IRCNA Volunteer Journalist Terms of Service

Effective Date: June 22, 2026

By applying to volunteer as a journalist for IRCNA (Independent Reporting and Community Networking in Armenia), you (the "Volunteer") agree to the following terms and conditions.

1. The IRCNA Standard: Values and Conduct

Unbiased Journalism: Volunteers agree to report facts without partisan spin, verified and objective, told without fear or favor.
Non‑Partisanship & No Politics Policy: IRCNA is a non‑partisan platform. Volunteers must avoid political campaigning or advocacy while representing IRCNA.
Community‑First Approach: Reporting must be rooted in listening, respectful engagement, and dignity for all subjects.

2. Identity and Transparency

Public Attribution: All content created by the Volunteer and hosted on IRCNA must display the Volunteer’s name publicly.
Pseudonyms: Volunteers may choose to use a professional pseudonym (pen name), provided the legal identity is disclosed to the IRCNA founder.
Journalist Profile: Volunteers must submit a clear photograph of their face (upper torso or headshot) for public display on the "Our Journalists" section.
Accuracy: Volunteers agree to provide accurate and truthful information regarding their identity and current location.

3. Remote Engagement and Location

Remote Nature: This is a remote volunteering opportunity. Volunteers conduct work independently.
Field Reporting & Meetups: The Volunteer acknowledges that in‑person meetups or coordination sessions may be arranged by the IRCNA founder if necessary for specific projects.

4. Journalistic Expectations

Pitch and Approval: All field reporting must be pre‑approved via an IRCNA‑submitted pitch.
Editorial Review: IRCNA reserves the right to edit, decline, or remove any content that does not meet our journalistic standards.
Safety: The Volunteer is solely responsible for their own physical safety, transportation, and equipment.

5. Financial Policy and Fundraising

No IRCNA Commission: IRCNA does not take, request, or receive any cut, fee, or commission from a Volunteer’s personal fundraising efforts.
Strict No‑Solicitation Policy: IRCNA will never solicit or take a percentage of donations made to its Volunteers.
Personal Fundraising Transparency: Volunteers may set up personal donation pathways (e.g., Idram) but must include this disclaimer: "Donations go directly to the Volunteer to support their independent reporting and do not constitute a donation to IRCNA as a corporate entity."
Independence from Third Parties: IRCNA is not sponsored or partnered with Idram or any third‑party payment services.

6. Intellectual Property, Licensing, and Termination

By submitting work, the Volunteer grants IRCNA a non‑exclusive, perpetual, royalty‑free license to host, distribute, edit, and promote the work. IRCNA reserves the right to terminate the relationship and remove content if the Volunteer violates these terms.

7. Legal and Arbitration

This is an unpaid, voluntary position. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of these Terms shall be settled by binding arbitration in Yerevan, Armenia, in accordance with the rules of the Arbitration and Conciliation Center at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Armenia.