Membership

Member Code of Conduct

At Hidradenitis & Me Support Group, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive community for people affected by hidradenitis suppurativa. We believe HS is not who you are; it is only one part of your story, and we aim to create spaces that honour the whole person. This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for all members and participants who engage with our organization, programs, events, and spaces.

1. Our shared commitment

All members are expected to help foster a community that is:

• respectful

• inclusive

• compassionate

• supportive

• trustworthy

We recognize that people come to this community with different experiences, backgrounds, beliefs, and stages of their health journey. We ask everyone to contribute in a way that protects the dignity and wellbeing of others.

2. Respectful behaviour

Members must treat others with respect in all interactions, including at events, support groups, meetings, online spaces, email, and social media.

This includes:

• listening without judgment

• communicating thoughtfully and respectfully

• allowing space for different perspectives and lived experiences

• avoiding personal attacks, insults, or inflammatory language

3. Inclusion and belonging

We are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all. Members must not engage in discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusionary behaviour.

This includes conduct based on, but not limited to:

• disability or health status

• race or ethnicity

• age

• religion

• sex or gender

• sexual orientation

• family status

• socioeconomic background

4. Confidentiality and privacy

Because our community may involve the sharing of personal and sensitive experiences, members are expected to respect the privacy of others.

Members must not:

• share another person’s story, health information, or personal details without their permission

• take screenshots, recordings, or photos in private or closed community spaces unless explicitly permitted

• discuss confidential matters outside the setting in which they were shared

Members are responsible for using discretion and care when participating in support-oriented spaces.

5. Safe and supportive participation

Members are encouraged to share experiences, encouragement, and practical support. However, members must not present themselves as providing medical, legal, or professional advice unless they are explicitly authorized to do so in that context.

Members should:

• speak from personal experience where appropriate

• avoid pressuring others into specific treatments, decisions, or beliefs

• encourage others to seek qualified professional support when needed

6. Integrity and appropriate use of the community

Members must act honestly and in good faith when engaging with the organization.

This includes:

• providing accurate information when applying for membership

• participating in ways that align with the mission and values of the organization

• not using membership for personal, political, commercial, or harmful purposes that conflict with the organization’s mission

7. Conflict of interest

Members should avoid situations where personal interests may conflict with the best interests of the organization. Where a conflict arises, it should be disclosed to the appropriate organizational representative.

8. Online conduct and social media

The same standards of respect and care apply in digital spaces. Members must engage respectfully in any online group, forum, chat, virtual meeting, or social platform connected to the organization.

Members must not:

• post abusive, threatening, defamatory, or misleading content

• impersonate the organization or speak on its behalf without authorization

• misuse logos, branding, or organizational materials without permission

9. Reporting concerns

Members are encouraged to report behaviour that may violate this Code of Conduct. Reports will be reviewed fairly and with appropriate discretion.

Concerns may include:

• harassment or discrimination

• breaches of confidentiality

• disruptive or harmful conduct

• misuse of organizational spaces or resources

10. Consequences of non-compliance

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken by the organization. Depending on the situation, this may include:

• a reminder or warning

• temporary restriction from participation

• suspension of membership

• termination of membership or access to organizational spaces

The organization reserves the right to take any action it considers appropriate to protect the safety, integrity, and wellbeing of its community.

11. Acknowledgment

By becoming a member or participating in the organization’s activities, individuals agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and contribute positively to the community.