What Can I Expect From A Moderator?

Moderators are volunteers. They are all required to reach a certain level of quality as a Listener before applying for this role and pass through both written and charoom based training before receiving their moderator privileges.

I wanted to outline what you can expect from a moderator to ensure this is very clear to all users.

What can I expect from a moderator?

Professionalism

You can expect a moderator to be professional at all times. A moderator may engage in both supportive and light-hearted chat with the room, but should remain appropriate and follow the rules for all users at all times.

Non-Biased Approach

A moderator should treat each person equally, regardless of what may have happened in the past. You can expect to be treated with kindness and respect. Moderators should not show favoritism or be more lenient or more strict with any particular user of the other.

Warnings

Moderators are asked to give warnings to individuals via the warning system. They are asked not to call individuals out in the room but may give a general verbal warning before using the warning system. Bear in mind, this also means you may not see if a moderator warns anyone else. This helps to ensure your privacy. As a best practice, moderators should give several verbal warnings in the room before using the official warning system. However, using verbal warnings is up to the moderators discretion and they use their best judgment on when to verbally warn vs. using the official warning system.

What should I do if Im unhappy with a moderators conduct?

Were all human, were all messy and we all have bad days. Moderators are just as human as any of us, and while they are held to high expectations, we understand there may be times you are unhappy about a moderators behavior in a chatroom and/or feel that you personally were treated unfairly.

In this situation, please immediately file a Mod Review. These reviews are seen only by admins and Group Support Ambassadors and we will reach out directly to the moderator to provide feedback. Aside from these leaders, nobody can see your reports and your name will not be shared with the moderator.

You can also leave positive reviews in the same Mod Review form. These are much appreciated and will be posted anonymously in the forum to acknowledge the moderator's great work!

Additionally, we ask that you do not bring up issues with moderators in the support rooms, nor engage in hurtful behavior towards specific moderators or moderators as a group. Our moderators are not here to look for reasons to mute you or make your time here unpleasant - they are here to keep the rooms safe and maintain a supportive environment.

As long as we all share this goal, we are all on the same team.

If you disagree with a warning you were given, do not debate with the moderator in the room. Either PM them directly 1-1 or fill out a Mod Review Form. Debating in the room takes the focus away from others who may be engaging in conversation or seeking support.

If you are unclear about a specific chatroom rule or warning, please review this subforum on Chatroom Rule Explanations and post any questions you may in the related rule thread.

*Post Updated by @Kate 1/17/19*