Internal Application: Policy & Abuse Committee Volunteer

This position is only accepting applications from current OTW volunteers

Position Title: Policy & Abuse Volunteer

Organization name: Organization for Transformative Works

Committee: Policy & Abuse

Reports to: Policy & Abuse Chair(s)

Time Requirements: 5 hours/week minimum; additional time for training may be required in the first few months.

Role overview: The Policy & Abuse committee helps to resolve issues with content that violates AO3’s Terms of Service. Policy & Abuse volunteers investigate user reports, answer questions about AO3 policies, and work with other Policy & Abuse volunteers and related committees to complete tasks and projects.

Key responsibilities:

  • Investigate Policy & Abuse reports submitted by AO3 users
  • Review investigations performed by other Policy & Abuse volunteers
  • Communicate with AO3 users to resolve complaints and enforce AO3 policies
  • Respond to users in a courteous and professional fashion under all circumstances
  • Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive material, including users’ personal information and details of all investigations
  • Participate in discussions with other Policy & Abuse volunteers regarding individual cases and general policies
  • Take on tasks within the committee appropriate to skills and experience, such as writing and proofreading external and internal documentation, training newer volunteers, providing proofreading and translations for tickets, etc.
  • Learn new skills that may be necessary for fuller participation in the committee
  • Communicate with the Policy & Abuse chair(s) and other volunteers regularly to keep them apprised of availability, progress on tasks, and any issues that arise that may impact committee work

Experience: 

  • Experience with AO3 as a user required.

Skills and Attributes:: 

  • Must be at least 18 years old and legally of age to work with explicit material in your local jurisdiction
  • English language proficiency is required; additional language skills are an asset
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Strong respect for confidentiality and user privacy
  • Ability to remain professional and patient when communicating with users
  • Willingness to make difficult or unpopular decisions
  • Ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative environment while completing individual responsibilities
  • Willingness to accept and offer constructive criticism in a clear and helpful manner
  • Ability to reliably meet deadlines, sometimes for unexpected and time-sensitive tasks

Training requirements: New Policy & Abuse volunteers will be trained in the tools, skills, and tasks required for their role. Due to the nature of the training and tools required, participation only via “mobile”-type devices (phone, tablet, etc.) may not be possible. Access to “desktop”-type devices (PC, laptop, etc.) highly recommended.