Voter Directed Network (VDN) Identity Politics Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish how identity is understood, respected, and applied within the Voter Directed Network (VDN).

VDN recognizes that personal identity is an important and meaningful part of the human experience. At the same time, VDN is committed to preventing the misuse of identity—especially Negative Identity Politics (prejudice)—as a tool for division, manipulation, or systemic harm.

This policy ensures that VDN remains a platform focused on:

  • Character

  • Values and virtues

  • Policy and solutions

  • The collective will of voters

2. Foundational Principles

2.1 Identity Matters — But Does Not Define Character

VDN affirms that identity shapes aspects of human experience, including but not limited to:

  • Race

  • Ethnicity

  • Religion and spirituality

  • Gender

  • Physical appearance

  • Sexual orientation

  • Socioeconomic status

  • Education

  • Career

  • Nationality and residency

  • Personal interests and lifestyle

These elements may shape who a person is, but they do not determine what kind of person they are.

Character—defined as an individual’s beliefs and how those beliefs shape their thoughts, feelings, and actions—is independent of identity.

2.2 Character is the Primary Standard

VDN operates on the principle that:

  • Character

  • Values

  • Virtues

  • Policy ideas

are the most relevant factors in determining how individuals contribute to society and how the government should operate.

No identity group is inherently superior or inferior.
All individuals are capable of growth, evolution, and improvement in character.

2.3 Diversity of Identity is Valuable

VDN supports and encourages:

  • Appreciation of diverse identities

  • Respect for all positive expressions of identity

  • Open and inclusive participation

A diversity of identities strengthens communities, collaboration, and collective understanding.

3. Policy on Identity in Civic Discourse

3.1 Prioritize Values and Policy Over Identity

When engaging in social, political or economic discussions on VDN:

  • Users should prioritize values, principles, and policy solutions

  • Discussions should focus on what government should do and how systems should function

Identity alone should not be used as the primary basis for:

  • Arguments

  • Judgments

  • Policy positions

3.2 Limit the Use of Identity Politics in Governance Discussions

VDN encourages users to consciously reduce over-reliance on identity-based framing in civic discourse.

Instead, the platform promotes:

  • Value-based dialogue

  • Solution-oriented collaboration

  • Policy-driven decision-making

3.3 Discouragement of Negative Identity Politics (Prejudice)

VDN discourages all forms of Negative Identity Politics, including:

  • Prejudice

  • Identity-based hostility or discrimination

  • Claims of identity superiority or inferiority

  • Use of identity to justify harm, exclusion, or oppression

Negative identity politics is recognized as a primary tool historically used by corrupt, divisive, and authoritarian systems to:

  • Divide populations

  • Create fear and conflict

  • Justify violence, exploitation, and systemic harm

Such behavior is incredibly destructive to society and the VDN community.

4. Platform Standards and Enforcement

4.1 Allowed Use of Identity

Users are encouraged to:

  • Express and celebrate their identities

  • Share personal experiences related to identity

  • Engage in respectful cultural and social dialogue

4.2 Restricted Use of Identity

The following uses of identity are discouraged:

  • Using identity to attack, diminish, or exclude others

  • Framing political arguments primarily around identity rather than policy

  • Promoting identity-based division or conflict

  • Encouraging fear, hostility, or superiority narratives

4.3 Enforcement Approach

Voter Moderation: When Negative Identity Politics appears on VDN the best outcome is for voters to call it out in the comments and replies and give it a negative Agree/Disagree rating. We want all voters to be honest and transparent with their thoughts on VDN and we want voters to demonstrate that the vast majority disagree with prejudice and explain the harm that it causes. Banning certain ideas or thoughts does not remove them from our collective consciousness. Allowing Negative Identity Politics to arise and then to collectively and publicly explain why these ideas are destructive and violent is the best way to hopefully, eventually evolve beyond these thoughts and ideas as a collective and community. 

VDN will:

  • Monitor for patterns of harmful identity-based discourse

  • Apply appropriate moderation actions when necessary

The goal of enforcement is not punishment—but maintaining a constructive, solution-oriented civic environment.

5. Guiding Philosophy for VDN Users

VDN encourages all participants to adopt the following mindset:

  • Appreciate and respect the diversity of human identities

  • Look beyond identity to evaluate character, values, and actions

  • Engage in discussions that elevate solutions rather than division

  • Contribute to a system that reflects the true will of the people

6. Core Principle

Identity can be celebrated.
Character can be evaluated.
Policy must be the focus.

7. Closing Statement

Voter Directed Network exists to modernize and evolve democratic republican governance by enabling voters to collaborate, discuss, and vote on values and policy.

To achieve this, the platform must move beyond division driven by identity and toward unity driven by shared purpose, strong character, and effective solutions.