Community Ethics Agreement

Purpose
These agreements exist to ensure that all COSIP spaces, whether in person or virtual, remain safe, respectful, inclusive, and aligned with our mission of education, harm reduction, and community care. All members, volunteers, collaborators, organizers, participants, and partners are expected to uphold these standards.
 
Core Commitments
All COSIP members and collaborators commit to:
1. Acting with integrity, honesty, and accountability
2. Supporting physical, emotional, and psychological safety
3. Respecting personal autonomy and informed consent
4. Upholding harm reduction principles
5. Contributing to a welcoming and inclusive community
 
Community Agreements

Respect & Inclusivity: COSIP is committed to cultivating a space where all participants feel respected and valued:

• Treat others with dignity, kindness, and respect

• Honor diverse identities, lived experiences, beliefs, and paths

• Refrain from discriminatory, harassing, or oppressive behavior

• Use inclusive and respectful language

• Respect personal boundaries at all times

Consent, Boundaries & Personal Responsibility: COSIP prioritizes consent and personal sovereignty. Members and collaborators agree to:

• Seek clear consent for physical contact or sensitive discussion

• Respect “no” without pressure, persuasion, or justification

• Take responsibility for their own choices, experiences, and well-being

• Avoid offering unsolicited advice, referrals, diagnosis, or interpretation

• Refrain from coercive, manipulative, or controlling behavior

 
Confidentiality & Privacy: COSIP spaces rely on trust and safety. All participants agree to:

• Respect the confidentiality of shared experiences

• Not share stories, identities, or personal information outside COSIP spaces without explicit permission

• Avoid recording events or conversations unless clearly authorized

• Use discretion when posting on social media about COSIP gatherings

 
Ethical Use of Influence & Power: Members, participants, and collaborators must act ethically and responsibly. This includes:

• Avoiding exploitation, manipulation, or misuse of influence

• Maintaining clear professional and personal boundaries

• Not promoting or selling personal services or business offerings to COSIP members or during a COSIP event.

• Refraining from romantic, sexual, or financial exploitation

• Disclosing conflicts of interest when applicable

• Not positioning oneself as a medical, legal, or spiritual authority

 
Harm Reduction & Legal Compliance: COSIP operates within legal and ethical boundaries. All members and collaborators agree that:

• COSIP does not sell or distribute illegal substances

• COSIP spaces are educational and supportive, not instructional or directive

• Participants are responsible for their own legal and personal decisions

• No illegal activity is permitted at COSIP events

 
Ethical Collaboration & Representation: Collaborators, members, and partners agree to:

• Align with COSIP’s mission, values, and harm reduction approach

• Represent COSIP honestly and accurately

• Avoid misleading claims or unverified information

• Respect COSIP branding, intellectual property, and community trust

 
Conflict Resolution & Accountability: COSIP encourages open communication and accountability. If concerns arise:

• Issues should be addressed respectfully and promptly

• Participants may bring concerns to moderators or leadership

• COSIP Manager reserves the right to set boundaries, pause participation, or remove individuals if needed to protect community safety

 
Prohibited Behaviors: The following behaviors are not permitted in COSIP spaces:

• Harassment, discrimination, or hate speech

• Coercion, pressure, or manipulation

• Sexual misconduct or boundary violations

• Promotion or facilitation of illegal activity

• Promotion or sale of personal services non-related to COSIP organization or event.

• Misrepresentation of expertise or credentials

• Disruptive or unsafe behavior

 
Enforcement & Consequences: Violations of this Code may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings

• Temporary suspension from events or activities

• Removal from COSIP membership or collaboration

• Termination of volunteer or collaborator roles

COSIP reserves the right to take action necessary to protect the safety and integrity of the community.
 
Agreement & Acknowledgment
By participating in COSIP events, programs, or collaborations, individuals acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct & Ethics.
 
Closing Statement
COSIP is committed to fostering spaces rooted in compassion, accountability, and collective care. This Code exists not to restrict expression, but to ensure that all participants can explore healing and growth in a respectful, ethical, and supportive environment.