Mentor/Intern Code of Conduct

1) Core principles

• Safety first – protect the physical, emotional, and digital safety of youth.
• Respect & inclusion – be kind, non‑discriminatory, and supportive of all participants.
• Professional boundaries – keep mentor–youth relationships appropriate and program‑focused.
• Integrity – be honest, follow program rules, and ask for help when unsure.

2) Eligibility & onboarding

• Mentors must be 13+. For minors, the program may require parent/guardian acknowledgment.
• Complete required training (e.g., youth protection, digital safety, reporting, Code of Conduct).
• Use your real name and accurate profile information. Do not share accounts.
• Sign this Code annually (and whenever materially updated).

3) Communication & boundaries

• Use program‑approved channels (in‑app messaging, program email lists, or designated discussion spaces) whenever possible.
• If personal email is used for convenience:
  • Always include at least one program adult (e.g., support@teamworknation.org) or a parent/guardian.
  • Keep messages transparent (no disappearing messages; do not delete/alter threads).
  • Do not share sensitive personal data over email (e.g., home address, exact location, health info).
• No private 1:1 direct messages with youth on social media or private texting apps. Do not "friend/follow" youth from personal social media accounts.
• Time & tone – communicate during reasonable hours; be courteous and professional.

4) Meetings & events

• Prefer group settings or two‑adult visibility (another mentor, coach, or staff member present or with access to the thread/room).
• Do not meet one‑on‑one in private spaces. For virtual sessions, use program‑approved tools; use waiting rooms/recording per program guidance.
• Obtain required consents for recordings or photos; store them only in approved systems.

5) Content standards

• Keep all materials age‑appropriate and free of harassment, hate speech, bullying, sexual content, or illegal activity.
• Do not pressure youth about politics, religion, or personal beliefs.
• Respect copyright and give credit when you use others' work. No plagiarism.

6) Data protection & privacy

• Protect participant information. Do not download, screenshot, or re‑share messages, images, or data outside approved systems unless expressly authorized.
• Use strong passwords and device security; do not share login credentials.
• Follow program retention rules; do not keep youth data on personal devices longer than necessary.

7) Safety concerns & mandatory reporting

• If you learn of self‑harm, abuse, neglect, threats, or other safety risks, notify program staff immediately at safety@teamworknation.org (or designated channel). In emergencies, call 911 (or local emergency number) first.
• Do not investigate yourself. Preserve messages or evidence and share them with program staff/law enforcement if instructed.
• Cooperate with any program investigation.

8) Conflicts of interest & gifts

• Avoid relationships that could impair impartiality. Disclose any close personal ties with participants.
• Do not give or accept gifts of more than $25 (aggregate per year) without program approval.

9) Consequences

• Violations may result in removal from the program, account suspension/termination, and—where required—reports to schools or authorities.

10) Questions & reporting

• When in doubt, ask before acting. Contact your program lead or support@teamworknation.org

Acknowledgment