Fox Valley Knitters’ Guild – Code of Conduct

The following are the expectations for all members’ behavior and is applied to the following:

• All guild events, meetings or related activities
  • In any setting, virtual, in-person
  • Across all lines of communication, phone, written, verbal, online platforms

Violations to the Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action described below.

Members will:

1. Be kind, friendly, inclusive, respectful and supportive. 
2. Foster an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and inclusivity.
3. Not harass, bully, threaten or present offensive behavior. 
4. Never use abusive language, or make racial, ethnic, or gender-related slurs or derogatory comments, or participate in conversations of such.

Grounds for dismissal from the FVKG are violations including, but not limited to: 

1. Yelling, taunting, insulting or threatening physical violence upon another member of the Guild, a volunteer, vendor or an event participant. 
2. Exhibiting emotional outbursts or volatile behavior.
3. Being party to, producing, or sharing any electronic communication or social posting which is disrespectful, abusive, mean-spirited, cruel, demeaning, or unkind.

Disciplinary Action and Revocation Process: 

1. Any Member who believes a violation has occurred will present a complaint to the Guild’s President, or other Guild Board Members.
2. The Complaint must be presented in writing, including the date, nature, and location of the violation, as well as any witnesses. 
3. Upon receipt, the complaint will be immediately referred to the President or Vice President to determine if there was a violation of the Code of Conduct.
4. If the President or Vice President determines it is a violation of the Code of Conduct, the President or Vice President will then communicate the complaint to the Board. 
5. The Board will discuss the complaint in a timely manner to determine whether disciplinary action or immediate dismissal is warranted, or if a discussion can resolve the situation.
6. If The Board decides to proceed, then the member against whom the complaint has been lodged will be notified and will have the opportunity to respond within 14 days of receipt of the notification.  
7. If the Board decides that termination is necessary, the Member will not be allowed back into the Guild and will also not be allowed to attend or participate in any Guild meetings or events. 
8. All complaints that result in a written reprimand must be given to the Secretary and entered into the minutes of the Board of Directors. 
9. Records of rules violations and disciplinary actions must be kept in the Guild’s permanent files.
10. No membership fees will be refunded.