Effective Altruism Germany (EA Germany) 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 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 Code of Conduct applies to all spaces managed by EA Germany. 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 someone is violating the Code of Conduct, we ask that you report it by emailing our Community Health Contact Milena or informing us (anonymously) via 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 the community space.

• Be welcoming, friendly, patient and considerate with each other
• Be respectful: Not all of us will agree all the time. Disagreement is no excuse for poor behaviour and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we shouldn’t allow that frustration to turn into personal attacks
• When we disagree, try to understand why: 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 behaviour you find offensive or unwelcome. However, people asked to stop any prohibited conduct are expected to comply immediately
• Be careful in the words that we choose
• Seek consent and respect when someone else sets a boundary
• Reflect on your own privileges and responsibilities that come with them

• Do not insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behaviour 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
  -- Repeated harassment of others. If someone asks you to stop, then stop
  -- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour
• 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 German Narcotics Law (Betäubungsmittelgesetz)) is not permitted at our events. This policy does not prohibit participants from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications

The goal of these standards

In line with our vision, we want to create events that foster a diverse and resilient community of ambitious people in and from Germany who are thinking carefully about the world’s biggest problems and taking impactful action to solve them. The events are supposed to support the sustainable growth of the German community while maintaining a welcoming and nurturing culture in accordance with our values.

The standards apply to all people who are involved in the planning and creation of an EA event in Germany that is run or directly supported via funding or insurance coverage by EAD. They can also serve other people organizing events in Germany as a guideline.

Standards for events by EAD

• People joining need to be informed about and adhere to our Code of Conduct.
• Inclusion: Make it easier for people with different backgrounds, neurotypes and disabilities to attend by clear communication about the venue and program

Large in-person events of more than 1 day:

• At least one awareness contact available at the event
• Quiet space to retreat to (this can also be the dorm rooms)
• Active communication about the Code of Conduct being enforced at this event