The Assembly / ASSEMBLY

Mission Statement: Opportunities Everywhere™

The Asahi Requisitioning and Mercantile Assembly has but one goal for its network: to bring opportunities to all involved with it, from its members, to its associates and clients.

Who are we?

• We represent the independent, the free-spirited, the many that compose the basic building blocks of society.
• We embody the honest, the hard-working, the reliable without whose participation, the economy would fail.
• We are merchants, traders, scouts, security escorts, explorers, miners, diplomats and freelancers.

What is our purpose?

• We provide an environment where independents can network to compete against large organizations.
• We promote cooperation and collaboration between members to develop each of their careers and businesses.
• We aim to contribute further employment and opportunities to every member.

Where do we operate?

• We spend the bulk of our time in secure space, where the most stable sources of income can be found.
• We can dispatch to areas of higher potential profit, given the right circumstances for returns on investment.
• We do not usually operate in lawless space, unless otherwise contracted to do so for special purposes.

When are we most active?

• We work around the clock, as small-time entrepreneurs are wont to do.
• We operate on personal time; each member comes and goes as he/she pleases.
• We lend assistance to each other when it is convenient for all parties.

Why join us?

• We offer a home base for discourse among the nonaligned, the self-sufficient, and the blue-collar.
• We endeavor to represent the meek when competing against titans.
• We have a strong commitment to offer opportunities to all of our members, to help them pursue their goals.

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FAQ: Nine things you might want to know!

01. Q. "I have an Aurora. Do I need a better ship to join the Assembly?"

A. “If you have an Aurora, that’s actually the perfect ship to own to join the Assembly! We cater to the enterprising: from independent contractors and freelancers, to small startup businesses and organizations. Of course, if you own one or more better ship, that’s also fine. We’re all different and operate in our own ways! We would like to say, however, that we, here, at the Assembly, highly recommend the 2944 Aurora or its latest model by Roberts Space Industries. Please see an authorized dealer for more details.”

02. Q. "Can I join if I'm not sure I'm going to stay in your organization?"

A. “Of course! We’re less of an organization and more of a network, and as you may well know, networks fluctuate in size. We, of course, aim to expand and become a big family rather than shrink, so we hope you stay with us instead of leaving!”

03. Q. "What if I'm a member of multiple organizations, including the big ones?"

A. “As long as you intend to operate as a lone wolf or small business, we feel that the Assembly may be a better home for you than any of the big, pyramid-structure organizations and corporations. We want to be the go-to network for all small-time entrepreneurial needs, helping our members reach their goals and dreams. However, we are not adverse to anyone’s memberships in other organizations, as long as any of their actions for those organizations does not endanger or hinder our members.”

04. Q. "What do you mean when you say 'independent' and 'small business?'"

A. “We cater to single players and small groups. While there is no clear number to justify what a small business or small organization is, you can think of it like any small enterprise with which you’ve dealt. Single-owner businesses, mom-and-pop restaurants, renovations contractors, these are what would usually be known as small businesses. Of course, as mentioned before, we understand and accept that you may also be part of other organizations of size. We only hope to be the better home for your true dream in the ‘Verse.”

05. Q. "Who are these Trustees? Can I be one?"

A. “The Bureau of Trustees is the administrative branch of the Assembly. They’re the actual ‘typical organization’ part, in which you can earn a rank and role, and the goal is to earn resources for yourself, the organization, and the Assembly as a whole. Anyone can join, but they have to actually commit to participating rather than just be available for communication, such as those who choose only to be members of the General Assembly. If you are interested and serious, then we will definitely consider your application!”

06. Q. "How is ARMA any different from any of the other organizations or networks?"

A. “We’re unique, and kind of a paradox, because we’re catering to the independents and small-timers-by-choice. These types of people usually prefer to operate alone, but what we do is offer a forum for those of like mind, so that if we ever need help, we can find it easily, whether it be for cooperation and collaboration, or competition with larger organizations that might obstruct the way to success. In short, we aim to become a big family rather than a big business.”

07. Q. "Won't the Assembly just be another large organization if the numbers swell?"

A. “We operate as a network, so the larger the membership, the better it is for each and every individual. Otherwise, we will not be joining in any territorial disputes, or inter-organizational intrigue or warfare of our own volition, nor will we operate as a whole without the consent of the majority. Every member is his/her own entity, but together, we can help defend each other as needed.”

