In short: be kind, be respectful, keep what others share private, and never sell or give medical advice.
Every member accepts this Code when they join. It applies in our WhatsApp groups, circles, events, on the help line and anywhere else we meet.
[TO CONFIRM: check against the Code of Conduct in the Memorandum and replace with its wording if different.]
We expect everyone to
- treat others with respect and patience, whatever their sight, age, gender, religion, caste, language or background
- listen, take turns, and let others finish
- describe what you share: read out what a picture, poster or slide shows, because many members cannot see it
- keep private what people share about their health and lives
- ask before helping someone, and accept "no, thank you"
- share experience, not instructions: "this helped me" rather than "you must"
We do not accept
- harassment, bullying, insults or unwanted personal messages
- discrimination of any kind
- giving medical advice, or telling anyone to stop a treatment
- selling products or services, asking for money, or forwarding chain messages and unchecked "cures"
- sharing anyone's details, photos, recordings or messages without their permission
Recordings
Some talks are recorded so members who missed them can watch or listen later. We always say at the start if a session is recorded. Circle meetings and personal conversations are never recorded.
If something goes wrong
If someone breaks this Code, or you feel uncomfortable, tell the group admin, a circle facilitator or any Core Committee member. You can also call [Help line number to be added] or write to us. We will listen, keep it confidential and act fairly. Serious or repeated problems can lead to someone being removed from a group or from VSI.