Community Safety Commitment

Backrs is deeply committed to the safety of our community and our team. Our policies and partnerships work together with the goal of keeping all our students and professionals safe and informed. The practices and commitments below apply to everyone  across all of our mobile applications, websites and or other online services (collectively, the “Platform”). These standards will continue to be updated and improved upon as our community grows.

Joining

 

To join the Platform as a formal member or user, everyone is required to read and agree to our Terms and Conditions that explicitly prohibit exploitation of minors.

Everyone must submit an email address and phone number. This information will remain private and not visible to the broader community.

The minimum age to create a user account student is 13. Students under 13 who wants to sign up must do so through an account created and managed by their parent or guardian.

All participating studentsstudents under the age of 18 who receive any financial support are required to have at least one guardian/family member participate as a backr.

Validating

 

Backrs runs identity validations and sex offender background checks using social security numbers on 100% of adults that join our community.  

Adults are encouraged to connect their LinkedIn or other social media accounts for an extra level of validation. Students under 18 are not allowed to link social media accounts.

Professionals are only matched and able to engage with a young person once their identity, account, and profile are validated.

Sharing

 

The only profile information available to others in the community is what a backr or young person chooses to include in their profile.

There is no way for backrs to search for other community members. Backrs that are not members of a protege’s team or other formal sub communities can only see basic unidentifiable information about the protege. 

All proteges and backrs are known as First Name, Last Initial.

No posts within the Backrs platform are visible to search engines such as Google, Bing, etc. 

All payments are managed through secure third-party software including Stripe/Donorbox and CashApp. No one in our community ever has access to bank account information. 

Monitoring

 

The Backrs team monitors all posted content on community pages and individual groups. 

The platform is configured to regularly scan and alert the Backrs team of keywords and terms that may signal inappropriate behavior. 

In-App Reporting: All members can easily report users and inappropriate content to the Backrs team right in the app. 

Backrs prohibits: 

  • Bullying or harassment of any kind. 

  • Spreading false information that causes harm or is malicious. 

  • Using Backrs for any illegal activities. 

  • The promotion and use of certain regulated goods. 

  • Hate speech or content that demeans, defames, or promotes discrimination or violence on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, immigration status, socio-economic status, age, or weight. 

If any member of our community violates these guidelines, Backrs may remove the content, terminate their account, and/or notify law enforcement.

Last updated 6/05/23. 15915354v1.

Communication In App

Proteges and backrs are encouraged to post personal and professional updates on the team feed. 

Proteges and backrs are encouraged to DM each other in the app (when available).  

Proteges and backrs are encouraged to share appropriate personal and professional pictures and videos. 

Proteges and backrs are not allowed to post inappropriate content that may be considered sensitive, malicious, false, illegal, or discriminatory.

Communication Out of App

Proteges and backrs are encouraged to virtually meet at the Backrs-hosted monthly virtual events. 

Proteges and backrs are encouraged to meet virtually outside of these events. For proteges under 18, one time or regularly scheduled live interaction (phone or video) must be posted on the team feed of the Backrs app to ensure the protege’s guardian is aware. For proteges 18 or over, no disclosure is required. 

Proteges and backrs are allowed to share email addresses for outside-of-app networking and connections. For proteges under 18, any sharing of personal contact information must be disclosed on the team feed on the Backrs app. 

Proteges under 18 and backrs are discouraged from sharing phone numbers unless specifically for networking purposes. When in doubt, reach out to a member of the Backrs community team for approval. 

Proteges and backrs are not allowed to share personal address information.

Gifts

Backrs are not required to make financial investments in their proteges. If desired, backrs can make a one-time or recurring financial investment to their protege through the app. 

The maximum monthly financial investment is $150 per protege. Backrs can increase or decrease the amount at any time. 

Backrs are encouraged to support their proteges with budgeting and savings skills to further “stretch” their investments. 

Proteges are expected to use their stipends towards their goals, aspirations, and everyday needs. Proteges receive ongoing support and training how to best use their stipends. They are not required to share receipts but are encouraged and supported in demonstrating gratitude.

Proteges are not allowed to solicit additional investments, share “wish lists,” or post fundraisers. 

Backrs should not give in-kind gifts outside the financial investments through the app. Special circumstances need to be approved by the Backrs community team. 

Backrs are not allowed to send money directly over wire transfer or sharing financial account information.

Backrs should not expect or request any time, goods, or services from their protege in return for being backed.

In-Person Meeting

While the Backrs model is digital, we recognize that there may be exceptions when an in-person meeting is useful to support the protege. When an in-person meeting is to occur, the following must be true: 

Backrs and proteges over the age of 18 are able to meet in person. While we don’t mandate adhering to all BBBS guidelines, they are a useful set of practices to follow. 


When requested by proteges, Backrs are encouraged to attend events to support their protege (ie. concert, performance, graduation, etc.) so long as: 

  • Parent/guardian consent, and

  • Disclosed on the team feed on the Backrs app

Backrs and proteges under the age of 18 are able to meet in person so long as: 

  • Parental / guardian consent for each interaction, and

  • We suggest parents / guardians review the BBBS guidelines and indicate which they expect the backr to honor

  • Disclosed on the team feed on the Backrs app, and

  • Meeting is in a public place and during normal hours