Community Credentials

Community Credentials is a digital identity project launched in 2021 that aims to provide verifiable credentials for cooperative communities without relying on centralized providers or blockchain technology. The project implements W3C Verifiable Credentials standards to create a "Know Your Co-operator" system that enables badge-like credentials to be proven and recognized across organizations.

The technical implementation includes a Discourse plugin that enables SIOP OIDC login functionality and community-friendly transparent recognition of verifiable credentials as user-friendly badges. The project received funding and validation through the European Union's Next Generation Internet ESSIF-Lab program, which focuses on advancing Self-Sovereign Identity solutions. Key features include:

• Integration with community software platforms starting with Discourse
• Support for W3C DID and Verifiable Credentials standards
• Privacy-preserving credential issuance and verification
• Open source implementation available on GitHub
• Focus on cooperative community governance

The project represents an important development in bringing Self-Sovereign Identity principles to cooperative communities while maintaining user privacy and control. By avoiding reliance on centralized providers or blockchain technology, Community Credentials aims to make digital identity more accessible and human-centric for cooperative organizations. The project is currently in active development with its core infrastructure and initial Discourse integration available as open source software.