Platform Calgary Code of Conduct

Platform Calgary Code of Conduct 

Welcome to our vibrant community! We're thrilled to have you join us. As a membership-based organization, we believe in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. To ensure a positive experience for all, we've established a few guidelines, rooted in the spirit of the Rainforest Alberta Social Code, that help us innovate and grow together. 

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Our Shared Values: The Rainforest Alberta Social Code 

We are a community of individuals united by a shared faith in continuously growing the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We're an inclusive, silo-busting, sector-agnostic, all-industry, open-source, ego-shrinking, ecosystem-building, entrepreneur-focused, wide-open, social-barrier-smashing community! 

The Rainforest Alberta Social Code describes what it means to innovate together. It defines what we allow and pursue versus what we resist and avoid. It's our litmus test for the quality of our decisions, actions, and how we interact. By joining us, you agree to embrace and promote these 10 core values and principles: 

● DIVERSITY: Embrace diversity, strive to create equal opportunity for every person, and be open to meeting anyone in this community. 

● FREE HELP: Understand that you'll receive valuable help from others for free.

● TRUST: Give trust to others before expecting to receive trust in return.

● PAY IT FORWARD: Agree to "pay forward" whatever positive benefits you receive. This means: 

    ○ For every introduction you get, you'll provide an introduction to another person.

     ○ For every hour of advice you receive, you'll give an hour of advice to someone else. 

     ○ For every risk someone takes with you, you'll take a risk with a different person.

● FAIRNESS: Be nice and treat everyone fairly. Take advantage of no one.

● LISTENING: Bring people together and listen, as none of us is as smart as all of us. We believe in the big tent and gain strength through diversity. 

● HONESTY: Be truthful and frank. Be willing to break rules and call out elephants in the room when necessary. 

● TEAM SPORT: Create teams to play, dream, experiment, iterate, and persist. Understand that mistakes happen, and failing quickly and cheaply are acceptable ways of testing new ideas. 

● SHARING: Open yourself to learning from others, and be eager to act to learn. Share your knowledge in the spirit of the Creative Commons to help nurture learning in others. 

● ROLE MODEL: Lead at times and follow at other times. Each person acts as a role model for everyone else. Live by these ideals and enforce them as a member of this community. 

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1. Purpose 

To ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all users of the Platform Calgary Innovation Centre. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for behavior and the consequences of misconduct. 

2. Scope 

This Code applies to all users during official events, online interactions, and any activity related to the organization and on the organization's premises. 

3. Community Commitment 

We are proud to lead our community of founders, innovators, partners and extended ecosystem members in upholding our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable environment. This commitment is based around a shared vision of respect, appreciation and empathy. We recognize, admire and value the diverse background, experiences, identities and perspectives that each individual brings to the community. Most importantly, we believe that diversity of race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability status, religious affiliation and socioeconomic status are what make a community strong and vibrant. 

We want to provide safe spaces for activities and conversations that contribute to our cultural growth and break down barriers to participation in the startup ecosystem. The Community Commitment ensures that everyone understands what behaviour is expected and outlines how inappropriate behaviour will be treated. The Community Commitment applies to all members of our community. 

4. Safe Spaces 

Platform Calgary is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in virtual and in-person programs, events, workspaces, and across all our social media channels. 

Together with our community, we are creating and maintaining a respectful environment that is free from discrimination, violence, bullying, harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abuse, and threats. 

We expect all visitors, partners, members, event attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, organizers and volunteers to treat others with respect and abide by the following Code of Conduct at all times while on Platform Calgary Property. This includes online activities and social media before, during and after Platform Calgary activities. 

5. Zero Tolerance Policy 

We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all Employees, Members, Partners and Guests. Any form of abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or harassing behavior — whether verbal, physical, written, or digital — will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 

Violations of this policy may result in immediate removal from the premises, termination of services, and/or legal action as appropriate. We reserve the right to take all necessary steps to protect staff and visitors to the centre and uphold a workplace culture of dignity and respect. 

6. Expected Behavior 

Members are expected to: 

● Ensure all communication with Platform Staff, Members, Partners and guests is conducted in a professional and respectful manner. 

