Rooted in both the Iranian diaspora’s cultural memory and 21st-century democratic ideals, our eight Founding Principles define how we operate, engage, and evolve:
Fiercely Independent
- We rely primarily on membership dues, philanthropic endowments, and aligned contributions from those who share our core values. We refuse manipulative advertising or donor-driven agendas that compromise editorial and operational freedom.
- Our neutrality is non-ideological and non-partisan, fostering a truly open environment for diaspora collaboration.
An Antidote to the News Grind
- Instead of chasing sensational headlines or fleeting social media frenzies, we focus on deeper forces shaping our communities. We delve into structural drivers—cultural, political, environmental—rather than fixating on ephemeral “breaking news.”
- Our communications emphasize context, root causes, and long-term perspectives, helping diaspora members understand why events matter as much as what is happening.
Fighting Stereotypes
- We reject cheap tactics of scapegoating or fearmongering for commercial or political gain. We carefully avoid reinforcing stereotypes about Iranians (or any group), refusing to broadcast inflammatory coverage that divides.
- By centering nuance and rejecting sensational “rage cycles,” we champion respectful, well-researched storytelling that broadens understanding.
Empowering Plurality
- We present solutions and highlight constructive endeavors, not just problems or conflicts, thus countering cynicism. Our “progressive journalism” approach covers multiple viewpoints and fosters collaborative activism that can spur positive change.
- We believe in “journalistic activism”—transparency about our moral convictions—while remaining open to new facts that challenge or refine our perspectives.
Building Collective Intelligence
- We see diaspora members not as passive audiences but as knowledgeable contributors. Our platforms invite community expertise at every stage—story selection, research, peer review—knowing that collectively, the diaspora holds far more wisdom than any single editorial team.
- Our membership culture rewards curiosity, volunteerism, and skill-sharing, ensuring diaspora knowledge coalesces into robust insights for philanthropic or cultural programs.
By the People, For the People
- We avoid false neutrality claims, acknowledging that all content has a viewpoint. We practice open editorial transparency regarding our values—human rights, democracy, cultural pride—and remain willing to correct or evolve our stances if evidence compels us.
- We are not aligned with any political party or sect. Instead, we uphold facts, reasoned interpretation, and moral clarity for the good of diaspora communities.
Protecting Data and Privacy Standards
- We collect only essential information for membership and platform functionality, never monetizing personal data or surrendering it to third parties. Our decentralized architecture and strong encryption guard diaspora members from surveillance or exploitation.
- This approach reflects a core principle: diaspora trust is built on respecting user privacy and empowering them with full control over their data.
Responsibility, Transparency, and Accountability
- We publicly disclose how we spend membership dues, philanthropic grants, or sponsorship funds, publishing annual financial and editorial reports, and undergoing third-party audits.
- Mistakes are owned, admitted, and corrected promptly; editorial processes remain open to scrutiny, guaranteeing that the network’s integrity and credibility remain unassailable.
- We keep our processes aligned with the common good, recognizing that diaspora activism must serve public interest above personal or institutional gain.
