WHATSAPP POLICY

Ripon City Allotment Society
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Whatsapp Usage Policy Document

The Whatsapp Groups for Ripon Community Allotments offer members the opportunity to contact one another,

to raise discussions and to ask questions on matters that affect plotholders.

For example, messages might include enquiries about the propogation of or the growing of crops, offers of help, messages about deliveries, requests for help with watering, sharing of spare plants, sharing of photos, etc.

The groups are specifically for allotment issues. They are an added feature to help each allotment site grow good, healthy, positive community links.

The Community Administrators of the Whatsapp groups are Pete Clark, Rob Gooderidge, Gary Tulip and
Steve Kersys.

The following points outline positive and inclusive use of the Whatsapp groups.

1. Core Principles

Adherence to WhatsApp's Terms:

All users must abide by WhatsApp's general Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy.

These are found here. click here

Legal and Acceptable Use:

The Whatsapp community groups should only be used for legal and authorized purposes.

No illegal, fraudulent or harmful activities are permitted.

2. Content Guidelines (What's Acceptable to Share):

Relevance:

Messages, links, photographs, videos or other media should be directly relevant to the community's purpose.

Avoid off-topic discussions.

Respectful Language:

Be kind, be friendly and be polite to all members.
Avoid offensive, abusive, derogatory or threatening language.

Neither hate speech nor discrimination will be tolerated.
Do not engage in bullying, harassment, intimidation or the silencing of others.

Spam/Commercial Content:

Do not send repeated messages or unsolicited promotions.
Unless explicitly permitted by community administrators, do not advertise businesses or services.

Accuracy and Verification:

Be wary of sharing unverified information or "fake news."

Appropriate Content:

Do not share any illegal, graphic, explicit (18+), or inappropriate content (eg; violence, pornography).

Intellectual Property:

Do not share content that infringes others' intellectual property.

3. Behavioural Expectations:

Mutual Respect:

Be respectful each other's views, beliefs and cultural sensitivities.

Privacy of Others:

Do not share the personal details of other members without their consent.
Be careful when sharing pictures that feature other people; ensure everyone in the picture has consented.

4. Other Issues:

Reporting:

Please report any violations of this policy or any inappropriate content/behaviour to the community administrators.

No "Rant Zones":

Do not use the Whatsapp group for airing grievances that could negatively impact the group or other community members.

Timely Communication:

Please be considerate when posting (eg; no posts before 8am or after 10pm, unless it's an emergency).

Direct Messaging vs Group Chat:

If a message is only relevant to a few individuals, please send direct messaging instead of posting to the entire group.

5. Roles and Responsibilities of Community Administrators:

Community Administrators play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy community. Their responsibilities include:

Setting Clear Guidelines: Establishing and communicating the community's rules and expectations.

Moderating Content:

Overseeing posts and discussions to ensure adherence these policies. This includes deleting inappropriate messages.

Managing Members:

Adding/removing members and handling member requests to join.

Upholding Rules & Conflict Resolution:

Enforcing rules consistently and mediating disputes fairly and promptly.

Engagement:

Fostering positive interaction.

Announcements:

Sharing important updates with all members.

Responding to Concerns:

Answering member questions and addressing feedback.

6. Consequences of Non-Compliance:

If members of the community violate this policy the community administrators may; Delete inappropriate messages.
Issue cautionary notices or hold private discussions with any individuals involved.

The RCAS Committee may issue a Yellow Card.

Temporarily suspend members from the group/community.

Permanently remove members from the group/community.

In cases of criminal behaviour, escalate material to the appropriate authorities.

7. Review and Updates:

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually.

15th July 2025
Compiled by Steve Kersys