapid communication channel (e.g., internal messaging group).
Notice Period: To ensure reasonable attendance, the notification must be sent at least 48 hours before the scheduled time. In cases of force majeure, the period may be reduced to 24 hours, provided that members are alerted individually.
Content of the Notification: The announcement must include:
The reason for the urgency.
The agenda (strictly limited to the urgent topic).
The access link (for online meetings) or the location.
The maximum estimated duration (to respect the participants' time).
6.2.3. Conduct and Decision Making
Topic Specificity: Extraordinary meetings are dedicated exclusively to the issue for which they were convened. Other topics will be postponed for ordinary meetings.
Special Quorum: For decisions made in an extraordinary meeting to be valid, the presence of at least 30% of the active members of the respective level is required.
Recording: If the meeting takes place online, it will be recorded (with the participants' consent) or a synthetic minute will be drafted and made available to absent members within a maximum of 24 hours.
6.2.4. Asynchronous Alternative
If a time slot that allows for the participation of a sufficient number of members cannot be established, the initiator may opt to transform the meeting into an "Asynchronous Debate" (on the internal communication platform), followed by an electronic vote according to the procedure in Section 7.4.
This chapter defines how TIOIM acts and evolves, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and respect for the intellectual sovereignty of its members.
Individual decisions are grounded in the principle of assumed responsibility.
Autonomy in Role: Each member invested in a specific role (e.g., Bulletin Editor, IT Administrator, Event Coordinator) has the authority to make current executive decisions within their sphere of competence, without seeking collective approval for technical or administrative details.
Conscience Veto: No member can be forced to sign or support a material or an action that contravenes their own independent thinking. In such cases, the member may withdraw from the respective task without penalties of any kind, including negative remarks. For public negative remarks made in such situations, apologies will be requested in the same medium in which the remarks were made; if these are not offered, penalties may follow, up to the revocation of membership for the person at fault.
Transparency: Individual decisions with an impact on common resources or on the image of TIOIM will be subsequently communicated to the group through internal channels.
TIOIM utilizes different voting methods depending on the importance of the subject:
Consensus (The Preferred Method): For matters of organizational culture and general directions, consensus will be sought. Consensus does not mean total agreement, but rather the absence of fundamental opposition ("I can live with this decision").
Simple Majority (50%+1): Applies to current administrative decisions and the approval of proposed discussion topics.
Qualified Majority (2/3): Required for the admission of new members or for changes to the administrative structure.
Unanimity: Reserved exclusively for amending the Purpose of the Organization (Art. 2) or for its dissolution.
Every collective decision must follow a path that allows for reflection:
Formulation of the Proposal: Any active member may submit a proposal. It must contain: Context, Requested Decision, and Estimated Impact.
Reflection Period (72 hours): For decisions that are not urgent, an interval of at least 72 hours is granted for questions and clarifications before the actual vote.
Electronic Voting: Due to the international nature of the group, voting takes place online. A vote is considered valid if it is expressed within the established interval (usually 48-72 hours after the expiration of the reflection period).
To maintain the integrity of the process in an organization of "independent minds," electronic voting must not be a simple head-count, but a process that guarantees anonymity (where applicable) and prevents manipulation. Here is the current proposal for this procedure:
Electronic voting represents the primary mechanism for validating collective decisions within TIOIM, given the geographical distribution of the members.
7.4.1. Voting Platform
Security and Access: Voting takes place through tools that allow identity verification (e.g., Google Forms with verified email collection, Typeform, or dedicated voting platforms such as ElectionBuddy/Polly), ensuring that each member votes only once.
Accessibility: The voting link will be officially transmitted via email and/or the agreed internal communication channel (e.g., WhatsApp/Signal/Slack/MI Bulletin (Beehiiv mechanism)).
7.4.2. Voting Options
To respect the nuances of independent thinking, any ballot will generally contain four options:
PRO (Agreement): Full support for the proposal.
CONTRA (Disagreement): Opposition to the proposal. In the case of major decisions, attaching a brief justification is encouraged.
ABSTENTION: The member has taken note of the proposal but chooses not to influence the result (does not count toward the majority but helps form a quorum).
BLOCK (Motivated Veto): Used exclusively in consensus-based processes. This stops the proposal because the member believes it brings fundamental harm to the organization.
