The designers of CDS really, really liked factions. (The local equivalent of "political parties.") They like them so much that our election system entirely depends on them. So if you want to participate in politics actively in CDS, you need one.
It does not necessarily need all of the traditional attributes of a political party, though: we are a small municipality, here, folks, not the European Parliament or United Nations. The Simplicity Party is a simple, positive, drama-free collection of CDS citizens who like serving as constructive volunteers and community leaders. We do not have lots of meetings, grandiose statements or political intrigue.
On the other hand, we do like to get things done. Our member Aliasi has served as Chancellor and content archivist; Beathan as long-time RA member, Brian as RA member, Guild member (and muse of the Colonia Nova project) and PIO; Cindy as a Guild and current SC member; Jamie as Leader of the RA and current Chancellor; Publius on the RA and as its archivist; Rose as long-time and tremendously successful PIO and Guild member; and Symo in the Guild, and as principal author of our CDS general master plan. SP spends its time mostly DRAFTING and PASSING legislation, not writing aspirational statements about it: a disproportionate share of key bills adopted by the last few RA terms were written by our folks, including land laws and the RA's own procedures. And, tellingly, in the occasional smackdown fights that seem to erupt occasionally in sim "politics", like a kindergarden playground ... we usually have nothing to do with it. If you want drama, pogroms or intrigue, we're the wrong faction for you. And the wrong bunch of friends, probably.
On the other hand, if you like helping a community of 80-100 avatars ... in a gorgeous, historical, self-governed sim estate ... grow, govern itself fairly, and host a range of creative activities by supporting and nurturing them ... well, let's work together.
(By the way, if you have landed here, but do not know CDS itself well, yet, please take a look at our government's general info site: http://www.slcds.info We'd be pleased to have you as visitors or neighbors. )
SP members don't always agree on things. (Woooo. understatement.) But you can see what we're thinking about in the faction's Forum pages (this thread here) ... and far more importantly, in the only track record that matters, the actions of our members. We all try to obey the "outdoor campground" rule: leave CDS and SL in better shape that when we found it, by making constructive contributions.
Have a great SL. Regards Jamie
