Code of conduct

Sky Dust Group and it’s subsidiary’s (hereafter: Sky Dust), both the company and the people we represent -- our employees, startups, Chapter Directors, sponsors, speakers, attendees -- must hold themselves to the highest standards as members of the Sky Dust community.

We recognize that each of us is an ambassador for Sky Dust and reflects the organization and it’s values in our actions. As part of the Sky Dust global community, we must always act justly and respectfully. Those who do not abide by this Code of Conduct may be removed from the Sky Dust community and/or organization.

The Sky Dust Code of Conduct revolves around our core values:

We believe that anybody should feel like home in a Sky Dust company

We believe in fairness and equality and output as a core metric to be rewarded

We believe in helping others to enable anybody to get the best out of themselves

We believe in product and task ownership responsibility at any level in the organization

SKY DUST CODE OF CONDUCT

Integrity

Sky Dust employees are expected to act and perform their duties ethically and honestly and with the utmost integrity. We strive to be transparent in all our communications. Our reputation as a company that our community can trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to make sure that we continually earn that trust.

Data Ethics and privacy

In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the EU AI Act, we pledge to protect personal data with the highest security measures. Our data handling protocols will ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data. We will maintain transparent data collection practices, provide individuals with control over their data, and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance. We respect requests for privacy and confidentiality.

Governance and Oversight

We commit to transparency in all our operations and decision-making processes. Regular reports will be published detailing our performance, initiatives, and business practices. We will be accountable to our stakeholders through an accessible and responsive feedback mechanism, ensuring that we uphold our ethical standards and align with our community values.

Ethical use of AI

We will use AI responsibly, upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Our AI systems will be audited for biases and will be designed to respect human rights and privacy. We will engage with external experts to review our AI practices regularly and ensure compliance with the EU AI Act.

Anti-discrimination

We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment* on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We will take disciplinary action for any employee or community member who violates this Code of Conduct

Anti-Racism

We have a zero tolerance policy for racism, and perpetuating or endorsing racism are grounds for immediate dismissal. Anyone found not “standing up” against racism may also be found to be in violation of the code of conduct in certain circumstances. Stand up and speak up.

Environmental Responsibility

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainability. Our environmental policy will outline specific goals, such as reducing emissions, waste management, and sustainable sourcing. We will set measurable targets and report on our progress annually.

Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying

Sky Dust prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying in any form – verbal, physical, or visual. If you believe you’ve been bullied or harassed by anyone in our community, we strongly encourage you to immediately report the incident to Sky Dust Leadership. We will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action. Any attendee, speaker, partner, or staff member demonstrating harassment in the form of live chat, social media posts, networking booths, or direct messages will be asked to stop immediately and removed from the event if it continues.

Equal Opportunity & Fair Pay

Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We ensure fair pay for equal work and agree to compensate our employees without regard to ability status, age, ancestry, civil union, class, color, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military service, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other legally-protected status

Responsiveness

We keep our promises and strive to respond to all inquiries and concerns as soon as possible.

Conflicts of Interest

We work for our company and partners, not for our own personal benefit. Sky Dust employees and community leaders commit to avoiding conflicts of interest that could allow them personal benefit at the expense of the Sky Dust community. Anyone at Sky Dust who is aware of a conflict of interest, or is concerned that a conflict might develop, is required to discuss the matter with Leadership.

We will implement a clear and fair dispute resolution process for our community. This will involve a step-by-step procedure for filing complaints, a timeline for response, and an impartial review system to ensure that all disputes are resolved equitably and efficiently.

Supportive Work & Event Environment

We commit to a supportive, open, and welcoming workplace and event environment that reflect a culture free of harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination. We enable all in our community to feel free to express their opinions, concerns, and needs with an expectation that they will be heard and respected. We communicate professionally and appropriately at all times.

Avoid Gossip

We do not speak ill of others. We have each other’s back. We are constructive in our feedback and will always provide it directly to the individual or company to which it pertains. No means no. We respect “no” as an answer and decision when it is made.

Community Conduct and Diversity

We encourage diversity and are committed to building inclusive environments at our company and at our events that reflect the diversity of people and cultures we see in the world and in our global community.

Therefore we stand firmly against discrimination of any kind within our community. Our policies and training programs will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will actively work to prevent discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.

Diversity and equality are foundational values that we draw upon when envisioning better events, programs and ultimately a stronger global community. Our team is committed to striving for equal representation of BIPOC and underrepresented individuals in the work that we do.

Diversity, including but not limited to gender, race, geography, will continue to guide our work in the following ways: inviting speakers and attendees to conferences and events, accepting startups into programs and memberships, selecting directors to lead chapters, featuring individuals on our blog and social channels, hiring vendors and team members, to name a few. Through all of the above and more, we will continue to use our platform to demonstrate the importance and expectation of diversity and equality in this industry. We accept the role as a leader in the space - educating, connecting, and elevating startups and entrepreneurs of all types - recognizing and celebrating our differences, creating a more diverse and inclusive community for al

Accountability

We stick to our word. We respect the legal agreements we sign and do our best to fulfill on all obligations. If we can’t keep our commitments for some reason, then we strive to make it right in every way possible.

Safe Workplace

We are committed to a violence-free work environment, and we will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence in the workplace. Under no circumstances should anyone bring a weapon to work or an event. If you become aware of a violation of this policy, you should report it immediately

Drugs & Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol is not banned at our events, but we expect good judgment and appropriate behavior that would never compromise performance, endanger the safety of others, or violate the law. Substance abuse, illegal drugs, and underage drinking in our offices or at our events is strictly prohibited.

Stand Up

We appropriately intervene in situations when we witness violations of this Code and will report such violations and in some instances, recognize our stance in whatever way we feel obligated to.

Conclusion

Sky Dust is a human-first company. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our company. We expect everyone at Sky Dust -- the company and our community -- to represent our values and abide by this Code of Conduct in everything we do. Any violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including termination, and if warranted, legal proceedings. This Code is a statement of certain fundamental principles, policies and procedures that govern the way we run our business.



If you have witnessed a violation of our Code of Conduct please report it to Sky Dust Leadership. If you have a question or concern, don’t just sit there. You can contact your manager, or Sky Dust Leadership. Finally, if you believe a violation of law has occurred, you can always raise that to Sky Dust Leadership or with a government agency

DEFINITION OF HARASSMENT

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination

Comments that are lewd, lascivious, demeaning, or derogatory

Unwelcome discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity

Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following

Harassing photography or recording (audio or video)

Sustained disruption of talks or other events

Inappropriate physical contact

Unwelcome sexual attention, including any specific activity for which consent was not requested and given

Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior