Introduction

The Potomac Valley Aquarium Society (PVAS) is a not-for-profit educational and social organization. The society was founded in 1960 for the purpose of furthering the aquarium hobby by the dissemination of information and advice, and the promotion of good fellowship among the members by organized activities and competitions. 

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Code of Conduct

While pursuing its goals of promoting fellowship, and advancements in aquarium keeping, PVAS is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests. PVAS asks all persons to act and dress appropriately at all times when attending our meetings, events, or using any of our social media and websites.

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We expect persons attending any PVAS event or internet site to act maturely, to behave responsibly, to respect the rights and dignity of others, and to treat everyone equally and not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, color, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.

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The actions listed below, which are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of behaviors, are considered inappropriate and are prohibited in PVAS programs and social media sites:

• Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior

• Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way

• Verbally abusive behavior including profanity, angry language, name-calling, or shouting

• Sexual harassment

• Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property

• Use of social networking websites in a manner that is contrary to the PVAS mission, is detrimental to the community, or is in violation of the law.

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Denial of Privileges

PVAS reserves the right to suspend or permanently deny access to PVAS membership, events, and social media sites to any person who has been accused or found guilty of having violated PVAS’s Code of Conduct or participating in other inappropriate behavior. 

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PVAS administrators of PVAS social media and internet sites have the authority to immediately deny access to the sites if in their opinion a person has violated any part of the PVAS Code of Conduct or participates in other inappropriate behavior. The administrators will present such actions to the PVAS Board of Directors for review at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting.

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While an incident is being investigated, a person accused of violating this Code of Conduct may have their membership or access to PVAS events and social media sites temporarily suspended pending a final decision.

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