Announcing Our Community Code of Conduct

We are thrilled to announce our Community Code of Conduct:

Adapted from EA Germany’s and EA UK’s Code of Conduct

Effective Altruism Switzerland (EACH) is a network of people who are willing to help one another and collectively work towards a better world. Our members are from all walks of life and have a wide range of personal beliefs – what unites us is our desire to be more effective in how we do good.

The Community Code of Conduct exists to ensure that people can collaborate in a positive and successful way. To that end, we have a few ground rules that we ask people to adhere to. This isn’t an exhaustive list of things that you can’t do. Rather, take it in the spirit in which it’s intended - a guide to make it easier to enrich all of us and the communities in which we participate.

The Community Code of Conduct applies to all spaces managed by EACH. This includes online spaces, in-person events, and any forum which the community uses for communication. Violations of this code within and outside these spaces may affect a person's ability to participate within them.

If you believe you have been involved or have witnessed an incident that violates our Code of Conduct, including sexual misconduct, or have any concerns, please report it by emailing alix@effectivealtruism.ch or by using this form.

Possible responses include, but are not limited to: giving a warning to the individual, requiring them not to interact with another person, or asking them to leave an event or the community space. Community members that are asked to stop any concerning behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Encouraged behaviors

We strive to:

• Be kind, welcoming, patient, and considerate with each other.

• Be on the lookout for one another, and try to help if we can.

• Be respectful.

  • Not everyone will agree all the time. Disagreement is no excuse for poor behavior and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we shouldn’t allow that frustration to turn into personal attacks.

• Be constructive.

  • Disagreements happen all the time, and it is important that we resolve differing views constructively. We understand that human interaction can be complex and confusing. Please give each other the benefit of explaining behavior you find offensive or unwelcome. However, people asked to stop any concerning behavior are expected to comply immediately.

• Be careful in the words that we choose.

• Be mindful of others’ boundaries.

• Be conscious of our own privileges and responsibilities that come with them.

Prohibited behaviors

We will absolutely refrain from:

• Acting or communicating in an offensive, harmful, disruptive, or discriminatory manner.

• Insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior aren't acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Violent threats or language directed against another person

  • Discriminatory jokes and language

  • Posting sexually explicit or violent material

  • Personal insults

  • Unwelcome sexual attention or sexual harassment of any kind

  • Repeated harassment of others. If someone asks you to stop, then stop

  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior

• Alcohol and illegal drugs:

  • Do not encourage others to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

  • When alcohol is provided, we expect participants to drink responsibly. Responsible drinking means to us that you are able to take full responsibility for your words and actions.

The consumption of illegal drugs (substances named under the Federal Act on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances – art.8) is not permitted at our events. This policy does not prohibit participants from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications.

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