Black Manosphere Code of Conduct

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Black Manosphere Code Of Ethics and Membership Conduct

Statement of Our Core Values

Company Vision

the BLACK MANOSPHERE (BM) is a global Men's advocacy movement and lifestyle brand, dedicated to educating, inspiring and celebrating Men and boys of color. Our membership is a powerful network of high achieving like-minded Men and access to our content is exclusively for our members.

Values

Instead of being just another black male group, our organizers want Black Men to be the best in their respective industry and set their minds to doing so by openly and proudly celebrating male achievements and speaking on issues often considered taboo in public spaces. Our goal is in helping no less than 2 million Black Men live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Mission

Our goal is to educate, connect, and ensure Black Men lead. For many of us, we were forced to navigate a gynocentric-dominated culture without many male role models. We want to use our network to share experience and expertise, to help Black Men do this more efficiently. Many Black Men are forced out of the home for various reasons; some are required to choose between a tumultuous relationship and their children, while others have first-hand experience with the ‘unprosperous & unproductive’ and frankly, not very peaceful – consistently facing obstacles as they try to climb the ladder of personal and professional success. Without support, growing in these areas of Black life is hard for men. We have a long way to go, but we believe Black Men in personal and professional leadership will develop and implement the solutions to the many issues that still need to be addressed. Our team wants to enable you to be YOUR BEST SELF! When this happens, you can remain motivated to work toward your dreams and accomplish the goals you set for yourself. We want to work together with you. Help us strengthen Black Men worldwide.

 

Build Trust and Credibility

The success of our organization is dependent on the trust and confidence we earn from our members, administration and supporters. We gain credibility by adhering to our commitments, displaying honesty and integrity and reaching organizational goals solely through honorable conduct. It is easy to say what we must do, but the proof is in our actions. Ultimately, we will be judged on what we do.

When considering any action, it is wise to ask: Will this build trust and credibility for the Black Manosphere? Will it help create a protective environment in which the Black Manosphere can succeed over the long term? Is the commitment I am making one I can follow through with? The only way we will maximize trust and credibility is by answering “yes” to those questions and by working every day to build our trust and credibility.

 

Respect for the Individual Man

We all deserve to flourish in an environment where we are treated with dignity and respect. The Black Manosphere is committed to creating such an environment because it brings out the full potential in each of us, which, in turn, contributes directly to our ultimate success. We cannot afford to let anyone’s talents go to waste.

The Black Manosphere is an organization committed to providing a space that is free of discrimination of all types and from abusive, offensive or harassing behavior. Any member who feels harassed or discriminated against should report the incident to administration.

All Black Manosphere members are also expected to support an inclusive environment by adhering to the following conduct standards:

  • Treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
  • Address and report inappropriate behavior and comments that are discriminatory, harassing, abusive, offensive or unwelcome.
  • Foster teamwork and member participation, encouraging the representation of different member perspectives.
  • Seek out insights from members with different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
  • Avoid slang or idioms that might not translate across cultures.
  • Support flexible social media spaces for brothers with different needs, abilities and/or obligations.
  • Confront the decisions or behaviors of others that are based on conscious or unconscious biases.
  • Be open-minded and listen when given constructive feedback regarding others' perception of your conduct.

The Black Manosphere will not tolerate discrimination against Black Men, harassment or any behavior or language that is abusive to Black Men, offensive or unwelcome.

 

Create a Culture of Open and Honest Communication

At the Black Manosphere every man should feel comfortable to speak his mind, particularly with respect to ethics concerns. Administrators have a responsibility to create an open and supportive environment where members feel comfortable raising such questions. We all benefit tremendously when members exercise their power to prevent mistakes or wrongdoing by asking the right questions at the right times.

The Black Manosphere will investigate all reported instances of questionable or unethical behavior. In every instance where improper behavior is found to have occurred, we will take appropriate action. We will not tolerate retaliation against members who raise genuine ethics concerns in good faith.

