USBG Values Statement
The United States Bartenders’ Guild (or the “USBG” or the “Guild”) is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, rewarding, and collaborative environment free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation.
All people who participate in USBG online and in-person activities - including educational events, meetings, and social gatherings - must conduct themselves in accordance with the Guild’s values while contributing to a culture of hospitality.
As a member of the United States Bartenders' Guild, I will:
- Conduct myself with honesty, integrity and fairness.
- Understand, support, promote, and represent the Values, Vision, and Mission of the United States Bartenders’ Guild.
- Respect the dignity and rights of others regardless of social and occupational identity including race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, creed, gender identity, immigration status, mental and physical ability, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
- Whether in-person or online, refrain from engaging in misrepresentation and unethical practices such as discrimination, malicious and/or hateful speech; and from publicly disparaging or harassing fellow members.
- Be alert to situations that might cause a conflict of interest or have the appearance of a conflict of interest and provide full disclosure when a real or potential conflict of interest arises.
- Not knowingly misappropriate, divert or use chapter resources for personal gain or advantage.
- Understand the harm that substance abuse can cause to myself and my community and be willing to accept help if my substance use appears to be impacting my own health or the well-being of others.
- Advocate for workplace and USBG policies that increase safety and prevent harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation.
- Enthusiastically support, promote, and engage in contemporary best practices within the beverage industry.
Accountability
Membership and its privileges may be temporarily suspended or permanently revoked for violation of this Code of Conduct in accordance with the USBG Bylaws.
Reporting
If you feel that you have been subjected to or observed conduct which violates this Policy, you are urged to report the relevant facts immediately following the alleged incident. Every report of misconduct will be investigated, and remedial action will be taken where appropriate.
Direct such reports to any of the following:
- the chair of the activity or local USBG representative
- the designated national volunteer - National Board Chair - boardchair@usbg.org
- the designated staff liaison to the National Resolution Committee - resolutions@usbg.org
- the Report a Concern option on the USBG Contact Us form
Adopted December 2020
Purpose
The United States Bartenders’ Guild (referred to in this Policy collectively as the “Guild”) and the USBG National Charity Foundation (referred to in this Policy collectively as the “Foundation”) recognize the inherent worth of every person and group, and strive as part of their mission to foster dignity, understanding, and mutual respect, and embrace diversity. For these reasons, the Guild requires all Members of the Guild and all Officers and Directors of the Guild, the Foundation, and Chapters of the Guild to abide by this Policy Against Harassment. This Policy Against Harassment applies to all attendees (“Event Attendees”) of all Guild, Foundation, and Guild Chapter Activities including meetings, conferences, programs, or other events conducted, sponsored, co-sponsored by the Guild, Foundation, or Chapters of the Guild (collectively “Guild Activities”).
A. Non-Harassment
1. In General
All Guild Activities should provide an environment free of harassment. For purposes of this Policy, the term “harassment” means unwanted verbal or physical conduct relating to, race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, handicap or disability, marital or domestic partnership status, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Examples of prohibited harassment include, but are not limited to:
- use of ethnic slurs or derogatory terms relating to an individual’s gender or sexual orientation;
- distribution of racially or sexually offensive e-mail or other electronic communications; and/or
- threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts directed at an individual because of his or her religion.
2. Sexual Harassment
Conduct that constitutes or could lead or contribute to sexual harassment is prohibited at all Guild Activities. While it is not always easy to define precisely what types of conduct could constitute sexual harassment, examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to:
- repeated unwelcome sexual advances;
- intentional and uninvited inappropriate touching of an individual’s body; and/or
- sexually degrading words directed toward an individual.
B. Complaint Procedures
If you feel that you have been subjected to or observed conduct which violates this Policy you are urged to report the relevant facts immediately following the alleged incident. You should direct such reports to a chair of the event or, alternatively, you may direct reports to the volunteer designee, the Guild National Board Chair (boardchair@usbg.org) and/or the staff designee, the Guild’s staff liaison to the National Resolution Committee (resolutions@usbg.org).
