While the freedom of these environments has given us the means to explore connections in any way that we choose, it's also important to remember that the technology and platforms we use are in service to our humanity and personhood. They are tools to be used to help us build spaces that are healthy and sustainable.

To that end, the accords aim to define a code of conduct where cooperation, empathy and our shared humanity is at the core of all efforts.

Practice Self Awareness

Collaboration requires honesty and transparency to work. This applies to interpersonal communication as well as internal self-reflection. It is a good practice to be intentional about your tone and posture when engaging with others. Be responsible for the contributions you are offering to a discussion and be willing to adjust as needed.

Honor Personal Boundaries

Open communication is valuable trait in any community, but always be mindful that it is a privilege, not a right. Depending on the topic, some will feel comfortable to engage while some won’t. If there is a request to disengage from an exchange, respect that request.

Empathetic Conflict Resolution

Conflicts and disagreements are a natural part of all relationships. Passion and emotion are welcomed forms of human expression. As a member of this community, you commit to engage one another in Generative Conflict from a place of curiosity and empathy, and not delve into personal attacks, passive aggressiveness or reactive taunting. If emotions are running high, you will agree to take a break when suggested, and be open to re-engage towards a resolution at a time when said emotions are no longer present. We all end up tripping over what gets swept under the rug.

Respect Our Differences

In this community, we reject the characteristics of White Supremacy Culture. We all come from different places and have different lived and inherited experiences. This affects how we communicate with each other, which means we will have different ways of expression, different cultural referenc es, and ways of making meaning. Here we honor multiplicity and reject that there is one right way to express any idea. No Tolerance for Intolerance

Perspectives and opinions based on unchecked internalized institutional hate (racism, sexism, queer phobia, ableism, Islamophobia, antisemitism) is not an acceptable form of engagement. Any member that creates a pattern of this behavior will be removed from the community discussions.