Community Code of Conduct
Our community is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all members. This Code of Conduct outlines our shared values and expectations for behavior across all Maidan Cloud platforms and spaces.
🌟 Our Values
Digital Sovereignty
We believe in community control over our digital spaces and respect each member's right to privacy and self-determination.
Inclusivity
We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives while fostering an environment where everyone can participate meaningfully.
Transparency
We value open communication, honest dialogue, and accessible decision-making processes.
Collaboration
We work together constructively, seeking solutions that benefit the entire community.
Respect
We treat all community members with dignity, empathy, and understanding.
✅ Expected Behaviors
In All Community Spaces
- Be respectful in all interactions, even during disagreements
- Assume good intentions when interpreting others' communications
- Listen actively to different perspectives and experiences
- Communicate clearly and avoid ambiguous or inflammatory language
- Help others learn and participate in community activities
- Respect privacy and obtain consent before sharing personal information
In Matrix Chat and Forums
- Stay on topic in designated channels and threads
- Use appropriate channels for different types of discussions
- Search before posting to avoid duplicate conversations
- Use content warnings for sensitive or potentially triggering topics
- Respect do-not-disturb indicators and time zones
In Collaborative Tools (CryptPad, etc.)
- Respect others' work and ask before making major changes
- Document your contributions clearly for other collaborators
- Save work regularly and communicate about editing sessions
- Follow project-specific guidelines established by document owners
In Video Calls and Meetings
- Mute when not speaking to reduce background noise
- Respect speaking time and give others opportunities to contribute
- Use inclusive language and avoid interrupting others
- Be present and engaged during meetings you choose to attend
❌ Unacceptable Behaviors
Harassment and Discrimination
- Personal attacks, insults, or derogatory comments
- Discrimination based on identity, background, or personal characteristics
- Unwelcome sexual attention or inappropriate advances
- Doxxing or sharing personal information without consent
- Threats of violence or intimidation
Disruptive Behavior
- Trolling, baiting, or deliberately inflammatory comments
- Spam, excessive self-promotion, or off-topic content
- Deliberately disrupting conversations or community activities
- Impersonating other community members or authority figures
Platform Abuse
- Attempting to access others' accounts or private information
- Circumventing technical restrictions or community bans
- Using automated tools to spam or disrupt services
- Sharing malicious links, viruses, or harmful content
Violations of Trust
- Sharing private conversations without permission
- Breaking confidentiality agreements or trust
- Deliberately spreading misinformation
- Using community resources for commercial gain without permission
⚖️ Enforcement Process
Reporting Violations
If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct:
- Document the incident with screenshots or detailed notes if possible
- Report to moderators via:
- Direct message to any moderator on Matrix
- Email to [moderators@community-domain.com] (if configured)
- Private message in forum platforms
- Include relevant details: what happened, when, who was involved, and any evidence
Investigation Process
- Acknowledgment: Reports are acknowledged within 24 hours
- Review: Moderators review evidence and may interview involved parties
- Consultation: Complex cases may involve administrator consultation
- Decision: Appropriate response determined based on severity and context
- Follow-up: Reporter and involved parties notified of outcomes
Possible Responses
Minor Violations
- Warning: Private message explaining the violation and expected changes
- Temporary restrictions: Limited access to specific channels or features
- Required apology: Public or private acknowledgment of harm caused
Moderate Violations
- Temporary suspension: Time-limited removal from community platforms
- Content removal: Deletion of violating posts or messages
- Mediation: Facilitated conversation between affected parties
Severe Violations
- Permanent ban: Removal from all community platforms and services
- Account termination: Complete loss of access to community resources
- Legal action: Involvement of law enforcement for illegal activities
Appeals Process
Community members may appeal enforcement decisions by:
- Submitting written appeal within 30 days of decision
- Providing new evidence or context not previously considered
- Demonstrating changed behavior or understanding
Appeals are reviewed by administrators and may result in:
- Confirmation of original decision
- Modification of consequences
- Complete reversal of decision
🛡️ Protecting Community Members
Support for Victims
- Confidential reporting options for sensitive situations
- No retaliation policy protecting those who report violations
- Community support for members who experience harassment
- Resource connections to external support services when needed
Privacy Protection
- Minimal data collection in investigation processes
- Confidential handling of sensitive personal information
- Secure storage of incident reports and evidence
- Limited access to investigation materials on need-to-know basis
🔄 Code of Conduct Evolution
Regular Review
This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually or when:
- Community needs change significantly
- New types of violations emerge
- Best practices evolve in online community management
- Community members request specific changes
Modification Process
Changes to the Code of Conduct follow our standard decision-making process:
- Community discussion period
- Feedback incorporation
- Consensus building or voting
- Implementation with transition period
Community Input
All community members are encouraged to:
- Suggest improvements to the Code of Conduct
- Share experiences about enforcement effectiveness
- Propose new guidelines for emerging technologies or situations
- Participate in annual review discussions
📚 Additional Resources
Community Guidelines
- Content Policies - Specific rules for different types of content
- Conflict Resolution - Structured approaches to resolving disputes
- Moderation Guidelines - How moderators apply these standards
External Resources
- Digital wellness guides for healthy online participation
- Privacy tools and education for protecting personal information
- Conflict resolution training for community members and moderators
- Accessibility resources for inclusive communication
🤝 Commitment to Improvement
We recognize that creating and maintaining an inclusive community is an ongoing process. We commit to:
- Learning from mistakes and adjusting our approach based on experience
- Centering affected voices in discussions about harm and healing
- Providing education rather than only punishment when appropriate
- Building restorative practices that repair relationships and trust
❓ Questions and Clarifications
If you have questions about this Code of Conduct:
- Ask moderators for clarification about specific situations
- Join governance discussions about community standards
- Review enforcement decisions to understand how guidelines are applied
- Suggest improvements based on your community experience
By participating in our Maidan Cloud community, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct and help create a space where everyone can thrive. Together, we can build a digital town square that reflects our shared values of respect, inclusivity, and democratic participation.
This Code of Conduct is adapted from best practices in online community management and is specifically tailored for our digital sovereignty-focused community.