Volunteer & Mutual Aid Coordination
Template Adaptation & Forking Guide (v1)

Purpose

This guide explains how communities may adapt, modify, or fork the Volunteer & Mutual Aid Coordination tools to fit local needs while preserving their core intent.

Permission is not required to adapt these materials.

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Guiding Principle

These tools are frameworks, not mandates.

Communities are encouraged to:
- Modify language
- Simplify structure
- Combine documents
- Create parallel systems

The goal is usefulness, not conformity.

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What May Be Adapted

Communities may adapt:

- Templates
- Role descriptions
- Coordination flows
- Terminology
- Presentation format

Adaptation may be partial or complete.

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What Should Be Preserved

When adapting these tools, communities are encouraged to preserve:

- Voluntary participation
- Non-coercion
- Clear boundaries
- No employment assumptions
- Respect for disengagement

Preserving these principles helps prevent harm.

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Forking vs. Modifying

Modifying:
- Changes within the same system
- Retains original framing
- Best for small adjustments

Forking:
- Creates a separate framework
- May change philosophy or structure
- Appropriate when needs differ significantly

Both approaches are acceptable.

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Attribution (Optional)

Communities may, but are not required to, acknowledge:

“Inspired by Volunteer & Mutual Aid Coordination tools.”

Attribution is encouraged but not mandatory.

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Responsibility for Adaptations

Communities that adapt or fork these tools are responsible for:

- Their own outcomes
- Their own compliance
- Their own implementation choices

Charity Helpers Foundation is not responsible for modified versions.

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Distribution and Sharing

Adapted tools may be:
- Shared publicly
- Used privately
- Integrated into other systems

No exclusivity or permission is required.

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Why This Guide Exists

Rigid systems break communities.

This guide exists to encourage flexibility while preserving healthy boundaries.
