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General Conduct
Expectations
We built our Code of Conduct Catalog to provide transparency and structure for prospective & current affiliates, especially those interested in leadership and bigger roles.
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Activity & Communication
Remain active. If emergencies arise, update your lead. Inactivity without explanation for over 3 weeks may lead to reassignment of your role.
a. Hiatus & Leaves: You can request a hiatus of up to 2 months for a valid reason. You’re still expected to check in occasionally unless exempted.
b. Respect Personal Time: Avoid overloading others with tasks. Maintain boundaries, and respect different time zones and personal schedules.
c. Team Contribution: If you are struggling with your tasks, reach out. We work together, and it’s okay to ask for help. Ghosting the team is not acceptable.
i. Occasional delays are acceptable, but frequent delays that affect project timelines will need to be addressed.
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Confidentiality
Any internal plans, documents, or discussions must not be shared externally without approval, including video/audio recording, making a copy of any document on any platform, screenshots, or plagiarism. We protect our members and the communities we serve.
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Member Etiquette
YPT exists to elevate youth voices in policymaking; this is serious work, and your contribution matters. If an affiliate breaks this code, the Executive Team will assess the situation fairly and communicate outcomes transparently.
a. Conduct & Attitude: We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying, or harassment in any form. This is a youth-positive, equity-centered space.
b. Respect Personal Opinions: While YPT is a nonpartisan organization and maintains political neutrality in all official activities, members are welcome to hold and express personal political views outside of YPT, provided they do not speak on behalf of the organization or compromise its impartiality.
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Chatroom & Meeting Conduct
a. Chatroom Etiquette: Use designated channels properly. Stay on-topic during official discussions (unless for team building sessions). Keep side chats in dedicated spaces.
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b. Respectful & Professional Behavior: Hate speech, slurs, harassment, or passive-aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. We're here to support each other, not tear each other down.
c. Stay on Topic: Use YPT Executive spaces for work-related discussion only. Off-topic banter, memes, or spam should be kept to casual chatrooms or DMs. When someone is discussing serious matters (i.e., reports, scheduling), avoid interrupting or derailing the conversation.
d. No NSFW or Inappropriate Content: Absolutely no sharing or promoting adult content, even as a joke. Violations will result in immediate removal and leader intervention.
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e. Avoid Spamming: Only ping staff for necessary reports or urgent tasks. Respect people’s time and space.
Golden Principles
Expectations
Below are further guidelines to keep our operations smooth and our mission thriving.
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Follow Our Values & Community Guidelines
YPT is a space of integrity, respect, and social responsibility. Every affiliate must commit to our community guidelines, which uphold equity, transparency, and civic engagement. Disrespect, exclusion, or any form of inappropriate behavior, whether within the organization or while representing YPT, will result in a formal review.
Consequences may range from a warning to removal from your position, depending on the situation.
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Lead With Respect
We expect all YPT affiliates to model respect, not just within our teams but in how we interact with partners, communities, and peers. Whether you are answering a message, collaborating on a proposal, or representing us in a civic event, your attitude matters.
Kindness and mutual respect fuel stronger youth-led change.
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Stay Engaged & Accountable
Being part of YPT is a commitment, not a casual sign-up. We understand that life can get busy, but communication is key. If you are going on a break or cannot meet a deadline, let your team lead or project coordinator know in advance.
Consistent inactivity or lack of communication without a valid reason may result in temporary suspension or removal from projects.
Penalties
Expectations
In regards to the aforementioned expectations, penalties will be determined in accordance with the type and level of misbehavior.
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Responsibility & Conduct
YPT affiliates are part of an organized team entrusted with responsibilities that directly impact the quality and integrity of our programs. We take this seriously and require members to act with accountability and discretion at all times. Any violation of community standards or disregard for expectations may result in consequences, determined at the discretion of YPT leadership based on the severity of the infraction.
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Three-Strike Policy
To maintain fairness and consistency, YPT follows a three-strike rule for all affiliates:
a. Upon receiving three strikes, an affiliate will be subject to permanent removal from the team.
b. Please take the time to understand the rules and expectations clearly to avoid reaching that point.
3
Accountability Within Partnerships
a. If a paired task is left unfulfilled and neither affiliate submits their work, both will receive a warning.
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b. If one affiliate submits their part and provides proof they attempted to contact the other, only the inactive partner will be warned.
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c. If the inactive affiliate claims they were on hiatus but failed to notify leadership, they will still receive a warning.
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d. If an executive or director fails to acknowledge a properly submitted hiatus notice, the responsibility will fall on them, and an apology and punishment will be issued accordingly.
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Disciplinary Action: Warnings
A warning is the lightest form of corrective action. It serves as a reminder of improper behavior and encourages course correction. Repeated or ignored warnings may escalate into formal strikes. Examples of behaviors that may result in a warning:
a. Spamming and/or sending chain messages
b. Failing to communicate hiatus or inactivity
c. Starting unnecessary drama or arguments
d. Sharing inappropriate content (depending on context)
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Disciplinary Action: Strikes
A strike is issued for more serious or repeated offenses. These may temporarily suspend your participation or remove you from responsibilities for a period. Examples of behaviors that may result in a strike:
a. Ongoing unnecessary drama or conflict
b. Disregard for community guidelines
c. Sharing minor confidential information (i.e., event details, leadership announcements during drafting, etc.)
d. Posting frightening, gruesome, or disturbing imagery (context)
e. Continued discussion of restricted or harmful topics (context)
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Disciplinary Action: Demotion
This is the most severe disciplinary measure, often resulting in permanent removal from the team. Grounds for demotion include:
a. Accumulating 3 strikes
b. Inactivity or failure to fulfill assigned duties
c. Harassment or bullying
d. Sharing internal documents or confidential material without permission​​
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