The Braver Angels Social Media Code of Conduct

Whenever we engage in online conversation, we follow principles we call “W.I.N.G.S. ”

Write respectfully, with an openness to the idea that other opinions might be valid.

It’s fine to have strong opinions, but express them respectfully. To be a part of Braver Angels Facebook discussions, you should keep an open mind and not degrade or discount others’ points of view. Work to maintain a “learning posture” that acknowledges there may be an angle to the discussion you’re not seeing.
And be sure to read an entire post and comment thread before weighing in, so you understand the context of the conversation you’re entering and people don’t need to repeat prior comments.

Use “I” statements for your own viewpoints, and don’t question or doubt other people’s lived experiences.

Braver Angels members strive to represent their own viewpoints, rather than insisting that their statements speak for a whole group. We also recognize that each person’s lived experience is unique. If someone is telling you that certain statements or posts in the group make them feel a certain way, take that as presumptively valid.

No gotchas; assume good faith.

People join Braver Angels because they want to have honest, open discussions about our political divide. Engage with another’s best arguments, not just their weakest or most extreme. If someone posts something that seems ignorant or combative (or downright offensive), take a deep breath, assume that person meant well and has expressed themselves inartfully and a) work to engage them respectfully, or b) ignore it and move on.

Get to common ground to keep the conversation going.

We should always welcome opportunities for respectful engagement with those who hold different views. When we disagree with one another, we should strive to do so accurately—avoiding exaggerated disagreement—and to recognize common ground. Even when our name is on our profile, it’s easy to don the mask that social media provides and get carried away with casting our fellow citizens as “others” and overemphasize our differences.

Sarcasm doesn’t translate on social media.

Don’t use it when engaging in an open, honest discussion. Enough said.

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To go further …

To develop and practice your skills, we recommend you take the 30 minute online eLearning course Skills for Social Media.