Code of Conduct
This is the binding behavioral standard for all Built By DAO members. When you join, you agree to uphold these principles and accept the consequences outlined for violations.
Integrity in service of mission
Platform, events, governance, physical spaces
Graduated enforcement: warning → removal
Ethics Committee + Leadership Council
🎯 Purpose: Establish clear behavioral expectations that protect the DAO mission, members, and governance integrity
📍 Authority: Administered by Ethics Committee, subject to member appeals
✅ Expected Conduct
All members commit to behavior that advances the DAO's mission of building equitable housing and community ownership through contribution.
🤝 Respect & Dignity
🗣️ Treat with dignity
Every member deserves basic respect regardless of rank, background, or views
👂 Listen actively
Seek to understand before responding
🔓 Assume good intent
Most disagreements stem from miscommunication, not malice
🤲 Accept accountability
Own your actions and their impacts
🙏 Apologize sincerely
When you cause harm, repair it
🎯 Mission Alignment
📍 Act in service of mission
All decisions should advance affordable housing and community ownership
💡 Contribute honestly
Put real effort into your work; don't game the system
🌱 Think long-term
Make decisions that benefit the DAO 5-10 years out, not just today
⚖️ Prioritize equity
Ensure benefits are shared broadly, not concentrated
💬 Constructive Communication
📝 Be clear
State what you mean directly
🎯 Focus on ideas, not people
Critique proposals, not individuals
⏱️ Respond reasonably
Don't go silent; communicate status
📋 Document important decisions
Write things down for future reference
🔓 Share context
When you know something relevant, bring it into the conversation
🔧 Quality Contribution
✅ Complete commitments
Finish what you start or communicate blockers early
📊 Meet quality standards
Deliverables should meet specified requirements
👥 Collaborate effectively
Work well with teammates, give and receive feedback
🎓 Continuously improve
Seek training, learn from mistakes, elevate your craft
🔒 Confidentiality & Security
🔒 Protect confidential information
Never disclose without authorization (see NDA & IP Assignment)
🔑 Secure your credentials
Lock devices, use strong passwords, report breaches immediately
📋 Follow access rules
Only access information you need for your role
🚨 Report problems
If you suspect a breach, tell [email protected] immediately
🌍 Inclusive Community
🤝 Welcome diversity
Value different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences
📢 Amplify quiet voices
Actively listen to people who speak less in groups
♿ Ensure accessibility
Accommodate needs so everyone can participate
👥 No discrimination
See Anti-Discrimination section
🚫 What Is Not Acceptable
These behaviors violate the Code of Conduct and result in disciplinary action.
🚨 Zero-Tolerance Violations
These result in immediate investigation and typically lead to suspension or removal:
🗣️ Harassment
Unwanted contact, threats, intimidation, bullying
Suspension → removal
💀 Hate speech
Slurs, dehumanizing language toward protected groups
Immediate removal
💰 Fraud
Deception for financial gain, false work reports
Removal + legal referral
🔓 Confidentiality breach
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information
Removal + legal action
👤 Doxxing
Posting private information to shame or harass
Removal + legal action
⚔️ Violence or threats
Physical threats or attempts
Removal + legal referral
Zero-tolerance means: These violations are not subject to graduated warnings. Investigation can result in immediate removal and legal action.
🎭 Financial Misconduct
💸 Fraud
False work hours, inflated deliverables, fake receipts
Severe
🏦 Embezzlement
Unauthorized use of DAO funds
Severe
💰 Self-dealing
Directing DAO resources to personal benefit
Moderate-Severe
🤝 Kickbacks
Accepting bribes or inappropriate payments
Severe
📋 Falsification
Altering records or documents
Moderate-Severe
🗳️ Governance Violations
🎮 Vote buying
Purchasing votes or offering inducements
Removal
👥 Sybil attacks
Creating fake accounts to multiply voting power
Removal + legal
📢 Proposal spam
Flooding with frivolous proposals to waste time
Rank restriction
🤐 Information hiding
Withholding material facts from voters
Suspension
🔗 Collusion
Secret coordination to manipulate outcomes
Suspension → removal
💻 Technical & Security Violations
🔑 Credential sharing
Giving your login to others
Warning → suspension
🔓 Unauthorized access
Using others' accounts or accessing restricted systems
Suspension → removal
🦠 Malicious code
Submitting code designed to harm systems
Removal + legal
🔐 Security testing
Testing vulnerabilities without authorization
Warning → suspension
👤 Discrimination & Harassment
Zero tolerance. No exceptions, no gradualism. Discrimination and harassment result in immediate investigation and typically removal.
