Code of Conduct

 
 

Code of Conduct…

Philly Startup Leaders is dedicated to providing a positive, harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of our members or event participants in any form. Members include anyone participating in our community through any of our digital or online channels/resources or at any in-person or on-line events.  

Event participants include attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff.

Our Commitment

We welcome all, regardless of background or identity.

We prioritize your safety and well-being.

We’re here to listen and support you and our ecosystem’s growth.

Our Hope

We hope that anyone who resonates with this commitment will treat others with respect and kindness. We encourage you to embrace diverse perspectives and experiences. We hope that you will communicate with others in our community openly and constructively.

Our Policy

Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate in any form. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal comments, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, unwanted photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If anyone engages in harassing behavior, Philly Startup Leaders retains the right to take any actions to maintain a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the community. Philly Startup Leaders may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the community or making the environment hostile for any participants.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all times while interacting with the community whether on-line or in-person. 

The interactions and spirit of the Philly Startup Leaders community extends beyond our online channels and our in-person events and we expect our community to adhere to these rules and a welcoming, helpful code of conduct at all times.  

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please report it immediately. You can report it to a Philly Startup Leaders staff member, board member, or event volunteer or contact engage@phillystartupleaders.org

If you are attending a Philly Startup Leaders event and are experiencing harassment that makes you feel unsafe, please report it immediately. Our team will be happy to help you contact venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance. We expect participants to follow these rules at all events and social events. 

If you find any aspect of this policy restrictive, please do not attend or participate in the Philly Startup Leaders community.

Some examples of unacceptable behavior

Below, we’ve outlined some examples of what counts as unacceptable behavior in our community. Please note this list is not exhaustive and PSL reserves the right to determine unacceptable behavior and take the necessary action to protect the community.

  • Verbal Harassment: offensive comments, slurs, insults, or jokes related to personal characteristics or identity.

  • Physical Harassment: unwanted touching, intimidation, or invasion of personal space.

  • Sexual Harassment: unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or imagery.

  • Discrimination: unfair treatment based on personal characteristics or identity.

  • Bullying: aggressive behavior intended to intimidate or dominate others.

  • Stalking: persistent, unwanted attention or following of another person.

  • Disruptive Behavior: intentionally interrupting or derailing community events or activities.

  • Threats: expressions of intent to harm someone physically or verbally.

  • Inappropriate Content Sharing: distributing offensive, explicit, or unrelated material.

  • Doxxing: revealing or threatening to reveal private information about others without consent.

  • Misrepresentation: impersonating others or misrepresenting one’s affiliation with PSL.

  • Retaliation: taking negative action against someone for reporting a concern or assisting an investigation.

  • Deliberate Exclusion: intentionally leaving out or isolating individuals from community activities.

  • Harassment by Proxy: encouraging others to engage in any of the above behaviors.

  • Violating Expressed Boundaries: continuing behavior after being asked to stop.


Remember, this code applies to all our events and online spaces. We’re all responsible for creating a positive, welcoming, and safe environment. Your participation makes us stronger.

Questions? Contact us at [engage@phillystartupleaders.org].