Code of Conduct

Policies

40to60s Friends of Charlotte exists to help adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s meet, connect, and build real friendships in the Charlotte area. That only works if everyone who shows up — members, guests, and hosts alike — can trust the group is a safe, welcoming, respectful place to be. This page lays out what we expect, in plain language, and what happens if those expectations aren't met.

LAST UPDATED AUGUST 2026

The short version: Be kind, be respectful, be honest about who you are, and treat other members the way you'd want to be treated meeting someone new in person. Harassment, discrimination, unwanted advances, and anything that makes another member unsafe are not tolerated, ever, and can get you removed from the group without a refund of the current month's dues. If something happens that concerns you, tell us — email

40to60s@gmail.com

This Code of Conduct applies to every member and guest, at every event, in the online member community (Our Groups / Members Area), and in any direct contact between members that happens because of the group. It's incorporated into and referenced by the VIP Access Membership Agreement — agreeing to that Agreement means agreeing to follow this Code too.

What we expect from everyone

Treat people with respect.

Disagreements happen; cruelty, insults, and put-downs don't have a place here.

Respect boundaries and consent.

someone isn't interested in a conversation, a topic, or further contact, let it go — the first time, without argument.

Be honest

Use your real name and an accurate profile. Don't misrepresent who you are, your relationship status, your intentions, or your reason for joining.

Include, don't exclude.

We're a mixed group by design — welcome newcomers, don't form cliques that freeze people out, and don't make anyone feel like they don't belong based on who they are.

Keep contact info and photos private.

Don't share another member's phone number, address, employer, photos, or anything from their profile with anyone outside the group without their okay.

Respect the host and the venue.

Follow the reasonable instructions of whoever is running an event, and follow the venue's own rules (dress code, noise, closing time, etc.).

If you bring a guest, you're responsible for them.

Your guest is expected to follow this Code too, and needs to sign the event waiver like everyone else — you vouch for their behavior.

What's never okay

These lead to a warning at minimum, and can mean immediate removal from the group with no refund of the current period, regardless of how much you've paid in:

Harassment of any kind — sexual, verbal, or otherwise — including repeated unwanted contact after being asked to stop.

Discrimination or hateful conduct based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Threats, intimidation, or violence, or showing up to an event visibly under the influence in a way that makes others unsafe.
Sexual misconduct of any kind, including making another member feel pressured or unsafe.
Photographing or recording another member without their consent, or posting anyone's photo, contact info, or personal details publicly or outside the group without their okay.
Using the group to solicit other members for business, sales, multi-level-marketing pitches, or fundraising without the Club's advance permission.
Illegal activity of any kind at a group event.
Impersonating someone else, or creating a profile under a false identity.
Retaliating against someone for reporting a concern under this Code.

This list gives examples — it isn't the full range of behavior we can act on. Anything that seriously undermines the safety or trust of the group can result in removal, whether or not it's listed above.

Hosting a meetup

VIP hosts carry extra responsibility: you're setting the tone for whoever shows up. Hosts are expected to model this Code, step in early if something's going sideways, and reach out to 40to60s@gmail.com right away if a situation at an event needs the Club's attention — including anything involving a member's safety.

If something happens

Tell us. Email 40to60s@gmail.com with what happened — you don't need to have witnessed a rule get broken word-for-word, a general sense that something was off is reason enough to flag it. We'll keep what you share as confidential as we reasonably can while we look into it, and we won't retaliate against anyone for reporting in good faith. If you ever feel unsafe in the moment, prioritize your own safety first — leave the situation, and contact local authorities if needed — before worrying about reporting to us.

How we handle violations

What happens depends on what happened:

Minor or first-time issues (an unkind comment, a boundary crossed once and corrected) typically get a direct conversation or a written warning.
Serious or repeated issues, and anything in the "never okay" list above, can mean immediate suspension or removal from the group — events, online community, and membership — at the Club's discretion, without advance notice.

Removing a member for a Code of Conduct violation doesn't take away whatever refund rights that member already has under the VIP Access Membership Agreement for dues already paid, except for any cancellation fee the Agreement allows the Club to retain.

We try to be fair and use good judgment, but decisions about suspension or removal are made at the Club's discretion based on the information available, and aren't subject to a formal appeals process. If you think a decision was made in error, you're welcome to email 40to60s@gmail.com and explain your side — we'll consider it, but a response isn't guaranteed to change the outcome.

Questions?

Reach out any time at