Code of Conduct

1. Respect Privacy and Anonymity

• Protect Personal Information: Do not share personal information (such as birthdates, health issues, financial situations, or contact details) of adoptees, birth families, or caregivers without explicit permission
• Anonymize Sensitive Details: If sharing stories or documents containing sensitive information, anonymize any details that could lead to identifying individuals who have not given their consent.
• Consider the Impact of Tagging: Recognize that tagging individuals can help adoptees find their connections within the archive. However, we are aware that being tagged may not be desired by everyone. We strive to balance personal privacy with the preservation of cultural heritage, aiming to foster discovery without infringing on privacy.
  
  

2. Thoughtful Tagging Practices

• Purposeful Tagging: Tagging should be done with the intent of aiding adoptees in reconnecting with their histories. Contributors are encouraged to tag relevant names, places, and events that may assist individuals in identifying their own stories within the archive.
• Respectful Tagging: Be mindful of the potential emotional impact of tagging. If possible, attempt to contact individuals before tagging them in significant or personal content, especially if they have not yet engaged with the archive.
• Balancing Historical Preservation and Personal Wishes: We acknowledge that omitting certain information can risk erasing parts of history, yet preserving some details may inadvertently conserve aspects of history that some might prefer to keep private. We aim to find a balance, recognizing the importance of both cultural heritage and personal choice.
  
  

3. Maintain Ethical Standards

• Share Responsibly: Contribute only accurate and verified information. If a piece of information is unverified or speculative, clearly state it as such to avoid misleading others.
• Acknowledge Sources: Give credit to original sources whenever possible, especially if the information or documents were shared by other community members or external sources.
• Respect Intellectual Property: Do not upload copyrighted material without permission. Use only content that is public domain, licensed for sharing, or where you have the right to share.
  
  

4. Value of Shared Information

• Foster Open Sharing: Encourage contributions from all members to build a comprehensive and inclusive archive. Recognize that every piece of information, no matter how small, can contribute to a fuller understanding of the orphanage’s history.
• Encourage Collaboration: Engage with other contributors by asking questions, sharing insights, and collaborating on research to enhance the collective knowledge base.
• Respect Differing Perspectives: Understand that contributors may have varying perspectives based on personal experiences. Approach all information with an open mind and respect for differing views.
  
  

5. Maintain a Supportive Community

• Be Kind and Considerate: Communicate respectfully with others, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Personal attacks, harassment, and discriminatory behavior are not tolerated.
• Provide Constructive Feedback: When giving feedback or corrections, do so thoughtfully and with the intention of improving the quality of the archive.
• Support Emotional Well-Being: Recognize that exploring adoption and orphanage histories can be an emotional process. Be sensitive to others’ feelings, and offer support when needed.
  
  

6. Safeguard the Archive’s Integrity

• No Malicious Activity: Do not post false information, spam, or engage in activities that could harm the archive or its members.
• Regularly Review Contributions: Moderators or designated members should periodically review contributions for adherence to this code of conduct and to ensure the quality and reliability of the archive.
• Report Misconduct: If you observe behavior that violates this code of conduct, report it to the archive’s moderators. Addressing issues early helps maintain a safe and supportive environment for all.

This code of conduct is intended to ensure that the Yangju Adoptee Archive serves as a valuable resource that respects the needs of both individuals and the community. By embracing responsible tagging and thoughtful contributions, we can honor our shared cultural heritage while maintaining sensitivity to individual privacy and consent.