Cooperate for Canada (C4C) plans to scale up and amplify our message far and wide, using entirely organic reach. This is a potentially very powerful method of growing our movement – but it is also built on trust and good faith.
We want people to be authentically themselves, and we recognize that that can mean being a little rough around the edges at times. That said, there are certain messages and approaches that run counter to our campaign’s ethos and will not be tolerated.
Our online platforms will be monitored to ensure that this code of conduct is adhered to, but our first and best line of defense against mishap, scandal, or antagonistic behaviour is you. We’re counting on you to adhere to the following code of conduct as part of our network.
Whether we meet with organizations, influential individuals, or the general public we need to understand and be open to the fact that they may well already be reflecting on many of the same ‘self-evident truths’ that are driving our work on Electoral Cooperation. They may already be crafting their own strategies and responses. Our initial meetings need to reflect our respect for their perspectives and the work they are doing, as we seek ways in which we can collaborate as partners to further the objectives we hold in common.
Before these meetings, we need to be clear about the assumptions we are making about the upcoming meeting and the participants, and be ready to challenge, even set aside those assumptions as we listen and learn more from them. We need to be clear about what we bring to the table – perhaps a unified vision? We need to start from a set of shared values.
Longer conversations, zoom meetings or in-person meetings with influential individuals conducted by representatives from the Outreach team should include at least 2 C4C representatives. If possible, C4C should conduct some preliminary groundwork about how best to engage them.
No hate, no bigotry, no harm
This should go without saying, but we’re saying it. Absolutely no harassment, sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, bigotry, or hate speech of any kind will be tolerated. There is no space in our movement for hatred or harming others. Our mission is to stop the harm being done to our country, not add to it.
Stay on message
C4C is committed to doing our work in a way that is positive and inspiring. Yes, we believe the Conservatives – their policies, strategies, divisiveness and rage-baiting tactics – are a danger to our community…that’s why we exist! But we are not here simply to attack them. Our mission is to build a movement that can prevent them from winning upcoming elections. We aim to use a balanced approach that does call out their errors, but we also want to connect people, inspire them, and unite them. Take your cues from our social media posts, our blog and our newsletters.
Don’t chance it
We’ve all accidentally said the wrong thing before. Sometimes we think we’ve got a great joke or clever turn of phrase, only to find that it could be viewed pretty offensively. If you’re amplifying C4C content, think twice about how you phrase any comments you add. Imagine your words on the front page of a national newspaper (hardcopy or online) if you have any doubts about how they might be perceived, rethink what you’re saying. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Respect each other
We are building a big tent that reaches across partisan lines to unite people in common cause. You’re going to be in groups and chats with other C4C members; and you may come across people with quite different views or partisan preferences. Always assume good faith, treat each other respectfully, and avoid trying to “convert” people to your views or partisan alignment.
Please Note: At this time we ask that you do not share the information on this page. Thank you. – Cooperate for Canada Team