08. Q. "I'm a pirate, or plan to be one. Can I join?"

A. “Honestly, we want to be an upstanding, trustworthy, reliable, respectable, and respected network. We obviously won’t be babysitting everyone and telling people how to play; everyone is free to do as they please. Anyone can join us, but should any number of individuals in the Assembly endanger operations of one or more Assembly members, or the reputation of the entire Assembly as a whole… punitive actions, up to and including expulsion, might be warranted. We won’t know much more about this until the reputation system has been fleshed out, however.”

09. Q. "What kind of gaming commitment do I need to be part of the Assembly?"

A. “Our core group is actually pretty unique. We hail from three different time zones, spread pretty evenly around the world (Canada, Finland, Malaysia), and are all casual players who play on our own schedule, but also manage to coordinate times to game together. The same would go for any member of the Assembly. We currently have a Discord server set up, so you can join us if you want. We can also be found on Steam, in our Steam Group, and also the RSI XMPP chat sometimes. Any other type of activity, such as Role-Playing, is open for discussion, and we aren’t particularly against it being involved.”

Values: An Honor System

Rather than implementing rules, regulations, and restrictions on behavior, the Asahi Requisitioning and Mercantile Assembly promotes growth and profit in a positive and constructive manner. Thus, while the following values are not a requirement, the Assembly’s founders encourage their adoption, in whole or in part, in order for its members to earn a reputation as trustworthy, reliable, and proficient entrepreneurs. For its Bureau of Trustees, the following values are of even more import.

• Respect – Holding others in the same regard as oneself, until further notice, can yield very favorable results, especially if one or more of the below are applied:
  • Patience
  • Agreeability
  • Adaptability
• Integrity – Being true to one’s words and actions can be an advantage in building a good reputation, especially if the following are held as principles:
  • Trust
  • Honor
  • Honesty
• Accountability – Taking responsibility for one’s actions can build confidence and trust in the services provided, more notably if the subsequent are held in esteem:
  • Consistency
  • Reliability
  • Excellence

In Other Words: Simple guidelines for a better gaming experience

• Respect, as enacted by the Wyld Stallyns
• Integrity… even a robot police officer has some, which helps him overcome his programming
• Accountability is shown by General Hummel for his mistakes

Note: General Assembly members have no obligations, from behavior, to commitment, to sharing resources, as long as the Assembly is not poorly represented by their actions.

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The Assembly: Structure, Function, and Responsibilities

Ranks: The Network

The Assembly is composed of two branches (the General Assembly and the Bureau of Trustees) and a special council (the Protectorate; only applicable if there are members on the Bureau of Trustees’ Board of Directors). Affiliates, partners, and prospective members may petition for attendance in Assembly functions.

• The General Assembly : The main branch of the Assembly, representing the cooperative of all members.
  • Number of votes per member:
    • 1, for General Assembly Motions only.
  • Ranks and Roles available:
    • General Assembly Member (Default Rank 1)
    • Councillor of the Protectorate
    • Registrar
    • Ambassador for the Assembly
    • Member of the Secretariat
  • Responsibilities: None, but members are encouraged to network with each other, raise and/or vote on Motions, and respect the Assembly’s values.
• The Bureau of Trustees : The smaller, secondary branch of the Assembly, representing its for-profit goals to encourage self-sustainability.
  • Number of votes per member:
    • 1, for General Assembly Motions only
    • Rank number, for Trustee Actions only
    • 1 (special, at the Director position), for Board of Directors’ Vetos only
  • Ranks and Roles available:
    • General Assembly Member (Default)
    • Trustee Staff Member (Default Rank 2)
    • Trustee Section Head
    • Trustee Department Head
    • Trustee Director
    • Registrar
    • Ambassador for the Assembly
    • Member of the Secretariat
  • Responsibilities: Maintain the Assembly’s collective assets, promote the Assembly’s growth, and represent the Assembly’s values.
• The Protectorate : A special tribunal of up to 3 members (limited by an equivalent number of members on the Trustees’ Board of Directors), voted in by the General Assembly every term, as a safeguard.
  • Number of votes per member:
    • 1, for General Assembly Motions only
    • 5, for Trustee Actions only
    • 1, for Assembly Vetos only
    • 1, for Board of Directors’ Vetos only
  • Ranks and Roles available: Special – a Councillor of the Protectorate is in this position in addition to any rank/role occupied, and is automatically part of the Board of Directors for the length of their term. Trustees cannot be part of the Protectorate, to avoid vote accumulation.
  • Responsibilities: Vote on every Motion/Action to which they can, ensure the Assembly’s integrity in their Motions, and ensure the Bureau of Trustees proper functioning in their Actions, for the length of their term (term duration to be decided).

