Colorado Whitewater Association Communications Policy
Effective March 10, 2026
1. Purpose
Colorado Whitewater Association (CW) uses member communications to support community engagement, safety awareness, events, volunteerism, advocacy, and organizational updates.
2. Official Communication Channels
CW’s primary communication channels are:
- CW website
- Colorado Current Newsletter
CW may also use other tools approved by the Board as supplemental channels.
3. Supplemental Communication Channels (Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and Other Social Media Channels)
CW may use Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and other social media channels as optional, supplemental channels to share timely member updates. Supplemental channels may allow member-to-member communication. Supplemental channels are not a method for official notice.4. Official Notice and Board Governance
Required notices (including elections, bylaws-related notices, major deadlines, and official actions) will be provided through CW’s primary channels. Board deliberations and votes must occur through properly noticed meetings or approved processes—not through informal messaging channels.
5. Conduct Expectations
Member communications must remain respectful and mission-aligned. Harassment, threats, discriminatory comments, and personal attacks are not permitted. CW may restrict access to communication spaces for misuse or misconduct.6. Safety and Liability Guardrails
Whitewater activities involve inherent risks. Communications are informational and should not be interpreted as professional instruction or a guarantee of river conditions. Members are responsible for their own decisions, preparation, and safety.7. Privacy and Third-Party Platforms
Members should avoid posting personal or sensitive information (addresses, medical details, incident identities, or private disputes) on third-party platforms. Participation in optional platforms is voluntary and subject to each platform’s privacy practices.8. Administration
The Board (or designated officers) may appoint administrators and/or moderators to support consistent messaging and basic moderation as needed among official and supplemental channels. Admins and moderators may edit or remove content or restrict access to maintain respectful conduct and compliance with the Conduct Expectations listed above.9. Reporting and Emergencies
Club communication channels are not monitored consistently. In emergencies, members should call 911. Questions or concerns about CW communications should be directed to secretary@coloradwhitewater.org.10. Issues and Candidates
A. Issue Advocacy Allowed; Lobbying Limited
CW may communicate about issues relevant to its mission (including river access, safety, conservation, and water policy). CW may also engage in lobbying and advocacy consistent with 501(c)(3) requirements and any Board-approved advocacy strategy.
B. Board Members and Personal Speech
Board members may speak in their personal capacity on issues and candidates. They must not imply that their personal statements are made on behalf of CW unless the Board has formally adopted a position on the matter. When referencing an adopted Board position, members may accurately describe that position but should not extend or reinterpret it beyond what the Board has approved.
Board members are prohibited from using CW branding except when communicating a position adopted by the Board. Where appropriate, board members are encouraged to use clarifying language such as: “Personal views; not on behalf of CW,” when speaking outside of adopted positions.
Members will be required to affirm this policy upon joining or renewing membership and prior to participation in CW events. The Board reserves the right to update or amend this policy at any time. A current version will be published on the Association’s website.