WamaLTC Code of Conduct

Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO® Train Club • Effective [upon approval]

  1. Purpose

    This Code of Conduct sets the baseline for how members and participants of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO® Train Club (WamaLTC) treat one another, online and in person. As a [whatever happens], WamaLTC maintains this written Code of Conduct to ensure respectful, inclusive, and welcoming interactions, and to provide a clear process for addressing violations.

  2. Our Commitment

    WamaLTC is an independent group of adult LEGO® enthusiasts who collect, build, run, and/or appreciate LEGO trains, serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We commit to fostering a space where members can build, share, and connect with confidence. We commit to:
    • Treating every member, guest, and visitor with respect and courtesy — at our meetings, on our Discord server, using our Groups.io e-mail list, and at our public displays and shows.
    • Welcoming adult builders of LEGO trains and other LEGO creations, with no barriers to participation beyond good-faith engagement.
    • Aligning our conduct, communications, and activities with LEGO brand values.
    • Addressing concerns fairly, consistently, and without retaliation.

  3. Expected Behavior

    Members and participants in WamaLTC activities — our meetings, Discord server, Groups.io e-mail list, and public displays — are expected to:
    • Communicate respectfully, even in disagreement.
    • Support an inclusive and welcoming environment for members and newcomers alike.
    • Represent WamaLTC professionally when identifiable as a participant, including at public displays and train shows.
    • Engage in good faith, since WamaLTC has no formal membership procedures — participation itself is the standard we hold each other to.
    • Raise concerns or disagreements through the clubs established process rather than through public conflict.

  4. Unacceptable Behavior

    The following are inconsistent with this Code of Conduct and with LEGO brand values:
    • Harassment, discrimination, or exclusionary behavior directed at any member or visitor.
    • Disrespectful, threatening, or abusive communication, online or in person.
    • Misrepresenting WamaLTC’s relationship with the LEGO Group, including implying an official partnership or endorsement that has not been explicitly authorized.
    • Misuse of LEGO trademarks or logos outside published guidelines.
    • Retaliation against a member for raising a good-faith concern.

  5. Reporting & Addressing Violations

    WamaLTC provides members with a clear, accessible way to report a concern, and a fair process for reviewing and resolving it. At minimum, this process:
    • Identifies who a member can contact to report a concern — message the club at info@wamaltc.org, or reach a WamaLTC organizer directly on our Discord server or our Groups.io e-mail list list.
    • Describes how reports are reviewed and how confidentiality is handled where possible — [in progress].
    • Outlines the range of possible outcomes, from informal resolution to removal from club activities — [in progress].
    • Is applied consistently, regardless of a member’s tenure or role in the club.
    Note: the Facebook page bearing WamaLTC’s name is an unaffiliated fan page; it is not run by or accountable to the club.

  6. Scaling to Our Community

    WamaLTC is a volunteer-run club, and this Code of Conduct is implemented in a way appropriate to our size and resources. What matters is a shared, genuine commitment to a respectful and welcoming club — not a heavyweight procedure.

  7. Questions

    Questions about this Code of Conduct can be raised at info@wamaltc.org, on our Discord server, or on our Groups.io list.

WamaLTC thanks Antonette Russell for getting us started on this necessary step.