KBLD WhatsApp groups agreed approach May2025

	KLD’25 Campaigning and Events Chat
Who it’s for	All candidates required to join, all activists (including current councillors) expected to join Definition of ‘activist’ will be considered broadly, but there must be an intent to contribute to campaign activity (ie not just ‘out of interest’) All participants must be members of the Party (includes members of other Lib Dem parties)
Permitted topics	Campaign information/requests from organisers Discussion of campaign issues or organisation eg questions on current policies, issues with getting leaflets out, where to find/how to manage data Campaign feedback eg issues from the doorstep, opposition leaflets/activity Motivational "buzz" around campaigns eg selfies of delivering Other content directly related to campaigning eg diversity information for campaigners Promotion of fundraising/social events (which generate funds for campaigns)

	KLD Community Chat
Who it’s for	Voluntary, but highly desirable for councillors Participants must be members of the Party (includes members of other Lib Dem parties)
Permitted topic	Current affairs, social issues eg -Politics - local/national/international -Wider social issues eg diversity, environment Note: these can include differences of opinion/challenges to current Lib Dem policy or strategy, as long as they don’t bring the party into disrepute. General discussion of Lib Dem life eg -Reminiscences of past elections, chat about other campaigns around the country -Lib Dems in the news Kingston topics: updates on things happening in Kingston for community awareness/ potential support (not just any event or place you are interested in)
Not permitted topics	Content unrelated to politics/Kingston eg internet jokes See Rules and Guidelines for more information

	KLD Policy Chat
Who it’s for	Voluntary Participants must be members of the Party (includes members of other Lib Dem parties)
Permitted topics	Same as for ‘KLD Community Chat’ See Rules and Guidelines for more information (particularly important as deeper debate can potentially raise stronger emotions)

We have rules and guidelines to protect the Party and each other.

By being part of the group, you accept these rules. You may be asked to delete a post where admins decide it is reasonable to do so, and failure to abide by the rules could result in you being removed from the group
Groups are open to members and supporters only. Anyone wishing to join must become a member or supporter
The expectation is that individuals will adjust their settings so that their name is visible to all. Admins will allow exceptions, so please leave it to Admins to address this with any individual who may have already provided a reason
Actions which could reasonably be considered to risk bringing the Party into disrepute will not be tolerated
Every member of the group must be treated with respect
Discussion must stay within the topics defined for each group

Be kind: imagine you are speaking face to face with fellow liberals who share the majority of the same beliefs as you. Do not abuse others, including political opponents
Be considerate: think about whether you are providing enough space for others, and be respectful of topics introduced by others
Take a moment: if something upsets you, beware of responding immediately, and consider the likely positive intent of the person posting. Discussing in private may be preferable to responding in public
Remember that this is a party channel: as a liberal party, constructive debate and challenge to Lib Dem policy and strategy is permitted. Nevertheless, as the local party of the party leader, there is potential for embarrassment or reputational damage, so please behave accordingly (see point about disrepute above)

Note: these Rules and Guidelines are not and cannot be exhaustive – please use common sense and observe the spirit as well as the letter.