STLSC
POLICIES, GUIDELINES, & CODE OF CONDUCT
Note
that all policies and guidelines implemented by Meetup supercede
STLSC and individual event rules. Please familiarize yourself with
Meetup's Policies and Community Guidelines.
You
must meet the following conditions to be approved as a member of
STLSC. If you do, please type “YES” as your answer to all 5 questions in your membership application:
You
must be a member in good standing of Meetup.
Your
profile must include at least your first name. A nickname may only
be used if it's the name you commonly go by.
Your
profile must also include a photo of yourself taken within the last
5 years in which your face can be clearly seen. No one else's face
should be visible in this photo. (We need to be able to easily
identify you in person.)
You
must agree to keep your RSVP status current for events that you sign
up for (i.e. change your status to "Not Going" if you
and/or your guest[s] no longer intend to attend an event.)
You
cannot be a member of STLSC or Meetup if you are a convicted sex
offender or have been convicted of a violent, fraudulent, or
dangerous crime. You can also be removed at the Head Organizer's
discretion based on your criminal record or other safety concerns.
You
must acknowledge that you will be participating in the events of
STLSC of your own free will and do not hold the STLSC, nor its
organizers, responsible for any injuries sustained during an event.
You
must read and agree to STLSC's Policies, Guidelines, and Code of
Conduct. (See
below)
This
cannot be stressed enough – STLSC
IS NOT A DATING GROUP!
It's merely a group in which individuals can socialize with
one another. That said, most Meetup groups tend to draw the
interest of members who are looking to develop romantic
relationships. So naturally, members will often meet fellow members
at STLSC events and may start dating. This is to be expected and is
perfectly within STLSC's guidelines. However, there are a few rules
that must be followed when dating fellow members:
Allow
connections to form organically. Don't force interactions in a way
that is likely to make others feel uncomfortable or possibly even
unsafe.
You
must always respect other people's boundaries!
That means if someone resists/rejects your romantic advances, you
MUST back off! (More
on this in the "Harrassment Policy" section below.)
If
a dating relationship with a fellow STLSC member ends, please
resolve any issues you may have privately. In
other words, be mature about it! Disturbances
at STLSC events will not be tolerated, so please don't
make others in the group uncomfortable by engaging in negative
verbal exchanges during events. If a lingering conflict between
members becomes disruptive, an organizer may be forced to intervene
and restrict you and the other member from attending the same events
until the conflict is resolved.
Members may use Meetup's
internal private messaging (DM) system to contact organizers and
fellow members, with the following restrictions:
Do not use Meetup's
messaging system to initiate unsolicited contact with people you
haven't already met in person at a Meetup event.
Members
always have the option of blocking other individual members from
contacting them (or blocking all private messages) via the Meetup
messaging system. If you wish to block someone from messaging you,
follow the process described HERE.
Sending spam and
inappropriate messages via Meetup's messaging system is prohibited.
You may report these violations directly to Meetup. However, please
additionally notify the Head Organizer if there are repeated
instances or if you're certain that a fellow STLSC member is
responsible for the offending message(s). To report spam or
inappropriate messages sent to you via Meetup's messaging system,
click
HERE.
STLSC
allows its members to leave comments and post pictures on the group's
main page, as well as on individual event pages. The following rules
apply to the posting of comments/photos on STLSC pages:
Do
not, under any circumstances, post harrassing, threatening, or
discriminatory comments anywhere in the STLSC Comments sections.
Spamming is also strictly prohibited.
Please
refrain from posting disparaging comments pertaining to past events,
event venues, or other members. (In
fact, please don't post negative comments AT ALL!)
If you've had a negative experience at a past event or with a
specific host, simply leave a constructively-critical review. If
STLSC guidelines were violated, contact the Head Organizer to
address the issue personally.
If
you have a negative opinion of a particular venue at which an event
is scheduled to take place, feel free to inform the event host.
Sometimes an event host has scheduled an event at a location they're
unfamiliar with and sharing your opinion about the location may be
helpful. Just be polite when offering suggestions.
Please
don't post comments about inclement (or simply less-than-ideal)
weather being forecasted for an upcoming event. Instead, privately
address your concerns with the event host. It's possible they may
not be aware of the forecast and may choose to reschedule or change
the event's location. (However, it's ultimately the event host's
decision as to whether or not they wish to proceed with the event as
scheduled. As always, if you're uncomfortable with an event
organizer's decision, simply cancel your RSVP and don't attend.)
Please
refrain from using the Comments section to suggest informal,
impromptu meetings with other members that aren't
officially-sanctioned Meetup events, as doing so may compromise your
or other members' safety. You may, however, post event ideas and
solicit feedback to gauge other members' interest. If you do have an
idea for an event, feel free to recommend it to a STLSC event
organizer. (Or better yet, apply to become an event organizer
yourself! We can always use more organizers.)
Posting
pictures that are distasteful or that are meant to cause shame,
embarrassment, or discomfort to other members or their guests is
strictly prohibited.
Any
comments or pictures which violate the above rules will result in
the offending comment/picture being deleted. Violations of the
photo-posting and/or “harrassing comments” policies may
result in the member being reported to Meetup, as well as either a
warning, suspension, or expulsion from STLSC, depending on the
severity of the violation.
While
STLSC does not currently require that masks be worn at (all) events,
members are required to observe all COVID-related rules, including
mask mandates and vaccination requirements, posted at private
businesses where events are being held. Members are also expected to
observe government-mandated COVID restrictions within communities and
jurisdictions where such rules are being enforced. Furthermore,
individual organizers have the right to require that masks be worn at
the events they're hosting. If you choose not to comply with such
requests, simply don't attend these events. (Event hosts may NOT,
however, turn away attendees that DO choose to wear masks, provided
the attendees clearly identify themselves.)
Neither
Meetup, STLSC, nor individual event organizers are responsible for
any injury or illness sustained by group members at STLSC-sanctioned
events. Nevertheless, because STLSC events routinely involve
physically-challenging activities, attendees face a hightened risk of
injury. Here are a few things to consider when signing up for an
outdoor recreational event:
Please
be mindful of your physical limitations and don't sign up for events
you may not be ready for. That said, even the most fit/athletic
individual can sustain injuries while engaging in recreational
activities, so please exercise caution when attending
physically-demanding events.
As
many STLSC events take place out in nature, always be observant and
respectful of wildlife, and understand that being outdoors makes one
vulnerable to bites, stings, and allergic reactions.
While
event organizers are instructed to be aware of the potential for
inclement weather conditions during their events, there's always the
possibility of being caught out in torrential rain, hail, high
winds, lightning, flooding, and other types of severe weather,
without adequate shelter. Bottom line: When you're spending time
outdoors, ALWAYS
BE PREPARED!
At
certain events, such as game nights and picnics, members will often
bring games that some other members may find objectionable due to
risqué content and/or offensive language. These games are
allowed, but will be confined to a designated area or table(s)
separate from where other games are being played or other activities
are taking place. Members participating in "adult-oriented"
games are still expected to be respectful toward other members. Under
all circumstances, please refrain from directing innuendo at specific
members or purposely attempting to make other members feel
embarrassed or uncomfortable.
STLSC
isn't the place for political discourse!
Please
refrain from engaging in dialogue that is overtly political or that
involve topics that are generally regarded as controversial or
divisive.
STLSC
strives to create an inclusive environment for all members. While
organizers are allowed to host religious-themed events, STLSC does
not endorse any specific religion or faith-based organization.
Occasionally,
an organizer may choose to host an event at a private residence or on
private property. Please observe the following guidelines for these
events:
It
is particularly important that the host(s') rules be respected, as
the individual property-owner's rules supercede those of STLSC and
Meetup.
Members
should be especially careful to observe rules regarding RSVP status
and the invitation of guests for these events.
Note
that hosts of events at private residences will usually require
attendees to have attended a minimum number of prior events.
If
a member feels that STLSC and/or Meetup rules were being flagrantly
disregarded at an event that took place at a private residence,
please contact an organizer or member of the leadership team as such
violations may be cause for the discontinuation of further
STLSC-sanctioned events at said residence/property.
Event
organizers may determine how many (if any) guests a member may bring
with them to their event. Do NOT bring a guest(s) without adding them
to your RSVP or otherwise receiving permission from the event
organizer beforehand. Remember
that you are responsible for any guest you bring to a STLSC event!
Violations of STLSC rules by a guest may result in disciplinary
action of the accompanying member and the offending guest being
banned from future events.
Trained and licensed/certified service and support/therapy animals are welcome at all events, as long as they are permitted by the event venue or property owner. Otherwise, it will be left to each individual event organizer's discretion as to whether or not pets will be allowed at their respective events. For the safety of your pet and other event attendees, pets that are brought to STLSC-sanctioned events must be kept in cages/kennels or on leashes at all times and must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Neither Meetup nor STLSC are responsible for injured/lost pets or any injuries sustained by fellow event attendees at STLSC-sanctioned events.
Actions
or the use of language and/or humor that discriminates against groups
or individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual
identity/orientation is strictly prohibited. Members should also
avoid language and/or humor relating to gender, age, and disability,
which other members may find offensive or hurtful.
To reiterate, STLSC
is NOT a dating group.
Please be respectful of other people's boundaries. The following
rules concerning verbal and physical interaction must be observed:
If
another member requests that you discontinue communication with
them, you MUST respect their wishes. This includes contact via
Meetup's messaging system and the public Comments section. If
someone continues to attempt communication with you after you've
explicitly requested that they stop, please contact the Head
Organizer. Repeat violators face disciplinary action, including
possible suspension or expulsion from STLSC and being reported to
Meetup.)