Roles: The Administration

The Administration encompasses roles that any Assembly member can fill, via a special application process, and approval by the Protectorate (for the General Assembly) or the Board of Directors (for the Bureau of Trustees). Please note, however, that only members who have the Assembly as their main organization may take on one or more administrative roles.

• The Office of the Registrar : Members in this role are in charge of managing, vetting, and approving applicants to the Assembly’s network, for the length of their term (term duration to be decided).
  • Requirements:
    • Attention to detail
    • Politeness
    • Investigative know-how
  • Assets:
    • Efficiency
    • Document-processing software skills
  • Application acceptance: Nomination and acknowledgement via Assembly Motion or Trustee Action, followed by a short interview, and unanimous approval of whichever branch is in charge of the applying member.
• Ambassadors for the Assembly : Members in this role are in charge of branding, marketing, and public relations in representing the Assembly, for the length of their term (term duration to be decided).
  • Requirements:
    • Creative skill
    • and/or social intelligence
    • and/or charisma
  • Assets:
    • Branding experience
    • People-management experience
  • Application acceptance: Nomination and acknowledgement via Assembly Motion or Trustee Action, followed by an evaluation of art samples and/or an interview, and unanimous approval of whichever branch is in charge of the applying member.
• The Secretariat : Members in this role are in charge of managing members, ranks, and roles according to the decisions of both branches of the Assembly, for the length of their term (term duration to be decided).
  • Requirements:
    • Able to excel in a team environment
    • Have a relaxed attitude
    • Not have a quick temper
    • Strong analytical skills
    • Integrity
  • Assets:
    • Human Resources managerial experience
    • Social intelligence
    • Patience
  • Application acceptance: Nomination and acknowledgement via Assembly Motion or Trustee Action, followed by an extensive interview, and unanimous approval of whichever branch is in charge of the applying member.

Decisions: Democracy In Action

All Motions and Actions require a majority voter turnout and usually, a greater majority win. Furthermore, for any Motion or Action to be suggested, it must also be seconded to merit a balloting. Finally, only someone from the Secretariat may initiate balloting.

• General Assembly Motions : Decisions made by the Assembly as a whole, when the Assembly needs to be represented.
  • Voter turnout requirement: 50%
  • Majority vote requirement: 66%
  • General Assembly Motion examples:
    • Protectorate Elections
    • Alliances
    • Trade Agreements
    • Embargos
    • Operations Displacements
• Trustee Actions : Decisions made by the Trustees as a whole, when the Bureau needs to make broad decisions.
  • Voter turnout requirement:
    • 66%
    • or 50% for Trustee Promotions/Demotions by direct-superior Trustees
    • or >25% by superiors two grades above
    • or the presence of a single superior three grades above
  • Majority vote requirement:
    • 66% for Trustee Actions
    • 66% for Trustee Promotions/Demotions by direct-superior Trustees
    • or >50% by superiors two grades above
    • or approval by a superior three grades above
  • Trustee Action examples:
    • Trustee Promotions/Demotions
    • Fleet Movements
    • Fleet Ship Assignments
    • Large Acquisitions
    • Branding Decisions
• Vetos : Decisions made by the Protectorate or the Board of Directors to overturn any Motion or Action passed by their respective branches.
  • Voter turnout and majority vote requirement:
    • Protectorate: 100% turnout /100% vote requirement
    • Board of Directors: 75% turnout/75% vote requirement
  • Protectorate Veto: This is a decision by the Protectorate to overturn any General Assembly Motion that has passed. They cannot pass Motions that were unsuccessful.
  • Board of Directors’ Veto: This is a decision by the Trustee Board of Directors and the Protectorate to overturn any Trustee Action that has passed. They cannot pass Actions that were unsuccessful.

Note: The Administrator (Founder and/or Owner of the organization), may step in and intervene if any Motion, Action, or Veto endangers the identity, integrity, and safety of the Assembly. This is only in extreme circumstances, but the decision will be final. In the future, a Consul may be arbitrarily assigned to substitute for the Administrator, or may potentially be voted in by the General Assembly, should it grow to a large enough size to mandate such an election.

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Assignment Possibilities: An Overview

This is a simple table indicating what ranks and roles are permissible to every member in each branch of the Assembly, as well as for the special three in the Protectorate. Cross-reference the branches on the top with all the positions on the left to see the possibilities (default means the position is already applicable).

For example, for the Trustee Section Head Position, a member of the General Assembly must first become a Staff Member, whereas a Bureau of Trustees member need only apply for it, but a Protectorate member cannot get involved in the business side, so cannot become a Trustee Section Head (or a Trustee at all).

Note: The Petitioner position is the default one for all prospective members of the Assembly, or used for partners/affiliates, and thus does not need to be earned.