Community Guidelines

Last updated: August 28, 2026

Welcome to the Generation Lyme Community! These Community Guidelines are designed to foster a respectful, supportive environment. By joining our community, you agree to adhere to these guidelines.

Meet-Up hosts and participants: Please also see our detailed Terms of Service.

Respect and Empathy

• Kindness and Respect: Treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect.

• Inclusion and Awareness: Be mindful and respectful of cultural differences and diversity within the community.

Non-Judgmental Environment

• Judgment-Free Zone: Do your part to foster a judgment-free environment.

• Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about others' experiences or choices.

• Validation: Do not invalidate the experiences and feelings of fellow members.

Meet-Up Etiquette

• Host Guidelines: Follow the guidelines set by the Meet-Up host.

• Participation: Feel free to engage in a way that is comfortable for you, including turning your microphone and/or camera on or off.

• Timing: To help us create a respectful and supportive space, please try to keep shares to about 2–3 minutes so everyone has time to speak.

Crisis Support

• Support Community: Generation Lyme is a support community; we do not provide professional mental health or crisis support.

• Resources: If you require immediate professional assistance, please refer to the resources provided:   

  • Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor

  • Crisis hotlines list from the American Psychological Association

  • https://988lifeline.org: Call 988 or visit the page to use the chat feature. This site also has services for veterans and people with disabilities.

Content Restrictions

• Content Restrictions: Do not share defamatory content.

Confidentiality

• Respect Privacy: Respect the privacy of individuals and the organization.

• Personal Information: Share personal information for contact outside Meet-Ups only with explicit consent.

• Recording: Recording of Meet-Ups is prohibited.

Personal Responsibility

• Advice Disclaimer: Understand that advice shared is based on personal experiences, not professional guidance.

• Professional Support: We encourage you to seek professional advice for individualized medical or mental health concerns.

No Solicitation or Promotion

• Community Focus: The community is for support and sharing, not for commercial purposes.

• Non-Solicitation and Non-Promotion: Participants may not promote or solicit businesses, services, fundraising, recruitment, or studies in Meet-Ups. Research-related requests must receive prior written approval from the Generation Lyme Board at info@genlyme.org. Anyone who bypasses this approval process may be removed and banned from future Meet-Ups. For more information, please see our Terms of Use.

No Trolling or Harassment

• Avoidance of Harmful Behavior: Trolling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination are prohibited.

• Avoidance of Harmful Language: Do not use derogatory, obscene, or discriminatory language.

• Reporting Violations: Report inappropriate behavior to the Meet-Up Host or Generation Lyme Board.

Reporting Violations

• Reporting Process: You may report violations of these guidelines to the Gen Lyme Board at info@genlyme.org. Reports are handled with extreme sensitivity.

• Professional Assistance: Generation Lyme consists of volunteers who are not mental health or law enforcement professionals. Some situations may require assistance from mental health professionals or law enforcement.

Moderation

• Content Oversight: The Generation Lyme Team reserves the right to moderate content and take necessary actions.

• Appeals: You are welcome to address concerns about moderation decisions with the Generation Lyme Board.

Violation of Community Guidelines

• Consequences: Violations may result in moderation actions, including suspension or removal from community platforms.

• External Events: We evaluate violations occurring outside official community channels on a case-by-case basis.

Feedback and Suggestions

• Community Input: We welcome constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

• Contact Information: Email info@genlyme.org for feedback and inquiries.

Updates and Amendments

• The Generation Lyme Board may update these guidelines and will provide the publication date of any changes.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these guidelines, please contact info@genlyme.org.

These guidelines aim to foster a supportive, respectful community environment and ensure all members feel valued and safe.

By participating in the Generation Lyme Community, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these Community Guidelines. Your adherence helps maintain a safe and supportive environment for all members.