CommuniT1D code of conduct
CommuniT1D
CommuniT1D should be a positive experience for everyone.
Inclusion
Every member of CommuniT1D should feel included.
Respect
Every member of CommuniT1D should feel respected.
Support
Every member of CommuniT1D should feel supported.
Value
Every member of CommuniT1D should feel valued.
Welcome
Every member of CommuniT1D should feel welcome.
CommuniT1D meeting rules
Our goal for every CommuniT1D meeting is that everyone feels included, respected, supported, valued, and welcome.
Mutual respect
Mutual respect. We are a diverse community and CommuniT1D is a welcoming and inclusive space. We respect everyone’s backgrounds, social identities (e.g., culture, education level, ethnicity, gender, language, pronouns, religion, appearance, etc.), diabetes management choices, and other aspects of our lives. We welcome people as they are and encourage everyone to include their pronouns in their on-screen name if they wish (e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them, she/they, etc.) We show respect through our words and attitudes towards other group members. This is our core principle. Many rules below offer specific examples of how we enact mutual respect.
No medical advice
No medical advice. We are careful not to give medical advice. It’s ok to tell someone else, “XYZ worked for me,” or, “I’ve heard that XYZ can be helpful in that situation.” It is not ok to tell someone else, “You need to do XYZ.” We also always keep in mind that what works for someone may not work for everyone.
No judging
No judging others’ food, blood sugars, A1c, management choices, or life decisions. Everyone is welcome and respected in CommuniT1D, no matter how they choose to eat, what their target blood sugars or A1c are, how they choose to manage diabetes, or other life decisions. We reject diabetes stigma in all its forms and we avoid stereotypes of people with any kind of diabetes.
Respect preferences
Respect preferences about numbers. T1D involves a lot of numbers; for example, A1c, blood glucose, time in range, and units of insulin. Even though we know the numbers can vary due to variations in labs, technology, genetics, hormones, and body chemistry, these numbers can still feel like a report card. Some people find discussions about these numbers useful while others find such discussions difficult. Each CommuniT1D group will determine how and whether they want to talk about numbers through regular anonymous polls.
Confidentiality
Discussions are confidential. We don’t take screenshots nor do we repeat stories, names, or other details outside of our meetings.
Care for loved ones
We are careful when sharing details about our loved one(s). If you have an adult loved one with T1D, please seek their consent before sharing any of their health details. If you have a child loved one with T1D who is old enough for such a discussion, please take the opportunity to have an age-appropriate discussion with them about you talking to others about their T1D. When experiencing difficulties with a loved one with T1D, the focus should be on your need for support (e.g., “How can I cope with this?” “What should I keep in mind in this situation?”)
Cameras on when possible
Build and maintain trust by turning cameras on when possible. We build trust by keeping cameras on when we can, at least at the beginning of a meeting. Some people may be unable or unwilling to keep their camera on due to poor internet connection or for other reasons. If they can, it may be helpful to turn the camera on briefly at the beginning to say hello and/or post in the chat.
Take turns talking
Everyone gets a turn to talk and decides for themselves what they are comfortable sharing. We make sure everyone has a chance to contribute to the conversation and share their story. If people don’t want to talk, they can always pass on their turn to talk. Peer facilitators will check in with people who never or rarely participate to make sure they feel welcome to share with the group.
Avoid exclusion
Take care with potentially divisive topics; avoid group members feeling excluded. CommuniT1D is focused on mutual support for everyone affected by T1D. People may have varied experiences with and opinions on topics like politics, current events, etc. Although people’s lives may be affected by these topics, it does not serve our goals to make anyone feel excluded or unwelcome. For topics that may be relevant to T1D but also potentially divisive (for example, government decisions about coverage of medications and supplies) please be sensitive to diverse views, don’t assume you know everyone’s views, and avoid making individuals feel excluded from the group. Groups should check in using anonymous voting to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the topic of discussion and that everyone continues to feel welcome, even if their opinions differ from those of others in the group. We always aim to show empathy, compassion, and mutual respect.
Mistakes happen
Mistakes happen. We give each other the benefit of the doubt when we occasionally mess up on these rules. However, repeated rule violations are not ok. Repeatedly ignoring the rules will result in being removed from the group.
No selling, donating, or trading
No selling, donating, or trading devices, supplies, or services. While we value the community spirit that often motivates such activities, CommuniT1D cannot provide a platform for them. Please keep such activities out of the group.
Email if you need help
Email info@communit1d.ca if you need help. If something in the group has made you uncomfortable and you would like to reach out to CommuniT1D staff, please email us at info@communit1d.ca.
