🌟 Community Guidelines & Policies

Creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming space for all participants

Learner Behavior Standards

Expected Behaviors

All participants are expected to:

• Be Respectful: Treat all group members, including the facilitator, with kindness and respect
• Listen Actively: Give others the opportunity to speak without interruption (use that mute button if you need to)
• Participate Appropriately: Engage in discussions and activities in a constructive manner
• Be Inclusive: Welcome all neurotypes, backgrounds, and perspectives
• Maintain Confidentiality: What is shared in the group stays in the group (unless safety concerns arise)
• Use Appropriate Language: Keep language respectful and free from profanity, slurs, or offensive terms
• Stay On Topic: Contribute to discussions in relevant and meaningful ways

Prohibited Behaviors

The following behaviors are not permitted and may result in removal from the session or group:

• Bullying or Harassment: Any form of intimidation, name-calling, or targeted negativity
• Hate Speech: Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic
• Inappropriate Content: Sharing or discussing sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate material
• Disruptive Behavior: Repeatedly interrupting, talking over others, or preventing others from participating (remember to use your mute button)
• Personal Attacks: Insulting, belittling, or attacking other participants (if you like razzing people, this isn't the space)
• Spam or Self-Promotion: Excessive promotion of personal business, social media, or unrelated content
• Sharing Personal Information: Sharing your own or others' addresses, phone numbers, or other sensitive information

Appropriate Conversation Topics

Neurodiversity & Inclusion

We celebrate neurodiversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment:

• Communication Styles: We respect different communication preferences (verbal, typed chat, visual cues, etc.)
• Sensory Needs: Participants may turn off cameras, mute when needed, or take breaks as necessary
• Processing Time: We allow time for participants to process and respond at their own pace
• No Masking Required: Participants are encouraged to be their authentic selves
• Stimming Welcome: Self-regulation behaviors are accepted and not criticized
• Clear Expectations: We provide structure and clear guidelines to support all participants

Privacy & Safety

What We Share

• First names only during sessions
• General interests and hobbies
• Appropriate personal experiences

What We Don't Share

• Full names, addresses, or phone numbers
• Social media handles or personal contact information
• School names or specific locations
• Financial information
• Private information about others

Enforcement & Consequences

We believe in restorative approaches and will typically handle issues through:

1. First Instance: Gentle redirection or private reminder about guidelines
2. Second Instance: Direct conversation with the participant about the behavior
3. Third Instance: Temporary removal from the session or suspension from future sessions
4. Serious Violations: Immediate removal and permanent ban from the group

Reporting Concerns

If you experience or witness behavior that violates these guidelines:

• During Session: Use the Zoom chat to privately message the facilitator, or use the "raise hand" feature
• After Session: Email us at Loading... with details of the incident
• Emergency Situations: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services (911)

Facilitator Responsibilities

Our facilitator is committed to:

• Modeling respectful and inclusive behavior
• Enforcing these guidelines consistently and fairly
• Creating a welcoming environment for all participants
• Addressing inappropriate behavior promptly
• Protecting participant privacy and safety
• Accommodating diverse needs and communication styles
• Providing clear structure and expectations for each session

Parent/Guardian Information

While our group is for young adults ages 18-22 who can participate independently, we encourage participants to:

• Share these guidelines with a trusted adult if desired
• Know that support is available if concerns arise
• Understand that serious safety concerns may require us to contact emergency contacts

Agreement to Guidelines

Questions?

If you have questions about these guidelines or need clarification on any policy, please contact us at Loading...

Last Updated: October 2024 | Young Adults Social Group (Ages 18-22)