America’s Plan is built for people who are living real issues in their own lives and communities. That means access and safety are not add‑ons—they are part of the core design.
This section explains how we think about access, safety, and privacy, and what you can expect as you participate.
Plain language and accessible formats
We aim to make America’s Plan usable by people with different levels of time, energy, and experience.
- We try to write in plain language, avoiding unnecessary jargon and legal or technical terms where possible.
- When we do need to use a term of art (for example, about policy, law, or technology), we explain it in simple words.
- Where we can, we provide content in formats that work for different devices and tools (for example, mobile‑friendly pages that work with screen readers, and text‑based guides rather than image‑only documents).
This is a long‑term commitment, not a promise that everything is perfect today. If you run into content that is hard to understand or use with your tools, we invite you to tell us so we can improve it over time.
Digital access and participation
Not everyone has fast internet, up‑to‑date devices, or a lot of time.
We try to make participation possible even if:
- You mostly access the site on a phone.
- You have limited bandwidth or data.
- You prefer to read shorter pieces and practical checklists instead of long reports.
Over time, we aim to:
- Offer more short summaries and step‑by‑step guides alongside longer explanations.
- Make it easier to download or print key guides for offline use.
- Support translation and localization where volunteers are available.
If you have suggestions or needs around digital access, you are welcome to raise them in the community spaces or by contacting the project directly.
Safety, privacy, and sensitive issues
Many people using America’s Plan may be working on sensitive or controversial issues, or may face real‑world risks if their activity is widely known.
Because of this:
- You are not required to use your real name in public spaces.
- You should only share as much personal information as you feel is necessary and safe.
- You can always choose to participate more quietly at first—by reading, learning, and asking general questions—before sharing details about yourself or your situation.
We encourage all participants to:
- Use strong, unique passwords and two‑factor authentication where possible.
- Be cautious about sharing identifying details (such as exact addresses, workplaces, or full names) in public threads.
- Think carefully before posting information that could put you or others at risk if it were widely shared.
Internet Security & Privacy Advisor
America’s Plan includes a volunteer Internet Security & Privacy Advisor role to help make participation as safe as reasonably possible.
As this role is filled and develops, you can expect:
- Plain‑language guides on safer online practices (passwords, device security, communication tools, and understanding digital footprints).
- Input into how we configure the website, forum, and tools to reduce unnecessary data collection and common risks.
- Advice on balancing openness with safety, especially for people challenging powerful interests or working in vulnerable positions.
These materials will be published into the shared library so that everyone can benefit from them.
Transparency and your choices
We believe in radical transparency about how the platform operates, but not at the expense of individual safety.
In practice, this means:
- We work to be clear about how decisions are made and how any future funding is used.
- We do not require participants to expose personal details in order to have a voice.
- If there is ever a tension between openness and individual safety, we will prioritize safety and explain our choices as clearly as we can.
You are always in control of your participation. You decide what to share, where to engage, and when to step back. Our goal is to make it easier, safer, and more practical for you to work with others on the issues you care about—not to add pressure or risk.
If you have concerns or suggestions about access, safety, or privacy, we encourage you to raise them. This is a living part of the project, and your feedback helps shape how it evolves.
This article was researched and drafted with AI assistance and edited, directed, and verified by the author.