For your information, the Black Manosphere’s whistleblower policy is as follows:

Members are encouraged, in the first instance, to address such issues with the current administrators, as most problems can be resolved swiftly. If for any reason that is not possible or if an member is not comfortable raising the issue with an administrator, the Black Manosphere’s Executive Director, Mr. Shannon W. Rawls, does operate with an open-door policy.

 

Set Tone at the Top

Management has the added responsibility for demonstrating, through their actions, the importance of this Code. In any organization, ethical behavior does not simply happen; it is the product of clear and direct communication of behavioral expectations, modeled from the top and demonstrated by example. Again, ultimately, our actions are what matters.

To make our Code work, administrators must be responsible for promptly addressing ethical questions or concerns raised by members and for taking the appropriate steps to deal with such issues. Administrators should not consider members’ ethics concerns as threats or challenges to their authority, but rather as another encouraged form of business communication. At the Black Manosphere, we want the ethics dialogue to become a natural part of daily modus operandi.

 

Uphold the Law

the Black Manosphere’s commitment to integrity begins with complying with laws, rules and regulations where we do business. Further, each of us must have an understanding of the organizational policies, laws, rules and regulations that apply to our specific roles. If we are unsure of whether a contemplated action is permitted by law or the Black Manosphere policy, we should seek the advice from the resource expert. We are responsible for preventing violations of law and for speaking up if we see possible violations.

Because of the nature of our business, some legal requirements warrant specific mention here…

Competition

We are dedicated to ethical, fair and vigorous competition. We will sell the Black Manosphere products and services based on their merit, superior quality, functionality and competitive pricing. We will make independent pricing and marketing decisions and will not improperly cooperate or coordinate our activities with other organizations. We will not offer or solicit improper payments or gratuities in connection with the purchase of goods or services for the Black Manosphere or the sales of its products or services, nor will we engage or assist in unlawful boycotts of particular customers.

Proprietary Information

It is important that we respect the property rights of others. We will not acquire or seek to acquire improper means of a competitor’s trade secrets or other proprietary or confidential information. We will not engage in unauthorized use, copying, distribution or alteration of software or other property.

Selective Disclosure

We will not selectively disclose (whether in one-on-one or small discussions, meetings, presentations, proposals or otherwise) any material nonpublic information with respect to the Black Manosphere, its securities, business operations, plans, financial condition, results of operations or any development plan. We should be particularly vigilant when making presentations or proposals to customers to ensure that our presentations do not contain material nonpublic information.

Health and Safety

The Black Manosphere is dedicated to maintaining a healthy environment.

 

Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of Interest

We must avoid any relationship or activity that might impair, or even appear to impair, our ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing our organizational tasks. At times, we may be faced with situations where the business actions we take on behalf of the Black Manosphere may conflict with our own personal or family interests. We owe a duty to the Black Manosphere to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises. We must never use the Black Manosphere property or information for personal gain or personally take for ourselves any opportunity that is discovered through our position with the Black Manosphere.

Here are some other ways in which conflicts of interest could arise:

  1. Being a member (you or a close family member) by, or acting as a consultant to, a competitor or potential competitor, supplier or contractor, regardless of the nature of the relationship, while you are a member of the Black Manosphere.
  2. Hiring or supervising family members or closely related persons.
  3. Serving as a board member for an outside commercial organization or organization.
  4. Owning or having a substantial interest in a competitor, supplier or contractor.
  5. Having a personal interest, financial interest or potential gain in any Black Manosphere transaction.
  6. Placing organization business with a firm owned or controlled by a Black Manosphere member or his family.
  7. Accepting gifts, discounts, favors or services from a customer/potential customer, competitor or supplier, unless equally available to all the Black Manosphere members.

Determining whether a conflict of interest exists is not always easy to do. Members with a conflict of interest question should seek advice from administration. Before engaging in any activity, transaction or relationship that might give rise to a conflict of interest, members must seek review from the administrators.

