As M3AAWG evolves to meet the rising challenges of online abuse, values have never been more critical in guiding the organization forward.
In the first of our multipart M3AAWG5 series on our recent updates around Priorities, Focus Areas, and Values, we hear from Sara Roper, M3AAWG’s Chairperson of the Board of Directors, who discusses how a simple acronym—CLARITY— underscores our values.
As part of M3AAWG’s recently refreshed priorities and focus areas, seven key principles have been identified as exemplifying the “CLARITY” of these values. As Sara details in this video, CLARITY stands for: Collaboration, Learning, Awareness, Responsibility, Invested, Trust, and You Belong Here.
“Each letter of CLARITY reflects something we already live, but now we're seeing it clearly, explicitly, and with intention,” Sara said.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of M3AAWG. True collaboration involves healthy debate, shared contributions, listening, and making space for others to bring their expertise to the table.
Learning is key to everything. We learn from others and technology, and we deliberately invest resources into training, sharing evolving best practices, and bringing in new voices. Building a learning-first organization is how we stay ahead of the evolving challenges of online abuse.
Awareness means challenging assumptions. Staying alert and keeping our eyes open is vital, and curiosity is at the heart of this awareness. Awareness enables us to adapt quickly and respond effectively to threats.
Responsibility is all about accountability. Following through on our word is essential. In the service of our customers, families, communities, and everyone who benefits from a safer internet, we must stay true to our word.
Invested means showing up, contributing, and caring. It’s a commitment to the mission, the work, and each other. We recognize and respect the effort and sacrifice needed to build a better future for those we serve.
Trust is vital because the work of M3AAWG restores trust. Our organization functions on trust, and our community is built on the conviction that the information we share is protected, allowing for open discussion and safeguarded by a right to anonymity.
You Belong Here means everyone has a seat at the table. Your background or level of seniority does not matter. You are needed and accepted at M3AAWG, and we cannot achieve our ambitious goals without allowing everyone a seat at the table.
We will be releasing one video per week on our updated priorities – stay tuned!
Catch the full discussion: