How we decide what to publish.

Reading level

Every public page is written at a Grade 6–8 reading level. Specialized vocabulary appears once with an everyday definition, then is used consistently.

Sources

Articles in the Resource Library carry a source stamp: who issued the information, which jurisdiction it applies to, and when we last reviewed it. We cite government and academic sources first, established NGOs second, and the professional press third. We do not cite individual social media posts as factual sources.

Neutrality

The Community Response Directory lists agencies, NGOs, and professional disciplines — never named individuals, never partisan organizations. Listing an organization is not an endorsement; it is an acknowledgment that they have a statutory or established role in the problem domain.

Worked examples

Every example in a handbook is fictional. The parcel ("123 Example Road, Anytown") and the application number ("RZ-2026-014") are placeholders. We never use a real applicant, real address, or real case as a worked example.

Everyday tone

We do not use legalese or planning jargon when a neighbor term will do. We do not use exclamation points, emojis, or urgency language. We do not write headlines designed to alarm.

House voice

Two principles guide every page where a reader may arrive with strong feelings: turn concern into understanding, and begin with capability. We acknowledge the feeling in one sentence, then spend the rest of our time on the next concrete step. We never open a page with a warning, a limitation, or a "don't" — we open with what the reader can do.

Corrections

If a fact is wrong, email corrections@beforetheybuild.com with the page URL and the correction. We log every correction request and respond within seven days.

Privacy and tracking

No third-party analytics. No advertising trackers. No cookies for tracking. The only third-party script on the site is Stripe, and it loads only when a visitor begins a support checkout — never on a content page. First-party metrics record three events: support button clicks, completed support payments, and contact form submissions. No IP, no user agent, no fingerprint.

Support and money

Support is always optional and never gates access to a resource. Support buttons appear next to (never instead of) the primary action — the Download or Print button is always primary. The button copy is fixed: "Support this resource", "Support this handbook", or "Support the mission" — never "Donate Now". Refunds are available on request within 30 days.

What we won't do

• No supporters wall, leaderboard, or donor levels.
• No popups, modals, or interstitial support asks.
• No urgency language ("Last chance!", "Help us survive!").
• Third-party analytics are opt-in and never load on order, download, or admin pages.
• No sale or sharing of any visitor data.
• No partisan endorsements or political fundraising.