Naturally Network Code of Conduct

Improved January 29, 2026

1. Purpose and Commitment

Naturally Network exists to support and connect the consumer packaged goods (CPG) community through shared standards, accountability, and collaboration. We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for everyone who participates in our programs, events, and community spaces.

This Code of Conduct establishes the behavioral expectations that apply across Naturally Network. It reflects our commitment to equity, integrity, transparency, and mutual respect, and it serves as a framework for how we engage with one another and protect the wellbeing of our community.

Naturally Network reserves the right to take any action it deems appropriate to protect the safety, integrity, and mission of the organization and its community.

2. Scope and Applicability

This Code of Conduct applies to all Naturally Network spaces and interactions, including:

  • In-person events (conferences, trade shows, networking events)

  • Online spaces (email lists, social media, community platforms, virtual events)

  • One-on-one interactions when a person is representing or acting on behalf of Naturally Network

  • Conduct outside formal spaces when it directly impacts community safety, violates this Code, or materially harms Naturally Network’s mission, operations, reputation, or ability to serve its members

This Code applies to all participants, including: attendees, members, speakers, mentors, vendors, partners/sponsors, staff, contractors, volunteers, board members, delegates, and chapter leaders.

National Authority and Consistency Across Chapters

This Code of Conduct is issued by Naturally Network National and applies uniformly across all chapters. Chapters may adopt additional local guidelines, but may not weaken or contradict this Code. In the event of any conflict, the national Code of Conduct prevails.

Individuals in leadership positions (staff, board members, delegates, chapter leaders, committee leads, mentors, and event leads) are held to higher standards due to their influence, access, and representation of the organization.

3. Expected Standards of Conduct

All community members are expected to:

  • Treat others with dignity, respect, and professionalism

  • Use welcoming, inclusive language and behavior

  • Respect different viewpoints, experiences, and identities

  • Engage in disagreement without personal attacks, harassment, or intimidation

  • Accept feedback with maturity and accountability

  • Follow event rules, platform guidelines, and staff directions

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid coercive or manipulative conduct

  • Honor confidentiality when requested or required by the situation

Failure to uphold these expectations may result in corrective action, even if the behavior does not rise to the level of a severe violation.

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are prohibited in all Naturally Network spaces.

Harassment and Discrimination

  • Discriminatory language, jokes, slurs, or behavior based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, pregnancy, or immigration status

  • Unwelcome sexual attention, advances, comments, or sexualized conduct

  • Inappropriate physical contact or invasion of personal space

  • Deliberate misgendering or use of rejected names

  • Sustained disruption of talks, meetings, presentations, or community discussions

  • Pattern of inappropriate social contact (e.g., pressuring someone into personal intimacy or unprofessional access)

Intimidation, Threats, and Safety Violations

  • Threats of violence or violent language directed at any person or group

  • Incitement of violence or harassment

  • Intimidation, stalking, following, or coercion (online or in-person)

  • Harassing photography/recording or continued recording after a clear request to stop

  • Doxxing (sharing private information like address, phone number, employer details, or identifying information without consent)

Abuse of Power or Position

  • Using status, role, influence, or access to coerce, intimidate, manipulate, or improperly benefit oneself or others

  • Conditioning professional opportunities, community access, or participation on personal, romantic, financial, or inappropriate obligations

  • Retaliatory use of organizational channels or relationships to punish or isolate others

Professional Misconduct and Integrity Issues

  • Deliberate undermining of another person’s professional reputation through false claims or malicious behavior

  • Sabotaging business relationships or opportunities through coercion, threats, deception, or harassment

  • Misrepresenting credentials, products, affiliations, endorsements, or business practices in a way that harms others or the community

  • Predatory business practices targeting vulnerable community members (e.g., deceptive “pay to play,” pressure tactics, exploitative contracts)

  • Plagiarism or theft of intellectual property

  • Misuse of Naturally Network resources, funds, data, or access for unauthorized or personal benefit

Hate Speech, Extremism, and Disinformation

  • Advocacy of hate, violence, or discrimination against any protected group

  • Display or promotion of symbols, imagery, or language associated with hate groups

  • Spreading disinformation that targets, endangers, or incites harassment against specific groups or individuals

Retaliation

Retaliation is prohibited. This includes any adverse action against someone for:

  • Reporting a concern in good faith

  • Participating in an investigation

  • Supporting someone who reported

5. Reporting Concerns

If you experience or witness behavior that may violate this Code, report it as soon as possible. Reporting does not require certainty—good faith concerns are encouraged.

