Community Agreement

WildResearch’s mission is to build, train, and educate a community that contributes to conservation science. We offer many opportunities to get involved in programs and learn about conservation science. Our programs are mostly led by volunteers and attended by both WildResearch’s members and members of the greater community. 

We invite you to come into WildResearch with an open heart and open mind, and you can expect the same from other members. As an organization, we strive to provide spaces where everyone feels safe, included, and heard. All members of WildResearch are constantly learning and growing, and will welcome respectful feedback.

The goal of this Community Agreement is to provide guidelines and expectations for appropriate behaviours by those involved with WildResearch, which includes board members, committee members, volunteers, collaborators, event participants, and general members. It can also serve as a reference for those who feel that they have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviours, as outlined in this agreement – please refer to the end of the agreement for information on how to report violations.

1. We respect all fellow WildResearch members, volunteers, and community members by using kind, welcoming, and inclusive language, not engaging in or using discriminatory behaviours or language, and respecting differing viewpoints, skills and knowledge. For example: 
   1. We strive to use kind, welcoming, and inclusive language. We acknowledge everyone is at a different stage of their learning journey with this, and we welcome respectful feedback
   2. We do not engage in or use discriminatory behaviours or language 
   3. We are respectful of differing viewpoints 
   4. We respect all skill levels and knowledge
   5. We do not knowingly endanger ourselves or other individuals 
   6. We refrain from sharing photos or personal information of other members without permission 
   7. We do not engage in any forms of harassment
   8. We are considerate when signing up for activities or shifts, and ensure that others have the opportunity to sign up for activities with limited space, and do not over-commit ourselves.
   9. We recognize that community members include members of the public, and we are kind and welcoming to the public when conducting or participating in WildResearch activities. 
2. We contribute to the conservation science community by sharing knowledge and respect for all flora, fauna, and habitats. For example:
   1. We share knowledge respectfully and openly 
   2. We follow through on volunteer commitments by being punctual and reliable 
   3. We respect wildlife and nature; refer to Birds Canada’s Birding Code of Ethics for helpful information
   4. We ensure safety and integrity of data
3. We show respect for the organization by carrying out involvement with WildResearch responsibly and with integrity, following through on commitments, and abiding by WildResearch by-laws. For example:
   1. We communicate if we are unable to fulfill a commitment
   2. We remember that we may be seen as WildResearch members and representatives even when we are not actively participating in WildResearch activities
   3. We abide by WildResearch’s by-laws and Community Agreement(s).
   4. We abide by all municipal, regional, provincial, and federal laws and bylaws while acting on behalf of WildResearch
   5. We are active bystanders who speak up or offer assistance if we notice that someone else might be feeling unsafe

Any breaches of this community agreement may be reviewed by the Executive Board and could result in the revoking of membership and/or program participation. All reports of violations will be taken seriously and retaliation against those who report violations of this community agreement will not be tolerated. To report a violation, or for any questions or concerns, please contact the Secretary info@wildresearch.ca.