Slurs or dehumanizing language
Race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, national origin, economic status
Exclusion based on identity
Keeping people out of groups, events, or opportunities
Sexual harassment
Unwanted advances, comments, or behavior of a sexual nature
Intimidation
Creating hostile environment through threats or aggression
Stalking or doxxing
Persistent unwanted contact or sharing private information
Retaliation
Punishing someone for reporting violations
🏭 Physical Space Violations
🚫 Safety violations
Ignoring safety protocols, unsafe equipment use
🚭 Trespassing
Entering restricted foundry zones without permission
💣 Equipment misuse
Damaging or stealing tools/materials
🌪️ Disruption
Creating unsafe or hostile conditions
🌐 Digital Space Violations
📱 Spam
Flooding Discord, email, or platform
Muting → removal from channel
🔗 Off-topic derailing
Consistent off-topic posts that disrupt
Warning → muting
🎭 Impersonation
Pretending to be someone else
Warning → suspension
🔞 Inappropriate content
Posting content that violates platform rules
Removal from space
📋 How to Report Violations
If you witness a violation, report it. The DAO depends on members being honest.
🔑 Reporting Channels
💀 Threats, violence, immediate danger
Local law enforcement + discord moderators
Immediate
🏭 Physical safety
Foundry staff on duty
Immediate
💬 Minor conflicts
Discord moderators (for community issues)
Days
📝 What to Include in Your Report
Make it easier to investigate by providing:
📋 Clear description
What happened, what was said/done
👤 Who was involved
Names, usernames, or descriptions
📅 When it happened
Date, time, context
📸 Evidence
Screenshots, links, witness names
🎯 Impact
How the violation affected you or others
🔗 Any context
Previous incidents, patterns, history
Better: "On Feb 18 at 2pm in Discord #construction, User X said [specific slur] in response to a proposal about hiring. This is the third time they've used this language. Screenshot attached."
Not helpful: "Someone was mean to me."
🔒 Confidentiality for Reporters
🔐 Your identity protected
We keep your name confidential unless you consent to disclosure
📝 Investigation details private
Only those with need-to-know are informed
👥 Personal information shielded
We don't share your contact info or details
🚫 No retaliation
You are protected from any retaliation for reporting in good faith
However: In rare cases (threats, legal requirements), we may need to identify you. We'll inform you if that becomes necessary.
📊 Investigation Timeline
1️⃣ Receipt
Day 1
Report received and logged
2️⃣ Initial review
Days 1-3
Ethics Committee assesses severity
3️⃣ Investigation
Days 3-21
Gather evidence, interview parties
4️⃣ Finding
Days 21-28
Determine if violation occurred
5️⃣ Decision
Days 28-35
Decide on consequences
6️⃣ Notification
Days 35-42
Inform parties of outcome
7️⃣ Appeal window
Days 42-56
Respondent can appeal
Timeframe: Most cases complete within 6-8 weeks. Complex cases may take longer.
👥 Investigation Process
📋 Notice to respondent
Person accused gets written details of allegations
🗣️ Right to respond
They have 10 days to provide their account
🔍 Evidence review
Both sides' evidence examined
👂 Witness interviews
Relevant people asked to provide information
📝 Written finding
Committee documents what happened
🔄 Appeal opportunity
See Appeals section
🚫 Bad Faith Reports
Deliberately false reports are themselves violations:
⚠️ Warning
Minor false claim with limited impact
🔴 Suspension
Repeated false reports or deliberate fabrication
🗑️ Removal
Malicious false reports intended to harm someone
Note: Reporting something you genuinely believed to be true, even if investigation finds it wasn't, is not a bad faith report.
⚖️ Enforcement Process
Consequences are graduated based on severity and history. No violation = automatic punishment. Each case is reviewed individually.
