COMMUNITY GUIDELINES​

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Last Updated April 8th, 2025

The following Community Guidelines (“Guidelines”) shall govern current and future behavior in The Media Dinner Club (“MDC”) programs, events, activities, and interactions (“Programming”) whether hosted digitally or in-person and all stakeholders (Members, Chapter Leads, Dinner Leads,  Leadership Team, and other participants) are expected to adhere to these Guidelines and will be held accountable for their behavior within MDC. 

 

Our Guidelines are intended to keep stakeholders feeling safe, valued, and respected, so that we may deliver on our mission to “Supercharge Your Network with Friendship” and serve as shared standards and practices designed to cultivate authentic connections - creating an environment where individuals forge lasting industry relationships and build networks rooted in friendship. 

 

By participating in MDC’s Programming, members acknowledge and agree that they do so at their own risk.  MDC shall not be held liable for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred during or as a result of participation in Programming, including but not limited to accidents, illnesses, choking, allergic reactions, slips and falls, injury, personal property damage, or other unforeseen incidents.  Members voluntarily assume all risks associated with their involvement and waive any right to bring legal action against MDC, its officers, employees, or representatives for any claims arising from their participation.

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The Guidelines

• General Rules

  1. Respect & Inclusivity

     1. Embrace Inclusivity: We welcome people from all backgrounds, roles, and experiences.   Respect all forms of diversity, including race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and more.

     2. Foster Belonging: Act in ways that make others feel valued.  Engage in open-minded, respectful conversations, both digitally and in person. 

  2. Authentic Connection

     1. Be Authentic: MDC is built on the foundation of real, meaningful, genuine connections.  Approach interactions with sincerity, curiosity, and openness.  Build trust. 

     2. Confidentiality: What’s shared in our community (at the dinner table, on Slack, etc.) stays in our community.  Respect privacy and maintain trust.

  3. Accountability & Responsibility

     1. Respect Commitments: Honor your RSVPs and observe cancellation policies. Follow through on commitments and uphold promises made to other members.

     2. Engage Fully & Phones Down: Participate with a positive attitude and contribute to collaborative conversation.  We ask members to put their phones away during dinners.

     3. Consistency & Practice Reciprocity: Our members are seeking genuine connection and are generous with their time.  Show up consistently and if you have cause to help someone out, practice reciprocity and share information. Members are encouraged to actively participate in our Slack Community and to regularly attend our dinner party series (we like quarterly) and other events, when calendars allow. By doing so, members will not only strengthen their connections but also enhance the success of our MDC community.

  4. Professionalism & Boundaries

     1. Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of personal space and emotional limits.  Respect each member’s comfort zone. Making unwanted advances; singling anyone out because of their appearance, religion, orientation, political affiliation, or any other reason; or using abusive, offensive, or vulgar language directed at another member will not be tolerated and will result in the immediate cancellation of membership. 

     2. Avoid Over-Promotion: Focus on building genuine connections, not unsolicited business pitches. 

     3. Practice the “Pivot Rule”: Members are encouraged to practice the “Pivot Rule”. If a subject is sensitive/uncomfortable for another member or if a topic/conversation is becoming overly promotional/spammy, at any point, leaders and members are encouraged to say “pivot!” and change or curb the conversation, no questions asked.

     4. Sensitive Topics: MDC values open dialogue and diverse perspectives within our community.  When discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion, members are encouraged to engage with respect, empathy, and an open mind.  MDC asks that you remain mindful of others’ feelings and experiences and be willing to gracefully “pivot” and change the subject if conversations become heated or divisive.  MDC maintains the goal of fostering an inclusive environment where all members feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically while maintaining mutual respect and understanding.

  5. Enjoy the Experience

     1. Bring Joy: Enjoy each other’s company and the friendships that form.  Come as you are, let loose and share laughs.

     2. Celebrate Wins: Support and celebrate both personal and professional milestones within the community.

  6. Use appropriate language. Refrain from using obscene or vulgar language.

  7. Do not add MDC members to your mailing lists or newsletters (personal or professional) without the individual MDC member’s express permission/opt-in.  Adding individuals to mailing lists and newsletters without their consent is a violation of GDPR and just generally frowned upon.

  8. We encourage MDC members to connect, collaborate, and form friendships both within and outside the MDC community.  Meetups and personal connections are vital to our thriving professional networks.  However, to maintain the integrity and value of our community, we kindly ask members to NOT:

     1. Actively solicit MDC members to join competing professional networks or services

     2. Our goal is to foster an open, collaborative environment where all members can benefit from shared resources and opportunities.  If you have ideas for enhancing our community or expanding our offerings, we welcome your input and encourage you to share your suggestions with the MDC leadership team.

