Social Media Comment Policy

At Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), our social media channels are an extension of our commitment to building a stronger, more connected community. We welcome open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and meaningful engagement from Fundholders, donors, volunteers, partners, and community members across the region. To ensure our online spaces remain welcoming, safe, and informative for everyone, we have established the following Social Media Comment Policy.

By engaging with our social media channels, including but not limited to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

‍ 1.    Purposeful Use of Social Media
Our social media platforms exist to inform the community about topics like our programs, funding opportunities, events, and impact stories; engage Fundholders, donors, volunteers, partners, and community members in meaningful conversations about what’s happening in community and local needs; celebrate the generosity and achievements of those who make our community stronger; and amplify the voices of the charitable sector and the communities we serve.

We encourage comments, questions, and conversations that support these purposes. Thoughtful input, personal stories, constructive feedback, and expressions of support all contribute to a vibrant and engaged online community.

We ask that all participants consider whether their contributions advance understanding, inspire generosity, or strengthen community connections. Comments that are off-topic, repetitive, or unrelated to our mission may be removed at our discretion.

‍ ‍2.    Respectful Communication

WRCF is dedicated to fostering a space where every person feels valued and heard, regardless of background, identity, or belief. We expect all participants on our platforms to engage with one another and with our team with respect. We recognize that conversations about community issues can be emotional and deeply personal. We ask that passion be channeled into purposeful, respectful expression.

We ask that you:

  • ‍engage constructively, sharing your views, including critical ones, in a way that invites dialogue rather than conflict.

  • respect differing perspectives: our community is diverse, and disagreement is welcome, but disrespect is not.

  • protect privacy by not sharing personal information about others without their consent, and - stay on topic by ensuring your comments relate reasonably to the content shared on our channels.

We also encourage authentic participation; comments from anonymous or clearly fictitious accounts may be subject to removal.

‍ ‍3.    Moderation and Removal of Content

WRCF reserves the right, but does not assume the obligation, to monitor, moderate, edit, or remove any comment or content posted to our social media channels that we determine, at our sole discretion, to be inappropriate, harmful, or inconsistent with this policy.

Content That May Be Removed

  • Hateful, Discriminatory, or Contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Content that promotes hatred, discrimination, or prejudice on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or applicable human rights legislation will be removed. This includes language or imagery that is racist, sexist, homophobic, or that otherwise dehumanizes, demeans, or targets any individual or group.

  • Threatening, Abusive, Obscene, or Harassing in Nature: Comments that threaten, intimidate, bully, or harass any individual or group, including our team, Board, volunteers, and community partners, will not be tolerated and will be removed immediately. This includes content that is sexually explicit, gratuitously violent, or otherwise obscene.

  • Unproven or Inaccurate Factual Claims: Content that spreads demonstrably false information, misinformation, or unsubstantiated claims, particularly where such content could mislead the public or cause harm to individuals or organizations, will be removed. We are committed to factual, evidence-based communication and ask our community members to hold themselves to the same standard.

  • Advertising or Commercial Promotion: Our platforms are not a venue for commercial advertising, solicitation, or the promotion of products and services. Unsolicited promotional content, spam, or repetitive posts for commercial purposes will be removed.

  • Partisan Political Content: As a registered charitable organization, WRCF is non-partisan. We do not endorse political parties, candidates, or partisan campaigns. Comments that promote or attack any political party or candidate, or that attempt to use our platforms for partisan organizing or influence, will be removed.

  • Content That Violates Privacy or Intellectual Property Rights: Comments that include the private or confidential information of others without consent, or that infringe upon copyright or other intellectual property rights, will be removed.

    ‍Users who repeatedly violate this policy may be blocked or banned from our social media channels. In cases where content may constitute a criminal offence, including threats of violence or hate speech, we reserve the right to report the matter to the appropriate authorities.

‍ ‍4.    No Endorsement

The views expressed in comments on our social media channels are those of the individual commenter and do not represent the positions of WRCF, its Board of Directors, team, volunteers, or funding partners. The presence of a comment on our page does not constitute our endorsement of its content.

As of July 2026

This policy is subject to change. WRCF is committed to the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and applicable provincial human rights codes in all of our activities, online and offline.

 
Cropped shot of a young Black woman using smart phone at home.

Contact Information
If you have questions relating to WRCF’s Social Media Comment Policy, or wish to report a comment that violates these guidelines, please contact us:

Email: info@wrcf.ca

Phone: 519-725-1806

We are grateful for your partnership in keeping our online community respectful, safe, and focused on what matters most — the wellbeing of the people and places we serve.