Ambassador Ethics

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The CouchSurfing Mission

CouchSurfing has a stated mission to do more than simply connecting surfers and hosts. We're all here to have fun, but we're also here to help make the world a better place. As representatives of CouchSurfing, Ambassadors have the duty to understand and promote this mission in the world, as well as to provide an example for other members.

This page explains the values Ambassadors share that embody "the CouchSurfing spirit". It also contains the Ambassador Code of Ethics that is based upon those values.

Ambassador Shared Values

Ambassadors serve CouchSurfing members and the global community by sharing the CS vision and mission. Whether you are a current Ambassador or are considering becoming one, it's clear that promoting the CouchSurfing mission is important to you. Imagine what a difference you can make by using your personal passion to serve the community! This position is pivotal to the CouchSurfing vision of a world open to exploration and connectedness. You are the person who can make that goal a reality. Congratulations, and thank you for your valuable time and energy!

The values that guide us as Ambassadors go beyond the general Terms of Use or Standard Operating Procedures. They are time-tested beliefs that we, as a community service group, have agreed make us truly valuable to the members and to the overall mission of CouchSurfing. They are the consistent standard that we hold ourselves to.

Each Ambassador has distinct responsibilities within their local groups and the wider community. We are individuals who participate in CouchSurfing both as members and as representatives of the organization. Within our individual actions and within our role as resources to the community, we perform our duties as agreed to in the Ambassador Standard Operating Procedures and Position Description. Becoming an Ambassador does not exclude a member from any other role within the CouchSurfing community. It also does not give a member preferential treatment in applying to other groups or teams.

Becoming an Ambassador for CouchSurfing opens a whole new capacity to form friendships, create positive interactions, promote unity and connectedness, and ensure the delivery of the CouchSurfing mission. Taking on this role means being a leader, a role model and often a coach or mentor to other community members who seek your advice and counsel. It is a vital role to CouchSurfing that has a great impact on our community.

As community members, hosts, and surfers, Ambassadors strive to:

• Promote unity and connectedness between members
• Promote respect and tolerance for diverse cultures and individuals
• Promote cultural diversity and awareness
• Promote equality, inclusiveness, and friendship
• Promote honesty, integrity and balanced fairness
• Promote the pursuit of excellence
• Promote teamwork

Ambassadors Code of Conduct

Our behavior as members, travelers, guests, hosts, and volunteers is a direct reflection on CouchSurfing and upon its ability to fulfill its vision and mission. It is your responsibility to represent the community well, because you are a representative of all CouchSurfing members. You are the face, voice, eyes and ears of the community. This responsibility means that Ambassadors will be held to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. Your belief in the mission of enriching experiences that lead to connectedness across cultures should be a guiding force in your behavior.

Ambassadors must agree to uphold the following code of conduct:

1. I will promote CouchSurfing’s stated vision and mission, both of which I confirm that I have read and understand.
2. I will promote the Ambassador Team's vision and mission, both of which I confirm that I have read and understand.
3. I will be of service to members and the global community, within the scope of my available time, and as I have agreed to within the position description that I have read and understood.
4. I will uphold and personally abide by CouchSurfing's Terms of Use and this Code of Conduct.
5. I will be a model guest and host, and maintain positive references by that means.
6. I will treat my leaders, my peers, and all fellow members with equal respect, despite challenges and difficult circumstances.
7. I understand that as an Ambassador, I am still a member of CouchSurfing, and as such am subject to the same Terms of Use as every other member.
8. I will communicate in a calm, reasonable, clear and diplomatic tone. I agree to communicate with the intent of being constructive and of serving the greater mission of unity.
9. I agree that I will use the Public and Private Groups as they are outlined in the guidelines of those unique groups.
10. I understand that if I violate this Code of Conduct or do not perform my duties as agreed, I may be removed from my duties as an Ambassador by the Ambassador Management Team. The AMT is the final authority in regards to decisions regarding conduct.
11. I understand that I have no contractual relationship with the organization. There is no compensation or remuneration of any kind for my participation as an Ambassador. I further agree that this is an 'at will' gesture. This means that I, myself or CouchSurfing may end this participation at any time, for any reason.