The Comox Valley Women's Business Network (CVWBN) exists to create meaningful connections, foster professional growth, support women in business, and strengthen our local community through collaboration, learning, and leadership.

We believe that strong communities are built through mutual respect, integrity, inclusion, and professionalism.

By participating in CVWBN events, programs, committees, leadership roles, and online communities, members and guests agree to uphold the following standards.

1. Lead with Respect

Treat all members, guests, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and partners with dignity and respect.

We value:

Kindness and professionalism
Active listening
Respectful communication
Curiosity over judgment
Constructive dialogue

We do not tolerate:

Harassment
Bullying
Intimidation
Personal attacks
Discriminatory language or behaviour
Aggressive or disruptive conduct

2. Foster an Inclusive Community

CVWBN welcomes women from diverse backgrounds, industries, experiences, perspectives, identities, and stages of business.

Members are expected to:

Create space for diverse voices
Respect differing viewpoints
Avoid exclusionary behaviour
Support an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued

3. Act with Integrity

Members are expected to conduct themselves honestly and ethically in all interactions connected to CVWBN.

This includes:

Representing yourself and your business truthfully
Honouring commitments and agreements
Maintaining professional standards
Avoiding conflicts of interest when possible, and flagging them with the CVWBN Board if they occur
Respecting confidentiality when sensitive information is shared

Trust is the foundation of meaningful networking.

4. Network with Generosity

CVWBN is a relationship-building organization, not a high-pressure sales environment.

Members are encouraged to:

Build authentic relationships
Offer support and referrals when appropriate
Share expertise generously
Seek opportunities to collaborate

Members will avoid:

Aggressive sales tactics
Repeated unsolicited solicitations
Spam-like promotional behaviour
Exploiting relationships for personal gain

5. Respect Privacy and Confidentiality

Many members share personal experiences, business challenges, and professional goals within our community.

Members agree to:

Respect the confidentiality of personal stories and sensitive discussions
Obtain permission before sharing another member's information
Respect privacy in online and in-person spaces

What is shared in confidence should remain in confidence.

6. Represent CVWBN Professionally

Members, volunteers, and board representatives shape the reputation of the organization.

When participating in CVWBN activities, members are expected to:

Conduct themselves professionally
Communicate respectfully
Uphold the values of the network
Avoid behaviour that may damage the reputation of the organization or its members

7. Online Community Expectations

The same standards that apply at in-person events apply within all CVWBN online spaces.

Members should:

Engage respectfully
Share relevant content
Support constructive discussion
Avoid inflammatory, abusive, or inappropriate posts

CVWBN reserves the right to remove content that violates this Code of Conduct.

8. Reporting Concerns

If a member experiences or witnesses conduct that violates this Code of Conduct, they are encouraged to report the matter to a member of the Board of Directors.

Reports will be:

Taken seriously
Reviewed fairly
Addressed respectfully and confidentially whenever possible

9. Accountability

Failure to uphold this Code of Conduct may result in action deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors, including:

Informal discussion or warning
Removal from an event
Suspension of membership privileges
Revocation of membership
Removal from volunteer or leadership positions

The Board reserves the right to determine appropriate actions based on the nature and severity of the concern.

Our Commitment

As members of the Comox Valley Women's Business Network, we are committed to creating a community where women can connect, grow, lead, and thrive together.

We recognize that business succeeds when relationships are built on trust, respect, integrity, and collaboration.

Together, we create the kind of community we want to belong to.

If you have any questions about this Code Of Conduct, contact the CVWBN Board at comoxvalleywbn@gmail.com

Comox Valley Women’s Business Network

PO Box 3414, Courtenay, BC, V9N 5N5
comoxvalleywbn@gmail.com

GST: 85228 0767 BC0001

By purchasing a ticket and attending our events, you acknowledge and consent to the CVWBN capturing and using photographs/video in which you may appear for promotional and communication purposes, without compensation.

About
Newsletter
Contact

Join
Member Directory

Upcoming Events
Awards

Bylaws
Privacy Policy

FAQs

CONNECT