Every report of harassment under this policy will be investigated, and remedial action will be taken where appropriate.
C. Policy Applicability
This Policy applies to Guild Activities and applies only to conduct in which the complaining party is a Member and/or Event Attendee and the subject of the complaint is a Member and/or Event Attendee. This Policy also applies to communications sent through official communication channels for any such activity or event, including Guild -sanctioned social media accounts. Please note that the Guild is not in a position to investigate or take action with respect to conduct or incidents not related to Guild Activities such as an individual Member’s employment-related matters.
If a complaint is made by or against any employee of the Guild, Foundation, or Guild Chapter employee, that complaint will be addressed under the applicable employee policy against discrimination and harassment.
D. No Retaliation
Threats or acts of retaliation against individuals who report inappropriate conduct pursuant to this Policy or provide information in connection with a report by another individual will not be tolerated. In the event you believe that you have been retaliated against for such action, you should use the above procedures to report the pertinent facts immediately. Every report of retaliation under this policy will be fully investigated, and remedial action will be taken where appropriate.
If you, or someone you know, is healing from interpersonal violence or abuse, please consider reviewing these resources that may be able to help: Mental Health Resources
Policy
To maintain a culture of accountability to the policies and community conduct standards of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, current or former Members may be Suspended in accordance with the USBG Bylaws if suspected of violation(s) to organizational policy pending investigation. Current or former Members meeting these conditions will be assigned a membership account status of Suspended.
A Suspended Member may be required to perform certain actions to become eligible to renew or rejoin the organization. Upon fulfillment of these requirements, the Suspension may be concluded and the Member eligible for reinstatement.
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The United States Bartenders Guild (the “Organization”) requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the Organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
ARTICLE II
POLICY
Reporting Responsibility
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that the Organization can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees and volunteers to report concerns about violations of the Organization’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern the Organization’s operations.
No Retaliation
No one who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of the Organization shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
Reporting Procedure
Employees, directors, volunteers, and officers are encouraged, in good faith, to report to a supervisor, manager, Executive Director, or Board Chair, any violations of law or policy, any financial irregularities, and any other suspected wrongdoing or conduct, including any attempts to conceal any such conduct, that could damage the Organization’s good name, interests, and relationships with supporters and the community at large. Complaints may be submitted via email to compliance@usbg.org.
Financial Compliance
The Organization’s Executive Director or Board Chair is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. One of these two persons will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Treasurer on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
The Organization’s Executive Director or Board Chair shall immediately notify the Board of Directors of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Anyone who makes allegations in bad faith or without any reasonable basis, and which allegations prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false may be subject to discipline.
Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Investigation and Handling of Reported Violations
The Executive Director or the Organization’s Board Chair will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation. A record of all material complaints and concerns shall be maintained.
- Membership cancellations received within 14 days of registration may be eligible to receive a full refund less $35 service fee.
- Cancellations received after the stated deadline are not eligible for refund.
- Refund requests will be accepted via online form below, and must be received by the stated cancellation deadline.
- All benefits and incentives received by members must be canceled/returned to the USBG.
- All refund requests must be made by the member or credit card holder.
- Refund requests must include the name of the member and/or transaction number.
- All refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment.
Any personal information you provide to us including and similar to your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address will not be released, sold, or rented to any entities or individuals outside of our organization except as noted below.
With Whom Do We Share the Personal Information We Collect Through This Site:
Our Service Providers
We may share your personal information with companies (including our affiliates) that perform services on our behalf, for example, companies that help process credit card payments. Our service providers are required by contract to protect the confidentiality of the personal information we share with them and to use it only to provide specific services on our behalf.
Business Transfers
Your personal information may be transferred to another entity (either an affiliated entity or an unrelated third party) in connection with a merger, reorganization, dissolution or similar corporate event. If such a transfer were ever to occur, the acquiring entity’s use of your personal information will still be subject to this Privacy Policy.
