Tech Alley, both the company and the people we represent -- our employees, startups, Chapter Directors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees -- must hold themselves to the highest standards as members of the Tech Alley community. We recognize that each of us is an ambassador for Tech Alley and reflects the organization and its values in our actions. As part of the Tech Alley global community, we must always act justly and respectfully. Those who do not abide by this Code of Conduct may be removed from the Tech Alley community and/or organization.
The Tech Alley Code of Conduct revolves around our three key values:
TECH ALLEY CODE OF CONDUCT
Integrity. Tech Alley employees are expected to act and perform their duties ethically, honestly, and with the utmost integrity. We strive to be transparent in all of our communications. Our reputation as a company that our community can trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to ensure we continually earn that trust.
Anti-discrimination. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment* based on race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We will take disciplinary action for any employee or community member who violates this Code of Conduct.
Anti-Racism. We have a zero-tolerance policy for racism, and perpetuating or endorsing racism are grounds for immediate dismissal. Anyone found not “standing up” against racism may also be in violation of the code of conduct in certain circumstances. Stand up and speak up.
Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying. Tech Alley prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying in any form – verbal, physical, or visual. If you believe you’ve been bullied or harassed by anyone in our community, we strongly encourage you to report the incident to Tech Alley Leadership immediately. We will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action.
Any attendee, speaker, partner, or staff member who demonstrates harassment through live chat, social media posts, networking booths, or direct messages will be asked to stop immediately and removed from the event if it continues.
Equal Opportunity & Fair Pay. Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We ensure fair pay for equal work and agree to compensate our employees without regard to ability status, age, ancestry, civil union, class, color, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military service, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.
Responsiveness. We keep our promises and strive to respond to all inquiries and concerns immediately.
Conflicts of Interest. We work for our company and partners, not for our benefit. Tech Alley employees and community leaders commit to avoiding conflicts of interest that could allow them personal benefit at the expense of the Tech Alley community. Anyone at Tech Alley aware of a conflict of interest or concerned that a conflict might develop is required to discuss the matter with Leadership.
Supportive Work & Event Environment. We commit to a supportive, open, and welcoming workplace and event environment that reflects a culture free of harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination. We enable all in our community to feel free to express their opinions, concerns and needs with an expectation that they will be heard and respected. We communicate professionally and appropriately at all times.
Avoid Gossip. We do not speak ill of others. We have each other’s back. We are constructive in our feedback and will always provide it directly to the individual or company to which it pertains.
No means no. We respect “no” as an answer and decision when it is made.
Diversity. We encourage diversity and are committed to building inclusive environments at our company and at events that reflect the diversity of people and cultures we see in the world and our global community.
Diversity and equality are foundational values that we draw upon when envisioning better events and programs and, ultimately, a stronger global community. Our team is committed to striving for equal representation of BIPOC and underrepresented individuals in the work that we do.
Diversity, including but not limited to gender, race, and geography, will continue to guide our work in the following ways: inviting speakers and attendees to conferences and events, accepting startups into programs and memberships, selecting directors to lead chapters, featuring individuals on our blog and social channels, hiring vendors and team members, to name a few.
Through all of the above and more, we will continue to use our platform to demonstrate the importance and expectation of diversity and equality in this industry. We accept the role of a leader in the space, educating, connecting, and elevating startups and entrepreneurs of all types, recognizing and celebrating our differences, and creating a more diverse and inclusive community for all.
Accountability. We stick to our word, respect the legal agreements we sign, and do our best to fulfill all obligations. If we can’t keep our commitments, we strive to make it right in every way possible.
Safe Workplace. We are committed to a violence-free work environment, and we will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence in the workplace. Under no circumstances should anyone bring a weapon to work or an event. If you become aware of a violation of this policy, you should report it immediately.
Drugs & Alcohol. Alcohol consumption is not banned at our events, but we expect good judgment and appropriate behavior that would never compromise performance, endanger the safety of others, or violate the law. Substance abuse, illegal drugs, and underage drinking in our offices or at our events are strictly prohibited.
Stand Up. We appropriately intervene when we witness violations of this Code and will report such violations. In some instances, we recognize our stance in whatever way we feel obligated to.
Conclusion. Tech Alley is a human-first company. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our company. We expect everyone at Tech Alley -- the company and our community -- to represent our values and abide by this Code of Conduct in everything we do. Any violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including termination and, if warranted, legal proceedings. This Code is a statement of certain fundamental principles, policies, and procedures that govern how we run our business.
If you have witnessed a violation of our Code of Conduct, please report it to Tech Alley Leadership. If you have a question or concern, don’t just sit there. You can contact your manager or Tech Alley Leadership. Finally, if you believe a violation of law has occurred, you can always raise that with Tech Alley Leadership or a government agency.
DEFINITION OF HARASSMENT
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
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