CODE OF CONDUCT
(Applies to All Members, Participants, and Leadership)
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Purpose
Holland Women’s Business Network (HWBN) is a founder-led, for-profit professional network committed to creating a respectful, professional, and growth-oriented environment for women in business.
This Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for behavior, communication, and professionalism across all HWBN spaces, programs, and activities.
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1. Scope & Applicability
This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in HWBN, including but not limited to:
• General Members
• Chapter Members
• Leads Group participants
• Leadership and Committee Members
• Event attendees
• Mastermind or paid program participants
• Speakers, facilitators, volunteers, and partners
Participation in any HWBN-affiliated activity constitutes agreement to uphold this Code of Conduct.
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2. General Member Expectations
All members and participants are expected to:
• Conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner
• Communicate with integrity and professionalism in all HWBN spaces (in-person and online)
• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, bullying, or hostile behavior
• Respect personal boundaries, privacy, and confidentiality
• Follow participation guidelines for events, groups, and programs
• Avoid public disparagement of HWBN, its members, or its leadership
Unsolicited selling, disruptive behavior, or misuse of HWBN platforms is not permitted outside approved formats or programs.
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3. Program-Specific Guidelines
Certain HWBN programs, including Leads Groups, Masterminds, or paid intensives, may include additional participation guidelines or expectations. These will be provided at the time of enrollment.
All participants in such programs remain subject to this Code of Conduct.
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4. Additional Responsibilities for Leadership & Facilitators
Individuals serving in leadership, committee, or facilitation roles are held to higher standards of accountability and conduct.
Leadership includes, but is not limited to:
• Chapter Leaders
• Committee Chairs
• Directors
• Executive Officers
• Facilitators and Program Hosts
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5. Professional Conduct (Leadership)
Leaders are expected to:
• Act with professionalism, respect, and integrity at all times
• Represent HWBN in alignment with its mission, values, and standards
• Maintain composure and professionalism, even during disagreement or conflict
• Avoid behavior that could damage the credibility or reputation of HWBN
Personal frustrations or disagreements must be handled constructively and through appropriate leadership channels.
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6. Respectful Communication (Leadership)
Leaders agree to:
• Communicate professionally in all written and verbal communication
• Avoid public criticism, disparagement, or inflammatory language
• Address concerns privately and through appropriate leadership structures
• Refrain from emotionally reactive or escalating communication
Public forums, group emails, or community platforms are not appropriate venues for airing disputes or internal concerns.
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7. Chain of Communication & Escalation (Leadership)
Leaders must follow established communication pathways, including:
• Initiating HWBN-related matters via email when appropriate
• Using designated leadership channels and roles
• Respecting executive oversight and escalation processes
• Avoiding bypassing leadership roles or escalating matters prematurely
These structures exist to ensure clarity, consistency, and fairness.
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8. Accountability & Follow-Through (Leadership)
Leaders are expected to:
• Fulfill responsibilities associated with their role
• Meet agreed-upon deadlines and commitments
• Communicate proactively if unable to meet expectations
• Accept feedback and course-correct when needed
Failure to follow through undermines trust and organizational stability.
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9. Boundaries, Authority & Confidentiality (Leadership)
Leaders agree to:
• Operate within the scope of their appointed role
• Avoid assuming authority beyond defined responsibilities
• Refrain from speaking on behalf of HWBN without authorization
• Protect confidential information related to members, leadership discussions, and operations
Confidentiality obligations extend beyond the conclusion of leadership service.
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10. Conflict Resolution
When conflict arises, all participants agree to:
• Address concerns directly and respectfully through appropriate channels
• Seek clarification before assuming intent
• Avoid triangulation, gossip, or public escalation
• Allow leadership to facilitate resolution when appropriate
HWBN prioritizes clarity, resolution, and continuity over blame.
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11. Organizational Structure & Authority
HWBN is a founder-led, for-profit organization. Leadership roles are appointed, not elected, and final authority rests with the Founder & Network President.
This structure supports consistency, professionalism, and long-term scalability.
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12. Violations & Corrective Action
Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in:
• A private conversation or coaching
• Clarification of expectations
• Temporary pause of participation or leadership responsibilities
• Removal from a role or program, if necessary
• Decisions regarding participation, role changes, or removal from HWBN programs or membership are determined by HWBN executive leadership and are not subject to chapter or member voting.
• Removal from a role, program, or membership due to Code of Conduct violations does not entitle the individual to a refund, as outlined in applicable enrollment terms.
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All matters will be handled professionally, respectfully, and with discretion.
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​HWBN reserves the right to update or modify this Code of Conduct as needed to reflect organizational growth, legal considerations, or community standards. Members will be notified of material updates.
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Acknowledgment
By participating in HWBN in any capacity, individuals acknowledge and agree to uphold this Code of Conduct.
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