top of page

Member Code of Conduct

Effective Date: July 4, 2025


Rootline exists to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive community. To protect that culture, all members, volunteers, Circle Leads, and Board Members agree to uphold the following standards.

​​

When you join Rootline as a member or at an event, you commit to:

  • Respect & Dignity – Treat every person with fairness and kindness.

  • No Gossip or Hostility – Avoid gossip, backchanneling, harassment, or exclusion.

  • Healthy Communication – Raise concerns through the right channels instead of creating conflict.

  • Respect Boundaries – Listen actively, share space, and avoid dominating discussions.

  • Live the Mission – Act in a way that reflects Rootline's mission, values, and agreements.

  • Zero Tolerance for Harassment – No bullying, intimidation, or abusive behavior in any form.

  • Accountability – Understand that failure to uphold these values may result in coaching, suspension, or removal.

​

If issues arise, Rootline has a grievance process that ensures concerns are reviewed fairly, confidentially, and without retaliation.

Full Policy (Bylaws, Article XI)

​ARTICLE XI. CODE OF CONDUCT AND BEHAVIORAL ETHICS

  1. Organizational Culture. Rootline Community Initiative is committed to cultivating a culture of respect, collaboration, and psychological safety across all programs, Circles, and leadership spaces. All participants—including members, volunteers, Circle Leads, and Board Members—are expected to contribute to an environment free from gossip, hostility, exclusion, and retaliation.

  2. Core Expectations of Behavior. All individuals affiliated with Rootline shall:

    1. Treat others with respect, dignity, and fairness at all times;

    2. Refrain from personal attacks, gossip, backchanneling, and divisive communication;

    3. Use designated channels to voice concerns, file complaints, or seek mediation;

    4. Respect boundaries in meetings by listening actively, not dominating discussions, and avoiding side conversations or digital distractions;

    5. Follow the spirit and letter of Rootline’s mission, values, and member agreements.

  3. Failure to meet these expectations may result in coaching, mediation, suspension from events, or removal from roles or membership in accordance with due process.

  4. Anti-Harassment & Misconduct. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, and abusive behavior are strictly prohibited. This includes:

    1. Intimidation, belittling, or mobbing (in person or online);

    2. Manipulative or toxic leadership behaviors;

    3. Retaliation against individuals who report concerns or participate in investigations.

  5. Concerns should be reported through the grievance process. Grievances may be submitted anonymously and will be investigated confidentially by a designated ethics team or third-party panel if necessary.

  6. Upholding Code of Conduct. All members of Rootline—including Circle participants, donors, and affiliated volunteers—are expected to uphold the Code of Conduct outlined herein.

  7. If a member is alleged to have violated this Code through actions such as harassment, repeated disruption, retaliation, defamation, or undermining community values, the Due Process and Grievance Policy will be enacted.

bottom of page