MADE operates a unified Chode-based system designed to measure contribution, coordinate participation, and align long-term incentives across the cooperative. Chodes are the single measurement framework used throughout the ecosystem. They are non-transferable, earned through participation and work, and exist to reward effort, responsibility, and care—not speculation.

The Chode system is organized into three functional layers. Each layer serves a distinct purpose while remaining part of the same cooperative economy.

Layer A: Operational Chodes

Operational Chodes measure real labor and responsibility required to run the cooperative. This layer applies to staff, leadership, contractors, and core operators across Product, Operations, Community, Roles, and Board-supported functions.

Operational Chodes are budgeted quarterly by the Board and distributed by quadrant leaders based on clearly defined scopes of work. They track sustained contribution, accountability, and execution over time.

Operational Chodes are the only Chodes used when discussing long-term sweat-based ownership alignment within the cooperative. Any future ownership, governance alignment, or equity-like consideration is earned annually through Operational Chodes and is subject to Board oversight and formal review. Operational Chodes are not purchased, not guaranteed, and not automatic. They reflect work done, not promises made.

Layer B: Community Chodes

Community Chodes measure participation, creativity, care, and engagement within the MADE community. This layer powers the gamified experience of the cooperative and is open to all members, volunteers, and community participants.

Community Chodes are earned by building spaces, hosting events, participating in quests, contributing creatively, supporting others, and sustaining the culture of the community. They are spent on access, events, perks, entertainment, and experiences within the ecosystem.

Community Chodes are used to calculate patronage-style revenue distributions. They do not confer ownership, governance control, or decision-making authority. This layer exists to reward participation and make contribution visible, legible, and fun.

Layer C: Investor Chodes

Investor Chodes are reserved for seasoned professionals who contribute high-caliber skills, leadership, operational expertise, or strategic capital to the cooperative. These individuals are referred to as Investors not because they are purchasing ownership, but because they are investing time, skill, and responsibility into building the organization.

Investor Chodes are earned, not sold. Participation in this layer requires active membership in the cooperative and ongoing contribution. Investor Chodes are distributed through invitation and review, based on demonstrated alignment, execution, and long-term commitment.

Investor Chodes may be considered during annual evaluations for deeper ownership alignment or long-term incentive participation, subject to Board governance and cooperative rules. Holding Investor Chodes does not grant additional voting power. Governance remains one member, one vote on major cooperative matters.

Spring Campaign and June Launch

In Spring 2026, MADE will run a focused recruitment campaign to bring in members, operators, and investors aligned with the cooperative’s long-term vision. This campaign is not a token sale, not an ICO, and not an investment offering. It is a coordinated effort to invite people into participation, contribution, and responsibility.

Membership is the only thing sold. Chodes are never sold.

The Spring Campaign is designed to identify builders, leaders, creatives, and operators who want to help shape the cooperative and earn their place through action. Participation during this period will be tracked through the Chode system and inform future alignment, responsibility, and opportunity.

In June 2026, MADE will formally launch the Chode system as its unified contribution framework. From that point forward, Chodes will serve as the cooperative’s primary internal language for participation, recognition, and reward across all layers.

Governance and Decision-Making

Chodes do not control governance.

Governance within MADE follows a domain-based structure. Core teams and leadership propose initiatives. The community provides signals through discussion, polls, and participation. The Board of Directors makes final decisions on strategy, policy, and oversight.

Operational authority is delegated to staff and operators. Community authority is exercised through participation and signaling. Major cooperative decisions remain subject to one member, one vote, in accordance with the bylaws.

Plain-Language Summary

Chodes are how MADE measures contribution. Membership is how people enter. Participation is how people earn. Responsibility is how people advance. Ownership alignment is earned over time, not bought. The cooperative grows through work, not speculation.