Guidelines for Online Conversations
By following the guidelines of respectful online conversations, we help ensure everyone’s safety. The guidelines are based on principles of safer spaces, which we follow in all Red Cross activities.
1. Respect others and avoid assumptions
Treat everyone openly, broad-mindedly and respectfully. Do not make assumptions based on external characteristics, skin colour, ethnicity, religion, age or speech. Do not make assumptions about gender, background or functional ability. Do not insult or belittle any person or group of people with your words or behaviour. We will not tolerate harassment, hate speech or disrespectful behaviour of any kind. All forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ageism, religious discrimination or discrimination against people with disabilities (ableism) are prohibited.
2. Communicate constructively
There is room for different opinions – value different perspectives and avoid bickering and deliberate confrontation in discussions. If necessary, ask for clarification to avoid misunderstandings. ‘Conversion work’ on religious, ideological and political issues is prohibited.
3. Be trustworthy and protect your privacy
Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not disclose or pry into others’ personal information, such as name, age, gender, photo, contact details or health information. Do not hide your own identity, but remember to protect your privacy: think about what information and things you want to share about yourself.
4. Share continent responsibly and respectfully
Do not spread harmful or disturbing content, such as pornographic, violent or self-destructive material. The distribution of illegal content and activities and the promotion of such content and activities is, of course, prohibited. Please do not share false or misleading information. Spamming is prohibited. Group discussions are anonymous, but also confidential. Please do not share these discussions outside the community.
5. Promote a safe environment and make space for others
Everyone is responsible for the tone of the conversation. So please do your part to make it easy for everyone to be here. Make room for others and foster a positive discussion culture. If you encounter inappropriate behaviour, would like to leave open feedback or have questions about the Red Cross' online policies, you can email verkkotoiminta@redcross.fi. Messages sent to the email address are monitored by Red Cross online help employees from Monday to Friday.
How we address rule violations
Administration has the right and the duty to ensure the safety of the community and compliance with the guidelines. We address rule violations and unsafe behavior on a case-by-case basis. Rule violations can lead to, for example:
- being cautioned
- being temporarily silenced
- message deletion
- being removed from the discussion, if no agreement can be reached on compliance with the rules