BLACK WRITERS’ GUILD
Code of Conduct
In 2020 our Code of Conduct was developed alongside the membership and inclusion policies by an independent members working group led by Yassmin Abdel-Magield, Elijah Lawal, Sofia Akel, Rachael Twumasi-Corson, Maame Blue and Jendella Benson.
The voluntary work of the members group was then clarified and adopted by the guild’s organising committee led by Nels Abbey, Sharmaine Lovegrove and Symeon Brown. After the members working group concluded Rachael Twumasi-Corson and Elijah Lawal supported the work of the organising committee in 2021.
Code of Conduct
It is the responsibility of the founders, management group, working groups, and all members of the Black Writers Guild (BWG) to:
Act within the best interests of the BWG. While representing the BWG, all members must consider what is in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries, and avoid bringing the BWG into disrepute.
Manage conflicts between members or with other parties efficiently and internally. Members should bring disputes before the membership body to be resolved internally and in accordance with Chatham House Rules.**
Treat each other with respect. Members must not engage in inappropriate behaviour towards other members (either verbally, through written communication, or physically) or other parties engaging with BWG. We have a zero tolerance towards racism, harassment, threats or bullying within the BWG. We reserve the right to expel members from the BWG for such actions. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against any individual for reporting inappropriate behaviour or a violation of our code.
Respect Confidentiality. All members should respect confidentiality and not share information discussed within the BWG - unless expressly as part of their role within BWG or the intent in external communications. All members must respect Chatham House Rules.
Avoid conflicts of interest. If members find themselves in a situation where there is a conflict of Interest or a situation that benefits them at the expense of BWG, they should highlight it to the working group, and if necessary abstain.
Actively engage in meetings - discussions, debates, and voting. Participation is not mandatory but progress happens when we are all invested and participate. Members should contribute positively, challenge sensitively, and avoid conflict.
Respect Chair of the meeting. The Chair should decide the conduct of business, points of order, and discretion on the procedures of the meetings. The Chair may (courteously) stop a conversation, seek an apology from a member, and adjourn a meeting. Chair’s rulings are final for the meeting but can be brought up as a point of note or concern in following meetings.
Act jointly, and accept a majority decision. While we make a bulk of decisions collectively, some decisions may be made by chairpeoples or working groups. Members should respect decisions, stand by them, and not act individually unless specially authorised to do so.
Attend relevant meetings and other appointments or give apologies. Participation is not mandatory but members should meet the appointments and deadlines that they have committed to or send apologies in due time if they are unable to make it.
Work considerably and respectfully with all members. This also includes respecting diversity, different roles and boundaries, and generally avoiding giving offence. Good vibes only please.
Read the membership and inclusion policy here.
* N.B. This Code of Conduct provides a framework for behaviour, decisions and actions of the BWG members. It is not an exhaustive list of what you can and cannot do, but aims to help members understand the ground-rules that must be observed, including the ways in which they interact with each other and third parties.
**Definition of Chatham House Rules: When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.