AmeriCorps Listserv Policy & Terms of Service
Introduction
The AmeriCorps Listserv (AClist) is an email discussion list for those leading, staffing, and supporting AmeriCorps State/National programs. While free and open discourse is encouraged, certain policies and rules are required to ensure that our online community remains fair, ethical, friendly, and legal.
Rules of Use
AClist serves to foster networking, communication, and education in the AmeriCorps State/National community. Subscription to AClist is entirely voluntary and is not a requirement of receiving a grant from CNCS.
The following rules apply to all postings made to AClist:
- Do not post any defamatory, abusive, profane, offensive, or illegal materials.
- Do not make unsubstantiated allegations, criticisms, or attacks on fellow AClist subscribers or organizations, including CNCS.
- Do not police other subscribers. View the “Misuse of AClist” section on how to handle perceived violations.
- Rude comments or personal attacks are forbidden.
- Do not post any information or attachments protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner.
- Do not post unsolicited commercial messages. However, you can respond to inquiries by others.
- Do stay on topic. The purpose of AClist is to discuss topics related to leading and managing AmeriCorps State/National programs.
- Private messages should not be shared via AClist without the permission of the original author.
Code of Ethics for All Subscribers
All subscribers must follow the AClist Code of Ethics:
- Do not make derogatory statements to subscribers pertaining to ability or integrity
- Do not knowingly contribute to a subscriber’s dissatisfaction in their existing employment
- Do not solicit the services of employees of fellow subscribers
Additional Code for T/TA Providers and Vendors of CNCS, Service Commissions, and/or Programs
CNCS and service commission T/TA providers and vendors are encouraged to participate on AClist solely to offer guidance on process- and compliance-related questions. Members of these organizations must follow these additional requirements:
- Do not use AClist to sell or market services; and
- Do respond to specific questions about your solution asked by fellow subscribers with a “service, not sales” supportive response.
For clarity purposes, responding to a question with helpful information will not be viewed as a sales or marketing effort.
Best Practices (Netiquette)
- Identify yourself by name and organization on every post.
- If starting a new topic, make sure you update the Subject line.
- Person-to-person messages, like “thanks for the information” should be sent privately.
- No foul language. Subscribers should refrain from abusive or derogatory language that might be considered questionable by even the most liberal and open-minded of networkers.
Misuse of AClist
America Learns, the organization managing the list, does not actively police AClist. We ask that you report any perceived violations of the above rules to us by emailing support@americalearns.net. Doing so will enable us to act quickly. Violations of these policies will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and may result in warnings or expulsion from the list.
Due Process
America Learns reserves the right to remove all or any posted materials from the archives at any time. If a violation occurs, America Learns respects the democratic process for handling such instances:
- First Violation: Written warning
- Second Violation: Written warning, plus subscriber will be placed on review for 90 days, meaning posts are subject to review before posting
- Third Violation: Subscriber can receive messages, but will no longer be able to post new ones.
- Appeal Process: An AClist subscriber may appeal a violation decision by submitting an e-mail to support@americalearns.net.
Privacy & Protection
America Learns protects the privacy of AClist members and will not give your email to any third party service provider or supplier. Google, the AClist service provider, screens all emails for viruses; however, we cannot guarantee that a virus will not be distributed via the listserv. Subscribers should still screen incoming emails with virus protection software and not click on any questionable links.
Content posted on AClist by subscribers is public information and may be used by any participant within the terms posted in this document.
Disclaimers
America Learns accepts no responsibility for the opinions and information posted on AClist by others. America Learns disclaims all warranties with regard to shared information or discussions, whether by America Learns or any third party. In no event shall America Learns be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data, or funding, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of any information posted on this site.
For issues pertaining to AmeriCorps grant requirements or other compliance questions, consult the CNCS Grant Terms and Conditions, AmeriCorps Regulations, and FAQs, and/or contact your Portfolio Manager. If your program is funded through a service commission, you can find commission contact information here.