Neptune Shield: House Rules
The “Golden Rule”
Our “House Rules” basically follow the “Golden Rule”, with a dash of Aretha: Treat others how you want to be treated – with R-E-S-P-E-C-T. We ask everyone in our space – event attendees, members, community organizers, mentors, investors, guests, and our staff – to honor these rules.
Consent and Permission is Essential
If you plan to touch someone, take something, invade someone’s personal space, or otherwise impose yourself on another person, ask for their permission first. Asking is expected. Getting forgiveness later is not.
Professionalism lives inside our walls
Neptune SHIELD is a community of entrepreneurs, startups, mentors, investors, college and STEM students and more. This is not a dating service, a beer pong table, boys’ club, etc. Treat everyone with courtesy, kindness, and respect at all times.
Say NO to: Drugs, Alcohol, Stealing, Fighting, Gossip, Weapons, Tobacco, Vaping, Photos, and Animals
- Any alcohol at public events must be served by Virginia ABC-certified bartenders. Alcohol available in the kitchen is for members over 21-years-old and must be consumed responsibly. Having a beer after a long day of work – always. Getting drunk at the office – never.
- By drugs we mean illegal drugs, not medications you require.
- Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you.
- It’s okay to be passionate about ideas but if it breaks into fisticuffs the police will be the least of your worries.
- Do not speak disparagingly of others or spread rumors. Be the adult.
- Weapons and tobacco products (including vaping) are not allowed inside our space.
- Wide-shot photos of our events, including pictures of presenters and sponsors during announcements. Do not take pictures of individuals without their consent.
- Service animals are always welcome in accordance with current state and federal regulations surrounding Service Animals that provide essential function for a documented disability. This does NOT include emotional support or comfort animals, regardless of how cute and friendly they are. Service animals who cause disruption, are out of control, or not housebroken, will be asked to be removed.
Be That Person – Help Others
You were just like them once. Make introductions, share your experience, or just listen – without expecting anything in return.
Keep it clean
Your mom told us she raised you well. Pick up after yourself. If you move something, put it back. If you use the dishes, put them in the dishwasher. Prove mom right. Leave the space as you found it…or even better!
Do Not Harass Anyone
Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. Do NOT stalk, text, call, email, follow, badger, intimidate, threaten, or otherwise make yourself intimidating. If someone tries to move on from the conversation, let them go. If someone explicitly tells you to leave them alone, leave them alone. Sexual harassment is especially troubling. This includes teasing, jokes, innuendo, photos/images, gestures, touching, grabbing, or giving gifts of a sexual or unwanted nature.
See something, say something
If you see something pr someone who seems suspicious say something to the front desk. This is everyone’s work home. Let’s keep it safe. Escalate any concerns immediately to a security member, staff member, or leadership team member.
We’d hate to see you go but…
Any violation of the above will have consequences: Including physically being removed, banned completely from our space, or a court restraining order – regardless of visitor, partner, member, mentor or staff.
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