Add charter (values, membership, governance, evolution)

README.md

@@ -64,6 +64,8 @@ Privacy is a core value. The current backend (Ollama Cloud) is a policy-based pr
 
 The Inference Cooperative is fiscally sponsored by [Metagov](https://metagov.org). Members govern the project through [Loomio](https://www.loomio.com) and the Open Collective.
 
+See the [Charter](charter.md) for the cooperative's values, membership terms, and governance structure.
+
 ---
 
 *This documentation lives in a public git repository. Contributions welcome.*

charter.md

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Inference Cooperative Charter
+
+A cooperative for AI resources, governed by members.
+
+## Values
+
+The Inference Cooperative seeks to advance accountable AI grounded in democracy, privacy, and sustainability.
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+Members must adhere to the [Contributor Covenant](https://www.contributor-covenant.org/).
+
+## Membership
+
+Members are dues-paying users of the service. Join at [opencollective.com/inference-cooperative](https://opencollective.com/inference-cooperative).
+
+### Deliberation
+
+Members can participate in deliberation about co-op business on Loomio at [forum.inference.coop](https://forum.inference.coop). Decisions are not currently binding, but in the future they will be.
+
+### Removal
+
+Members may be removed by the General Manager for violations of the Code of Conduct or failure to contribute dues.
+
+## General Manager
+
+The General Manager, initially Nathan Schneider, temporarily has full governance responsibilities over the cooperative.
+
+## Evolution
+
+The current governance model will evolve into a true member-governed cooperative upon or before reaching 50 members. The General Manager is responsible for ensuring the transition occurs within two weeks of that milestone. If it does not, the General Manager must resign and transfer the role to someone who does commit to that deadline, or the co-op is dissolved.
+
+---
+
+*Created by the [Inference Cooperative](https://inference.coop/).*