Values
- Be friendly and welcoming
- Be patient
- Remember that people have varying communication styles and that not everyone is using their native language. (Meaning and tone can be lost in translation.)
- Remember that not everyone will be able to respond to messages (especially if chat rooms are full and moving quickly)
- Be thoughtful
- Productive communication requires effort. Think about how your words will be interpreted.
- Remember that sometimes it is best to refrain entirely from commenting.
- Be respectful
- Respect differences of opinion.
- Respect others’ privacy
- Respect the law
- Be charitable
- Interpret the arguments of others in good faith, do not seek to disagree.
- When we do disagree, try to understand why.
- Avoid destructive behavior:
- Derailing: stay on topic; if you want to talk about something else, start a new conversation.
- Unconstructive criticism: don’t merely decry the current state of affairs; offer—or at least solicit—suggestions as to how things may be improved.
- Snarking (pithy, unproductive, sniping comments)
- Discussing potentially offensive or sensitive issues; this all too often leads to unnecessary conflict.
- Microaggressions: brief and commonplace verbal, behavioral and environmental indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative slights and insults to a person or group.
Our Standards
Examples of acceptable behavior for a positive environment include:
- Using welcoming and inclusive language
- Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
- Gracefully accepting constructive criticism
- Focusing on what is best for the community
- Showing empathy towards other community members
Examples of unacceptable behavior for participants include:
- The use of sexualized language or imagery and unwelcome sexual attention or advances
- Trolling, insulting/derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks
- Public or private harassment
- Publishing others’ private information, such as a physical or electronic address, without explicit permission
- Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting
Consent
- Since the internet is a public space we cannot ensure complete privacy since it is an open forum, however WeekZero is a welcoming environment for people to be themselves
- No unsolicited PMs, meaning communication is a two way street
- If someone is not responding to your messages do not continue to send more
- If someone does not want to continue a conversation do not press forwards
- No unwanted spamming
- No harassing or toxic behaviour
- Ask before adding others on online platforms
- If you would like to share video or voice, ensure that it is appropriate