Re: Code of Conduct

David Booth

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Jan 5, 2026, 9:20:11 PM (6 days ago) Jan 5

to Davis Square Neighborhood Council, PJ Santos, Zev Pogrebin, Benny Knoblauch, Michele Hansen, zmy...@zmyaro.com

Hi all,

As discussed at tonight's meeting, here is the draft Code of Conduct so far:
https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code

The email thread below (included by permission) shows how we arrived at
this draft. Please either attach ideas for improvement directly in that
google document, send them to me, or post them here. The intent is to
have the Code ready for a vote at our next DSNC general meeting.

Thanks!
David Booth

On 1/2/26 15:24, Benny Knoblauch wrote:
> Works for me!
>
> Benny
>
> On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 12:37 PM David Booth <da...@dbooth.org
> <mailto:da...@dbooth.org>> wrote:
>
> I'm willing.
>
> Thanks,
> David
>
> On 12/31/25 12:06, PJ Santos wrote:
> > Hi All,
> > This looks great! I don't have any feedback, but would some of
> you be
> > willing to present this at our meeting this upcoming Monday?
> > Thanks again for all your help,
> > PJ Kim-Santos
> >
> > On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:38 AM David Booth <da...@dbooth.org
> <mailto:da...@dbooth.org>
> > <mailto:da...@dbooth.org <mailto:da...@dbooth.org>>> wrote:
> >
> > If we're okay basing our Code on the shorter draft at
> >
> >
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0 <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0 <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0>>
> >
> > I think it is ready for broader review. Are there any
> refinements that
> > anyone thinks should be made prior to bringing it to the broader
> > membership for consideration?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > David Booth
> >
> > On 12/13/25 10:38, Benny Knoblauch wrote:
> > > I personally prefer the shorter option. I think it still
> hits the
> > > important points but is likely more easily digestible by
> everyone in
> > > membership.
> > >
> > > Happy to meet/help polish so it’s ready for a vote at next
> > meeting if
> > > you’d like.
> > >
> > > Benny
> > >
> > > On Fri, Dec 12, 2025 at 9:11 PM Zev Pogrebin
> > <zpogre...@gmail.com <mailto:zpogre...@gmail.com>
> <mailto:zpogre...@gmail.com <mailto:zpogre...@gmail.com>>
> > > <mailto:zpogre...@gmail.com
> <mailto:zpogre...@gmail.com> <mailto:zpogre...@gmail.com
> <mailto:zpogre...@gmail.com>>>>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > I would defer to all of you. I skimmed both and they
> both look
> > > reasonable in terms of length and content.
> > >
> > > In either case, it might be nice to create some type
> of easily
> > > digestible one-page document with icons and text laid
> out in
> > a clear
> > > way after the code of conduct is accepted. This type of
> > document can
> > > be handed out and linked to the full version. I would
> be happy to
> > > help with that once the code of conduct is voted on by the
> > membership.
> > >
> > > Best,
> > > Zev
> > >
> > > On Sat, Dec 13, 2025 at 10:52 AM David Booth
> > <da...@dbooth.org <mailto:da...@dbooth.org>
> <mailto:da...@dbooth.org <mailto:da...@dbooth.org>>
> > > <mailto:da...@dbooth.org <mailto:da...@dbooth.org>
> <mailto:da...@dbooth.org <mailto:da...@dbooth.org>>>> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thank you Zev! I think the first question is how
> long and
> > > detailed do
> > > we think the membership will want it to be? We
> have two
> > rough
> > > starts
> > > drafted -- a short and a long version. They have
> NOT yet
> > been
> > > fully
> > > aligned, so please do not judge them based on what
> they
> > include
> > > or omit.
> > > We can adjust the content after deciding
> whether to go
> > short
> > > and sweet
> > > or longer and more detailed. There are pros and
> cons of both
> > > approaches.
> > >
> > > Here is the shorter draft:
> > >
> >
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn>> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NTx7omv5tl2qfoTsH3sZOt1grLIiBo1wx1NviJONyMc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2f1rn17tqxzn>>>
> > >
> > > Here is the longer draft:
> > >
> >
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd>> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AWzw4oYM8n8WIBc4sk1aaiwHjxH8vl6Hd-rMzHAP7b8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.lf6hlqrhfcwd>>>
> > >
> > > Any thoughts about which approach the membership
> would prefer
> > > (long or
> > > short)?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > David Booth
> > >
> > > On 12/12/25 20:40, Zev Pogrebin wrote:
> > > > Hello all,
> > > >
> > > > Each of you mentioned that you were interested
> in helping
> > > DSNC select a
> > > > code of conduct for our online and in-person
> activity. I'm
> > > reaching out
> > > > to connect all of you and get the conversation
> > started. PJ has
> > > > volunteered to help coordinate and answer
> questions.
> > > >
> > > > Best,
> > > > Zev
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Zev Pogrebin (he/him)
> > > > +1 (646) 326-1081
> > > > Secretary
> > > > Davis Square Neighborhood Council
> > >
> >
>