  9. As an MDC member and in connection with any Programming in which you may attend (as an attendee, participant, presenter, speaker, etc.):

     1. you consent to MDC recording its Programming and to its publication, distribution, exhibition, and display, including but not limited to the Programming itself and any materials submitted in connection with the Programming (ex: presentation slides, audio/visual, etc.);

     2.  you agree that MDC may exercise or license these rights in all forms and media, whether now known or later developed, throughout the world;

     3. your consent is irrevocable and extends, in perpetuity, to MDC and its successors, assigns, and licensees, and includes the right to use your name, photograph, likeness, voice, statements, and professional biography; and

  10. MDC members are encouraged to collaborate and from time-to-time members may find themselves entering into agreements with other members.  MDC assumes no responsibility or liability for any agreements, transactions, or disputes that arise from member interactions.  Members are encouraged to establish clear terms prior to entering into agreements with one another, however, such terms must be directly negotiated between the member parties.  Any disputes arising from member interactions should be resolved privately and professionally between the respective parties, involving external mediation or legal counsel where appropriate.   Any disruptive behavior arising from member interactions that adversely impact the MDC community will be addressed in accordance with our Guidelines.  

  11. You may be subject to or obtain relevant information from the Terms & Policies of the platforms MDC uses to interact.

      1.  Slack terms & policies

  12. Email policy@themediadinnerclub.com to report any behavior that violates these Guidelines. We take these Guidelines seriously and will take appropriate action to address any reports. Depending on the severity of the violation, first time offenders may be warned and educated on these Guidelines.

  13. MDC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove or ban any member from the community, cancelling their membership, at any time, for any reason, including but not limited to the violation of these Guidelines, disruptive behavior, or any action that MDC believes is not in the interest of the community.  Membership in MDC is a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked with or without prior notice or explanation.

  14. These Guidelines may be revised from time to time with or without notice.

 

• Dinner Party Series

  1. Continue to observe all General Rules when attending MDC dinners.

  2. Unless otherwise posted, MDC Dinners are for members only. Please do not bring anyone from outside of the community; if they’re a prospective member, please have them join our community using the one-month free promo code which we will make available.

  3. Please arrive on time, showing respect for your host and other attendees.  If you are running late, please let your host know.

     1. Cancelling within 72 hours results in a warning. If a member cancels twice within 72 hours of a dinner, they must remove their name from any other dinners that quarter.

  4. Come as you are! If you need to celebrate a win from work, cry about a significant other, vent about “work-life balance” – this is a SAFE PLACE!

  5. Ensure all attendees feel welcome and have a chance to contribute to dinner conversations. “Pivot Rule” applies here, too!

  6. No inappropriate self-promotion or spam 

     1. Do not pitch other members any of your services, unless in response to a direct request they made. 

  7. Members are encouraged to exchange contact information as appropriate and follow up on meaningful connections post-dinner, via our Slack Community..

  8. Substance Use Policy:

     1. Alcohol: If alcohol is served at community events, consume responsibly and in moderation. Excessive drinking or intoxication will not be tolerated. 

     2. Marijuana: In jurisdictions where marijuana is legal, members are expected to comply with local laws and regulations.  However, use of marijuana during community events or on community premises is prohibited. 

     3. Other Drugs: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for the use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription medications.  

  9. Please Venmo your host before leaving at the end of the night!

  10. Your host will be taking a photo at the end of the night.  If you don’t want to be in the photo, please let your host know.  No problem.

 

• Slack Community

  1. Continue to observe all General Rules when communicating in the MDC Slack community.

  2. As new members join the MDC Slack community, please say hello, and offer a warm welcome.  Thank members who take the time to reply to your posts.

  3. Make sure your Slack profile includes your name (so people know who they are communicating with).

  4. Remember that anything posted or shared by members within the MDC Slack community is to be kept in confidence.

     1. Do not copy or screenshot anything within Slack and share it elsewhere without first asking the member for permission to do so.

  5. Come as you are – ask questions, be curious – ask members for help or advice.   Help others by answering questions posted by other MDC members.

  6. No inappropriate self-promotion or spam

     1. Do not pitch other members any of your services, unless in response to a direct request they made, or in an appropriate/designated Slack channel. Do not DM anyone to promote a service or product unless they have first expressed interest.

     2. Avoid posting overly promotional material or spamming the community.

     3. Keep posts and discussions relevant to the community’s purpose and the channel’s purpose.

        1. Do not spam members by posting the same content in more than one channel.  If you are unsure as to which channel is the

     4.   If making a vendor or product recommendation (including referrals) please disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest (i.e., referral fees, business relationship, etc.)

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If you have a question as to whether something is safe to share or if you’re unsure if you’re using the appropriate channel/forum for your topic, please email policy@themediadinnerclub.com.