COWORKING CODE OF CONDUCT
Cogs is committed to maintaining an atmosphere of creativity and inclusion and to bringing the diversity of our industry to the forefront. We believe that everyone who participates in coworking events deserves respect and an experience free from harassment or discrimination. Likewise, everyone also deserves a clear and direct way to report and deal with any form of harassment, discrimination, or other grievances, whether it involves other participants, sponsors, organizers, speakers, or staff.
PURPOSE
Cogs Coworking is committed to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religious affiliation. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Members of Cogs Coworking or event participants violating these rules may face consequences including, but not limited to, expulsion from the membership without a refund. By becoming a member or attending any events of Cogs Coworking, you are agreeing to abide by these guidelines. We expect our community to help us realize a safe and positive experience for everyone.
WHAT CONSTITUTES HARASSMENT
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
• Verbal comments that reinforce discrimination based on gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion.
• Sexually-charged jokes, statements, or comments.
• Creation or display of sexual images in public spaces.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwanted following.
• Harassing photography or video/audio recording.
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
• Inappropriate physical contact.
• Invasion of personal space.
• Unwelcome sexual attention.
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
These behaviors, as well as others described below, are not conducive to a welcoming environment and are therefore prohibited from this event.
ENFORCEMENT
If a member or participant engages in harassing behavior, Cogs Staff retain the right to take action in order to maintain a welcoming environment for other members and participants. This includes warnings, expulsion from the facility without a refund, or other measures deemed appropriate. Cogs Staff are authorized to address anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, making the environment hostile for any members and participants. We expect members and participants to follow these rules onsite and at all event venues and event-related social activities, and we encourage members and participants to follow these guidelines outside of event-sanctioned activities.
REPORTING
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, we encourage you to report it as soon as possible. Cogs Staff will be identifiable by their attire or badges, and they will be instructed on how to respond to harassment. All claims are taken seriously and will be handled by Cogs Staff. You can make a report either personally or anonymously, both detailed below.
ANONYMOUS REPORT
Cogs Coworking has set up an online form to report harassment HERE [include link to form]. We promise to fully investigate and act on information we receive through anonymous reporting.
PERSONAL REPORT
You can make a personal report by: Contacting our Administration Office at Cogs Coworking. Emailing us: work@cogscoworking.com. Calling us:When taking a personal report, our Staff will make sure that we discuss your issue privately and securely. They may involve other Cogs Staff to ensure your report is managed properly. At this point, we will ask you to go over the details of the harassment. This can be a difficult process, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you are welcome to bring someone with you for support. We will never ask you to confront someone, and we will not relay your name or information to the accused. Our team will be happy to put you in touch with security, law enforcement, or any other local services you request. We want you to feel safe and comfortable. Your membership is important to us.
PHOTO POLICY
All event photographers will seek to obtain permission for reposting. Participants are free to ask that photographs of themselves are withheld from any promotional materials. To maintain privacy and personal boundaries, all participants must ask before taking any photographs that are clearly meant to highlight a small group or single person.
INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
As language is both a reflection of and a contributor towards culture, we do ask that all participants use language that demonstrates the best aspects of coworking culture and avoid language that could alienate or disparage others. This means we ask that you follow these guidelines for what constitutes disrespectful language.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
There is no place at Cogs Coworking and its events for language that is openly or casually degrading to a person or group. Any words or phrases, no matter how seemingly innocuous, that perpetuate negative stereotypes and communicate exclusion are not allowed. Some of these can be subtle and said without any ill-will, which is why we encourage members and participants to examine their own language and use this guide as an opportunity for learning. For some examples of language that we are trying to avoid, please see the below examples.
RACISM
Racism is deeply rooted across societies globally, exists among all social classes, and is connected to a long history of violence, oppression, and domination. Addressing individuals or a group of people in a diminutive, derogative, or malicious way based on their (assumed) race and ethnic background is racist, disrespectful, and harmful. We do not tolerate any racist behavior, slurs, statements, or jokes.
ABLEISM
Words like “crazy,” “dumb,” “insane,” or “lame” are examples of language that devalues people who have physical or mental disabilities. Many people use these words not because they seek to be hurtful, but because they are attempting to describe something they perceive to be outside of the norm, which reinforces harmful stereotypes and impacts real people. Instead, try to broaden your vocabulary and find ways to express yourself that are more appropriate, inclusive, and elegant.
SEXISM
We strongly advise avoiding gendered pronouns as well as any gendered terms. Everyone is expected to respect each other’s chosen pronouns. Try to avoid using words like “dude” or “guys” to address groups. This shorthand contributes to linguistic barriers that drive exclusion and an unwelcoming environment.
MEDIATION
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify Cogs Staff with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with Cogs Coworking’s existing governance policies.
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This Coworking MEMBERSHIP Service Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into by the customer identified above ("CUSTOMER") for the use of and services related to a coworking membership (the "MEMBERSHIP") at HURT CONSULTING doing business as COGS COWORKING, hereinafter referred to as (“COGS COWORKING”) under the terms set forth herein and governed by the laws of THE STATE OF TEXAS.