🎯 Consequence Levels
⚠️ Warning
Documented notice, education
First minor offense, accidental policy breach
🟠 Rank restriction
Temporary rank suspension, no progression
Repeated minor issues, attitude problems
🟠 Suspension
Temporary removal (1-90 days)
Serious conduct issues, moderate violations
🔴 Permanent removal
Revoked membership, expelled
Zero-tolerance violations, repeated serious issues
📊 Examples: Minor Violations
Minor violations typically result in warning or education.
Off-topic Discord post
Gentle reminder (private message)
Honest misunderstanding
Clarification + education
Accidental confidentiality slip
Verbal warning + retraining
First-time minor rule break
Documented warning
📊 Examples: Moderate Violations
Moderate violations typically result in rank restriction or suspension.
Repeated harassment after warning
Suspension 30-90 days
Vote manipulation scheme discovered
Rank restricted 6 months
Fraudulent work hours
EQTBLT compensation adjusted, rank restricted
Confidentiality breach (non-sensitive)
Suspension 30 days + retraining
📊 Examples: Severe Violations
Severe violations typically result in removal.
Hate speech or discrimination
Removal (immediate)
Threats or violence
Removal (immediate) + legal referral
Fraud or embezzlement
Removal + legal referral
Security breach
Removal + legal action
Repeated violations despite warnings
Removal
🎖️ Rank Demotion vs. Removal
🎖️ Rank demotion
Conduct issues but member can improve; kept on performance plan
🗑️ Membership removal
Cannot continue under any circumstances; no path forward
Note: Rank demotion includes:
Loss of any leadership responsibilities
Ineligibility for promotion for 6-12 months
Required training or mentorship
Documented performance expectations
📋 Decision Authority
⚠️ Warnings
Project Lead, Ethics Committee
Can be appealed
🟠 Rank restriction
Ethics Committee
Can be appealed
🔴 Suspension
Ethics Committee + Leadership Council approval
Can be appealed
🗑️ Removal
Leadership Council + Ethics Committee
Can be appealed
🔄 Appeals Process
If you disagree with an enforcement decision:
1️⃣
Receive decision
Day 0
2️⃣
File appeal
Within 14 days
3️⃣
Submit response
Up to 5 pages explaining why decision was wrong
4️⃣
Appeal review
Appeals committee (different people than original) reviews
5️⃣
Final decision
Appeals committee upholds, modifies, or reverses
📝 What Can Be Appealed
⚠️ Warning
✅
Wrongly identified, insufficient evidence, disproportionate
🟠 Rank restriction
✅
Wrongly identified, insufficient evidence, disproportionate
🔴 Suspension
✅
Wrongly identified, insufficient evidence, excessive
🗑️ Removal
✅
Wrongly identified, no credible evidence, excessive
You cannot appeal the general existence of the rule—only whether it was fairly applied to you.
🛡️ Due Process Rights
You have these rights in any enforcement action:
📋 Notice
Know what you're accused of, in writing
👂 Be heard
Opportunity to respond in writing or in person
🔍 See evidence
Access to evidence against you
👥 Witnesses
Can present witnesses on your behalf
⏰ Reasonable time
Sufficient time to prepare response
📢 Neutral decision maker
People reviewing are not bias toward either side
📝 Written reason
Decision states why action was taken
🔄 Appeal
Right to appeal within 14 days
📊 Repeat Violations
The system is graduated but not infinite:
First warning
Warning recorded
Second similar violation
Rank restriction or suspension
Third violation
Serious consideration of removal
Pattern of violations
Removal likely
Key principle: Violating the code multiple times shows you won't comply, which leads to removal. The system gives chances, but not unlimited chances.
🌍 Where This Code Applies
This Code of Conduct applies in all Built By DAO contexts where you represent the DAO or interact with other members.
