IMPORTANT REMINDERS
- "What is said in the group, stays in the group".
- Do not record, screenshot, or share messages, videos, or images from the group with anyone outside of it.
- Do not discuss group topics with non-members. This prevents casual conversations from unintentionally revealing sensitive information.
- Do not add new members without the explicit permission of all existing members. New additions can alter the group dynamic and the level of trust.
Respect and conduct
- To maintain a safe and functional environment, guidelines for how members interact with one another are necessary.
- Avoid personal attacks and criticism. The group should be a space where ideas are challenged, not individuals.
- Be constructive and positive. Address problems and disagreements by building on one another's comments and working toward shared understanding.
- Focus on the group's purpose. Discussions should remain relevant to the topics for which the group was created. Off-topic personal conversations should be moved to a one-on-one private chat.
- Respect differing opinions. Every member should feel comfortable sharing their views. Respect other people's thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, even if you disagree.
- Assume good intent. Text-based communication can be easily misinterpreted without tone of voice or body language. Give others the benefit of the doubt and ask for clarification if something is unclear.
Sensitive information
- Create clear boundaries for handling sensitive topics within the chat.
- Discuss personal matters with discretion. If someone shares private or personal information, it must be treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality.
- Handle conflict privately. If a disagreement arises between two members, they should take the conversation to a private chat to avoid creating drama within the main group.
- Do not spread unverified rumors or fake news. Always verify information before sharing to avoid misinformation within the group.
Consequences for breaches
- Clearly state what happens if the rules are broken to ensure everyone understands the potential consequences.
- Breach of trust. A violation of the confidentiality rule may result in immediate removal from the group.
- Zero-tolerance policy. Certain violations, such as harassment or sharing sensitive information outside the group, could lead to a permanent ban.
- Group discussion. For less severe infractions, the group can address the issue internally and decide on a resolution, reinforcing the importance of the rules.