7.4.3. Quorum and Validation Thresholds
Participation Quorum: A vote is considered valid if at least 50% + 1 of the members with voting rights participate.
Lack of Quorum: If the participation threshold is not met within the established interval, the voting period may be extended once for an additional 48 hours. If the quorum is still not reached, the proposal is rejected or postponed for a live (synchronous) meeting.
7.4.4. Voting Calendar (Timeline)
Announcement (Day 0): Publication of the proposal and opening of the debate window.
Debate (Days 1-3): Members may address questions to the initiator. The proposal may be amended during this interval to incorporate suggestions received.
The Vote Itself (Days 4-6): The voting window usually remains open for 72 hours to cover time zone differences and each member's personal schedule.
Validation and Communication (Day 7): A designated administrator (or the automated system) publishes the final result.
7.4.5. Confidentiality of Results
Open Vote: The default for simple administrative decisions, to publicly assume opinions.
Secret Ballot: Mandatory for:
Electing individuals to administrative roles (Section 5).
Excluding a member.
Any subject where at least 3 members explicitly request a secret ballot to protect freedom of expression.
The TIOIM Regulations are a living document, intended to evolve alongside the organization. However, to maintain stability and core values, any modification must follow a rigorous process of analysis and validation.
8.1. Procedures for Modifying the Regulations Any modification, addition, or removal of articles from these Regulations shall proceed according to the following steps:
Initiating the Proposal:
An amendment can be proposed by any administrator or by a group of at least 25% of the active members.
The proposal must be formulated in writing, containing the current text, the proposed text, and a clear justification for the change.
Consultation Period (Debate):
After the proposal is announced, a consultation period of at least 14 calendar days follows.
During this interval, members may submit observations or propose sub-amendments via internal communication channels.
Adoption Vote:
Ordinary Amendments: For procedural or administrative changes, a qualified majority of 2/3 of the votes cast is required, provided the quorum is met.
Fundamental Amendments: Modifications concerning the Purpose of the Organization, Membership Criteria, or Fundamental Rights of Members require Unanimity (or a 90% majority, depending on the founding group's decision) to be adopted.
Entry into Force and Archiving:
Once approved, the new text becomes active immediately, unless the amendment specifies a later date.
The document version will be updated (e.g., from v0.3 to v0.4), and the history of changes will be kept in the digital archive.
In a community of independent minds, conflicts are inherent and even healthy if they are managed as divergences of ideas rather than personal attacks.
TIOIM not only values but actually relies on a diversity of opinions. However, when divergences affect the proper functioning of the organization or the climate of respect, the following procedures shall apply.
9.1. Core Principle: Arguments, Not Persons
Any disagreement must be maintained within the intellectual sphere. Members commit to attacking the idea, not the individual. Ad hominem attacks and offensive language are considered violations of TIOIM ethics.
9.2. Stepped Mediation Procedure
If a conflict between two or more members cannot be resolved through direct dialogue, these steps will be followed:
Informal Mediation: The parties may request the intervention of a third, neutral member to facilitate a clarifying discussion.
Administrator Intervention: If informal mediation fails, the administrators will analyze the situation and propose a compromise solution or a "cooling-off" period (suspending the discussion on that subject for a determined time).
Collective Arbitration: In serious cases, a group of 3 members (an ad-hoc Arbitration Committee) may be convened to hear both parties and issue a non-binding recommendation or a binding decision, as appropriate.
9.3. "Agree to Disagree" Clause
If a conflict concerns a subjective or philosophical theme (Annex A) and a common ground cannot be reached, the parties are obliged to accept that multiple perspectives exist. The discussion will be closed without forcing a conclusion, marking the subject as a "subject with divergent perspectives."
9.4. Sanctions and Exclusion
The exclusion of a member is the last resort and applies only for:
Repeated violation of TIOIM confidentiality.
Harassing or abusive behavior that can be proven.
Actions that bring serious reputational or legal harm to the organization.
Procedure: Exclusion requires a reasoned proposal and a vote of at least 2/3 of the active members (at the Group level).
Would you like me to move on to the translation of Section 11 (Record Keeping and Confidentiality) and Section 12 (Dissolution) next?
This Section 10 is essential for clarifying the financial nature of TIOIM. In accordance with previous provisions of these Regulations, this chapter must reflect once more, as clearly as possible, that funds are virtual and remain in the member's possession, but are "reserved" for common projects.
