Zapatista Governance Principles

Mandar Obedeciendo (Lead by Obeying)

True leaders follow the will of the people, the desires of the larger community.

Proponer y No Imponer (Propose, Don’t Impose)

Make proposals for community feedback, rather than imposing rules without community input.

Representar y No Suplantar (Represent, Don’t Replace)

Always represent the needs and views of the community at the table, rather than standing as an individual in place of the community.

Antipoder Contra Poder (Anti-power Against Power)

Demonstrate alternative power that challenges traditional forms of power.

Convencer y No Vencer (Convince, Don’t Defeat)

Build power by convincing people toward just decisions, rather than repressing people who disagree.

Todo Para Todos, Nada Para Nosotros (Everything for Everone, Nothing for Ourselves)

Leaders are not in power to benefit themselves personally, but to fight for benefits for everyone in the community.

Construir y No Destruir (Construct, Don’t Destroy)

Exercise power to build a new world, rather than focusing all energy on destruction or opposition.

Queremos Un Mundo Donde Quepan Muchos Mundos (We Want a World Where Many Worlds Fit)

Strong communities embrace diversity, rather than needing to suppress those who don’t fit into a norm.

Indigenous Anarchist Federation