✅ Covered Spaces
🌐 app.builtbydao.com
Full coverage
Official platform
💬 Discord
Full coverage
Official community space
Full coverage
DAO-related communications
📍 Foundry physical spaces
Full coverage
All zones, member and public areas
🎯 Task work
Full coverage
Project work, deliverables, reviews
🗳️ Governance
Full coverage
Proposals, voting, discussions
🤝 Events
Full coverage
Meetings, training, social events
👥 Official social media
Full coverage
Built By DAO official accounts
📞 Calls/meetings
Full coverage
Official DAO calls, meetings
❌ Not Covered
👤 Personal relationships
Not DAO business
Friendship, dating disputes
💼 Outside employment
Not DAO authority
Your other job behavior
🏠 Home conduct
Not DAO space
Private social media posts
⚖️ Civil/criminal law
Not Code of Conduct
Refer to actual law
However: If outside conduct brings the DAO into disrepute or involves other members, it may become DAO business.
👥 Who Must Follow
🎫 Members
Yes, fully
💰 Investors
For on-platform behavior
👥 Volunteers
Yes, while volunteering
🤝 Partners
For collaborative work
🏘️ Renters (non-members)
Community standards only
🔗 Relationship to Other Policies
This Code of Conduct reinforces and clarifies other DAO documents:
Guidelines are informal culture; Code is formal enforcement
Ethics covers decision-making; Code covers behavior
IP rules are contractual; Code covers violations
Compliance is legal requirement; Code is DAO standard
In case of conflict: This Code of Conduct governs DAO enforcement. Laws govern legal liability.
📅 Retroactive Application
New violations of existing rules are always subject to the Code. However:
📜 New rule added
Applies going forward; not retroactively
⚠️ Existing rule violated
Always subject to enforcement
🔄 Enforcement process changes
Process applies to investigations starting after change date
🎯 Governance-Specific Conduct
Stricter standards apply in governance contexts due to decision-making implications.
📝 Proposal Standards
Proposals must meet behavioral standards:
✅ Honest representation
Voters need accurate information
📊 Full cost disclosure
Can't hide financial impacts
⚠️ Risk acknowledgment
Proposals should identify downsides
⚖️ Fair framing
Present multiple perspectives fairly
Violation: Deliberately misleading or incomplete proposals can be rejected and are grounds for conduct action.
🗳️ Voting Standards
🧠 Informed voting
Not reading proposal before voting
Warning
🚫 Vote buying
Offering incentives for votes
Removal
🤝 No coercion
Threatening people to vote your way
Removal
📋 No manipulation
Spreading disinformation about votes
Suspension
💬 Founder & Framer Conduct
Those holding special roles have elevated standards:
👑 Founder
Should model the highest standards; violations handled via Leadership Council
🖼️ Framer
Ceremonial recognition; standard Code applies
🏛️ Leadership Council
Must maintain impartiality; conflicts of interest require recusal
⚓-🏛️ Senior ranks
"With great power comes great accountability"—higher standards
🏭 Foundry-Specific Conduct
The Foundry is a shared physical space with special considerations:
🛡️ Safety first
Follow all safety protocols without exception
🧹 Clean up
Leave spaces as you found them
🤫 Quiet respect
Volume and noise considerate of others
👁️ Observation
If something looks unsafe, report it immediately
📷 Photography
Don't photograph others without consent
Zero tolerance: Safety violations can result in immediate removal from the space.
👨⚖️ Leadership Conduct
Those in leadership roles are held to higher standards:
🎯 Mission alignment
Leaders must be vocal about mission
💬 Transparency
Cannot keep secrets about decisions affecting those led
⚖️ Fairness
Must treat all people equally
📋 Accountability
Own mistakes; don't pass blame
🤝 Servant leadership
Lead to serve the team, not to gain power
Consequence: Leadership violations often result in loss of leadership role even if membership is retained.
📊 Investor Conduct
Investors who become members must follow full Code of Conduct. Additional standards:
💰 Influence transparency
Cannot use money to pressure decisions
🗳️ Governance participation
Must vote ethically (no vote buying even with own money)
🔗 Conflict of interest
Must disclose financial interests before voting
Note: Investors who don't become members are not subject to Code of Conduct, only basic community standards.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: Is the Code of Conduct enforced equally? A: Yes. Everyone is held to the same standard. Rank, status, and tenure don't get you exceptions. We will investigate everyone fairly.
Q: What if I made a mistake? A: Honest mistakes are treated differently from intentional violations. If you accidentally violated something, own it, fix it, and learn. If you did it intentionally, expect serious consequences.