● Treat others with respect, kindness, and professionalism 

● Foster an inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment

● Communicate openly and constructively 

● Respect privacy and confidentiality 

● Follow all applicable laws and organizational policies 

7. Unacceptable Behavior 

We expect all participants to conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner. We do not tolerate actions or behaviors that impact a program or event participant’s safety and well-being, including bullying, discrimination, or harassment in any form. These behaviors include but are not limited to: 

● Harassment 

     ○ Unwelcome or hostile behavior, including verbal or written comments that intimidate, create discomfort, or interfere with a person’s participation at Platform Calgary. 

     ○ Unwelcome physical contact 

     ○ Unwelcome sexual attention 

● Sexual Violence 

● Bullying 

Is unacceptable, unprofessional, and inappropriate behaviour directed towards one or more individuals with the intent of making them the subject of public humiliation and/or unwarranted disrespectful attention. The objective of the bully (i.e., the perpetrator) is to increase the discomfort of the other individual to ostracize that individual. 

● Intimidation 

● Discrimination 

Discrimination: any discriminatory practice in relation to Protected Grounds such as: 

• Race
• National or Ethnic origin 
• Colour 
• Religion 
• Age 
• Sex 
• Sexual Orientation 
• Gender Identity or Expression 
• Marital Status or Family Status 
• Disability 
• Genetic Characteristics or; 
• A conviction for which a pardon has been granted 

● Abuse of Membership Privileges 

Abuse of Membership Privileges refers to any action or inaction by a member that violates the terms of their membership, the Code of Conduct, or the Terms of Use and Occupancy Agreement, specifically as it relates to their access to the Platform Innovation Centre building and the utilization of member perks. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• ‍ Unauthorized Access or Entry: Using membership credentials (e.g., access cards, app logins) to gain entry for non-members without proper authorization, or to access areas of the building that are restricted from their membership level. 
• ‍ Misuse of Facilities or Equipment: Damaging, defacing, or improperly using shared spaces, equipment, or resources within the Innovation Centre that are provided as part of membership perks. This could include leaving shared spaces in disarray, monopolizing resources, or using equipment for purposes outside of its intended use. 
• ‍ Violation of Guest Policies: Bringing an excessive number of guests, or guests who engage in disruptive or unauthorized activities, in a manner that exceeds the privileges granted by the membership level. 
• ‍ Sharing Membership Benefits: Sharing access credentials, exclusive member discounts, or other non-transferable perks with individuals who are not authorized members, thereby undermining the value and integrity of the membership program. 
• ‍ Disruption of Other Members' Experience: Engaging in behaviors that negatively impact the ability of other members to utilize the building or enjoy their perks, such as excessive noise, disrespectful conduct, or monopolizing shared amenities. 
• ‍ Commercial Exploitation of Perks: Using member perks or access to the building for unauthorized commercial activities that are not aligned with the spirit of the membership or Platform Calgary's mission. 
• ‍ Circumvention of Payment or Booking Systems: Utilizing perks or accessing facilities without proper booking, payment, or adherence to established procedures where such are required for certain amenities or services. ‍
• Failure to Adhere to Building Rules and Regulations: Disregarding posted rules, safety guidelines, or operational procedures within the Innovation Centre, which are in place to ensure a safe and productive environment for all members. ‍
• Misuse of Member Slack: The Member Slack channel is meant for communication between members, and a way for Platform Staff to quickly and effectively communicate with Members regarding important information. Members are expected to use Slack in a respectful and professional manner. Any form of disrespect toward any member or Platform staff member may result in termination of membership from Platform. 

● Disruptive or aggressive behavior 

● Sharing confidential information without consent 

● Any illegal activity 

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8. Reporting and Enforcement 

If you experience or witness any forms of unacceptable behaviour that violates this policy or if you have any other concerns, please bring them to the immediate attention of Platform Calgary staff. 

● Members should report violations to the Platform Team as soon as possible. Reports can be submitted to: 

• Platform Calgary Code of Conduct Violation Reporting
• Membership@platformcalgary.com 
• Facilities@platformcalgary.com 

You may also submit anonymous sexual harassment and or violence to:

•  REES online reporting system 

● Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly in accordance with the Code of Conduct Review Process. 

● Consequences may include warnings, suspension, or termination of membership 

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Possible outcomes of Breaches 

• Informal resolution or coaching (corrective guidance) 
• Written warning 
• Suspension from Membership or activities 
• Removal or termination of membership 

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9. Acknowledgment 

All members must acknowledge and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct, and the Code of Conduct Review Process upon joining. 

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