Gifts, Gratuities and Business Courtesies

the Black Manosphere is committed to competing solely on the merit of our products and services. We should avoid any actions that create a perception that favorable treatment of outside entities by the Black Manosphere was sought, received or given in exchange for personal business courtesies. Business courtesies include gifts, gratuities, meals, refreshments, entertainment or other benefits from persons or companies with whom the Black Manosphere does or may do business. We will neither give nor accept business courtesies that constitute, or could reasonably be perceived as constituting, unfair business inducements that would violate law, regulation or policies of the Black Manosphere or customers, or would cause embarrassment or reflect negatively on our reputation.

Accepting Business Courtesies

Most business courtesies offered to us in the course of our activities are offered because of our positions at the Black Manosphere. We should not feel any entitlement to accept and keep a business courtesy. Although we may not use our position at the Black Manosphere to obtain business courtesies, and we must never ask for them, we may accept unsolicited business courtesies that promote successful working relationships and good will with the firms that the Black Manosphere maintains or may establish a business relationship with.

Members who award contracts or who can influence the allocation of business, who create specifications that result in the placement of business or who participate in negotiation of contracts must be particularly careful to avoid actions that create the appearance of favoritism or that may adversely affect the organization’s reputation for impartiality and fair dealing. The prudent course is to refuse a courtesy from a supplier when the Black Manosphere is involved in choosing or reconfirming a supplier or under circumstances that would create an impression that offering courtesies is the way to obtain the Black Manosphere business.

Meals, Refreshments and Entertainment

We may accept occasional meals, refreshments, entertainment and similar business courtesies that are shared with the person who has offered to pay for a meal or entertainment, provided that:

  • They are not inappropriately lavish or excessive.
  • The courtesies are not frequent and do not reflect a pattern of frequent acceptance of courtesies from the same person or entity.
  • The courtesy does not create the appearance of an attempt to influence business decisions, such as accepting courtesies or entertainment from a supplier whose contract is expiring in the near future.
  • The member accepting the business courtesy would not feel uncomfortable discussing the courtesy with his or her administrator or co-member or having the courtesies known by the public.

 

Gifts

Members may accept unsolicited gifts, other than money, that conform to the reasonable ethical practices of the marketplace, including:

  • Flowers, fruit baskets and other modest presents that commemorate a special occasion.
  • Gifts of nominal value, such as calendars, pens, mugs, caps and t-shirts (or other novelty, advertising or promotional items).

Generally, members may not accept compensation, honoraria or money of any amount from entities with whom the Black Manosphere does or may do business. Tangible gifts (including tickets to a sporting or entertainment event) that have a market value greater than $100 may not be accepted unless approval is obtained from administration.

Members with questions about accepting business courtesies should talk to administration.

Offering Business Courtesies

Any member who offers a business courtesy must assure that it cannot reasonably be interpreted as an attempt to gain an unfair business advantage or otherwise reflect negatively upon the Black Manosphere. A member may never use personal funds or resources to do something that cannot be done with the Black Manosphere resources. Accounting for business courtesies must be done in accordance with approved organizational procedures.

Other than to our government customers, for whom special rules apply, we may provide non-monetary gifts (i.e., organization logo apparel or similar promotional items) to our customers. Further, administration may approve other courtesies, including meals, refreshments or entertainment of reasonable value, provided that:

  • The practice does not violate any law or regulation or the standards of conduct of the recipient’s organization.
  • The business courtesy is consistent with industry practice, is infrequent in nature and is not lavish or excessively expensive.
  • The business courtesy is properly reflected on the books and records of the Black Manosphere. Adsfadp

 

Set Metrics and Report Results Accurately

Accurate Public Disclosures

We will make certain that all disclosures made in financial reports and public documents are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. This obligation applies to all members, including all financial executives, with any responsibility for the preparation for such reports, including drafting, reviewing and signing or certifying the information contained therein. No business goal of any kind is ever an excuse for misrepresenting facts or falsifying records.

Members should inform Executive Management if they learn that information in any filing or public communication was untrue or misleading at the time it was made or if subsequent information would affect a similar future filing or public communication.