Frank Mals

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Jan 9, 2026, 12:49:39 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to Davis Square Neighborhood Council

Hi David, I appreciate the work you’re doing. To help keep the forum a level playing field, I’d like to propose a disclosure policy for members of single-issue advocacy groups.

We want to encourage robust debate, but coordinated responses from members of organized groups can sometimes stifle genuine neighborhood participation. Asking contributors to disclose relevant affiliations provides the community with essential context. This transparency ensures that the audience can distinguish between individual resident feedback and organized advocacy, keeping the forum's focus on authentic local dialogue.

Regards,
Frank

Michael Chiu

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Jan 9, 2026, 2:16:44 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to Frank Mals, Davis Square Neighborhood Council

David,

Reinforcing Frank's comment. The code of conduct policy does not address conflicts of interest. I know that this wasn't part of the initial scope, but if it doesn't exist elsewhere, we should adopt a policy that at least requires disclosure affiliations that present the appearance of conflict of interest, and perhaps requires recusal in cases where the conflict goes beyond appearances.

Michael

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Elaine Almquist

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Jan 9, 2026, 2:24:11 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to Michael Chiu, Frank Mals, Davis Square Neighborhood Council

During our previous bylaws conversations, it was brought up several times that the State of Massachusetts and the City of Somerville already define what a Conflict of Interest is, so we did not incorporate it into our policies. However, it is always something we can put before the body.

Best,

Elaine

Elaine F. Almquist

(she/her/hers)

BlueSky @EAlmquist Instagram: @EFAlmquist
Phone: 978.375.2448

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PJ Santos

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Jan 9, 2026, 2:26:45 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to Michael Chiu, Frank Mals, Davis Square Neighborhood Council

Conflicts of interest are detailed in the bylaws (see below). I think the code of conduct should focus on how we interact with each other politely, and the proposed code of conduct does that quite well.

"Section 8.2: Conflicts Of Interest

Board and committee members shall observe all laws, regulations, and commonly held ethical standards in the performance of their duties. Board and committee members with conflicts of interest must recuse themselves from any vote or deliberation during Board or committee meetings. People with conflicts of interest may still participate in DSNC general meetings and public votes.

A member has a conflict of interest if they:

Are an interested party in a project (being an owner, tenant, resident, developer, direct abutter, or direct competitor), or are an employee, good or service provider, immediate family member, heir, or financial beneficiary of an interested party; or

Have an affiliation with any person or organization receiving funds related to a project, including serving on their board of directors, or being a member, employee, good or service provider, immediate family member, heir, or financial beneficiary."

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/davissquarenc/CAKhjUPff7GDeK3X0UcvRYth5hkMX7Xmjz6p%3DFaaOc97_SoaV%3Dg%40mail.gmail.com.

David Booth

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Jan 9, 2026, 2:43:47 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to daviss...@googlegroups.com

On 1/9/26 12:49, Frank Mals wrote:
> Hi David, I appreciate the work you’re doing. To help keep the forum a
> level playing field, I’d like to propose a disclosure policy for members
> of single-issue advocacy groups.
>
> We want to encourage robust debate, but coordinated responses from
> members of organized groups can sometimes stifle genuine neighborhood
> participation. Asking contributors to disclose relevant affiliations
> provides the community with essential context. This transparency ensures
> that the audience can distinguish between individual resident feedback
> and organized advocacy, keeping the forum's focus on authentic local
> dialogue.

Interesting thought. But I don't know how such a disclosure requirement
would be stated without being overly broad. As a hypothetical example,
if someone were a member of the Sierra Club, and spoke at a DSNC meeting
in favor of having more trees in the park, would that person be required
to disclose the Sierra Club membership? I donate to quite a number of
charitable organizations. I'm not sure I would remember to mention
something like that.

Do you have some particular wording in mind, that you would suggest?

