Moonshot Platform's shared expectations for how we build a community where every changemaker can thrive.
Moonshot Platform is a holistic accelerator for the next generation of changemakers. Our mission is to ensure that young innovators closest to the world's most pressing problems have a seat at the table and the opportunity to lead.
We bring together emerging young leaders, experienced mentors, organizational staff, evaluators, partners, and supporters — all united in working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This Code of Conduct is here to create space for everyone to thrive and to ensure we all understand how we show up for each other.
Think of this as documentation: we're taking the values we already share and making them explicit. This document helps us maintain our foundation and will evolve alongside us.
Emerging changemakers ages 15–30
Those who guide, advise, and support young leaders
Team members who organize programs and facilitate community
Those who provide governance and strategic guidance
Those who assess applications and select participants
Organizations and individuals who support our work
Speakers, facilitators, and attendees at Moonshot gatherings
Former participants who remain connected to the community
Anyone participating in Moonshot digital spaces
Everyone deserves fair treatment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, ability, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
Diverse perspectives create more resilient, innovative solutions. We value the unique talents, skills, and experiences each person brings. Our differences make us stronger.
We take responsibility for our commitments, our use of resources, and our impact on others. We're honest about our limitations and use opportunities thoughtfully.
We believe in each person's capacity to create change. Confidence in our own competence, paired with an optimistic attitude toward challenges, helps us turn dreams into goals.
Meaningful relationships are at the heart of leadership and change. We invest in knowing and supporting each other — community care is a shared responsibility.
We assume good intentions and address conflicts directly with compassion. When harm occurs, we believe in accountability paired with genuine repair. Healthy communities navigate tension with grace.
Showing up on time, participating actively, and honoring the commitments we make to each other.
Using language that builds up rather than tears down, listening as much as we speak, and addressing conflicts directly.
Honoring others' time, energy, and personal space; seeking consent before sharing others' stories or photos.
Sharing what we know, making introductions when we can, and recognizing we all have something to teach and learn.
Being aware of the different types of influence we hold and using that influence responsibly.
Raising concerns early, supporting others who voice discomfort, and treating reports seriously.
Being mindful of our own wellbeing and understanding that the community thrives when its members thrive.
Stewarding Moonshot's funding, time, and community trust with integrity.
Your role is to guide and support, not to make decisions for young leaders or live vicariously through their work. You're not their parent, therapist, boss, or best friend.
Never develop romantic or sexual relationships with young leaders. Keep one-on-one interactions focused on professional development and when possible in visible spaces.
Don't request personal favors, expect excessive availability, or use your position to extract value beyond what's appropriate to the mentoring relationship.
Due to differences in age, status, and experience, young leaders may feel pressure to please you. Create space for them to disagree, question your advice, and chart their own path.
Base decisions on stated criteria, document your reasoning, and avoid favoritism or bias.
Don't share application details, selection discussions, or applicant information outside the evaluation process.
If you have a personal or financial relationship with an applicant, step back from evaluating their application.
Never use your evaluator role to solicit business opportunities, request favors, or establish inappropriate relationships with applicants.
Your behavior sets the tone for the entire community.
Take reports seriously, act on them quickly, and communicate clearly about processes.
Handle sensitive information with care and share only what's necessary for proper response.
Create pathways for community members to reach you with questions, concerns, or feedback.
Moonshot personnel must never do any of the following:
Moonshot brings together people with different resources, expertise, and needs. We support relationships that develop with the intent to create positive social impact — with clear guidelines to protect against exploitation.
Before entering any financial relationship with another community member, notify Moonshot leadership in writing at least two weeks in advance.
During the two-year leadership program, financial relationships between young leaders and mentors should wait until after the young leader's active program involvement ends.
Always use written contracts with clear expectations. Seek independent legal or financial advice. Board and Vision Circle members must disclose all financial relationships with community members.
Fundraising for ventures not directly aligned with the Moonshot mission or UN Sustainable Development Goals within Moonshot community or at Moonshot events is prohibited.
You can reach out to any Moonshot Staff member at any time. Any concerns relating to Moonshot staff can be raised directly with:
You'll receive confirmation that we received your report and an initial assessment of next steps.
We'll conduct a fair investigation — either internally or through an independent consultant, depending on the situation.
We'll keep you informed of progress and timeline throughout.
We'll take appropriate action based on findings — this may include warning, temporary suspension, permanent removal, or referral to authorities.
We'll offer appropriate support resources and ensure no retaliation occurs. You have the right to be heard and to understand what actions we're taking.
Not every conflict is a violation, and not every violation requires permanent exclusion. Our response aims to be proportional to the harm, and considers context, intent, and willingness to make things right.
For first-time or minor violations and misunderstandings. The person receives a private written warning explaining the issue, what needs to change, and what happens if behavior continues.
Repair includes: Acknowledging what happened, understanding the impact, committing to changed behavior, and when appropriate, apologizing to those affected.
For repeated violations, violations causing significant harm, or situations requiring substantial accountability and behavior change. Actions may include mediation, training, stepping back from certain roles, or publicly acknowledging responsibility.
Repair includes: Taking genuine responsibility, engaging authentically with required actions, and demonstrating sustained behavior change over time.
For severe violations (abuse, exploitation, illegal activity) or when repair proves impossible. This decision is made carefully and with leadership review.
In these cases, the harm is typically too severe for continued community membership. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the broader community.
Before making a formal report, consider whether you can address the situation directly. We encourage assuming good intent, speaking directly about impact rather than assigning motive, and asking for what you need.
Formal reporting makes sense when you don't feel safe, are unsure how to address the situation, or have tried to address it without adequate resolution.
Moonshot is committed to creating supportive, welcoming spaces. We also recognize that an organization cannot monitor all relationships or replace professional support.
As you benefit from this ecosystem, we encourage you to contribute back in ways that feel meaningful. There's no formula — just an invitation to recognize that community thrives on reciprocity.
We expect this Code to evolve as our community grows, as we learn from experience, and as best practices develop. Here's what you can expect from us:
By participating in Moonshot Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. You understand that violations may result in consequences up to and including permanent removal from the community.
Young leaders, mentors, judges, and others with formal roles or attending in-person events may be asked to sign an acknowledgment or engagement-specific code of conduct as part of your onboarding.
For all community members, your continued participation in Moonshot constitutes your agreement to the terms above.
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