Editing New York City (section)

== Staying Safe ==

=== Safety Tips ===
* [[Safety]]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/read_profile_tips.html How to read a profile]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/couchrequest_tips.html Finding and requesting a couch]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/surf_tips.html Tips for surfing]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/host_tips.html Tips for hosting]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/solo_tips.html Solo couchsurfing]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/family_tips.html Family couchsurfing]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/references.html Writing and reading references]
* [http://www.couchwiki.org/en/Handling_Dating_Requests Dating & CS]
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/scams.html Avoiding scams & dealing with spam]

=== CS Guidelines ===
What's acceptable to do on CS? Read our [http://www.couchsurfing.org/guidelines.html guidelines] and [http://www.couchsurfing.org/terms.html terms of use].

=== References ===
'''Honest, accurate references''' are incredibly important!

You do not have to couchsurf with someone in order to leave a reference. You are encouraged to write a reference whenever you have learned something about a CouchSurfer that will be informative to the community. The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/references.html CS guide to references] gives you more information about when to write a reference and what information to include.

Please remember that reporting a negative experience is not the end of the world. It is normal that not everybody gets along fine and that '''''you are describing your experience for the benefit of others, not judging a person.''''' '''Negative references aren't just for safety issues. They're to give you a better idea of who the person is.''' CS will make every effort to remove any unjustified negative references received in retaliation for having left a negative reference. The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/mdst_faq.html#DeleteRef Member Disputes FAQ] has more information about when CS will remove a reference.

Doing the right thing in reporting a negative experience honestly will not create insurmountable problems, and '''''the clean conscience of not sharing responsibility for seriously bad things happening to other members by far outweighs any inconvenience.'''''

Reporting CSers who behave inappropriately, including but not limited to offensive, violent or sexually inappropriate behavior, who steals from you or engages in any other disturbing conduct, is required by our [http://www.couchsurfing.org/terms.html terms of use]. You must immediately report such person to the appropriate authorities and to us by [http://www.couchsurfing.org/contact.html contacting us] and choosing "Problem with Another Member.”

=== Member Disputes & Safety Team ===

'''You are required to report dangerous members to the MDST.''' You can do this by going to [http://www.couchsurfing.org/contact.html contact us] and choosing "Problem with Another Member." It is important to do this even if you choose not to leave a negative reference or press charges, so the MDST can look out for recurring problems and take action as necessary. If you require assistance with moderating a dispute or filing a police report, please contact MDST and/or a local ambassador.

* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/mdst_faq.html MDST FAQs]

* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=6220&post=517373 What can or can't the MDST do?]

=== Theft ===
'''You are required to report dangerous members to the MDST.''' You can do this by going to [http://www.couchsurfing.org/contact.html contact us] and choosing "Problem with Another Member." It is important to do this even if you choose not to leave a negative reference or press charges, so that the MDST can look out for recurring problems and take action as necessary. If you require assistance with moderating a dispute or filing a police report, please contact MDST and/or a local ambassador.

It is not advisable to post a public warning about another member. The MDST will take action and warn members under [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=6220&post=828170 specific circumstances].

=== CouchSurfing Workshops ===
Please check the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=2372 NYCS group] and [http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=couchsurfingnewyork%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York events calendar] for our next workshop. Workshops include information on how to set up a profile, what to expect while hosting and surfing, and how to stay safe while CSing.

=== Self Defense Classes ===
A number of organizations offer self-defense classes in New York City. Many colleges and non-profit organizations will host free or low-cost classes.

* Center for Anti-Violence Education
*: Free or low-cost self-defense workshops for children, teens, women and trans-folk. Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
*: 718-788-1775
*: http://www.caeny.org/
* Impact Personal Safety
*: Self-defense courses for children, teens, women and men.
*: 212-255-0505
*: http://www.prepareinc.com/
* Attackproof
*: Unique drills, exercises and principles cover everything from Awareness and avoidance to hand-to-hand and weapons training. Offered in various locations.
*: http://attackproof.com/CLASSES-IN-real-self-defense.html#group%20classes