Bullying & Harassment Policy

Last updated: 11/04/2025

Our Commitment

NeuroFriends is a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful space created by and for neurodivergent individuals. Whether we’re hanging out in person or chatting online, everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and valued. We have zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind.

Who This Policy Covers

• All NeuroFriends members and guests
• Volunteers, facilitators, and organizers
• Any interaction in in-person events and online spaces (e.g., social media, group chats, forums, emails, etc.)

What Counts as Bullying or Harassment?

Bullying

• Intimidation, name-calling, or deliberate exclusion
• Spreading rumors or personal attacks
• Repeated negative behavior meant to cause distress
• Belittling someone’s neurodivergence, communication style, or sensory needs

Harassment

• Unwanted physical contact or verbal abuse
• Offensive jokes or comments about race, gender, neurodivergence, disability, sexuality, etc.
• Inappropriate messages, stalking, or online trolling
• Deliberate misgendering or refusal to use someone’s preferred name/pronouns

At In-Person Events

We ask all attendees to:

• Respect each other’s boundaries (including sensory needs)
• Use inclusive language and active listening
• Support others if they seem uncomfortable or overwhelmed
• Report any incidents to the group organizer or a designated volunteer

Online Conduct

In any NeuroFriends-affiliated chat, group, or online activity:

• Keep things kind, respectful, and constructive
• Avoid passive-aggressive comments, spamming, or excluding others
• Report problematic behavior privately to a group admin or email facilitators@neurofriends.net

What Happens If There’s a Problem?

• We take it seriously – every report is treated with care and confidentiality.
• We investigate – the organizers will speak with all parties involved.
• We take action – this might include a warning, temporary suspension, or removal from the group depending on the severity.
• We won’t tolerate retaliation against someone who reports an issue.

How to Report an Issue

• Speaking to a group facilitator in person
• Emailing facilitators@neurofriends.net

Final Word

NeuroFriends exists to lift each other up, not tear each other down. Let’s create a space where everyone feels safe to be their wonderful, neurodivergent selves 💜