Thanks,
David

>
> Regards,
> Frank
>
>
> On Monday, January 5, 2026 at 9:20:11 PM UTC-5 David Booth wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> As discussed at tonight's meeting, here is the draft Code of Conduct
> so far:

> https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code <https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code>

> > > >
> > > > Here is the longer draft:
> > > >
> > >
> >

> > > >
> > > > Any thoughts about which approach the membership
> > would prefer
> > > > (long or
> > > > short)?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > > David Booth
> > > >
> > > > On 12/12/25 20:40, Zev Pogrebin wrote:
> > > > > Hello all,
> > > > >
> > > > > Each of you mentioned that you were interested
> > in helping
> > > > DSNC select a
> > > > > code of conduct for our online and in-person
> > activity. I'm
> > > > reaching out
> > > > > to connect all of you and get the conversation
> > > started. PJ has
> > > > > volunteered to help coordinate and answer
> > questions.
> > > > >
> > > > > Best,
> > > > > Zev
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > Zev Pogrebin (he/him)

> > > > > +1 (646) 326-1081 <tel:(646)%20326-1081>

> > > > > Secretary
> > > > > Davis Square Neighborhood Council
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

> --
> Davis Square Neighborhood Council · https://DavisSquareNC.org

> <https://DavisSquareNC.org> · https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC

> <https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC>
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David Booth

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Jan 9, 2026, 2:52:26 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to daviss...@googlegroups.com

On 1/9/26 13:58, Michael Chiu wrote:
> David,
>
> Reinforcing Frank's comment. The code of conduct policy does not
> address conflicts of interest.

Point 4 of the current draft addresses conflict of interest by any
participants:
https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code

"4. Act with integrity. Be accountable for your actions. Disclose
potential conflicts of interest, both actual and perceived."

> I know that this wasn't part of the
> initial scope, but if it doesn't exist elsewhere, we should adopt a
> policy that at least requires disclosure affiliations that present the
> appearance of conflict of interest, and perhaps requires recusal in
> cases where the conflict goes beyond appearances.

As PJ pointed out in a separate message, the requirement for board
members to recuse themselves if they have a conflict of interest is
already covered by the group's by-laws:

"Section 8.2: Conflicts Of Interest
Board and committee members shall observe all laws, regulations, and
commonly held ethical standards in the performance of their duties.
Board and committee members with conflicts of interest must recuse
themselves from any vote or deliberation during Board or committee
meetings."

So I believe your concerns are already addressed. Let us know what else
you think is needed if they are not.

Thanks!
David Booth

>
> Michael
>
> On Fri, Jan 9, 2026 at 12:49 PM Frank Mals <malsb...@gmail.com
> <mailto:malsb...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> Hi David, I appreciate the work you’re doing. To help keep the forum
> a level playing field, I’d like to propose a disclosure policy for
> members of single-issue advocacy groups.
>
> We want to encourage robust debate, but coordinated responses from
> members of organized groups can sometimes stifle genuine
> neighborhood participation. Asking contributors to disclose relevant
> affiliations provides the community with essential context. This
> transparency ensures that the audience can distinguish between
> individual resident feedback and organized advocacy, keeping the
> forum's focus on authentic local dialogue.
>
> Regards,
> Frank
>
>
> On Monday, January 5, 2026 at 9:20:11 PM UTC-5 David Booth wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> As discussed at tonight's meeting, here is the draft Code of
> Conduct so far:

> https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code <https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code>

> > > >
> > > > Here is the longer draft:
> > > >
> > >
> >

> > > > > +1 (646) 326-1081 <tel:(646)%20326-1081>

> > > > > Secretary
> > > > > Davis Square Neighborhood Council
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
> --
> Davis Square Neighborhood Council · https://DavisSquareNC.org

> <https://DavisSquareNC.org> · https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC

> <https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC>
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>
> --
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Frank Mals

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Jan 9, 2026, 3:49:09 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to Davis Square Neighborhood Council

I’m not suggesting these are 'conflicts of interest'. I'm proposing a transparency mechanism to clarify the context of advocacy. I believe distinguishing the difference between individual perspective and organized advocacy would improve the quality of forums such as these.

There's a fundamental difference between an individual taking a position and a participant presenting a position that is structured, tested, and organized by an advocacy group. When a participant is a member of such a single-issue advocacy group (paid or volunteer) germane to the subject at hand, a simple disclosure in their signature helps balance the scales.

We’ve seen 'swarms' in earlier threads lead to valuable voices dropping out of the forum permanently. These individuals likely realized they weren't in a truly one-on-one exchange. Disclosing affiliations ensures that we understand the where the arguments and talking points are coming from, fostering a more equitable environment for all members.

