Community Values, Safety, and Trust | Couchers.org Help Center

Couchers.org Community Guidelines

Below is a brief summary of the rules that all users must agree to upon signing up for a Couchers account: 1. Be kind to one another Couchers.org is an inclusive community where people of all cultures and backgrounds come together. Treat everyone with mutual respect and dignity. 2. This is not a dating app Couchers.org is NOT for dating, romance, sex or sexual activities. Harassment or using the platform for the purpose of flirting, dating, seeking out romantic or sexual partners, or for engaging in sexual activities will result in an immediate ban. 3. Be safe and sensible Read profiles, references, and resources. Help keep the community safe and report any inappropriate content or behavior. Use common sense when interacting with strangers. 4. Keep money out of it Keep things non-transactional. Don't exchange money while staying or hosting. Couchers.org is about learning, experiences, and getting to know people. Please note that these rules are in addition to the Terms of Service that all users must agree to. A violation of the Terms of Service or Community Guidelines may result in a suspension or permanent ban.

Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

How can I report someone or something to the Safety Team?

If you're not sure if something is a violation or not, it is better to just report it. The support team will review the report before any action is taken. Reports are private. Option 1 - Click the flag symbol On the message screen: Or on the profile page: 1. Click on the flag symbol. 2. Select the reason from the dropdown menu. 3. Fill out the form with further details. This information remains private and cannot be seen by the other person. 4. Click "Submit". The information will be sent to the Safety Team. Note: If you need to send a photo or screenshot, please also send us an email. See the steps below: Option 2 - Send an email Send an email to safety@couchers.org. If you send an email, be sure to include the following information: 1. Your username. 2. The username of the person you are reporting (or a link to their profile). 3. Explain what happened. Provide as many details as possible. - You can include photos or screenshots of conversations with the person if they happened off-platform (eg. on WhatsApp, Instagram, Signal, Telegram, Facebook, etc). Thank you for helping keep the community safe and welcoming for everyone! By sending your report to the Safety Team, you are not only helping to keep the community safe but you are also helping reduce the number of problematic interactions and content on the platform. We appreciate you taking the time to send a report!

Last updated on Nov 16, 2024

Is it okay to exchange money, gifts, donations, services, or work?

No. Keep things non-transactional. Don't exchange money, goods, work, donations, or services on Couchers.org, even if you are hosting or staying with someone. Doing so is a violation of the Community Guidelines. Couch surfing is about learning, experiences, and getting to know people.

Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Can I look for a date, romance, or sex on Couchers.org?

NO! It is forbidden to use Couchers.org for the purpose of flirting, dating, or seeking out romance, sex, or sexual activities. Violation of this rule is grounds for an immediate and permanent ban. See our Community Guidelines for further details.

Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Can I add anyone as a friend?

You should only add someone as a friend if you know them in real life -- either from interacting with each other in person or online at a virtual event. Do not add someone as a friend if you have not interacted with them in person or at a virtual event.

Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Why do I need to complete my profile to use some features?

You cannot send messages, send requests, or create events until you have completed your profile. This restriction is in place to reduce the amount of low-effort content and spam on the platform. What is a completed profile? Your profile will be counted as "completed" once you: 1. write several sentences about yourself in the "Who I am" section, and 2. upload a profile picture of yourself What if I don't want to upload a picture? Uploading a picture of yourself is a requirement to fully use the platform. A genuine photo of you allows people to feel more comfortable and safe, knowing who to expect when meeting up in person. Besides that, other members of the community will be more likely to interact with you once you have added a photo of yourself!

Last updated on Sep 09, 2024

Can I advertise or promote my business, organization, or cause on Couchers.org?

No. It is a violation of the Community Guidelines to use the platform to advertise, promote, or advocate for a business, organization or cause. With that said, it is okay to mention your approval/disapproval of, interest in, or involvement with a business, organization, or cause, as long as that is not the primary purpose of your profile, message, or event.

Last updated on Sep 09, 2024

Can I create an event that requires payment?

It is forbidden to create, host, share, or promote an event that solicits donations, tips, required payments, or is for-profit. - It is okay to ask for "gas money" or transportation costs if the event involves necessary transportation that is associated with a significant cost. However, neither the Couchers event organizer nor any associates of the organizer may profit from the transportation costs directly or indirectly. - It is okay to make event attendees aware of a "cover charge" or "entrance fee" associated with a public venue where the event is held. However, neither the Couchers event organizer nor any associates of the organizer may profit from the cover charge directly or indirectly. - It is okay to ask attendees to cover their own food and drink costs at an event, as long as neither the Couchers event organizer nor any associates of the organizer may profit from these costs. - It is okay to ask attendees to bring food or drinks to an event (for example: at a "potluck").

Last updated on Sep 09, 2024