add a default `CONTRIBUTING.md` and `CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md`

[jdhoffa]

These can be defined centrally in this repository to be used automatically in other GH repos when they are created.

[jdhoffa]

# Code of Conduct

RMI and its collaborators are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for everyone. This Code of Conduct applies to all participants in RMI-related projects, including employees, contractors, partners, vendors, and community contributors.

## Our Commitment

We are dedicated to providing a positive experience free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All individuals are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and consideration for others.

RMI prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected characteristic, including but not limited to:
age (40 and over), race, color, sex, pregnancy (including lactation, childbirth, or related medical conditions), religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, uniformed servicemember status, veteran status, and citizenship status.

## Unacceptable Behavior

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

### Harassment and Discrimination
- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature.
- Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances.
- Sexually suggestive or explicit comments, jokes, images, gestures, or communications (including emails, texts, or social media posts).
- Verbal or physical intimidation, stalking, or unwanted touching.
- Derogatory, slur-based, or stereotyping remarks based on protected characteristics.
- Displaying or circulating offensive materials (e.g., posters, websites, memes, or messages).

### Retaliation and Abuse
- Retaliating against any person for reporting or opposing discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
- Bullying, coercion, exclusion, or intimidation.
- Knowingly making false or bad-faith accusations of misconduct.

### Professional Conduct
- Disruptive, disrespectful, or hostile behavior toward others.
- Demeaning or belittling comments about colleagues, partners, or collaborators.
- Failing to respect differing opinions, backgrounds, and experiences.

## Reporting Concerns
If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, report it promptly.
Non-employees and external collaborators may raise concerns in good faith to any of the following:
- ???

Reports may be made verbally or in writing. RMI will maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable and will conduct fair and thorough reviews or investigations of all good-faith concerns.

## No Retaliation
RMI strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, raises a concern, reports misconduct, or participates in an investigation. Retaliation may include verbal or nonverbal intimidation, exclusion, threats, or adverse actions. Any substantiated retaliation will result in corrective action.

## Our Shared Responsibility
We all play a role in ensuring a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. Treat others with respect, speak up against misconduct, and collaborate in good faith. Together, we uphold RMI’s commitment to professionalism, ethics, and equity.