If you have witnessed a violation of our Code of Conduct, please use the form below.
At Freelance Business Week, we believe that entrepreneurs create a better future and comprise an integral piece of the economy. One of the ways we do this is by behaving well and helping each other, as companies and as people.
This Code of Conduct provides guidelines for all members of the Freelance Business Week network, including licensees, volunteers, companies, and individuals. These guidelines address both the things we do and the things we don’t do—as good citizens of the world around us and as productive members of our professional network.
Freelance Business Week companies and individuals must hold themselves to the highest standards as part of the Freelance Business Week community. We recognize that each of us is an ambassador for Freelance Business Week. Integrity is central to protecting our reputation personally, professionally, and collectively for each other and for future members of our network. As part of the Freelance Business Week global community, we realize that we are living in public and need to always act appropriately. Therefore, those who do not abide by this Code of Conduct will be removed from the Freelance Business Week community and will no longer have access to the associated benefits.
Members of the Freelance Business Week Network are expected to help each other whenever possible by responding to requests in a timely fashion (ideally within two business days) and leveraging their unique skills and personal relationships to support other members.
The Freelance Business Week Code of Conduct revolves around three key principles: #
1. We give back to the community first. 2. We act with integrity. 3. We treat others with respect.
- We help others whenever possible.We are all busy, but when the ask is sincere and realistic, we respond and help. We are respectful of each other’s time and are clear and focused in our requests.
- We respond quickly in-network.We make every attempt to prioritize and respond to requests from within the Freelance Business Week community within two business days. We also enable standard forms of communication so that anyone doing business with us can have a reasonable expectation of receiving a response in a timely fashion.
- We deliberately create a virtuous cycle.We proactively work to give back to the ecosystem by giving first to others in our community with no specific expectations of return.
- We appreciate the help of others.No one goes it alone – freelancing requires a community. We express our appreciation for the help of our customers, mentors, and others that makes our success possible.
- We respect “no” as an answer.If another member says no to a request, we respect their decision.
- We are honest and transparent.We operate with a high degree of responsibility and ethics. If we say something either publicly or privately, then we believe that it is true. We do not intentionally omit important and relevant factual information in an effort to deceive others. We strive to be clear and transparent in our communications.
- We protect sensitive information.When we are entrusted with sensitive, confidential, or personal information we use appropriate measures to secure it. We respect requests for privacy and confidentiality.
- If we fail, we fail well.If we are going out of business, we will notify our participants, licensees, volunteers, and sponsors and make their data available to them for at least 60 days. If we know the company is going to fail, we attempt to return as much capital to licensees and sponsors as possible.
- We disclose known conflicts of interest early.We err on the side of abundant disclosure.
- We do not plagiarize assets or content.We encourage independent, innovating thinking and we do not plagiarize content.
- We are responsible with controlled substances.If consuming alcohol, we do so responsibly and in moderation. Alcohol and drugs (legal or illegal) are never provided to minors. We do not drive under the influence of any legal or illegal drug. We do not distribute, use, or operate vehicles under the influence of illegal drugs (defined by local or federal law) while participating or engaging in any Freelance Business Week program or event.
- We abide by all local and federal laws.We do not do business with bad actors. We honor international sanctions. We are careful to do business only with lawful parties.
- We do not pay or accept bribes or kickbacks.We do not engage in any form of corruption. We act with integrity in our dealings with others and strictly prohibit corrupt activities.
- We commit providing an open and welcoming environment for all.We intentionally create environments where employees, partners, customers, sponsors, licensees, participants and visitors feel accepted and free to express their thoughts, opinions, concerns, and needs with an expectation that they will be heard and respected. We always communicate professionally.
- We don’t tolerate illegal discrimination or harassment in any form. We will ban or fire employees, contractors, licensees, sponsors, participants and others who discriminate against or harass others.
- We stand up for others.We report violations and we appropriately intervene in situations when we witness violations of this Code.
- We participate in both offline and online forums with respect. We participate in respectful discourse in all forums, and do not participate in online flame wars. We do not comment anonymously or with false identities.
- We respect our legal agreements.We follow the spirit and intent of our legal agreements.
- We keep our promises.If we commit to do something, we do our best to do it. If we can’t keep our promises for some reason, then we strive to make it right in any way possible.
- We do not attack others electronically.We don’t maliciously attack others using scripts, robots, or similar techniques.
- We are not spammers.We do not send bulk unsolicited email nor do we scrape contact lists and abuse them. We don’t harass prospective customers who have clearly said no to us and opted out of communications.
- We avoid gossip.We don’t share disparaging comments and rumors about others. We are constructive in our feedback and always provide it directly to the individual or company to which it pertains.
- We ensure fair pay for equal work.We are committed to ensuring everyone receives fair and previously agreed upon compensation (to include all forms of equity and benefits). We appreciate the commitment our employees and organizers make and agree to compensate them without regard to ability status, age, ancestry, civil union, class, color, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military service (current or past), national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other status.
The Freelance Business Week Code of Conduct is a living document managed by our community. For suggested changes, please use the form below.
If you have witnessed a violation of our Code of Conduct please use the form below.
Please use this form to anonymously report an incident you believe to be a violation of the Freelance Business Week Code of Conduct.
Please provide as much detail as you are able and/or comfortable in your message to us. We will fully investigate every report received and take any appropriate action. Please note that all reports are anonymous unless you voluntarily choose to disclose any personally identifying information. Providing contact information is optional and voluntary and choosing to remain anonymous will not affect our investigation of your report; however, we are obviously not able to follow up directly with you in these cases.