Membership Terms & Agreement
Black Girl Joy is a sacred, affirming space created for Black women to rest, connect, and experience joy in real ways.
This is not a passive community.
This is a space we build together.
We understand that life happens. This is not about perfection.
It is about intention, communication, and care.
By joining, you agree to the following:
1. Community Agreement
I understand that Black Girl Joy is rooted in:
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Care
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Respect
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Mutual connection
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Emotional safety
I agree to contribute to a space that honors these values.
We also recognize that everyone is learning and growing, and we approach one another with grace and good intent.
2. Community Conduct
I agree to:
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Treat all members with respect, kindness, and dignity
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Honor confidentiality. What is shared in this space stays in this space
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Not share another member’s personal story, experience, or presence without permission
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Refrain from gossip, harmful language, or creating division
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Respect personal boundaries (physical, emotional, and spiritual)
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Take responsibility for my words, actions, and impact
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Not engage in harmful conversations about members outside of this space, including private messages or group chats
3. Connection and Communication
I understand that this community values real connection.
I agree to:
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Participate with mutual effort, not one-sided engagement
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Communicate clearly when my capacity changes
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Make a reasonable effort to communicate when stepping back from connection
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Be mindful of commitments and respect others’ time and energy
It is okay to have limited capacity. What matters is communicating that clearly.
4. Emotional Responsibility
I understand that:
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This is a supportive space, not a replacement for professional care
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I am responsible for my own healing and wellbeing
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I will not place my emotional weight on others without awareness or reciprocity
5. Safety and Behavior
I agree to:
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Engage respectfully and appropriately with all members
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Avoid behavior that creates discomfort, pressure, or harm
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Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind
6. Digital Community Standards
I understand that:
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Group chats, online spaces, and social platforms connected to Black Girl Joy are extensions of the community
I agree to:
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Follow all community guidelines in digital spaces
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Not record, screenshot, or share conversations without permission
7. Direct Communication (No Triangulation)
I agree to:
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Address concerns directly with the person involved when possible
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Not involve others in personal conflicts in a way that creates division or confusion
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Seek resolution, not sides
8. Events and Participation
I understand that:
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I am responsible for my participation and personal needs
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I should communicate if I cannot attend events I committed to
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Repeated lack of communication or no-shows may impact future participation
9. Assumption of Risk
I understand that participation in Black Girl Joy activities may include physical activity, outdoor environments, or travel.
I voluntarily assume responsibility for my participation and wellbeing.
10. Health and Wellness Disclaimer
Black Girl Joy does not provide medical or mental health services.
I am responsible for my own health and will seek professional support when needed.
11. Release of Liability
I agree that Black Girl Joy, its leadership, and volunteers are not liable for any injury, loss, or damages that may occur through my participation.
12. Media Consent
I give permission for photos or videos taken during Black Girl Joy events to be used for community and promotional purposes.
13. Community Integrity (No Solicitation)
I understand that:
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This space is for connection, not solicitation
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I may not promote or sell to members without permission
14. Community Protection
I understand that Black Girl Joy may:
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Deny membership
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Limit participation
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Remove members
if behavior does not align with community standards.
15. Leaving the Community
I understand that I am free to leave at any time.
If I choose to leave, I agree to do so respectfully and peacefully. This includes:
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Communicating my departure when appropriate
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Not engaging in harmful or disruptive behavior
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Not sharing private or sensitive community information
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Allowing space for closure without creating division
We honor both how we enter and how we leave spaces.
16. Community Respect and Conflict Resolution
I understand that Black Girl Joy is a shared community, and how we communicate — both within and outside of this space — impacts the trust, safety, and experience of all members.
I agree to:
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Approach concerns, discomfort, or conflict with direct and respectful communication whenever possible
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Make a genuine effort to resolve issues within the community before speaking about them externally
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Not disparage, misrepresent, or speak negatively about Black Girl Joy, its members, or its leadership in a harmful or public way
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Seek support from leadership when resolution cannot be reached independently
I understand that we cannot improve what we are not aware of.
This aligns with the Black Girl Joy Conflict and Care expectations, which prioritize communication over silence, resolution over division, and accountability over avoidance.
17. Member Information and Privacy
I understand that information I provide may be used to support community planning, communication, and experiences.
Black Girl Joy will not share personal information outside of the organization without permission, except as necessary for operations or safety.
18. Leadership Decisions
I understand that Black Girl Joy leadership is responsible for making final decisions in the best interest of the community, including participation, events, and conflict resolution.
19. Member Relationships
I understand that relationships formed within Black Girl Joy are voluntary and personal.
Black Girl Joy is not responsible for individual interactions or relationships between members outside of organized activities.
20. Transportation and Off-Site Responsibility
I understand that:
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I am responsible for my own transportation and safety outside of organized activities
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Any coordination between members is done independently
21. Use of Community Content
I agree not to share, post, or distribute content from Black Girl Joy spaces in a way that:
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Violates confidentiality
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Misrepresents the community
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Harms its members
22. Updates to Agreement
Black Girl Joy may update these terms as the community grows.
Continued participation indicates acceptance of any updates.
23. Eligibility
I confirm that I am 18 years or older.
24. Acknowledgment
By joining Black Girl Joy, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
Closing
Black Girl Joy is a space where:
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You do not have to chase connection
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You are met, seen, and supported
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Care is mutual and intentional
This only works when we all contribute to that experience.
This is a space where effort is felt, not forced.
Where connection is mutual, not chased.
