Better AroundUs Comprehensive Member Conduct Rules

Better AroundUs is a community dedicated to fostering friendships, growth, and positive social connections among women. To maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment, all members must adhere to the following rules. These standards apply at all events, in digital communication, and in any member-to-member interaction related to the Organization. The “Organization” mentioned in these rules is Better AroundUs.

1. Respect for All Members

• Treat every member with courtesy, empathy, and kindness at all times.

• Avoid discriminatory language or actions based on race, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic.

• Personal disagreements must be handled privately, calmly, and respectfully; public arguments or harassment are prohibited.

• Please resolve issues between members using our dialogue process or request a mediator for positive outcomes.

• Members that bring guests to events are responsible for the behavior of those guests. The guests are expected to follow the same rules the members agree to. Violations of rules by a member’s guest can result in a fine, suspension, termination of membership, and possible legal action.

2. Platonic Community Only

• Better AroundUs is strictly a platonic community.

• Members may not pursue romantic or sexual relationships with other members in ways that disrupt the group dynamic.

• Repeated romantic or sexual advances, inappropriate messaging, or flirtatious behavior that creates tension or discomfort in the community may result in immediate termination of membership and a permanent ban from all events.

3. Safe and Supportive Environment

• Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or coercive behavior is strictly prohibited.

• Romantic and platonic physical contact must be consensual and appropriate. Unwelcome touching or physical intimidation will not be tolerated.

• Threatening behavior, stalking, physical and verbal violence, or harassment inside or outside the Organization’s events will result in immediate membership termination and possible legal action.

4. Confidentiality

• Members must respect the privacy of other members.

• We are creating intimate safe spaces. Personal information shared during events, in sessions, or online is confidential.

• Members may not share photos, messages, or any identifying details outside the group without explicit permission. This is simply out of respect for all members.

• Recording members is prohibited without consent unless the recording is in an effort to protect yourself or others, protect property, or obtain evidence of a crime.

5. Online & Digital Communication

• All online communications (emails, social media groups, chat groups) must follow the same standards of respect and inclusion as in-person events.

• Cyberbullying, negative commentary, or public criticism of members is prohibited.

• Private messaging that makes another member uncomfortable, is persistent, or violates platonic boundaries may be grounds for membership termination.

6. Event Behavior

• Arrive on time and prepared for all events and sessions you commit to attend.

• Follow all event guidelines, including safety instructions, venue rules, and organizational policies.

• Maintain a positive, supportive attitude; disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive intoxication, loud arguments, or disrespect toward facilitators) will not be tolerated.

7. Substance Use

• Moderate alcohol consumption is allowed only where explicitly permitted by the Organization.

• Intoxication that disrupts events, makes others uncomfortable, or leads to unsafe behavior is prohibited and may result in removal from the event or membership termination.

• Illegal substances are strictly prohibited at any event or session.

• Smoking and vaping must be done at least 25 feet away from the events and event venues. Depending on the venue’s rules, smoking on the property may be prohibited. Please check with staff if you need to smoke to avoid event disruption.

• All event attendees must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol. Any member or non-member found providing alcohol to underage event attendees will be subject to immediate membership termination, a permanent ban from all events, and possible legal action.

8. Inclusion and Community Engagement

• Encourage others, listen actively, and participate in activities in ways that foster inclusion and belonging.

• Avoid cliques, exclusionary behavior, or gossip that undermines the cohesion of the group.

• Members are expected to support the community mission, not personal agendas, when interacting with others.

9. Personal Boundaries

• Respect the personal space, time, and comfort of other members.

• We request that you notify Better AroundUs staff before inviting members to private activities outside of official events for the safety of yourself and others.

• Pressuring other members to share personal information, participate in activities, or attend private gatherings is prohibited.

10. Reporting and Accountability

• Members should report any violations of these rules to the Organization immediately.

• Reports are confidential, and retaliation against any member reporting misconduct is strictly prohibited.

• The Organization will investigate all reports and take appropriate action, which may include warnings, suspension, or permanent membership termination.

• We ask that all members participate in events and conversations with honesty and good intentions. Mistakes, accidents, and conflict are normal and we expect our members to kindly and maturely resolve these issues on their own or through mediation provided by the Organization.

11. Attendance and Commitment

• Members are expected to honor their RSVPs for events and sessions.

• No-shows or repeated cancellations without notice may affect eligibility for future events.

• Make-up sessions or ticket adjustments must be requested per the Organization’s published policies.

12. Commitment to Community

By joining Better AroundUs, members commit to:

• Respecting these rules in all interactions.

• Supporting other members’ growth and well-being.

• Helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and platonic space for all women in the community.

• Managing the behavior of guests or plus ones that are invited by the member to events.