Here at MurfreesFurs, we believe a truly great community is built by its members. Every day, each of us has the power to contribute to a culture of safety, trust, and respect.
Being proactive is the key. Rather than just watching out for negative behavior, we can actively create the kind of positive environment we all want to be a part of. Here are a few ways we can all contribute.
1. Champion Privacy and Consent
Actively protecting privacy is a cornerstone of a safe community.
Normalize Asking: Let’s make consent a standard practice. Before you post that group photo with a friend’s face in it or share a funny story someone told you, just ask, “Hey, are you cool with me posting this?”
Guard Your Information: Be mindful of the personal details you share online. Consider what is public versus what is private, and keep private information private.
Never Share for Others: Make it your personal policy never to share another person’s private information, photos, or conversations without their explicit permission.
2. Look for a Healthy Community Culture
A great community is a team effort. While leaders can set the tone, the members themselves make the magic happen. When you’re first checking out a new space, observe how the members interact with each other and with the community at large.
- Members are Welcoming and Inclusive: A healthy community is excited to grow and meet new people. Do members go out of their way to say hello to new faces in the chat or at meets? Do they make an effort to include everyone in conversations and activities? A group where members are eager to make new friends is a great sign of a healthy community.
- The Vibe is Supportive, Not Competitive: The best communities should focus on celebrating each other’s successes. Members will share excitement for a friend’s new artwork, offer encouragement, and build each other up. Look for a collaborative atmosphere where people are happy for one another, rather than a cliquey or competitive one.
- Everyone is an Active Participant: The most vibrant communities are the ones where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Members don’t just wait for official events to happen; they are proactive in suggesting fun ideas, organizing impromptu movie nights, or starting up interesting conversations. When everyone is involved, the community thrives.
3. Curate Your Online Experience
You are in complete control of your own social media feeds and interactions. Using some basic tools already provided to you can help you foster a safe environment for yourself and others.
- The Block Button is Your Friend: You are never obligated to interact with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Blocking is not drama; it’s a powerful tool for setting personal boundaries. Never be afraid to speak up for yourself or report abusive behavior to a respective community’s administration.
- Leave Quietly: If a server or group chat feels toxic, you have every right to leave without an explanation. Your peace of mind is the top priority.
4. Lead with Positivity
The easiest way to combat negativity is to overwhelm it with positivity.
- Discourage Gossip: When you see a conversation turning into gossip or a pile-on, steer it in a different direction or simply choose not to engage.
- Amplify Positive Creators and Events: Share the things you love! Promote the artists, makers, and local meets that embody the best of our fandom.
A safe and vibrant community doesn’t happen by accident; it’s something we build together through small, proactive choices every day. Thank you for doing your part to keep our local community amazing.