CODE OF CONDUCT
THE HOPLESS WANDERERS MEETUP GROUP (THW) is first and foremost a backpacking organization, and we realize that meeting new friends with like interests is one of the main reasons you've decided to join. However, respect for other people and respect for trails and the environment must never be taken lightly.
We've developed this Code of Conduct to address some of the behaviors that will not be tolerated at our events, with people you meet at our events, and on the Web sites associated with THW (including but not limited to Meetup.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). This Code of Conduct can be amended by the Group Organizer as appropriate, and is subject to approval by group members. By participating in THW activities or by using this website, you are agreeing to this Code of Conduct.
THW takes the well being of our members very seriously. By using the THW Web sites (whether or not you choose to become a member) and attending any events organized by THW, you agree to accept this Code of Conduct. In other words, this is an agreement between you and THW just like the Meetup Terms of Service (http://www.meetup.com/terms/). To the extent there is any inconsistency between the Terms of Service and this Code of Conduct, the Terms of Service shall take precedence.
You agree that we may modify terms of this agreement from time to time at our sole discretion, which we will do by updating this document. If you do not agree with the terms below, you should stop using our site immediately.
Remember we're a hiking organization, not a singles group, so we ask that members only contact people they've already met at an event or already know in real life. That includes e-mails, greetings on the Web site, and the like. The exceptions to this would be communication from THW trip leaders or member-to-member communication about logistics around an event.
At events and on trips, we ask that members respect each other and respect other people's boundaries. The same goes for emails and the message boards. Inappropriate, disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated! As moderators of the message boards, we can and will delete any posts that we deem inappropriate, disrespectful, offensive or damaging to the community at large. While the Web properties are "public", that doesn't mean they are a "free zone". Please let the organizer or trip leader know as soon as any member acts inappropriately in any way!
Violation of the following will result in IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL from THW and the possibility of legal action:
• Violence of any kind against another member
• Sexual harassment of any kind
• Discrimination by Event Organizer/Host towards a member based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation
• Theft of another member’s personal property during any THW activity
• Recreational drug use by any member or Event Organizer/Host during an event or trip.
Regarding website use, at all times:
· You will show courtesy and good will towards other members and users online and offline.
· You will not post content that is offensive to our community, such as photos, videos, messages, or events that promote racism, bigotry, hatred or physical harm of any kind against any group or individual.
· You will not harass or advocate harassment of another person, such as by sending inappropriate messages or posting inappropriate comments.
· You will not distribute or disseminate inappropriate, unauthorized or unsolicited advertising or promotional offers including, but not limited to, spam, contests, sweepstakes, barter, junk mail, chain letters, and pyramid schemes.
· You will not invade privacy by attempting to collect, store, or publish private or personally identifiable information, including, but not limited to, password, account information, email, credit card number, address, or other contact information.
· You will not use the site to obtain personally identifiable information, or to solicit, sell, or promote to any member inappropriately.
· You will not impersonate another member, or otherwise falsely represent yourself.
· You will not copy or reuse other members' content, such as their photos or videos, without their permission.
· You will not create "trolling" posts (deliberately posting false or provocative information in order to elicit responses from people who would not respond if they knew the motivation behind the post).
· You risk being removed from the group by doing anything illegal.
Outdoor Event Safety and Conduct:
· Outdoor environments are fragile and special care needs to be taken to ensure that they are protected:
· Do not do anything illegal, or in violation of specific park/trail rules. If you have any questions, please contact Event Host/Organizer for regulations in a specific state/national/provincial area.
· Stay on the marked trails at all times. Off-trail wilderness scars easily and can take years to recover.
· Always listen to safety rules and event agendas provided by trip leaders.
· Do not hike alone and generally stay with the group.
· Please drive only on the roads provided; vehicles can damage vegetation.
· Fire can cause devastating losses. Please don't throw cigarette butts down. The lighting of fires is strictly forbidden except in the designated areas at the parks or hiking areas.
· Do not litter and pack out what you pack in - We follow the Leave No Trace Principles (see THW “Leave No Trace” document.)
· Hikers taking deliberate and obvious short cuts when hiking could speed up erosion and damage wilderness. This is a punishable offense at many parks and you are asked to remain on the paths.
· Open-carry firearms are not recommended. If you are licensed to carry a concealed firearm, this is your constitutional right. However, know that firearms at backpacking events may make fellow hikers uncomfortable and should be concealed. (Note: Some organizers may organize meetup activities that don't allow firearms. Please contact Event Host/Organizer for specific recommendations). If you choose to carry a concealed firearm, it is your responsibility to know and abide by the specific laws and regulations of the area you’re hiking.
· We are a pet-friendly group and welcome well-behaved dogs (no history of biting) at locations where dogs are allowed. However, members may have allergies to certain animals, and the Event Host/Organizer may deem the trip “no pets allowed” for the welfare of the entire group. Please check with the Event Host/Organizer prior to bringing your pet on a trip. Also, please check the description and the website of the trail to determine if pets are allowed. You are responsible for the disposal of pet waste, following the Leave No Trace principles of wilderness travel.
· We aren't technology-averse; however some hikers find extensive cell phone use off- putting on a hike, and we would appreciate folks setting their phones to vibrate, or use a less-than-irritating ringtone.
· Alcohol is allowed during events and on trips, although those consuming it must be of legal age. However, alcohol use in the wilderness can be unsafe and also create a nuisance for your fellow hikers. We ask that if you choose to consume alcohol, you do so in a safe and responsible manner and maintain decorum at all times. You represent yourself, our group, and often “backpackers” in general. Appropriate behavior is always the expectation.
· We are a drug-free group. Drug use during THW events is both illegal in the State of Ohio (and most other states) and per the Meetup rules and regulations. Remember, not everyone shares your recreational choices. You may be offending others with your drug use. Any violation of this rule will be met with immediate removal from the group and possible legal action.
Approved May 2014
www.meetup.com/The-Hopeless-Wanderers-Cleveland-Backpacking-Group/