These are the guidelines for how we engage with each other on this platform. They are an extension of the GMAS Manifesto and the GMAS Code of Conduct, and they apply to everyone using this space — members, staff, and visitors who can post in the public discussion area.
Our shared commitments
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We treat each other with kindness, patience, and respect. This is at the heart of how we work. We assume good faith. When we disagree, we engage with the disagreement, not the person.
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We centre impacted people. Members with lived experience of statelessness are at the heart of this Movement. Their voices, leadership, and decisions matter. We make space for them; we listen; we follow their lead in matters of their own experience.
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We protect each other. Members face real safety risks. We do not share members’ identities, personal information, or what they say in protected spaces. We treat each member’s safety as our shared responsibility.
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We communicate accessibly. Many members are working in their second or third language. We write clearly. We explain acronyms. We slow down for one another.
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We are honest about who we are. We do not pretend to be people we are not. We do not represent the Movement publicly without authorisation. We disclose conflicts of interest when they matter.
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We engage in good faith. This includes being willing to learn, to change our minds, to apologise when we have caused harm, and to give others the same room.
What we do not do
These behaviours are not tolerated on this platform:
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Discrimination, harassment, or hate speech of any kind. This includes (but is not limited to) language or behaviour targeting people on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, language, age, or any other identity. GMAS holds a zero-tolerance policy on these.
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Outing or exposing members. We do not reveal a member’s stateless status, nationality situation, location, or identity outside the spaces where they have chosen to share it. This includes screenshots, quoting in external contexts, and discussing members in public.
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Speaking on behalf of the Movement without authorisation. If you are speaking publicly as a representative of GMAS, you must be authorised to do so. If unsure, ask before doing so.
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Personal attacks, intimidation, or threats. Disagreement is welcome. Cruelty and intimidation are not.
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Misrepresentation. Posting as someone you are not; deliberately misrepresenting your identity, affiliation, or experience; or fabricating information.
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Spam, off-topic promotion, or commercial use. This platform exists for the Movement, not for promotion or commercial activity.
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Behaviour inconsistent with the Manifesto. Including conduct that undermines the centring of impacted people, the protection of members at risk, or the integrity of the Movement.
Specific rules for the Protected Space
The Protected Space is for members in the Impacted Individuals and Impacted-led Groups layers. The following additional rules apply:
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What is shared in the Protected Space stays in the Protected Space. This rule is unconditional. It applies to members, to staff with technical access, and to ICG members.
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No screenshots. No quoting in external contexts. No describing other members’ contributions outside the space.
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If you are unsure whether something is safe to share elsewhere, do not share it. Ask first.
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Breaches of confidentiality are treated as serious matters and may result in suspension or termination of membership.
When things go wrong
If you see something that breaks these guidelines, or if you are personally affected by something on the platform:
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Flag the post. Use Discourse’s flag function (the flag icon under a post). Flags go to the moderation team.
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Contact us directly. You can reach out to co-leads and GMAS team via info@againststatelessness.com
Reports are treated confidentially. The person reporting is not exposed without their consent.
What happens next
The moderation team — currently the Membership Working Group including Co-leads — will look at the situation. We try to address concerns through conversation and mediation where possible. Where rules have been broken, possible responses include:
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A private message and conversation with the person whose conduct is in question
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Removal of specific content
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Temporary suspension of platform access
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In serious or repeated cases: termination of membership
Decisions are explained to those involved. Members have the right to appeal.
Changes to these guidelines
These guidelines will evolve. As the Movement grows and learns, the guidelines will be revisited — ideally in consultation with the membership. Substantive changes will be announced in the Announcements category and discussed before adoption.