ETHICS POLICY

The purpose of the TEN DEMANDS Ethics Committee

• Review future actions on behalf of TEN DEMANDS brought to our attention by any member to determine if it is ethical. If it is found to be problematic, the committee will vote on appropriate solutions, such as providing guidance to make that or future actions more ethical where applicable. However, if an action is found to be in bad faith, recurring, or to be jeopardizing the project, another vote will take place by the committee to decide if it warrants removal. As abolitionists, we will strive for education and resolution while holding members accountable.

• Review past actions on behalf of TEN DEMANDS brought to them by any member and determine if those actions were ethical.

  • If those actions were unethical, the committee will be responsible for providing any appropriate recommendations or solutions to resolve the unethical behavior. Consequences are reserved for extreme situations only.

    • Possible consequences for unethical actions that are determined to be severe by a majority committee vote include temporary suspension or a permanent ban from TEN DEMANDS and its organizing spaces, depending on the severity of the unethical behavior. Minor offenses should never result in suspensions or bans.

  • Any issues involving collection and dispersal of funds should be made public for all TEN DEMANDS members to view and comment on in the designated file, which is also shared with the public on TenForJustice.com for complete transparency to our supporters.

• Any interpersonal issues that both parties are willing to discuss with mediation should be brought to the Ethics Committee. A mediator from the committee will be assigned through a vote. If mediation is not possible, either party has the right to ask for a hearing from the Ethics Committee.

  • The party that has requested the hearing can cancel that request at any point in time.

The TEN DEMANDS’ Ethics Committee will consist of

• Five co-creators of TEN DEMANDS, selected by a majority vote.

  • These members will volunteer for the role and can resign from the position at any time in writing. In such a case, we will vote on their replacement or to amend the number of committee members.

What is considered unethical behavior?

• Any action taken that intentionally or unintentionally harms the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of a fellow member of TEN DEMANDS or any person outside of TEN DEMANDS. Including but not limited to:

  • Inappropriate memes or jokes.

  • Anything related to violence, suicide, or self-harm.

  • Sexual or targeted harassment.

  • Assault.

  • Verbal attacks.

  • Sharing any private group information.

  • Colluding against or sabotaging the project.

  • Miscommunicating the intent of TEN DEMANDS.

  • Any conduct that contradicts the values and philosophy of the organization.

• Any action that undermines the message or intentions of TEN DEMANDS. Members are expected to act in every facet and medium with:

  • Maturity.

  • Integrity.

  • Honesty.

  • Inclusion.

  • Preserve confidentiality.

  • Respect for others.

  • Protect our intellectual property.

  • Responsiveness and effective communication skills.

  • Productive dialogue emphasizing solutions, facts, and reconciliation.

  • An open mind to feedback and constructive criticism.

  • Intention to avoid any conflict of interest.

  • No retaliation against members.

  • No discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, political views or any other characteristics of any kind.

  • No bullying.

  • No accepting gifts or other courtesies that might create the appearance of impropriety.

  • No smearing of or competing with like-minded organizations or their representatives.

  • No unauthorized spending of funds.

• Any decision made on behalf of the TEN DEMANDS by a member, facilitator, or coordinator of TEN DEMANDS that may violate or has violated anyone’s reasonable right to privacy.

• Any decision made on behalf of the TEN DEMANDS by a member, facilitator, or coordinator of the TEN DEMANDS that conflicts with our core values.

• Never reveal any identity or personal data of any members or affiliates with any entity, especially government agencies, without authorization from the committee.
  

The TEN DEMANDS guidelines to freedom of expression:

• Authenticity & individualism with accountability.

  • Know your responsibilities under these procedures.

  • Contribute time and energy to the organization.

  • As abolitionists, know the philosophy and act in alignment with it.

  • Read the TEN DEMANDS and FAQ to be informative and effective.

  • Be yourself. Your personality is a valuable asset. Post and speak freely without violating our core principles or any standards outlined in this document.
    

The TEN DEMANDS’ Ethics Committee Statement Amendments:

• This statement can be amended at any time in part or in full by a majority vote, including all co-creators.

  • Co-creators must be given sufficient advance notice of at least three days to ensure maximum representation during voting.