Purpose of Code of Conduct

The Internet Society Foundation (“Internet Society Foundation” or “Foundation”) strives to create and maintain a community that reflects the same values that guide the Foundation’s work: be bold, act with integrity, be committed, and be inclusive.  Over time our community will come together in different forms, online and in person, in groups of all sizes.  Members of our community encourage openness and cooperation and they treat with respect others from different backgrounds and cultures.  In treating others with respect, our community is more inclusive and thus benefits from a greater diversity of ideas.  This in turn strengthens our reputation and further elevates the work of our grantees. 

The Code of Conduct (“Code”) below is intended to provide general guidance on the expected standards of good behavior when engaging with members of the Foundation community, which includes independent programme reviewers, the grantee community, and Foundation staff.  

The Code is not exhaustive and is not intended to cover every possible situation which may arise. In case of any questions, please contact your main point of contact at the Foundation. 

Internet Society Foundation Engagement & Community Rules

  • Respect legitimate intellectual property rights – do not plagiarize work; give credit to the originators of ideas.
  • Treat all members of the Foundation’s community and colleagues fairly and equally. Stimulate conversation, be respectful of others’ views, and refrain from personal attacks.
  • Do not share the posts/comments of others without permission.
  • Represent yourself fairly; only paid staff of the Internet Society Foundation can represent the Foundation to external audiences although grantees may be asked to jointly represent a project funded by the Foundation.

Discussion Group and Email Etiquette

  • All defamatory, abusive, profane, threatening, offensive, or illegal material is strictly prohibited.
  • Discriminatory, hostile or intimidating messages or language will not be tolerated, whether based on a person’s race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social or economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, or mental or physical ability.
  • Be mindful and respectful of linguistic backgrounds – while the language for online fora discussions is mostly English (unless otherwise specified), remember not everybody is a native English speaker/writer. 

Expectations Regarding Messaging

  • Keep subject lines concise and clear so that others can respond appropriately and easily search the archives.
  • Include only relevant portions of the original message in replies.
  • Only send a message to the entire list if everyone can benefit from it. Do not send “thank you” and “me too” replies to the full list.
  • Constructive criticisms are welcomed by the Foundation and should be directed  – only – to your main point of contact and never the entire group.
  • If relevant, add “Long Message” to the subject line or at the beginning of the message body.
  • Do not spam several lists with the same message.
  • Do not post commercial messages.
  • Use caution when discussing products. Information shared on a mailing list is available for all others to see. Comments are subject to libel, slander, and antitrust laws.
  • Please carefully read the items listed in the disclaimer and legal rules below, particularly regarding the copyright ownership of information posted.

Privacy Policy

The Internet Society Foundation is committed to respecting the privacy of our members and of visitors to our site. To learn more, please view our full privacy policy.