The organization operates on a participatory and decentralized model, where financial contribution is not a lost fee, but a capital reserve placed at the disposal of a common vision.
10.1. The "Funds in Member Possession" Concept
Ownership of Resources: Any amount a member decides to allocate for TIOIM remains in the ownership and possession of that member until the moment they voluntarily decide to direct it toward a specific approved project that can accept funds, whether new or ongoing.
Virtual Sum: The member declares a virtual sum (minimum 0.015 USD/day) that they commit to having available for potential investments in organizational projects that spark their interest.
10.2. Calculation and Periodicity
Declaration: Upon registration, the member confirms their contribution to their "active" virtual fund. Periodically, a virtual fund administrator communicates the current value of the active fund to the member. If the member does not agree with the communicated value (for example, because they contributed to a project, which lowered the fund's value, but forgot to notify the administrator), a correction is made and everything is settled.
Role of the Organization: TIOIM keeps track of these cumulative availabilities (without actually collecting the money) to estimate the total budget available to the community for large projects (e.g., organizing a congress, purchasing common software licenses). Even the simple, transparent periodic communication of the organization's total fund volume can be an encouragement, generating a pillar of stability and comfort that adds to the motivation for belonging to the organization.
10.3. Project Funding
Individual Investment Decisions: When a project is proposed and voted upon (according to Section 7), members are not obligated to fund it. Each member decides if they wish to use a portion of their "reserved" fund to support that specific project.
Execution of Payments: In the case of an approved project, members transfer the necessary amounts directly to the provider or into a temporary collection account (Escrow/Project Management) established for that specific action.
10.4. Non-financial Resources (Time and Expertise)
Members can also contribute to TIOIM resources through "intellectual capital" or time. This resource is managed through the assumption of roles (Section 5) and is considered just as valuable as financial resources.
10.5. Transparency
Any expenditure made in the name of TIOIM from funds collected for a project will be justified by fiscal documents, available for consultation by all contributors to that project.
Note:
This "funds in possession" model (virtual retention of money) is innovative. It protects members from the risk of fraud or the mismanagement of central funds. Effectively, TIOIM acts as a project incubator where each member is their own "angel investor." The "Government" of TIOIM is the members themselves.
11.1. Limitation of Liability: Since TIOIM is an informal organization, no collective decision can entail the personal legal or financial liability of one member for the actions of another member, except in the case of separate written agreements.
11.2. Reputational Risk: Members commit not to use the name or insignia of TIOIM in political, commercial, or illegal activities that could cause reputational damage to the community.
11.3. Data Security: Each member is responsible for the security of their own access credentials to TIOIM platforms. The organization does not assume responsibility for data loss caused by individual negligence.
In a community of independent thinkers, transparency of interests is vital for objectivity.
12.1. Definition: A conflict of interest exists when a member has a personal interest (financial or otherwise) that could influence their impartiality regarding a TIOIM decision (e.g., proposing a service provider who is a relative).
12.2. Obligation to Disclose: Members are obligated to declare any potential conflict of interest before the start of a debate or a vote that concerns them.
12.3. Recusal: In the event of a major conflict of interest, the respective member shall abstain from voting but may participate in discussions if the group considers their expertise useful, provided that transparency is maintained.
The balance between the organization's historical memory and the protection of members' data.
13.1. Digital Archive: All decisions (Section 7), minutes of extraordinary meetings (Section 6.2), and versions of the Regulations will be kept in a secure digital archive.
13.2. “Chatham House” Confidentiality: To encourage free expression, internal discussions are confidential. Members may use the information received, but are not permitted to reveal the identity or affiliation of the speaker outside the organization without their consent.
13.3. Data Access: Every member has the right to see what personal data is stored by the administrators and may request its deletion in the event of withdrawal from the organization.
The procedure for the honorable closure of activities.
14.1. Conditions: The dissolution of TIOIM may be proposed if the organization's purpose can no longer be achieved or if the number of active members falls below the critical functioning threshold (fewer than 3 members for more than 6 months).
14.2. Dissolution Vote: This decision is the only one that requires Unanimity (or a 95% majority of active members), following a 30-day notice and debate period.
14.3. Liquidation of Resources: Since funds are kept in the possession of the members (Section 10.1), in the event of dissolution, there are no sharing processes. Any common resource (web domains, databases) will either be deleted or donated to a cause with a similar purpose, by the final vote of the members.
