Our Community Contract
Our community has established the following agreement to apply to our shared experiences and interactions here. Joining and using this community means you’ve read this and are on board.
The ACM Code of Ethics applies to all.
Values
As a community of people managing and moderating online communities, we’re all standard-bearers for a positive and valuable community experience. These are the values we work together to act on.
Respect - for the purpose of the community, for each other's perspectives and experiences, and the time it takes members to contribute - is always central.
Safety - ACM is a safe environment for all. Safe to share struggles, to ask questions, to reveal what’s bothering us and where we feel lost. We’ve got each other’s backs. And that includes discretion. Sometimes our peers will discuss sensitive issues (such as mental health), and this always stays in the community.
Openness - The community is at its best when we all share questions, insights, stories, successes and challenges. Some things will be commercially or otherwise sensitive, but we ask that you share where and whenever you’re comfortable, so we can learn together and build better communities for everyone.
Accountability - As The WELL used to say in their community guidelines, ‘you own your own words’. While this community is partially private, don’t post anything you wouldn’t be comfortable having attributed to you. Together, we’re all accountable for the space we build.
Equity - We all have a responsibility toward meaningful inclusion. We will strive to always centre voices systematically denied or suppressed, and hold space for those who need it.
Accessibility - Everyone who wants to should be able to draw value from the community. Ensure that all content is accessible and consider diverse audiences when you’re contributing.
Discussing employers, clients and stakeholders
ACM members work for different employers and clients, and may choose to discuss their work in the community, to share insights, ask questions, give or receive support and feedback. If doing so, always respect privacy and confidentiality where applicable, in line with the ACM Code of Ethics. Make your associates proud you’re involved in this community, not embarrassed because you mentioned them.
Discussing products and services
We use a lot of these in our practice, and open discussion around them is encouraged. If you’ve found a product or service helpful, please share your experiences. If you’ve found one less than helpful, keep it constructive. If you’ve created your own tools suitable for community professionals or work for a company that sells them, you can discuss these too (but no spam or excessive, unsolicited promotion).
Be specific and focused
Search for the appropriate section of the community for your contribution, and if you’re not sure, you can ask. Give your content concise, clear titles and topics so members can respond more appropriately, and we can keep a tidy house that’s easy to search and navigate.
To chat about these principles, or about any matter concerning moderation, Contact Us via team@australiancommunitymanagers.com.au.
In the event that any inappropriate content or behaviour is brought to the attention of Australian Community Managers we will take all appropriate action. In order to preserve a culture that encourages civil and fruitful dialogue, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate membership in this community for anyone unable to honour this contract.