1. CUSTOMER agrees that CUSTOMER will not use COGS COWORKING premises or any COGS COWORKING services for any unlawful, illegitimate or fraudulent purpose or for any purpose prohibited by U.S. regulations. CUSTOMER further agrees that any use of the MEMBERSHIP shall be in conformity with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
2. This AGREEMENT shall remain confidential, except that this AGREEMENT may be disclosed upon written request of any law enforcement or other governmental agency, or when legally mandated. Upon request, CUSTOMER agrees to complete all necessary documents and any required acknowledgment form relating to service of process. CUSTOMER further agrees to sign an updated version of this AGREEMENT upon request.
3. The term of this AGREEMENT shall be the initial period paid for by CUSTOMER and any renewal period paid for by CUSTOMER from time to time. Renewal of this AGREEMENT for additional terms shall be at COGS COWORKING’s sole discretion.
4. CUSTOMER agrees that Cogs Coworking may terminate or cancel this AGREEMENT for good cause at any time by providing CUSTOMER thirty (30) days written notice. Good cause shall include, but is not limited to: 1) CUSTOMER abandons the MEMBERSHIP; 2) CUSTOMER uses the MEMBERSHIP for unlawful, illegitimate or fraudulent purposes; 3) CUSTOMER fails to pay monies owed when due; 4) CUSTOMER violates the Code of Conduct; 5) CUSTOMER engages in offensive, abusive or disruptive behavior toward other customers of COGS COWORKING or COGS COWORKING's employees; 6) CUSTOMER attempts to use their MEMBERSHIP to verify a Google My Business listing; 7) CUSTOMER attempts to create a Google Maps location; and 8) CUSTOMER violates any provision of this AGREEMENT. CUSTOMER acknowledges that, for the purpose of determining good cause for termination of this AGREEMENT as provided herein, the actions of any person authorized by CUSTOMER to use the MEMBERSHIP will be attributed to CUSTOMER.
5. Any written notice to CUSTOMER required or permitted under this AGREEMENT shall be deemed delivered twenty-four (24) hours after emailed sent to email address designated in CUSTOMER's account.
6. CUSTOMER agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless COGS COWORKING, and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations, franchisees, officers, directors, agents and employees from and against any and all losses, damages, expenses, claims, demands, liabilities, judgments, settlement amounts, costs and causes of action of every type and character arising out of or in connection with the use or possession of the MEMBERSHIP, including without limitation, any demands, claims and causes of action for personal injury or property damage arising from such use or possession, or to the MEMBERSHIP contents by any cause whatsoever, and from any violation by CUSTOMER of applicable federal, state or local laws.
7. CUSTOMER HEREIN AGREES THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF LIABILITY OF COGS COWORKING, IF ANY, FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED $100.00 REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE OF THE CLAIM.
8. By agreeing below I forfeit all right to bring a suit against COGS COWORKING for any reason. In return, I will receive the MEMBERSHIP and related services. I will also make every effort to obey U.S. law and the laws of THE STATE OF TEXAS, as listed in writing and as explained to me verbally. I will ask for clarification when needed.
9. The CUSTOMER shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its affiliates, and its respective officers, directors, agents and employees from any and all claims, demands, losses, causes of action, damage, lawsuits, judgments, including attorneys’ fees and costs, arising out of, or relating to, the COGS COWORKING services under this AGREEMENT.
10. This AGREEMENT, and any accompanying appendices, duplicates, or copies, constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this AGREEMENT, and supersedes all prior negotiations, agreements, representations, and understandings of any kind, whether written or oral, between the Parties, preceding the date of this AGREEMENT.
11. If any provision or provisions of this AGREEMENT shall be held unenforceable for any reason, then such provision shall be modified to reflect the parties’ intention. All remaining provisions of this AGREEMENT shall remain in full force and effect for the duration of this AGREEMENT.
12. This AGREEMENT shall not be assigned by either party without the express consent of the other party.
13. A failure or delay in exercising any right, power or privilege in respect of this AGREEMENT will not be presumed to operate as a waiver, and a single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege will not be presumed to preclude any subsequent or further exercise, of that right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
14. This AGREEMENT is to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of THE STATE OF TEXAS without reference to any principles of conflicts of laws, which might cause the application of the laws of another State Admitted to the Union (the “United States of America”, or the “Union”). Territories and Protectorates of the Union are hereby discarded and no action may be taken within them against COGS COWORKING.
15. The laws of THE STATE OF TEXAS shall supersede the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and all other United Nations laws.
16. Any action instituted by either party arising out of this AGREEMENT will only be brought, tried and resolved in the applicable federal or state courts having jurisdiction in THE STATE OF TEXAS. EACH PARTY HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE PERSONAL JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF COURTS HAVING JURISDICTION IN THE STATE.
By checking the box, you accept this AGREEMENT on the date stated in the introductory clause.
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