In accord with the 800 year old democratic tradition of the Dominican Family, decision-making on policies, actions, and other community options is collegial. Each person who opts for full DLSC membership has a vote after successfully completing an initial stage of ongoing participation. Decisions affecting the DLSC as a whole are made by an elected General Council. Other decisions are made locally.
With respect to individual as distinct from communal interests, the DLSC is designed for people more likely to flourish in an “ethos” where self-regulation by the individual as opposed to jurisdictional control by a group is the preferred emphasis. Hence, membership does not entail group decision- making for individuals in matters which concern their personal lives. In this spirit, the DLSC favors self-monitoring of compliance with all membership requirements except those which directly affect the community as a whole.