Thank you to the GMCN members who have helped us develop some guidelines to help shape the tone and spirit of our community. With that in mind we invite you to have a look at the guidelines so far and if you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions please send them to raymond@gmcn.ca.

GMCN is a peer-led network shaped by lived experiences of HIV. We gather to learn, discuss different perspectives, reflect, laugh and build something meaningful. We shape the tone and spirit of our community together.

How We Show Up Together
These spoken and unspoken practices guide how we gather, collaborate, and care for one another. We welcome folks, judgement free, to participate as they see fit. We recognize that participation evolves whether you are new, returning, quiet or outspoken; there's space for you here. We approach one another with dignity.

Confidentiality
We care for one another's stories as something shared in trust. GMCN groups are confidential. We want to create a safe space so please don’t discuss members you see in groups with outside folks.

Speak From Experience
We share from our lived experiences and so please speak using “I” statements.

Share the Space
We stay aware of airtime, energy, and attention. Our groups are created for, and led by, gay men living with HIV.

Participation Looks Different For Everyone
We understand that listening and sharing are both meaningful forms of participation.

Digital Awareness
Respect for our membership exists for physical and digital. We remain mindful of tone, privacy, and intention and keep the confidentiality of members.

Onboarding New Members
Protecting the confidentiality of all members includes ensuring that new members are welcomed through a consistent and respectful intake process. Individuals who identify as gay, queer, bi, or trans men living with HIV may self-identify by contacting the Director of Programs.

Password Management
A master list of all organizational accounts and passwords is maintained by the Director of Programs. This includes websites, social media, domains, email services, and any digital tools used by the organization’s volunteers.

Access to Accounts
Volunteers receive only the level of access needed to perform their duties. Whenever possible, individuals should have their own login rather than sharing passwords. At least two authorized people must have administrative level access to key accounts.

Changes and Updates
Passwords must be updated when role position changes, responsibilities change, or an account may be compromised.

WhatsApp Group
Group messaging for GMCN members is intended to support connection, communication, and community-building among participants. Please be mindful when conversations should be taken outside of the group, eg. If someone asks a general question, please respond in a private message.

We encourage members to share content that is relevant to GMCN programming, or of general interest to the group, including content that is engaging, uplifting, or “fabulous” in nature.

To keep the space organized and respectful of everyone’s attention:
• Please post about recurring events only once
• Please share single events only once

If you have an issue or concern you should contact the Director of Programs.