Members
are strongly discouraged from engaging in any physical contact with
other members beyond normal social greetings.
While you may
occasionally see hugs between members who have an
already-established mutual rapport and sincere friendship with one
another, hugs are rarely a good idea unless you're very familiar
with the other person. Even an innocent, "friendly" hug or
sustained physical contact may make someone feel uncomfortable and
could potentially be construed as inappropriate touching. Therefore,
it's always best to limit physical contact and respect other
people's personal space.
If
a member asks not to be touched, you MUST respect their request and
not touch them, even if they've allowed you to do so previously.
Do
NOT initiate sexually-suggestive dialogue with another member,
especially one you're not already well-acquainted with.
Any
action that constitutes criminal sexual harrassment or assault will
result in immediate expulsion from STLSC and the member being
reported to Meetup (for likely expulsion from Meetup), and to the
appropriate legal authorities.
In
addition to sexual harrassment/assault, STLSC has a zero-tolerance
policy for the following offenses:
Any
act of criminal violence toward a fellow member, host, or any non-member at
a STLSC-sanctioned event is grounds for immediate expulsion from
the group. The incident will also be reported to Meetup (for likely
expulsion from Meetup), and, if appropriate, to legal authorities.
Any
incident involving the verbal abuse of a fellow member, host, or any
non-member at a STLSC-sanctioned event will be referred to the Head
Organizer and may result in either a warning, suspension, or
expulsion, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the
offense.
Any
blatant use of racial, ethnic, or homophobic slurs will result in
immediate expulsion from STLSC and will be reported to Meetup for
possible disciplinary action.
Any
other incident involving criminal conduct (such as theft, vandalism,
etc.) during a STLSC-sanctioned event will result in immediate
expulsion from STLSC and will be reported to Meetup for
disciplinary action, as well as to the appropriate legal
authorities.
Members
with concerns about criminal or illegal activity should contact the
event organizer and/or Head Organizer immediately. However, if you
feel that you or others are in imminent danger, contact 911 rather
than finding an organizer.
You
may report threatening or harrassing behavior, as well as dangerous
and/or illegal activities by emailing Meetup directly at the
following address: abuse@meetup.com
An
event organizer has the authority to ask any attendee at their event
to leave if the attendee is in violation of the rules detailed above
OR any rules specific to their event. If a member and/or guest show
up at an event they did not RSVP to or are on a wait list for, the
event organizer has the right to request that the member/guest leave
a private residence/property or an area/table where STLSC members
are located. Organizers can not force members to leave a public
location. However, flagrant attempts to circumvent the event's RSVP
and wait list policy may result in the member being referred to the
Head Organizer for possible disciplinary action.)
Any
actions/incidents described above that don't warrant immediate
dismissal from the group will result in the following:
1st
Offense - Verbal
warning
2nd
Offense -
Suspension from all STLSC activities for a period of 3 months and
referral to Meetup for possible disciplinary action
3rd
Offense -
Permanent expulsion from STLSC and referral to Meetup for possible
disciplinary action
And
as noted above, any serious offense or criminal conduct will result
in immediate and permanent expulsion from STLSC, referral to Meetup,
and, if appropriate, being reported to legal authorities.
STLSC
reserves the right to alter the above policies as needed in order to
better serve our membership. Members will be notified via email of any changes made to STLSC's Policies, Guidelines, and Code of Conduct.
Please
remember that all Meetup organizers are volunteers. While they may
enjoy themselves at their events and the companionship of fellow
members, keep in mind that they bear a certain degree of
responsibility for the enjoyment of their events' attendees, not to
mention the fact that they must make all the necessary arrangements,
post event details on the app/website, and manage post-event comments
and photos. Sometimes, they even expend their own money and/or
personal resources to make the event more fun for everyone. So PLEASE
always try to be respectful and appreciative toward our organizers.
Without them, none of this would be possible.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STLSC MEMBERSHIP
DATING
FELLOW STLSC MEMBERS:
USE
OF MEETUP'S MESSAGING SYSTEM:
COMMENTING
& POSTING OF PHOTOS:
COVID-19:
INJURIES
& SAFETY:
GAMES:
POLITICS:
RELIGIOUS
ACTIVITIES:
EVENTS
AT PRIVATE RESIDENCES:
GUESTS:
PETS:
DISCRIMINATION:
HARRASSMENT:
VIOLENCE
/ VERBAL ABUSE / CRIMINAL CONDUCT:
REMOVAL
FROM AN EVENT:
DISCIPLINARY
STEPS:
RULES
DISCLAIMER:
ONE
FINAL NOTE REGARDING ORGANIZERS:
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