Q: Can I be removed for disagreeing with someone? A: No. Disagreement is healthy. You can be removed for harassment, discrimination, or abuse—but not for having different opinions.
Q: How long do violations stay on my record? A: Warnings expire after 2 years of clean conduct. Suspensions and removals are permanent. However, for decisions about future violations, we consider the full pattern.
Reporting
Q: What if I'm worried about retaliation? A: Retaliation is itself a violation and grounds for removal. If you report in good faith and suffer retaliation, report that immediately. We protect reporters.
Q: Can I report anonymously? A: Yes. Send an anonymous report to [email protected] (you can use a temporary email). We'll investigate, but note that some investigations may require identifying you to others.
Q: What if I'm not sure if something is a violation? A: Ask. Email [email protected] with your question. We'd rather clarify upfront than deal with violations later. Good faith questions aren't violations.
Enforcement
Q: Can a warning affect my employment? A: No. A warning is a conduct notice, not a job action. However, repeated violations can lead to rank restriction or removal, which does affect your role.
Q: What's the difference between a rank restriction and removal? A: Rank restriction means you keep your membership but lose your current rank (and any leadership role) for a period. You can regain it after showing improvement. Removal means expulsion—you're no longer a member.
Q: Can I appeal a warning? A: Yes. All enforcement decisions can be appealed within 14 days if you think it was unfair, wrong, or disproportionate.
Confidentiality
Q: Will my violation be public? A: No. Investigation details and decisions are confidential. We don't post violations or punishments publicly. However, if a violation is severe enough to require removal, we may notify affected parties.
Q: What if someone I trust asks if I reported them? A: We don't confirm or deny reports. You can choose to tell people you reported them, but we won't.
Other
Q: What if the person who violated the Code is in leadership? A: Same process, same standard. Leadership violations may result in loss of leadership role in addition to other consequences. Senior violations are reviewed by the Leadership Council.
Q: Can I bring a lawyer to my hearing? A: For investigation interviews, you can have a support person present. For formal hearings before the Ethics Committee, bring documentation you want considered. The DAO doesn't have formal legal proceedings.
Q: What happens to my EQTBLT if I'm removed? A: Your EQTBLT stays with you. Removal from membership doesn't affect your token holdings or governance rights from accumulated EQTBLT. However, you lose future earning ability.
📊 Violation Reference Table
Quick lookup of typical violations and consequences:
Off-topic message
🟢 Minor
Gentle reminder
No
Repeated rule break
🟡 Moderate
Warning
Yes
Harassment (first)
🔴 Severe
Suspension
Yes
Harassment (repeated)
🔴 Severe
Removal
Yes
Hate speech
🔴 Severe
Removal
Yes
Fraud
🔴 Severe
Removal + legal
Yes
Safety violation
🔴 Severe
Immediate removal from space
Yes
Vote buying
🔴 Severe
Removal
Yes
Doxxing
🔴 Severe
Removal
Yes
Confidentiality breach
🔴 Severe
Removal + legal
Yes
Violence/threats
🔴 Severe
Removal + legal
Yes
⚖️ Due Process Checklist
Your rights in any enforcement action:
✅ Written notice of allegations
✅ 10+ days to respond
✅ Access to evidence against you
✅ Opportunity to present your side (written or in person)
✅ Witnesses on your behalf
✅ Neutral decision makers
✅ Written decision explaining the reasoning
✅ 14-day appeal window
✅ Right to new appeal committee (not original decision makers)
⚠️ Legal Notice
This Code of Conduct is the DAO's behavioral standard and enforcement mechanism. It is not a substitute for law. If your conduct violates actual laws (fraud, assault, threats, theft, etc.), we will refer the matter to law enforcement in addition to DAO enforcement. This Code of Conduct does not limit your legal rights or the DAO's legal obligations.
For legal questions, contact [email protected].
📢 Questions or Concerns?
Conduct violations: [email protected]
Security violations: [email protected]
Legal questions: [email protected]
General questions: Ask in Discord #help or contact your project lead
🔗 Related Pages
GuidelinesEthicsNDA & IP AssignmentComplianceLeadership Council🎯Member OnboardingLast updated