Ukrainian Feminist Network for Freedom and Democracy

This manifesto was created by members of the Ukrainian Feminist Network for Freedom and Democracy as a joint agreement to ensure open, transparent, safe, and caring communication in all areas of interaction. We believe that sincerity, mutual respect, and emotional safety are the foundation of our strength and development.

This manifesto is not about control; it is about support. It is a living agreement that we can review, supplement, and criticize. The main thing is to adhere to it together, with respect and care for one another.

The main principles of our communication

● Mutual respect: everyone has the right to be heard.

● Nonviolent communication: “I-statements,” acceptance of different experiences.

● Confidentiality: safe spaces are our shared responsibility.

● Transparency: clear decisions – clear action.

● Care: we care about each other’s emotional state.

● Moderation: time and focus are valuable resources that we respect.

1. COMMUNICATION IN ONLINE CHATS

Work chats and informal communication chats (Telegram, Signal, etc.) are messenger spaces for quick, interesting, constructive, and respectful interaction between Network participants.

✅ The key principles:

1. At the beginning of the interaction, we formulate the rules of communication, leaving room for adjustment if necessary. All participants must be familiar with them.

2. Communication in chat rooms is within the agreed time frame (09:00–21:00).

3. Messages should be short, meaningful, and respectful of others’ time. No excessive clarifications or “empty” remarks.

4. Avoid frequent short voice messages. Voice messages should only be used in exceptional cases, with a warning: “I’m sending a voice message because I can’t type.”

5. Use “I-messages” instead of accusations: → “I feel…”, “It is important to me…”, rather than “You didn’t do…”.

Avoid sarcasm, passive aggression, and insults.

6. The administrator maintains order, reminds everyone of the rules, and intervenes in case of violations. All participants can contact the moderator if necessary.

7. We greet each other, say goodbye, and thank each other. We maintain a warm atmosphere in the team.

8. Emojis and GIFs are allowed to express emotions, but without excess. Respect for a professional tone.

2. COMMUNICATION IN WORKSPACES

Workspaces (Google Docs, Trello, Notion, etc.) are places to store materials and spaces for commenting, editing, and planning. We maintain clarity and mutual respect in our collaborative work.

✅ The key rules:

1. Be specific in your comments

  • Formulate comments clearly and concisely, indicating the topic or question.
  • Avoid general or unclear phrases.

2. Be respectful of other people’s time

  • Do not duplicate information.

Do not tag without real need.

3. Tag responsible parties only when necessary

  • If the situation is not urgent, do not tag.
  • If you do tag, be sure to specify what needs to be done.

4. Follow structure and formatting

  • Work according to the established document logic.
  • We adhere to the agreed formats for headings, lists, tags, etc.

5. We work synchronously

  • Before editing, we familiarize ourselves with our colleagues’ changes.
  • We do not delete other people’s edits without discussion.

3. COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS

Social networks (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) are a space for publicly presenting the team, spreading ideas and news, and interacting with the audience.✅ The key principles:

  1. Systematic presence builds trust and maintains contact with the audience. Communication should be consistent, with a clear publication schedule.
  2. Respond quickly to comments, messages, and mentions. Timely response to crisis situations is the basis of proactive communication.
  3. Use accessible, understandable language. Messages should be clear, concise, structured, and logical.
  4. Transparent positioning, sincerity in responses, and openness to feedback.
  5. Understanding the needs, behavior, interests, and language of the target audience is the basis of effective content.
  6. Encourage interaction through questions, polls, reactions, and game mechanics.

Use visual and audio content for deeper interaction.

  1. Ability to work with relevant topics, create content with the potential to reach a wide audience.
  2. Communication should be human: friendly, open, without unnecessary formality.
  3. Each message should contain a clear call to action: like, share, comment, visit the website, etc.
  4. Content should be easy to interact with: optimized for different platforms, with comfortable navigation and logical placement of elements.
  5. Visual accessibility and inclusion

● adaptation of content for people with different needs;

● contrast, comfortable fonts, avoidance of excessive animation;

● subtitles in videos and audio descriptions;

● alternative text for images;

● sign language translation for important videos (if necessary);

● content that is understandable to people with cognitive disabilities.

  1. Publications should consider the platform’s algorithms, including audience activity time, content format, frequency, and pace.

4. COMMUNICATION ON THE WEBSITE

✅ The key principles:

  1. Inclusiveness
  • We ensure that content is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.
  • We use alternative text (alt text) for images so that information is understandable to people with visual impairments.
  • We adhere to web accessibility standards (WCAG).
  1. Simplicity and logical structure
  • We present information in a clear and consistent manner.
  • We use clear headings, subheadings, and navigation to help you quickly find the content you need.
  • We minimize complex terms and explain professional concepts.
  1. Relevance and transparency of information
  • We publish only verified and reliable information.
  • We update data in a timely manner to avoid outdated or incorrect information.
  • We openly communicate changes, additions, and important news.
  1. Regular updates and feedback
  • We systematically update content to maintain audience interest.
  • We provide convenient channels for feedback (comments, forms, chatbots).
  • We respond to user requests and comments promptly and politely..

5. COMMUNICATION AT EVENTS

Internal events

Internal events include variety of meetings within the team and members – general board meetings, strategic and facilitation sessions, training, informal meetings.

✅ The key rules:

➢ Confidentiality is mandatory.

➢ Everyone’s opinion is important.

➢ We create a space where it is safe to speak.

External events

External events include events organized by the Network for other stakeholders, as well as external events in which network members participate (lectures, workshops, conferences, forums, speeches, presentations, press conferences).

✅ The key rules:

➢ Clearly coordinated messages.

➢ Adaptation of language to the audience.

➢ Additional security measures are mandatory.

All events must comply with:

  • Time moderation
  • Concern for physical and emotional comfort
  • Non-discrimination
  • Transparent structure and efficiency

ADDITIONAL FORMATS FOR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT:

  • Focus groups and co-creation workshops.
  • Surveys and interactive formats for feedback.
  • Instructions and guides for participants.
  • Case meetings
  • Interactive maps or knowledge bases.
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