Merge pull request #217 from WebAssembly/code-of-conduct

Add a code of ethics and professional conduct

3 files changed, 36 insertions, 5 deletions

diff --git a/CodeOfConduct.md b/CodeOfConduct.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2130ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CodeOfConduct.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+# Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
+
+WebAssembly operates under the W3C's
+[Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct][]:
+
+> W3C is a growing and global community where participants choose to work
+> together, and in that process experience differences in language, location,
+> nationality, and experience. In such a diverse environment, misunderstandings
+> and disagreements happen, which in most cases can be resolved informally. In
+> rare cases, however, behavior can intimidate, harass, or otherwise disrupt one
+> or more people in the community, which W3C will not tolerate.
+>
+> A Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is useful to define accepted and
+> acceptable behaviors and to promote high standards of professional
+> practice. It also provides a benchmark for self evaluation and acts as a
+> vehicle for better identity of the organization.
+
+We hope that our community group act according to these guidelines, and that
+participants hold each other to these high standards. If you have any questions
+or are worried that the code isn't being followed, please contact the Community
+Group's chairs at `team-webassembly-chairs@w3.org` (note: this list is also
+visible to W3C staff). For very serious concerns, the W3C has [procedures][]
+allowing you to access its ombuds directly and confidentially.
+
+  [Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct]: https://www.w3.org/Consortium/cepc
+  [procedures]: https://www.w3.org/Consortium/pwe/#Procedures
diff --git a/Contributing.md b/Contributing.md
index 9e2e176..1c47750 100644
--- a/Contributing.md
+++ b/Contributing.md
@@ -7,14 +7,15 @@ interested in using WebAssembly.
 
 Interested in participating? We suggest you start by:
 
-1. Reading the [WebAssembly design][].
-2. Joining the IRC channel `irc://irc.w3.org:6667/#webassembly`.
+1. Acquainting yourself with the
+   [Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct](CodeOfConduct.md).
+2. Reading the [WebAssembly design][].
+3. Joining the IRC channel `irc://irc.w3.org:6667/#webassembly`.
 
 With that background understood and communication set up, feel free to
 [file issues][] in the WebAssembly design repository. Please join the
-[W3C Community Group](https://www.w3.org/community/webassembly/) before sending pull
-requests: it provides the legal framework that protects the work in this
-repository.
+[W3C Community Group][] before sending pull requests: it provides the legal
+framework that protects the work in this repository.
 
 As WebAssembly moves forward we expect to form an official standards body, which
 will have its own contribution process to the specification.
@@ -23,3 +24,4 @@ Happy assembly!
 
   [WebAssembly design]: https://github.com/WebAssembly/design
   [file issues]: https://github.com/WebAssembly/design/issues
+  [W3C Community Group]: https://www.w3.org/community/webassembly/
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7ce777c..fac2924 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -18,3 +18,6 @@ We've mapped out features we expect to ship:
 Join us:
  * On IRC: `irc://irc.w3.org:6667/#webassembly`
  * [Contribute](Contributing.md)!
+
+When contributing, please follow our
+[Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct](CodeOfConduct.md).