Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for individuals seeking to lead or represent D.A.D.C. chapters. These standards exist to protect communities, maintain public trust, and ensure all activity remains lawful, responsible, and aligned with the mission of the organization.

Chapter leadership is a position of responsibility. It requires sound judgment, maturity, and a commitment to acting in ways that support families and strengthen communities. This is not a suggestion or informal guideline. It is a required standard for leadership and representation.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in denial of application, suspension of leadership status, or removal of chapter affiliation.

Purpose and role of chapter leadership

Chapter leaders represent D.A.D.C. within their communities. This role requires integrity, consistency, and responsible decision-making. Leaders are expected to model calm, lawful behavior and demonstrate a clear commitment to the mission.

Leadership is not about control or authority. It is about setting an example, supporting others, and helping create a safer and more informed community environment. Leaders are expected to act in a way that reflects positively on the organization at all times.

Lawful conduct

All D.A.D.C. chapter activity must remain within the boundaries of the law. The organization does not support or tolerate vigilantism, threats, harassment, intimidation, stalking, property damage, unauthorized enforcement behavior, illegal investigations, or unlawful surveillance.

Chapter leaders must not attempt to act as law enforcement or present themselves as having authority beyond that of a private citizen. Any action that involves confrontation, escalation, or unlawful interference is strictly prohibited.

If a situation requires intervention, it should be handled through proper and lawful channels such as reporting to appropriate authorities. D.A.D.C. exists to support communities, not to replace or bypass legal systems.

Community-first leadership

Leaders are expected to act in ways that reduce harm, support families, and promote positive outcomes. This includes encouraging constructive dialogue, sharing helpful information, and creating a sense of stability within the community.

Actions that escalate tension, create fear, or draw unnecessary attention to individuals or situations are not aligned with this mission. Leaders should prioritize long-term trust over short-term reactions.

Respectful conduct

All individuals must be treated with respect, including families, youth, residents, volunteers, partners, and public officials. This applies both online and offline.

Disagreements may occur, but they must be handled in a calm and respectful manner. Abusive language, degrading comments, or hostile behavior are not acceptable and undermine the purpose of the organization.

No harassment, threats, or intimidation

Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes bullying, threats, coercion, hostile confrontations, targeted campaigns against individuals, or attempts to intimidate others.

Leaders must not engage in or encourage doxxing, retaliation, or public targeting of individuals. Mobilizing groups against specific people or situations in an aggressive or confrontational way is not permitted.

The goal of D.A.D.C. is to create safer communities, not to contribute to conflict or fear.

No false claims or misrepresentation

Chapter leaders must represent themselves and the organization accurately. This includes not exaggerating authority, not presenting themselves as law enforcement, and not implying official powers that do not exist.

Leaders must not claim partnerships, approvals, or endorsements that have not been formally established. Spreading unverified accusations or presenting assumptions as fact is not acceptable.

Responsible communication

All communication, including social media posts, discussions, and public messaging, must be responsible and measured. Leaders should aim to inform, support, and guide — not inflame or provoke.

Content that spreads fear, encourages reckless behavior, or amplifies conflict is not aligned with D.A.D.C. values. Leaders should ensure information is accurate and shared with care.

Privacy and confidentiality

Leaders must handle personal and sensitive information with care. Sharing private details, personal identifiers, or unverified allegations about individuals is strictly prohibited.

Respect for privacy is essential to maintaining trust. Information should only be shared when appropriate, accurate, and necessary.

Substance, criminal activity, and organizational integrity

Chapter leaders must not use their role or any D.A.D.C. platform to promote, coordinate, excuse, or normalize illegal drug activity or criminal behavior.

Maintaining integrity is essential to building credibility. Leaders are expected to act in ways that reinforce trust and demonstrate accountability.

Safe boundaries and escalation

Leaders are not expected to put themselves in unsafe or high-risk situations. D.A.D.C. does not support confrontation or physical intervention.

When concerns arise, leaders should encourage lawful reporting and safe escalation through appropriate channels. Personal safety and community stability must always come first.

Leadership accountability

Leaders are responsible for their conduct and how they represent the organization. Poor judgment, unsafe behavior, or actions that damage trust will be taken seriously.

Review, suspension, removal, and denial

D.A.D.C. reserves the right to deny applications, request additional information, suspend leadership roles, remove chapter leaders, deactivate chapters, or revoke affiliation at any time.

These actions may be taken when conduct does not align with this Code of Conduct, compromises safety, or damages the integrity of the organization.

Agreement

By applying to lead a D.A.D.C. chapter, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

Agreement reflects a commitment to lawful, responsible, and community-first leadership.