SmartPews is a parish community — people who know each other, worship together, and trust each other. These guidelines exist to keep that trust strong.
Be Honest
- Use your real name. No fake profiles or impersonation.
- Describe services and items accurately. Don't misrepresent what you're offering.
- If you're a licensed professional (plumber, electrician, etc.), represent your credentials honestly.
- Disclose if you have a business relationship with what you're promoting.
Be Respectful
- Treat everyone with dignity. No harassment, bullying, or personal attacks.
- No discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, or any other characteristic.
- Keep political content out of the bulletin board. This is for community services, not campaigns.
- Respect privacy. Don't share others' personal information without consent.
Be Safe
- Meet in public places for in-person transactions.
- Don't send money to people you haven't met in person.
- Verify licenses and credentials before hiring for professional services.
- Never share your password, financial information, or Social Security number via messages.
- If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and report it.
What You Can Post
- Services offered — Babysitting, tutoring, home repair, tax prep, catering, etc.
- Services needed — Looking for a plumber, caterer, music teacher, etc.
- Items for sale — Communion dresses, Catholic books, furniture, household items
- Items wanted — Looking for specific items from the community
- Parish announcements — Events, volunteer needs, fundraisers (staff/admin only)
- Prayer requests — Community prayer intentions
What You Cannot Post
- Illegal items or services — Drugs, stolen goods, unlicensed firearms
- Regulated goods — Alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, firearms
- Adult content — Sexually explicit material of any kind
- Hate speech — Content targeting any group based on protected characteristics
- Scams or fraud — Pyramid schemes, fake offers, phishing attempts
- Spam — Duplicate posts, unsolicited promotions, chain messages
- Multi-level marketing — MLM recruitment or product promotion
- Personal attacks — Targeting individuals by name, doxxing
- Content involving minors — Do not post photos of children who aren't yours
- Animals for sale — Pet sales and breeding are not permitted
Moderation
Parish staff (pastors, administrators) can pin, edit, or remove posts within their parish. They are the first line of moderation.
SmartPews may remove content that violates these guidelines, our Terms of Service, or applicable law. Repeated violations will result in account suspension or permanent ban.
Reporting
If you see content that violates these guidelines, use the Report button on any post or message. Select the reason and we'll review it. For urgent safety concerns (threats of violence, exploitation of minors), contact local law enforcement immediately, then report to us.
Consequences
- First violation: Content removed + warning
- Second violation: Content removed + 7-day posting suspension
- Third violation: Account suspended
- Severe violations (threats, exploitation, fraud): Immediate permanent ban and report to law enforcement if applicable
Appeals
If your content was removed or your account was suspended, you may appeal within 14 days by emailing [email protected]. Include:
- Your email address associated with your account
- The post or content in question
- Why you believe the action was in error
We will review your appeal within 5 business days and respond with a final decision. During the appeal, the content will remain removed and any suspensions will remain active.