Community Guidelines

Our Mission and Values

Welcome to the Sisters Code community! We are a judgment-free space for women 45+ exploring technology, entrepreneurship, and business growth. Our community exists to empower, support, and connect women through shared learning, honest conversations, and mutual encouragement.

These Community Guidelines outline the standards of behavior and conduct we expect from all members. By participating in our community—whether through our online forum, events, workshops, social media, or coaching programs—you agree to follow these guidelines.

Our core values:

Respect - We honor every member's journey, background, and perspective
Support - We lift each other up and celebrate wins together
Growth - We embrace learning, feedback, and continuous improvement
Authenticity - We create space for honest, vulnerable conversations
Inclusion - We welcome women from all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels

Who These Guidelines Apply To

These guidelines apply to everyone who interacts with Sisters Code, including:

Community Forum Members

Anyone who participates in our online discussion forum, posts questions, replies to threads, or engages with other members.

Event Attendees

Participants in our workshops, training sessions, networking events, speaker series, and community gatherings—both virtual and in-person.

Coaching Clients

Individuals who book 1:1 coaching sessions with our expert advisors and participate in office hours.

Social Media Followers

People who engage with Sisters Code on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other channels.

Everyone in our community—members, guests, coaches, staff, and partners—is expected to uphold these guidelines.

Core Principles of Our Community

Be Kind and Respectful

Treat every member with kindness, respect, and dignity. We welcome diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Disagreements are natural, but we address them with empathy and respect.

Examples of respectful behavior:

Using inclusive language
Listening to understand, not just to respond
Acknowledging different viewpoints without judgment
Assuming positive intent
Apologizing when you make a mistake

Not acceptable:

Personal attacks, insults, or name-calling
Condescending or dismissive language
Mocking or ridiculing other members
Belittling someone's questions or experiences

Be Supportive and Encouraging

Our community thrives when we support each other. Celebrate wins, offer encouragement during challenges, and provide constructive help when asked.

Ways to be supportive:

Congratulate members on their achievements
Offer advice based on your experiences
Share resources that might help
Encourage members who are struggling
Ask how you can help

Remember: Everyone is at a different stage of their journey. What seems simple to you may be challenging for someone else—and that's okay.

Be Authentic and Honest

We value authenticity and vulnerability. Share your real experiences—the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned. Honesty helps us all grow together.

Authentic engagement includes:

Sharing your genuine experiences
Admitting when you don't know something
Being honest about challenges you face
Asking for help when you need it
Acknowledging mistakes and learning from them

We are a judgment-free zone. You can share your uncertainties, questions, and setbacks without fear of criticism.

Be Open to Learning

None of us know everything, and that's the beauty of community. Stay curious, ask questions, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.

Growth mindset behaviors:

Asking questions without embarrassment
Accepting feedback gracefully
Being willing to change your mind
Trying new approaches
Learning from others' experiences

Not acceptable:

"Know-it-all" attitudes
Dismissing advice without consideration
Refusing to acknowledge when you're wrong
Talking over or interrupting others

Be Accountable

Take responsibility for your words, actions, and impact on others. If you make a mistake, own it, apologize, and do better.

Accountability means:

Admitting when you're wrong
Apologizing sincerely when you hurt someone
Correcting misinformation you've shared
Following through on commitments
Respecting community decisions and moderation

Expected Behavior and Best Practices

Constructive Communication

Use clear, respectful language:

Write in a tone you'd use face-to-face
Avoid ALL CAPS (it feels like shouting)
Use "I" statements ("I found this helpful" vs. "You should do this")
Be specific and constructive in feedback

Stay on topic:

Keep discussions relevant to the forum category or thread
Start a new thread if you want to discuss a different topic
Avoid derailing conversations with unrelated comments

Think before you post:

Re-read your message before sending
Ask yourself: "Is this helpful? Is it kind? Is it necessary?"
Consider how your words might be received

Asking Questions

All questions are welcome. There are no "dumb" questions in our community.

How to ask effective questions:

Provide context about your situation
Be specific about what you need help with
Share what you've already tried
Let us know your goals or desired outcome
Thank those who take time to respond

Search first:

Before posting, search the forum to see if your question has been answered. If it has, feel free to ask follow-up questions or request updated information.