Corporate Record Keeping

We create, retain and dispose of our organization records as part of our normal course of business in compliance with all the Black Manosphere policies and guidelines, as well as all regulatory and legal requirements.

All corporate records must be true, accurate and complete, and organization data must be promptly and accurately entered in our books in accordance with the Black Manosphere’s and other applicable accounting principles.

We must not improperly influence, manipulate or mislead any unauthorized audit, nor interfere with any auditor engaged to perform an internal independent audit of the Black Manosphere books, records, processes or internal controls.

 

Promote Substance Over Form

At times, we are all faced with decisions we would rather not have to make and issues we would prefer to avoid. Sometimes, we hope that if we avoid confronting a problem, it will simply go away.

At the Black Manosphere, we must have the courage to tackle the tough decisions and make difficult choices, secure in the knowledge that the Black Manosphere is committed to doing the right thing. At times this will mean doing more than simply what the law requires. Merely because we can pursue a course of action does not mean we should do so.

Although the Black Manosphere’s guiding principles cannot address every issue or provide answers to every dilemma, they can define the spirit in which we intend to do business and should guide us in our daily conduct.

Accountability

Each member is responsible for knowing and adhering to the values and standards set forth in this Code and for raising questions if we are uncertain about organization policy. If we are concerned whether the standards are being met or are aware of violations of the Code, we must contact an Administrator.

The Black Manosphere takes seriously the standards set forth in the Code, and violations are cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership.

 

Be Loyal

Confidential and Proprietary Information

Integral to the Black Manosphere’s business success is our protection of confidential organization information, as well as nonpublic information entrusted to us by members, customers and other business partners. Confidential and proprietary information includes such things as pricing and financial data, customer names/addresses or nonpublic information about other companies, including current or potential supplier and vendors. We will not disclose confidential and nonpublic information without a valid business purpose and proper authorization.

Use of Company Resources

Company resources, including time, material, equipment and information, are provided for organization business use. Nonetheless, occasional personal use is permissible as long as it does not affect job performance or cause a disruption to the organization.

Members and those who represent the Black Manosphere are trusted to behave responsibly and use good judgment to conserve organization resources. Administrators are responsible for the resources assigned to their departments and are empowered to resolve issues concerning their proper use.

Generally, we will not use organization equipment such as computers, production equipment and business machines in the conduct of an outside business or in support of any religious, political or other outside daily activity, except for organization-requested support to nonprofit organizations. We will not solicit contributions nor distribute non-work related materials during work hours.

In order to protect the interests of the the Black Manosphere network and our fellow members, the Black Manosphere reserves the right to monitor or review all data and information contained on a member’s organization-issued computer or electronic device, the use of the Internet or the Black Manosphere’s intranet. We will not tolerate the use of organization resources to create, access, store, print, solicit or send any materials that are harassing, threatening, abusive, sexually explicit or otherwise offensive or inappropriate.

Questions about the proper use of organization resources should be directed to your administrator.

Media Inquiries

the Black Manosphere is a high-profile organization in our community, and from time to time, members may be approached by reporters and other members of the media. In order to ensure that we speak with one voice and provide accurate information about the organization, we should direct all media inquiries to the current Executive Producer, Mumia Obsidian Ali. No one may issue a press release without first consulting with the Executive Producer or the Executive Director.

 

Do the Right Thing

Several key questions can help identify situations that may be unethical, inappropriate or illegal. Ask yourself:

  • Does what I am doing comply with the the Black Manosphere guiding principles, Code of Conduct and organization policies?
  • Have I been asked to misrepresent information or deviate from normal procedure?
  • Would I feel comfortable describing my decision at a staff meeting?
  • How would it look if it made the headlines?
  • Am I being loyal to my family, my organization and myself?
  • What would I tell my child to do?
  • Is this the right thing to do?

 

Information and Resources

Executive Producer

Mumia Obsidian Ali

Executive Director

Shannon W. Rawls