Club Values
Before becoming a member, it’s important to understand the club.
We focus on foundational norms rather than strict rules.
Obviously, relationship building is valuable and the goal is action in the real world, but overt selling of one’s products or wares is tacky. Nothing will drive people away from the Club faster than feeling like somebody’s going to put the hard sell on them when they show up. Certainly, sharing interests and community involvement is encouraged but peddling commercial services and products is a no-no.
Not for “selling”
Civil Discussion is the name of the game
Our goal is to exchange perspectives and arrive at a better understanding of the truth, rather than trying to "win" a debate. We expect members to bring light, not heat. Incivility is never welcome, but candor always is.
Everyone is welcome at every table
It’s each member’s responsibility to make any other member welcome at any table at any time. We plan to create a “flag” or indicator of some kind that members can put up on their table when they want to keep a conversation private, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
No Homework
Although we take on serious topics, the emphasis is not on formal work that has to be done after a club activity or event. The goal of the Club is to ‘create collisions’ and to facilitate positive steps forward on things that matter in the community, but it is not designed to be the entity responsible for making those changes (the hope is that interesting projects and collaborations will “spin-out” of Civitas, but the Club itself won’t be the office for these projects). We are all busy people and we don’t want the Club to create more stress in our lives.
Costumes allowed, but never required. Seriously, no dress code
This is California so wear what you want but please show sensitivity if you don attire that makes specific statements that could be perceived as insensitive or offensive.
Spontaneity is the straw that stirs the drink
Yes, there are formally planned events (and semi-formally planned events), but we’re striving for spontaneity. Collisions and happenstance that occur because a diverse and dynamic group come together is the best path to good things.
The members are the main draw but we allow them to bring guests share our mission and values
Membership does have its privileges but our hope is to expand our ranks. So feel free to bring others but please educate them to our purpose and values. Also given the small size of the club and the desire to further relationships between the members we ask that you show discretion in both the frequency and number of guests you bring to the Club.
If it ain’t social, it ain’t Civitas
This club is about enjoying each other’s company. It will thrive if the members voluntarily want to be around each other, taking new and wonderful, but unexpected forms.
Club Policy on Political Activities
To foster civil discussion and maintain a balanced, nonpartisan perspective, the club does not endorse any specific political candidate or point of view.