Members Code of Conduct
Updated October 2025
HVDC AMERICA is a secure, mission-driven collaboration network that unites members from all working groups to modernize and strengthen the U.S. electricity grid. This Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for professional behavior, collaboration, confidentiality, and ethical participation. Adherence to this Code is mandatory for all members and is essential for maintaining a trusted, productive, and innovation-focused community.
1. Confidentiality
All materials, discussions, documents, data, and analyses within HVDC AMERICA are confidential, unless explicitly designated for public release. Members must not share, copy, or distribute confidential information outside HVDC AMERICA without prior written authorization from the Steering Committee.
Marking Protocol:
A. Confidential: Materials marked “Confidential” are restricted to members and authorized collaborators only. Unauthorized disclosure may result in disciplinary action.
B. Restricted Access: Certain high-sensitivity information may carry a restricted access designation, limiting availability to specific working groups or leadership teams. Members must strictly follow these restrictions.
C. Public: Materials labeled “Public” may be shared externally, provided proper attribution to HVDC AMERICA and relevant working groups is included.
This ensures that proprietary research, operational strategies, and strategic initiatives remain protected.
2. Professionalism & Respect
All members are expected to:
A. Treat all colleagues and participants with professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
B. Foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise.
C. Avoid harassment, discrimination, intimidation, personal attacks, or disruptive behavior of any kind.
Constructive debate is encouraged, but discussions must focus on ideas, not individuals, and consensus should be pursued whenever feasible.
3. Collaboration & Constructive Engagement
Members should actively contribute to solving challenges and advancing projects. Best practices include:
A. Providing actionable and respectful feedback.
B. Supporting colleagues in achieving shared objectives.
C. Documenting decisions, assumptions, and rationale clearly to maintain transparency.
D. Recognizing and crediting the contributions of others accurately.
HVDC AMERICA’s success depends on the collective intelligence, trust, and cooperation of all members.
4. Accuracy & Integrity of Information
All contributions, including data, analyses, reports, or statements, must be truthful and accurate to the best of the member’s knowledge.
A. Working group leaders are responsible for verifying key deliverables before internal distribution or external publication.
B. Members must report any errors, inconsistencies, or misrepresentations they identify.
C. Deliberate falsification of information may result in immediate disciplinary action.
5. Attribution & External Communications
Members must credit HVDC AMERICA and relevant working groups when referencing internal initiatives externally, including:
A. Publications, presentations, or conference submissions.
B. Public communications, media interactions, or social media posts.
Unauthorized disclosure of internal discussions, research, or materials is strictly prohibited. External communications must comply with HVDC AMERICA’s branding, confidentiality, and content-marking standards.
6. Relevance of Contributions
All posts, submissions, or uploads must be relevant to HVDC AMERICA’s mission, working groups, or projects. Non-compliant content, including spam, self-promotion, or unrelated materials, may be edited or removed by moderators to maintain a focused and high-value environment.
7. Moderation & Enforcement
Each working group lead moderates their respective section and has the authority to:
A. Edit, remove, or flag content that violates this Code.
B. Escalate serious violations to the HVDC AMERICA Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee may issue:
A. Warnings or notices of non-compliance.
B. Temporary restrictions on platform or document access.
C. Permanent revocation of membership for repeated or severe violations.
All enforcement actions are documented and may be reviewed upon request.
8. Security & Access
Members are responsible for maintaining the security of their login credentials.
A. Sharing accounts or granting unauthorized access is prohibited.
B. Any suspected breach or suspicious activity must be reported immediately to platform administrators.
C. Members must comply with all HVDC AMERICA IT security protocols and best practices.
9. Membership Compliance & Disciplinary Actions
HVDC AMERICA is committed to maintaining a trusted, professional, and mission-focused environment. Violations of this Code may result in:
A. Content removal or modification.
B. Temporary suspension from HVDC AMERICA platforms or projects.
C. Permanent dismissal from membership.
Reinstatement or re-application requires formal review by the Steering Committee and demonstration of adherence to the Code.
10. Ethical & Mission Alignment Commitment
By participating in HVDC AMERICA, members agree to:
A. Uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect.
B. Contribute constructively to advancing the modernization and resilience of the U.S. electricity grid.
C. Protect the confidentiality and intellectual property of HVDC AMERICA.
D. Foster a safe, inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking community.
Adherence to this Code is a condition of continued membership and active participation in all HVDC AMERICA activities.