Sharing Resources and Knowledge

We encourage sharing helpful resources, but do so thoughtfully:

Best practices:

Share resources that are relevant and valuable
Explain why you're recommending something
Disclose any affiliations or financial relationships
Give credit to original creators
Link to reputable, trustworthy sources

Avoid:

Sharing content just to promote yourself
Posting affiliate links without disclosure
Recommending services you haven't personally vetted
Sharing unverified or misleading information

Giving and Receiving Feedback

When giving feedback:

Focus on behaviors, not personal characteristics
Be specific and actionable
Balance constructive criticism with encouragement
Offer feedback only when asked or when appropriate
Frame suggestions as options, not mandates

When receiving feedback:

Assume the person is trying to help
Listen without getting defensive
Ask clarifying questions if needed
Thank the person for their input
Take what's useful and leave the rest

Remember: Feedback is a gift, but you're not obligated to take every piece of advice.

Respecting Privacy and Confidentiality

What happens in Sisters Code stays in Sisters Code.

Privacy expectations:

Do not share private messages, emails, or coaching content publicly without permission
Do not share personal information about other members (full names, contact details, business specifics) without consent
Do not screenshot or share forum discussions outside the community without permission
Respect confidentiality when members share sensitive business information or personal challenges

Sharing your own story:

You are free to share your own experiences with Sisters Code publicly. We appreciate testimonials, reviews, and social media posts—but please keep other members' stories private.

Prohibited Behavior and Content

The following behaviors and content are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate moderation action:

Harassment and Discrimination

Harassment includes:

Repeatedly targeting or attacking a specific person
Unwanted sexual attention or advances
Stalking, doxxing, or invasive behavior
Intimidation, threats, or coercion
Persistent unwanted contact after being asked to stop

Discrimination includes:

Derogatory comments about race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other protected characteristics
Exclusionary language or behavior
Stereotyping or generalizations about groups of people

We have zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination. Violators will be immediately removed from the community.

Hate Speech and Offensive Content

Not allowed:

Hate speech targeting any group
Slurs, derogatory terms, or offensive language
Content promoting violence, harm, or illegal activities
Graphic, disturbing, or explicit sexual content
Content glorifying self-harm, eating disorders, or dangerous behaviors

Context matters: We understand that discussions about difficult topics may require using certain terms for educational purposes. Use your judgment and prioritize respect.

Spam and Self-Promotion

Spam includes:

Posting the same message repeatedly
Flooding threads with irrelevant content
Sending unsolicited promotional messages to members
Posting links to malicious or phishing sites

Self-promotion guidelines:

You may share your business or services when contextually relevant
Always add value and explain how your offering helps
Do not promote competitors or services unrelated to our community focus
Limit promotional posts to once per week
Disclose affiliate relationships and sponsorships

If you're unsure whether something is spam, ask a moderator first.

Misinformation and False Claims

Not allowed:

Spreading false or misleading information about health, finances, or legal matters
Making guarantees about business outcomes or income
Misrepresenting your credentials, experience, or affiliations
Claiming to speak for Sisters Code without authorization
Sharing conspiracy theories or dangerous misinformation

We value evidence-based information. If sharing advice or facts, cite your sources when possible. Label opinions as opinions.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

Respect intellectual property:

Give credit when sharing others' work, ideas, or content
Do not copy and paste large amounts of copyrighted text without permission
Link to original sources rather than reproducing full articles
Do not share pirated software, courses, or paid content
Respect trademarks and brand identities

Sharing your own work:

You retain copyright to your original posts and content. By posting, you grant Sisters Code a license to display and distribute your content as part of our community.

Illegal Activities

Prohibited:

Discussing or promoting illegal activities
Sharing instructions for illegal acts
Soliciting or offering illegal goods or services
Violating laws related to fraud, theft, or financial crimes

If you witness illegal activity, report it to moderators immediately.

Doxxing and Privacy Violations

Never share:

Someone's personal contact information without consent
Private messages or emails
Photos or videos of others without permission
Financial information, addresses, or other sensitive data
Information intended to harass, intimidate, or harm

Moderation and Enforcement

Our moderation team works to keep the community safe, respectful, and productive. We review reported content, monitor discussions, and take action when guidelines are violated.

How We Moderate

Proactive monitoring:

Moderators regularly review forum posts, comments, and event interactions to identify potential issues.

Member reports:

Community members can report violations using the "Report" button or by emailing info@sisters-code.org.

Moderator discretion:

Moderators use their judgment to interpret these guidelines and apply appropriate consequences. Decisions are made fairly and consistently.

Actions we may take:

Remove or edit violating content
Issue warnings to members
Temporarily suspend accounts
Permanently ban repeat offenders
Report illegal activity to authorities when required by law

Warning System

First violation (minor):

We will typically issue a private warning explaining the issue and asking you to review the guidelines.

Second violation:

A formal written warning will be sent, and your posting privileges may be temporarily restricted.

Third violation:

Temporary suspension from the community (typically 7-30 days depending on severity).

Serious or repeated violations:

Permanent ban from all Sisters Code services.