Organizing discussions for a group of mentally independent individuals can be both stimulating and capable of enriching participants' knowledge. Active participants in such discussions are expected to demonstrate respect, patience, ingenuity, and other qualities that facilitate dialogue. Independent thinking does not mean being "against" for the sake of being against, but rather the ability to present a structured argument that does not blindly follow a party, group, or trendy ideological line.
Below is a list of topics proposed to date. To propose new topics, you will be able to complete an online form (currently in the process of being published).
History, Present, Future
Events, Information, Questions
Interpretations of historical facts
What do we assume the future holds for us?
Moral Relativism or Universalism?
Foundations of morality
Philosophy of Mind: Understanding consciousness and thought processes
Science, Technology, Society
Emerging Technologies: Discussions on Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology. What is their social impact?
Space Exploration: Does humanity have a future beyond Earth?
Ethics in Science: Moral implications of scientific research.
Impact of AI on human identity and the labor market
The frontier between digital security and mass surveillance
Integrity of scientific research and the influence of private/state funding
Bioethics and Genetic Engineering: The limits of human intervention
Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Cognitive Biases: How do we identify our own biases? Do we wish to mitigate them?
Independent Thinking: Strategies to stimulate thought and creativity.
Group Dynamics: Understanding how group behavior influences individual decisions
Arts and Literature
Avant-garde Art Movements: Unconventional art forms and their messages
Literature of Dissent: Works that propose new societal norms
The Role of Art in Social Change: How art reflects and influences societal shifts
Politics and Society
Libertarianism or Collectivism? The balance between individual freedom and societal welfare
Civil Disobedience: Historical and modern perspectives on protest and reform
Mass Media: How it influences and shapes public opinion and individual thought
The efficacy of representative democracy in the era of social media
Individual Sovereignty versus global/state regulations
Economy and Innovation
Cryptocurrency and Decentralized Finance: The future of money and financial systems
Universal Basic Income: An ideal? Is it achievable? What would its impact be?
The Gig Economy (Contractual Economy): Effects on traditional employment structures
Consumption ethics and resource sustainability in a growth economy
Education and Learning
Alternative Education Models: Homeschooling, Unschooling, and Montessori methods
Lifelong Learning: Strategies for continuous personal and professional development
Critical Pedagogy: Empowering learners to question and challenge
Reforming education systems to adapt to critical thinking, not just information accumulation
Environment and Sustainability
Climate Change Solutions: Can we address environmental challenges innovatively?
Sustainable Living Practices: Can we adopt lifestyles that minimize ecological footprints? Is it worth it?
Conservation Ethics: Is it possible to balance human needs with environmental preservation?
Health and Wellbeing
Holistic Approaches to Health: Integrating mind and body. Do we have a spirit that should also be integrated?
Mental Health Stigmas: Can we challenge our perceptions and promote deeper understanding?
Human Enhancement: What are the frontiers of optimizing personal health?
Culture
Cultural Relativism: Do we understand and respect diverse cultural practices? Are all worth respecting?
The Impact of Globalization: How cultures merge and clash
Subculture and Counterculture: Groups that challenge mainstream cultural norms
Freedom of Speech versus "Cancel Culture" in the public sphere
Information Sources
Books worth reading and why.
Movies and video productions worth watching and why.
News Sources and Journalism: Do independent sources exist? Trends and interesting articles.
Mechanisms of disinformation propagation and the responsibility of "Big Tech" platforms.
The decline of traditional journalism and the rise of independent citizen journalism.
One of the most engaging activities within TIOIM is communicating the organization's profile, identifying potential members, facilitating the joining process, and correctly managing their engagement. This is a role based on direct interaction with people.
To this end, we present the principles that define membership and the types of activities conducted within the organization:
Eligibility: Any person at least 10 years of age may become a member of TIOIM, regardless of personal characteristics or preferences. The only restriction applies to individuals who promote rhetoric or actions that are discriminatory against others (members or non-members).
Sponsorship: Membership is acquired exclusively through the recommendation (sponsorship) of at least two active members.
Mentorship: Between the ages of 10 and 21, a member holds the status of "Disciple" and is paired with a member at least 25 years of age. Upon reaching age 21, the Disciple status automatically ends.
