Club Values
It’s important to understand what life is like at Civitas (the “Club”).
The focus is not on rules, but on norms. Here are a few to provide a foundation.
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
Take that in two parts. “Civil” means that we can be frank with what we say so that we can have high-value discussions on serious topics without the risk that accompanies adult discussions elsewhere in the world today. Bring light, not heat. “Discussions” are not debates. They are the exchanging of perspectives for the purpose of arriving at a better understanding of the truth. They are not “won” or “lost” except that an uncivil conversation is lost by all participants. 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 and Campaigns
Civitas (“Club”) aims to foster civil discussion among a diverse and dynamic group of people, and inform people about important issues that may become ballot box initiatives. With our programming, we are committed to bringing a balanced and nonpartisan perspective. As a result, the Club will refrain from endorsing any specific point of view or candidate.