Community Guidelines

Effective Date: 02/01/2025

Welcome to the GSWA Knowledge Base community! Our platform is a space for learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas aligned with our mission to empower social workers and foster global social justice. To ensure a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for all, we have established these Community Guidelines. By participating in our community, you agree to adhere to these principles.

1. Our Core Values

The GSWA Knowledge Base is built upon the following values:

• Respect: Treat everyone with kindness and dignity, regardless of background or beliefs.
• Collaboration: Foster a spirit of teamwork and constructive dialogue.
• Integrity: Share accurate, honest, and well-sourced information.
• Inclusion: Celebrate diversity and ensure all voices are heard and valued.

2. Expected Behavior

We expect all members of the community to:

1. Engage Respectfully:
   • Use polite, professional, and inclusive language.
   • Listen to and consider diverse perspectives.
2. Contribute Meaningfully:
   • Share content that is relevant, accurate, and well-sourced.
   • Provide constructive feedback when commenting on others’ contributions.
3. Follow Platform Guidelines:
   • Adhere to all platform policies, including our Privacy Policy, Content Usage Policy, and Terms of Service.
   • Use the platform responsibly and ethically.

3. Prohibited Behavior

To maintain a positive community environment, the following actions are prohibited:

1. Harassment and Discrimination:
   • Any form of bullying, intimidation, hate speech, or discriminatory remarks based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal characteristics.
2. Inappropriate Content:
   • Posting offensive, obscene, or harmful material.
   • Sharing misinformation or unverified claims.
3. Spamming and Promotion:
   • Excessive self-promotion, solicitation, or irrelevant advertising.
4. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement:
   • Using or sharing content that violates intellectual property rights.
5. Disruptive Behavior:
   • Engaging in trolling, excessive arguments, or attempts to derail constructive discussions.

4. Reporting Violations

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these guidelines, please report it to us. We take all reports seriously and will address them promptly.

How to Report:

1. Click on the “Report” button near the content or user profile.
2. Provide a brief description of the violation and include any supporting evidence.
3. Submit the report for review.

5. Handling Violations

The GSWA Knowledge Base team will review all reports of violations and take appropriate action based on the severity of the issue.

Possible Actions Include:

1. Warning: Issuing a formal warning to the user.
2. Content Removal: Deleting content that violates the guidelines.
3. Account Suspension: Temporarily suspending the user’s account.
4. Account Termination: Permanently banning the user from the platform.

Users will be notified of any actions taken and may appeal decisions by contacting our support team.

6. Community Engagement Principles

To foster a thriving community, we encourage members to:

• Welcome new contributors and provide guidance where needed.
• Participate actively in discussions while respecting differing viewpoints.
• Share resources, insights, and experiences that benefit the community.

7. Moderation and Governance

The GSWA Knowledge Base team, including appointed moderators, will oversee the community to ensure adherence to these guidelines. Moderators are responsible for:

• Reviewing flagged content and resolving disputes.
• Facilitating discussions and maintaining a positive atmosphere.
• Enforcing these guidelines consistently and fairly.

8. Changes to These Guidelines

We may update these Community Guidelines periodically to reflect changes in our platform or community needs. Updates will be posted here with a revised effective date.

By participating in the GSWA Knowledge Base community, you agree to these Community Guidelines. Together, let’s create a welcoming and impactful space for collaboration and learning.