Frank

PJ Santos

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Jan 9, 2026, 4:16:03 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to Frank Mals, Davis Square Neighborhood Council

I think that's a tricky thing to implement fairly.

I volunteer with CAAS, but I wouldn't want anyone to mistake anything I'm saying as being their official position as I have my own unique opinions.

Similarly, I don't advocate for affordable housing because I'm a member of CAAS, but instead I care a lot about affordable housing so I try to give some of my time to a group that aligns with that value. I bet that's the case for most people who are part of different organizations in the city.

However, I agree we don't want people "swarming" others. I've heard people joke that "nobody has ever convinced anyone else by arguing with them online"... I'm not that cynical but it isn't a totally false sentiment. Maybe the solution is an extra line for item 2, "Respect that people have differences of opinion, and every decision involves trade-offs." + "Don't gang up on people who you disagree with"?

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Frank Mals

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Jan 9, 2026, 4:43:15 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to Davis Square Neighborhood Council

I think it's simple enough. When you are commenting you can always add a caveat that you are not speaking on behalf of your group. But I think you should, and don't see the harm in, adding your affiliation to your signature when appropriate.

David Booth

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Jan 9, 2026, 7:18:56 PM (2 days ago) Jan 9

to daviss...@googlegroups.com

On 1/9/26 16:43, Frank Mals wrote:
> I think it's simple enough. When you are commenting you can always add a
> caveat that you are not speaking on behalf of your group. But I think
> you should, and don't see the harm in, adding your affiliation to your
> signature when appropriate.

Although I think I understand the sentiment, I don't know how such a
disclosure requirement could be worded without being overly draconian
toward people who just happen to be interested in civic matters and
speak up on their own initiative because they care. People may be
involved in a lot of volunteer civic activities, with very informal
notions of "membership" -- Somerville Garden Club, Green and Open
Somerville email list, PTA, etc.

Is there specific wording that you would like to propose?

Thanks,
David

> https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code <https://tinyurl.com/dsnc-code>

> > > > >
> > > > > Here is the longer draft:
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >

> <tel:(646)%20326-1081> <tel:(646)%20326-1081>

> > > > > > Secretary
> > > > > > Davis Square Neighborhood Council
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> > --
> > Davis Square Neighborhood Council ·
> https://DavisSquareNC.org <https://DavisSquareNC.org>
> > <https://DavisSquareNC.org <https://DavisSquareNC.org>> ·
> https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC
> <https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC>
> > <https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC
> <https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC>>
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> >

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> >
> > --
> > Davis Square Neighborhood Council ·
> https://DavisSquareNC.org <https://DavisSquareNC.org>

> > <https://DavisSquareNC.org <https://DavisSquareNC.org>> ·
> https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC
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Michael Chiu

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Jan 10, 2026, 10:59:31 AM (yesterday) Jan 10

to David Booth, daviss...@googlegroups.com

David, PJ,

Thanks to both of you for the thoughtful comments. I agree that there isn't a clean solution and that most of this comes down to good behavior and clear communication.

I'm pleased that there is formal language re: Board Conflict of Interest; while it does ask them to disclose to the Board and recuse, does it explicitly require them to disclose to the members? I assume that there currently are no material conflicts with any board members at the moment; my primary concern here is that a future member of the Board is influenced by the developer via a consulting contract or other engagement. It is clear that this sort of conflict is explicitly addressed in the bylaws.

Conflict via affiliation is much harder to address in a balanced way. I don't have any suggestions on how to improve what is in place already.

Michael

Davis Square Neighborhood Council · https://DavisSquareNC.org · https://linktr.ee/DavisSquareNC

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Frank Mals

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Jan 10, 2026, 11:12:53 AM (yesterday) Jan 10

to Michael Chiu, David Booth, daviss...@googlegroups.com

I am going to work on language this weekend. Thanks everyone. I believe this is critical to the quality of the discourse and is best practice for forum moderation.

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PJ Santos

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Jan 10, 2026, 11:21:40 AM (yesterday) Jan 10

to Michael Chiu, David Booth, daviss...@googlegroups.com

By my reading, there isn't an explicit protocol for what a recusal looks like. However, I can't imagine a situation where a board or committee member is recusing themself from a decision but they somehow keep their recusal secret.

My expectation is that recusal would look like it does for the city council, where we have ample examples of decent behavior there to emulate. I'm not sure how much more we can do to codify that, as you said at some point any set of bylaws and rules reduce down to good behavior and clear communication.

On Sat, Jan 10, 2026 at 10:59 AM Michael Chiu <michael...@gmail.com> wrote:

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