Government and Legal Disclosures
We may disclose the personal information we collect through this Site, when we, in good faith, believe disclosure is appropriate to comply with the law (or a court order or subpoena); to prevent or investigate a possible crime, such as fraud or identity theft; to enforce our Terms and Conditions or other agreements that govern your use of this Site; or to protect the rights, property or safety of our company, our users, or others.
External Sites
We are not responsible for the content of external internet sites. You are advised to read the privacy policy of external sites before disclosing any personal information.
Cookies
A "cookie" is a small data text file that is placed in your browser and allows us to recognize you each time you visit this site (personalization, etc). Cookies themselves do not contain any personal information, and we do not use cookies to collect personal information. Cookies may also be used by 3rd party content providers such as news-feeds.
Remember The Risks Whenever You Use The Internet
While we do our best to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information that you transmit to us and you are solely responsible for maintaining the secrecy of any passwords or other account information. In addition other Internet sites or services that may be accessible through our site have separate data and privacy practices independent of us, and therefore we disclaim any responsibility or liability for their policies or actions. Please contact those vendors and others directly if you have any questions about their privacy policies. For any other information please contact us.
Adapted from full Social Media Policy. For Chapter Leaders implementing social media policy, full policy can be found in the Chapters and Directors Community Library on usbg.org
Purpose
The USBG Social Media Policy (the “Policy) covers all social media accounts, pages, groups, handles and/or other profile registration created for the United States Bartenders’ Guild (the “Guild” or “USBG”), USBG National Charity Foundation (the “Foundation”) and USBG Chapters, USBG Affiliated Community, USBG Program, or any other USBG property. This Policy establishes Standards for:
- Social Media Usage Guidelines
- Sponsored Communications
- USBG Chapter Facebook Pages
- USBG Chapter Member Groups
- USBG Chapter Community Groups
While the usbg.org community platform and direct email are the primary communication tools between USBG and USBG Members, social media channels can be effective supplemental communication tools for promotion of USBG programs, events, and activities. The purpose of this policy is to communicate usage and settings standards for all USBG social media properties.
In the broadest possible terms, this policy establishes that USBG Social Media Properties:
- Must maintain an environment that is positive, fair, and honest.
- Must not allow language intended to harass, discriminate, intimidate or retaliate nor distribute illegal content
User posts and messages, referred to as User Generated Content (UGC) material (including text, pictures, audios, and videos) that do not comply with the Policy may be removed. Comments which may be deemed fraudulent, harassing, threatening, bullying, sexually explicit, obscene, racist, sexist, intimidating, defamatory or otherwise inappropriate and/or comments which may open the company to potential breaches under National Laws, Regulations, Guidelines or Codes, shall be removed immediately if possible.
Standard Social Media Usage Guidelines
- Must maintain an environment that is positive, fair, and honest.
- Respect others. Focus on the content of posts and not on the people making them. Please extend the benefit of the doubt to newer guests and members; there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Consider content carefully before you post. If you’re unsure, don’t post.
- Respect the purpose of the community. Use the community to share successes, challenges, constructive feedback, questions, and goals instead of products or services that you provide. If you’ve found a product or service helpful, please share your experience with the group in a respectful way. Do not post anything that you would not want the world to see or that you would not want anyone to know came from you
- Must not allow language intended to harass, discriminate, intimidate or retaliate nor distribute illegal content
- Respect intellectual property. Follow copyright and trademark regulations for all content posted. Opt for posting content that you have personally created or have permission to use and have properly attributed to the content creator.
- All defamatory, abusive, profane, threatening, offensive, or illegal materials are strictly prohibited. Posts may not Injure the reputation(s) of individuals or businesses (defamation legal concern) nor call for boycotts of industry vendors (antitrust legal concern).