How to Report

During In-Person Events

  • Contact the event’s designated contact (listed in event materials)

  • Approach any Naturally Network staff member/volunteer with an event badge

Ongoing Concerns or Non-Event Issues

  • Email: conduct@naturallynetwork.org

  • Contact your chapter’s designated Code of Conduct liaison, which can be found on the respective chapter’s website. If your chapter liaison is not identified or available, contact the national committee directly at conduct@naturallynetwork.org.

Concerns Involving Leadership, Staff, Delegates, or Chapter Leadership

  • Email the national Code of Conduct Committee: conduct@naturallynetwork.org
    (This channel bypasses local chapter leadership.)

What to Include

  • Your name and contact information (optional but helpful)

  • Names/identifiers of those involved

  • What happened (dates/times, location/platform)

  • Whether the situation is ongoing

  • Any witnesses or documentation (screenshots/photos)

  • Whether you reported to anyone else

Anonymous reports are accepted but may limit follow-up and investigation.

6. Confidentiality and Information Handling

Naturally Network will handle reports with discretion and share information only with those who need it to assess, investigate, and respond.

While confidentiality is prioritized, it cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances, including when disclosure is required to conduct a fair investigation, protect safety, or comply with legal obligations. Reporter identities will not be disclosed without permission except where legally required or necessary to proceed.

7. Response Process

Acknowledgment and Initial Assessment

  • Initial assessment: determination of immediate safety risks, scope, and jurisdiction

Interim Protective Measures

Naturally Network may implement interim measures during an investigation to protect community safety and the integrity of the process. Interim measures are not a determination of wrongdoing and may include:

  • Temporary removal from an event or online space

  • Limits on contact between parties

  • Temporary suspension of participation pending review

Investigation Timeline (Targets)

  • Initial review begins: within 5 business days

  • Resolution goal: within 15 business days (Complex cases may take longer; updates will be provided as appropriate.)

Investigation Steps

  • The Code of Conduct Committee as part of the Ecosystem Stewardship and Engagement Working Group reviews the report and relevant documentation

  • Interviews may be conducted with reporter, accused party, and witnesses

  • The committee evaluates information and determines whether a violation occurred

  • The committee determines outcomes and any corrective action

  • Parties are notified of the outcome within confidentiality constraints

Naturally Network retains discretion to determine the appropriate response based on severity, pattern, credibility of information, risk to the community, and organizational integrity.

8. Outcomes and Consequences

Consequences may include one or more of the following:

  • Guidance / Coaching: documented corrective conversation

  • Warning: formal written warning documented in organizational records

  • Mandatory Training: completion of relevant training (e.g., anti-harassment)

  • Event/Platform Removal: removal from a specific space or event

  • Temporary Suspension: suspension from spaces/events for a specified period (e.g., 3–12 months)

  • Permanent Ban: removal from all Naturally Network spaces/events and membership; fees may be forfeited

  • Leadership Removal: removal from leadership roles (staff/board/delegate/chapter leadership) where applicable. Leadership removal follows organizational bylaws and governance documents but may be expedited in cases of serious violations or community safety concerns

  • Legal / Law Enforcement Referral: if threats, violence, stalking, or illegal activity are involved

Participation in Naturally Network spaces is a privilege. Naturally Network may act to protect the community even when conduct does not meet a criminal threshold.

9. Appeals

An appeal may be submitted if the appealing party believes:

  • a material procedural error occurred, or

  • substantial new information exists that could affect the outcome

Process

  • Submit a written appeal to conduct@naturallynetwork.org within 10 business days of notification

  • Appeals may be reviewed by a separate panel not involved in the original decision

  • Final decision issued within 15 business days

Appeal decisions are final. Naturally Network reserves the right to uphold, modify, or overturn decisions in the interest of community safety and organizational integrity.

10. Immediate Safety Concerns

If someone is in immediate physical danger:

  • Call 911 first

  • Then notify Naturally Network staff 

For urgent safety concerns that do not rise to emergency services:

  • Contact conduct@naturallynetwork.org with “URGENT” in the subject line
    Target response: within 4 hours during business hours and 24 hours outside business hours.

11. Support Resources

Support resources may include:

  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Naturally Network may also help connect individuals to local counseling, legal resources, mediation services (when appropriate and mutually agreed), or additional support networks.

12. Good Faith and False Reports

Deliberately false or malicious reports are considered a violation of this Code and may result in consequences. However:

  • Reports made in good faith are protected, even if they cannot be substantiated

  • An inability to substantiate a concern does not mean the report was false

13. Acknowledgment

By participating in Naturally Network events, spaces, or membership, you agree to comply with this Code of Conduct and understand that violations may result in corrective action up to removal from the community.


Annual Review: This document will be reviewed at least annually and updated as needed.

Effective Date: 01/28/2026
Last Updated: 01/29/2026
Version: 2.0
Owner: Naturally Network
Contact: conduct@naturallynetwork.org