Note: Serious violations (harassment, hate speech, threats, illegal activity) may result in immediate suspension or ban without prior warning.

Temporary Suspension

Suspension means:

Loss of access to the community forum
Inability to register for events
Suspension of coaching privileges
Removal from community email lists

Suspension duration:

Typically 7-30 days, depending on the violation. You will be notified of the duration and conditions for reinstatement.

Reinstatement:

To regain access, you must acknowledge the violation, agree to follow guidelines, and (in some cases) apologize to affected members.

Permanent Ban

Permanent bans are issued for:

Repeated violations after warnings and suspensions
Serious violations including harassment, threats, or illegal activity
Attempts to evade suspensions (creating new accounts, using proxies)
Behavior that endangers community safety

Banned members:

Lose all access to Sisters Code services
Are removed from all email lists and platforms
May not create new accounts
Forfeit any unused paid services (non-refundable)

Appeals Process

If you believe a moderation decision was made in error:

Email info@sisters-code.org with subject line "Moderation Appeal"
Include your username, date of incident, and explanation
Provide any relevant context or evidence
A different moderator will review your case within 7 business days
The appeal decision is final

We will not engage in prolonged arguments or negotiations. Decisions are made to protect the community.

Reporting Violations

How to Report

If you witness behavior that violates these guidelines:

In the forum:

Click the "Report" button on the post or comment. Add a brief explanation of the issue.

At events:

Notify a Sisters Code staff member, moderator, or event host immediately.

Via email:

Send a detailed report to info@sisters-code.org with subject line "Community Violation Report"

Include:

Your name and contact information
Name or username of the person involved
Description of the behavior or content
Link to the post, thread, or event where it occurred
Any screenshots or evidence (optional but helpful)
Whether you want your report to remain anonymous

What Happens After You Report

We take reports seriously:

Acknowledgment: You will receive confirmation that we received your report (typically within 24 hours)
Investigation: Moderators will review the reported content and any related context
Action: Appropriate action will be taken based on our guidelines and the severity of the violation
Follow-up: You will be notified of the outcome when appropriate (we may not share specific disciplinary actions due to privacy)

Timeline:

Most reports are reviewed within 24-48 hours. Urgent safety issues are prioritized and addressed immediately.

Confidentiality of Reports

Your privacy matters:

Reports are reviewed only by authorized moderators and staff
We do not reveal the identity of reporters unless required by law
Anonymous reports are accepted, though providing contact info helps us follow up if needed

False reports:

Filing false or malicious reports is a violation of these guidelines. Do not abuse the reporting system.

Community Safety and Well-Being

Mental Health Support

We are not mental health professionals. While we offer a supportive community, we cannot provide therapy, crisis intervention, or professional mental health services.

If you are in crisis:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Community support:

Members can offer encouragement, share experiences, and provide peer support—but professional help should always be sought for serious mental health concerns.

Conflict Resolution

When conflicts arise:

Pause: Take a break before responding emotionally
Direct communication: Try resolving the issue privately with the other person first
Assume positive intent: Give the benefit of the doubt
Ask for clarification: Misunderstandings happen—ask what the person meant
Involve a moderator: If you cannot resolve the issue, ask a moderator to mediate

We encourage direct, respectful communication to resolve conflicts before escalating to moderation.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We strive to make our community accessible to all:

Accessibility practices:

Use alt text on images
Avoid jargon and explain acronyms
Provide transcripts or captions for videos
Use clear, plain language
Be patient with members who use assistive technology or have different communication styles

Inclusion practices:

Welcome members of all backgrounds, skill levels, and experiences
Avoid assumptions about identity, ability, or circumstances
Use gender-neutral language when addressing the group
Provide multiple ways to participate (written posts, voice, video)

If you need accommodations, let us know. Email info@sisters-code.org to request support.

Changes to These Guidelines

We may update these Community Guidelines from time to time to reflect community feedback, new challenges, or changes in our services.

When we make changes:

We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
Significant changes will be announced in the community forum and via email
Your continued participation constitutes acceptance of updated guidelines

We welcome feedback. If you have suggestions for improving these guidelines, email info@sisters-code.org.

Contact Us

Questions about these guidelines?

Email: info@sisters-code.org

Subject line: "Community Guidelines Question"

Report a violation:

Email: info@sisters-code.org

Subject line: "Community Violation Report"

Appeal a moderation decision:

Email: info@sisters-code.org

Subject line: "Moderation Appeal"

We typically respond within 1-2 business days.

Related Pages:

Acknowledgment:

By participating in Sisters Code community—through our forum, events, coaching, or social media—you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to follow these Community Guidelines.

Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful, supportive, and empowering community for women in tech and entrepreneurship. Together, we rise!