DC Peers is building a community where everyone, and explicitly neurodivergent teens and adults, can belong, feel accepted, and connect with others in a safe (and fun) space. In order to ensure that the DC Peers community maintains Its welcoming. safe, and inclusive environment as it grows, we are here defining what a "community membership" is, and asking that you agree to our guidelines before joining our online or in-person community spaces.
Membership Privileges:
● Access to the DC Peers Discord and other free online forums and communication channels.
● Prior notification of, and participation in our free events and activities.
● Access to resources, information, and opportunities shared within the community on our member portal and bulletin board
● Access to the front “hangout” area of our space at 4709 Wisconsin Avenue
● Access to our member directory that includes photos and lists interests of other members who want to share those personal details.
Membership Responsibilities and Obligations:
● Adhere to the Community Guidelines outlined below in our spaces and events, both in-person and online.
● Treat our supplies, books, games etc with care
● Help us keep the space clean and tidy (i.e., clean up after yourself)
● Treat members and staff with respect and courtesy. Avoid offensive language or personal attacks.
● Help us maintain a positive, peaceful space. We all have bad days and/or meltdowns, but if yours takes a loud or physically disruptive form, we will help you to find a private space, and/or to leave the space for the time being.
● Contribute where you can! Consider volunteering your time, skills, or resources when you can.
Community Culture Guidelines:
● Accept each other, quirks, needs, special interests, and all. That’s why we’re here.
● Suspend judgment of things we don’t understand – always try to replace judgment with curiosity.
● Be constructive— if something is bothering you, find a way to speak up calmly and respectfully, using “I” language — or get a staff member or mentor to help.
And in any smaller groups you join here:
● Be inclusive: if you make friends here, that’s great, but if you’re part of a group, include others in your fun while we’re together.
● Avoid topics that might trigger or upset others: often those are politics, religion, sex, violence, divorce, death, and other heavy personal topics. These are important topics that need sensitive treatment… outside these groups (or perhaps in a topic-specific group).
● Help make groups work as groups: we have a common interest in having a safe, fun, welcoming, positive group to belong to, and each person helps make that work.
● Respect the privacy of others and avoid sharing other members’ personal information without their consent.
Legalities:
● Dispute Resolution: Any disagreements or conflicts between members will be addressed through mediation or a designated community committee.
● Membership Termination: Membership may be terminated for violations of the Community Guidelines or failure to adhere to the terms of this agreement.
● Liability and Indemnification: Members are responsible for their own actions and will not hold the community liable for any damages or losses arising from their activities.
● Amendment and Updates: This agreement may be amended or updated by the community leadership as needed.