Compliance with the Charter: Membership implies the acceptance and observance of the organization's Charter. Violations of the Charter provisions may result in expulsion.
Voluntary Activity: Members act voluntarily, according to a freely consented commitment recorded in their personal profile. Any modification or cessation of activity must be notified to the sponsors to update the database.
Continuity: The permanent cessation of activity leads to the withdrawal of membership. Activity breaks of up to 3 months per year are permitted with prior notification.
Liability: Members are solely responsible for the activities they have assumed in writing in their personal profile. Members have the primary obligation to find substitutes for the activities they choose to discontinue.
TIOIM brings together independent thinkers with the common goal of freedom of expression, mutual aid, and the development of collective projects. Although it is a legally informal association, its activities are structured into three categories:
I. Fulfillment of the Organization's Purpose
Project administration and editorial activities (authors, editors, technicians).
Organizing seminars on independent thinking.
Defining priorities and maintaining the organization's pragmatic direction (staying connected to reality).
II. Development
Managing membership applications and recruiting new members.
Coordinating functional structures (e.g., editorial boards).
Drafting outlines for public communications.
III. Leadership and Administration
Organizing periodic meetings and managing the member database.
Monitoring statistics and creating organizational synopses.
Specialized counseling (financial, legal, etc.).
Validating official communications and managing internal workflows.
All roles are voluntary and must be assumed within three months of joining. Activities must not become a burden; any member may request a change in their field of activity at any time (due to personal reasons, boredom, or the desire to learn something new) or may leave the organization.
The central pillar of activity is reliability. Volunteers are expected to complete their tasks on time and to an acceptable quality standard, or to provide timely notice of unavailability. In cases of non-fulfillment without notification, group leaders may apply preventive or corrective measures after reviewing the arguments presented by the member in question.
TIOIM membership is maintained through two elements:
Active Contribution: Performing an activity in the interest of the organization at least once a month.
M-Fund Participation: Contributing to the organization's Virtual M-Fund with a minimum amount at a chosen interval, but no less than 1 US cent per day. (The Virtual M-Fund consists of the sum of virtual funds allocated by each member for potential organizational projects—this money remains in the possession of each member, who retains full decision-making power over whether or not to spend it on specific projects).
Leadership Roles (Elected): Core governance positions at every level (Group, Association, Local, Regional, National, Global). Term: 2 years.
Operational & Strategic Roles (Appointed): Appointed by the relevant Board of Directors based on expertise and merit. Term: 2 years.
Intellectual & Ethical Roles (Merit-Based): Assumed based on Member Level (Emeritus, Custodian, etc.) or specific expertise. Term: 1–4 years, at the member's choice.
Admissions Committee: Responsible for processing invitations and applications. Committee members serve as the "guardians of the TIOIM culture."
Editorial Board: Oversees the "MI Bulletin" publication. It has the authority to reject materials that do not comply with the organization's grammatical or ethical standards.
Technical Commission: Manages the digital presence and the security of members' data.
Reflection Groups (Think-Tanks): Temporary commissions created by member vote to explore in-depth a subject from the organization’s list of interests.
Concurrent with the growth of TIOIM, the following are recommended:
A. Validation and Ethics Committee
Role: Verifying the profiles of those wishing to become members and managing conflicts of interest.
Why it is needed: In an organization of independent minds, integrity is the primary currency. This committee ensures that newcomers respect the culture of respect and intellectual rigor.
B. MI Bulletin Editorial Committee
Role: Selecting, proofreading, and approving materials proposed via the form at bulletin.TIOIM.org.
Why it is needed: To maintain quality standards and ensure that materials do not infringe on copyrights (verifying permission links).
C. Resource Management Committee (Finance & Technology)
Role: Managing domains, platforms, and monitoring the virtual funds of the members.
Why it is needed: Someone must ensure that the "technical wheels" keep turning and that the infrastructure is secured.
D. Amendments and Regulations Commission
Role: Analyzing proposals to modify the regulations and formulating them correctly within the context of TIOIM.
Activation: Only when major structural changes are proposed.
E. Synchronous Events Organizing Commission
Role: Establishing logistics for internal or international meetings, choosing videoconferencing platforms, or physical locations for congresses.
F. Special Subject Study Commissions
Role: Working groups composed of member experts in a specific field (e.g., AI, Bioethics, History) who prepare synthesis documents or thematic debates (e.g., the categories in Appendix A).