Our Code of Conduct

The Seattle Metals Guild (“SMG”) and its Members strive to build a welcoming, inclusive, creative and engaging community that supports educational and networking opportunities and among individuals across a range of experience and skills. All Members and participants of SMG events or forums, whether in person or online, are asked to acknowledge that they will abide by the SMG Code of Conduct when they join the organization, complete their Membership renewal, register for, or attend an SMG event, or participate in an SMG-hosted online community forum.

 

PURPOSE

To ensure Members and participants are acting ethically and with integrity in all public, private and professional relationships in association with SMG. 

APPLICATION

This principle sets the code of conduct expected of all Members and participants of SMG and its events, and is a condition of Membership or participation. It applies to all Members and participants, irrespective of their Membership type or engagement status when attending SMG or SMG-sponsored events both in person or online.

As a SMG Member or participating individual in SMG events, I will: 

  1. Abide by the published SMG rules and bylaws. 

  2. Act honestly, transparently and with integrity. 

  3. Act in the general interest and will not use my position to unfairly benefit myself, my employer, or others.

  4. Act, support, respect, and abide by the appropriate laws that apply to personal conduct by treating everyone with dignity and respect in all interactions.

  5. Conduct myself in a professional manner in all interactions. As a Member I am an ambassador of the SMG and as such am encouraged to reflect a professional image at all times.

  6. Conduct all business with SMG and its partners with professionalism and respect.

  7. Respect diversity.

  8. Refrain from harassment, abuse or discrimination against Members, participants, colleagues, employees, students, volunteers and staff. I acknowledge no form of harassment, including but not limited to sexual or personal harassment, will be tolerated, whether it involves Members or the general public, and complaints of harassment will be treated as a serious matter.

  9. Refrain from inappropriate behavior such as racial, sexual identity or gender slurs, misuse/abuse of alcohol. 

  10. Will not make any statement on behalf of SMG or purport to represent SMG through any public medium, including digital social media, unless authorized to do so by SMG.

  11. Will be reasonable and fair in all dealings with other Members and participants, and resolve any conflict in a mature and professional manner. 

FAILURE TO COMPLY AND REPORTING 

Should a Member or participant fail to meet the conditions of this Code of Conduct, SMG may, at its sole discretion, decide on the appropriate disciplinary action to take including revocation of Membership without a refund of fees. 

If an individual seeks remedy from the Board of Directors regarding a Code of Conduct compliance issue, they must report it to executivecommittee@seattlemetalsguild.org.

Any mischievous or malicious reporting will itself constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct and could be subject to disciplinary action. Any retaliation against a person who has acted in good faith could be subject to disciplinary action. 

SMG reserves the right to investigate complaints and take corrective action in the event that a Member or participant violates the SMG Code of Conduct. The investigatory proceedings will be conducted by the Executive Board or their designee. Actions may include, but are not limited to: Immediate Corrective action of an unsafe situation: Written reprimand, Suspension of Membership, Dismissal from the Board and/or Committees and/or other volunteer engagements and appointments, Revoked Membership, and loss of Membership dues by the revoked Member. 

REVIEW

The SMG Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically and in accordance with requirements of the Secretary of State. By applying for or renewing Membership with SMG, or by participating in SMG hosted events, you indicate that you have accepted and will abide by the SMG Code of Conduct as published and updated.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional Online Code of Conduct requirements are available online.


LAST REVISED November 4th, 2025