Participation increases with knowledge, conduct, and readiness
Scaled Participation
Category: Tsm’syen Law Page status: Working
Principle
Participation increases with knowledge, conduct, and readiness.
Participation in law and governance is not equal at all stages. It expands as understanding deepens, conduct is demonstrated, and readiness is recognized.
Basis for Increased Participation
Participation increases through:
- Knowledge of ayaawx and adaawx
- Consistent lawful conduct
- Acceptance of correction
- Demonstrated care for people, land, and relationship
- Readiness observed and witnessed over time
Age alone does not determine readiness.
Relationship to Responsibility
Increased participation follows demonstrated responsibility.
Responsibility is shown by:
- Acting with restraint
- Knowing limits of role and authority
- Prioritizing collective well-being
- Respecting process and witnesses
- Carrying duties without seeking status
Participation that outpaces responsibility undermines law.
Witness and Recognition
Readiness must be recognized by others.
Witnesses assess:
- Stability of conduct
- Depth of understanding
- Ability to receive guidance
- Impact on balance and relationship
Self-assessment is insufficient.
Safeguards
This principle prevents:
- Premature authority
- Token participation
- Forced leadership
- Exclusion based on age alone
- Concentration of power without preparation
Participation remains proportional and lawful.
Modern Context
In contemporary governance, scaled participation means:
- Graduated roles and responsibilities
- Advisory and observer stages
- Mentorship-based progression
- Ongoing evaluation rather than fixed thresholds
- Continued learning after recognition
Participation expands as readiness is proven, not presumed.