All interactions on Skills Tracker are adult-to-adult and happen through traditional communication methods:

• Email - Direct contact between teacher and learner
• Phone - Voice calls or text messages
• Video platforms - Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc.

Important: Our platform provides the initial connection only. We do not monitor, mediate, or supervise any communications or meetings that occur between users.

When meeting someone for the first time, we strongly recommend meeting in public places:

Recommended Public Meeting Locations

• Public libraries - Many libraries offer small meeting rooms or study spaces that can be reserved for free. Quiet, safe, and often have tables for hands-on learning.
• Community centers - Often have craft rooms, workshops, or meeting spaces available.
• Coffee shops - Good for discussions and skills that don't require much space or specialized equipment.
• Parks and outdoor spaces - Perfect for outdoor crafts, nature-based skills, or activities that need fresh air.
• Makerspaces or craft studios - Some offer day passes or community hours.

Additional Safety Tips for In-Person Meetings

• Tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to return
• Bring a friend to your first meeting if you'd like
• Meet during daylight hours when possible
• Keep your phone charged and with you
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave
• Don't share your home address until you've built trust over multiple meetings

For online video calls and webinars:

• Use established, secure platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Don't click on suspicious links - verify the meeting link is from your contact
• Be careful what you share on screen - close personal documents, emails, or tabs with sensitive information
• You can keep your camera off until you feel comfortable
• Keep personal information private until trust is established
• Use platform security features like waiting rooms and password protection

If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to say no, postpone, or cancel. You are never obligated to meet or continue communication with anyone.

Potential Red Flags

• Someone pressuring you to meet immediately or in private locations
• Requests for money, financial information, or expensive supplies upfront
• Unwillingness to meet in public spaces
• Aggressive or inappropriate communication
• Requests for personal information beyond what's needed for the skill-sharing
• Someone who won't respect your boundaries or communication preferences

Remember: Legitimate teachers who genuinely want to share skills will respect your safety concerns and boundaries.

To be completely transparent, Community Skills Tracker:

• Does NOT conduct background checks on users
• Does NOT verify identities beyond OAuth login (Google, etc.)
• Does NOT vet or screen teachers or their skills
• Does NOT monitor off-platform communications or meetings
• Does NOT mediate disputes between users
• Is NOT responsible or liable for interactions that occur off our platform

We provide a directory to help like-minded people connect. You are responsible for making your own informed safety decisions when choosing to communicate with or meet other users.

If you ever feel unsafe or experience threatening behavior:

• In an emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number)
• Contact local law enforcement for non-emergency concerns
• Trust your judgment and prioritize your safety above all else