NarwhalPod Community Guidelines

For Values-Aligned Collaboration, Care and Community

This directory exists to uplift consultants and service providers who are committed to justice, equity, and collective thriving. Participation is a privilege, not a right. By being part of this community, you agree to the following values and practices.

Lead with care. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Interactions should be trauma-aware, identity-affirming, and inclusive. Members commit to pronouncing and using people’s chosen names and pronouns. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, or classism are not acceptable here.

Do no harm, do some good. Work shared within this community should contribute to well-being rather than extract from it. Exploitative practices, such as taking advantage of clients or collaborators, are not welcome. We understand that mistakes will happen, and growth is more important than perfection. Feedback is offered with care and received with openness.

Collaboration over competition. The goal of this directory is to help us rise together, not at each other’s expense. Knowledge, tools, and opportunities are meant to circulate for the collective good. Generosity and mentorship are encouraged whenever possible with respect to each individual’s means, resources, and capacity. 

Show up authentically. Honesty is non-negotiable. Members are expected to be clear about their skills, capacity, pricing, and the limits of their expertise. Overselling, misrepresenting, or committing to work that cannot be delivered is not acceptable. When someone is not the right fit, it is better to refer out than to take on work that does not serve the client.

Politics is personal. Neutrality is not an option in the face of injustice. We affirm the rights, dignity, and leadership of historically underrepresented people. We acknowledge that systemic inequities impact business, community, and care. Harmful ideologies and practices such as racism, anti-LGBTQ+ behavior, xenophobia, or body policing have no place here.

Be values-aligned in practice. Our commitments are more than words. Equity-based pricing models such as all-inclusive flat fee projects, sliding scales, pay-what-you-can approaches, or community rates are encouraged. Providers are urged to pursue certifications, continuing education, and practices that reflect their values. Accessibility in services, materials, and events should be prioritized whenever possible.

Stay accountable. Accountability strengthens community trust. This space rejects the idea that cancel culture is a punishment that works for all people in all circumstances. Instead, our preference is to embrace responsibility, repair, and change. When harm occurs, members are expected to address it directly, seek understanding, and work toward repair. Repeated or unaddressed harm may result in removal from the directory.

Uphold anti-racism and equity. Equity is a practice, not a slogan. Members are expected to actively work to dismantle racist and oppressive systems in their own work and communities. We center the voices and leadership of BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, immigrant, and other historically underrepresented providers. We remain open to learning, unlearning, and doing better.

Build belonging. This directory is more than a list, it is a community. Members approach each other with generosity and curiosity, not judgment. We celebrate each other’s wins and provide support through challenges. Belonging means creating a space where both providers and clients feel safe, seen, and supported.

In short, we agree to care deeply, act ethically, share generously, stay accountable, and uplift community.