Of course, the application of "using your head" will vary from one situation to another, but there are some critical principles to keep in mind with respect to the Common Sense Citizens Network:

1. The Tea Party movement, of which Common Sense Citizens Network is a part, is a COALITION movement of folks from many different backgrounds and walks of life.

2. Coalitions tend to be FRAGILE THINGS.

3. A coalition derives its strength from FOCUS on the UNIFYING PRINCIPLES around which it is organized.

4. A coalition COLLAPSES when its members lose focus on the UNIFYING PRINCIPLES and become distracted instead by PERSONALITIES and wedge issues.

Please note that our Common Sense Citizens Network includes:

1. Individuals supporting a variety of POLITICAL CANDIDATES, sometimes including multiple candidates competing for the same office.

2. Individuals of several POLITICAL PARTIES, and many independents.

3. Individuals of MANY RELIGIONS and DENOMINATIONS, including some adhering to no religion at all.

4. Individuals with a variety of opinions on U.S. FOREIGN POLICY.

5. Individuals with a variety of opinions on ABORTION, HOMOSEXUALITY and GAY MARRIAGE.

The Common Sense Citizens Network is non-partisan and non-sectarian.  We are focused on DOMESTIC rather than FOREIGN policy, and our primary focus is on restraining the size and scope of the federal government.  Serving as a Neighborhood Coordinator is most likely NOT the ideal role for those who are interested in using Common Sense Citizens Network resources to advance personal views on religion, foreign policy, abortion or gay marriage, or to campaign for their favorite political candidate(s).
 
 
ORGANIZING PRINCIPLES:
 
The primary organizing principle of the Common Sense Citizens Network is "limited government."  The second organizing principle of the Common Sense Citizens Network is "fiscal responsibility."  The last three are "personal responsibility," "the rule of law" and "national sovereignty."
 
Please note that the organizing principles of the Common Sense Citizens Network do not include:

1. "My favorite candidate is really awesome and you should vote for him."

2. "[INSERT NAME HERE] is a jerk and I hate him."

3. "Members of the [INSERT PARTY NAME HERE] Party are all evil."

4. "All members of [INSERT DENOMINATION HERE] are going straight to Hell and need to convert immediately."

5. "Anyone wanna buy my used, low-miles Nissan?"

In general, "using your head" means keeping our communications focused on LOGISTICS and avoiding the injection of PERSONAL OPINIONS and PERSONAL AGENDAS.  We all have our personal opinions, and we all love to express them.  In general, however, the Common Sense Citizens Network membership lists are not the right forum to use for sharing them.
 
If you ever have a question as to whether something is appropriate, we are here to provide whatever guidance may be needed.  In general, however, if you have to spend a lot of time debating with yourself whether a particular message is too divisive or off-topic, there's a good chance it is.