- Do not market nor advertise beverage alcohol related content to people under 21 years old. Manage by restricting the audience on posts that include images of and messages about Beverage Alcohol
- Only authorized USBG employees and representatives shall be allowed to post comments on behalf of USBG.
- USBG posts shall be transparent that they are posted by USBG representatives and shall comply with these Guidelines, USBG Code of Conduct, as well as the law. #"Communication within a social space can often attract negative comments and feedback. Respond in a respectful, helpful and courteous manner. If you need help responding to comments, or a potential issue arises, refer messages to USBG Staff Director of Marketing and Communication.
Enforcement standards
- USBG Social Media Properties with UGC enabled must be moderated
- USBG Social Media Properties that permit UGC shall have a statement explaining that inappropriate UGC will be removed from the site or page. Posts may be deleted if they do not meet these guidelines.
- Repeat violators should receive 1 warning, then accounts may be blocked or removed depending on the platform at the discretion of USBG.
Standards for Sponsored Communications
- USBG Sponsored Communications must:
- Clearly disclose sponsorship/paid relationship
- Adhere to standards of legality, decency, honesty, and good business practices. #"Be prepared with due regard to social responsibility and be based on principles of fairness and good faith.
- Not, in any circumstance, be unethical or otherwise disparage the dignity and integrity of the association, audience, or community.
- Moderators may remove unsanctioned commercial activity at USBG discretion
- Use caution when discussing products. Information posted on the discussion groups and in libraries is available for all to see. Comments are subject to libel, slander, and antitrust laws.
- Know legal commitments and potential exposures to liability when entering into any collaboration or partnership, whether formal or informal.
- When collaborating on programs and special projects, the Guild recommends that Chapters enter into a "letter of agreement" that outlines the responsibilities and commitments of the Chapter, along with a performance timeline.
Sponsored Post Procedure
- Verify permission from sponsor to post the message to USBG National/Chapter social media channels
- Specify in the post that the content is a “Sponsored Post” or that the message is “Brought to You by our Sponsors at <sponsor name>”. This language must appear before any instruction to click through for more information.
- Post the approved message
- Include an approved image/media with sponsored post if applicable
- Image Guidelines
- Minimum 200x200 pixels
- Standard size image: 1200x800 (Facebook)
- If post involves a USBG program, event, activity, etc., USBG logo should be included in the image.
- This should be pre-approved and agreed upon by USBG and sponsor/partner !"If post contains content regarding a controlled substance:
- Set restrictions to 21+
- Include in the post a responsibility statement such as “Please celebrate responsibly!”
- Include appropriate hashtags if applicable
Standards for USBG Chapter Facebook Pages Objectives
- Build Community awareness of the chapter, chapter events, and chapter members to a broad audience
- Build revenue streams to reach potential new sponsors and new members through recruitment campaigns
- Maintain active presence on platform to support promotion of USBG programs and services
Values
- Camaraderie - Facebook Pages allow us to connect with members, potential members, supporters, and our communities more broadly
- Sharing Knowledge - Facebook Pages are a tool for sharing our vision and mission with a broad audience and make our work more accessible to Facebook users
- Integrity - We are committed to conducting ourselves with integrity on our Social Media platforms. Facebook Pages will be used to promote member and community interests, not to the individual benefit of any Chapter Officer or Director.
Standards for USBG Chapter Instagram Accounts Objectives
- Utilize this social media channel for engagement and to connect with our followers through a visual, simple platform
- Build Community awareness of the chapter, chapter events, and chapter members to a broad audience
- Build revenue streams to reach potential new sponsors and new members through recruitment campaigns
- Maintain active presence on platform to support promotion of USBG programs and services
Values
- Camaraderie - Instagram allow us to immediately connect with members, potential members, supporters, and our communities broadly
- Sharing Knowledge – Instagram is a tool for sharing USBG events and experiences through stories and instant images
- Integrity - We are committed to conducting ourselves with integrity on our Social Media platforms. Instagram will be used to promote member and community interests, not to the individual benefit of any Chapter Officer or Director.