Code of Conduct and Participation Standards Policy

1. Scope and Purpose

The Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association (“DTLA RA”) is a grassroots, volunteer-led association of Downtown Los Angeles residents, stakeholders, and community members. This Code of Conduct and Participation Standards Policy (the “Code”) sets expectations for participation in DTLA RA activities and communications.

The purpose of this Code is to promote honesty, integrity, respect, inclusivity, safety, and constructive civic engagement. DTLA RA exists to provide a forum for Downtown residents and stakeholders to organize, advocate, communicate, and participate in community life. That work requires disagreement at times, but it also requires basic standards of respect, good faith, and personal responsibility.

By participating in DTLA RA activities, attending DTLA RA events, volunteering with DTLA RA, communicating in DTLA RA spaces, or interacting with DTLA RA online, you agree to follow this Code. This Code applies only to conduct connected to DTLA RA participation, activities, events, communications, or use of DTLA RA’s name, platforms, materials, or community spaces.

This Code applies to all DTLA RA participants, including Founding Members, Board/Steering Committee members, committee members, volunteers, residents, event attendees, guests, speakers, partners, and anyone else engaging with DTLA RA.

Covered activities and communications include, but are not limited to:

  • In-person meetings, events, tabling, gatherings, and community activities;

  • Virtual meetings, webinars, livestreams, and online events;

  • Email, SMS/text, phone, messaging, and group-chat communications;

  • Social media interactions, including posts, comments, direct messages, tags, mentions, hashtags, and replies;

  • Communications with public officials, agencies, partner organizations, media, or members of the public when made on behalf of, or in connection with, DTLA RA;

  • Use of DTLA RA’s name, logo, materials, mailing lists, volunteer lists, or other organizational resources; and

  • Any other DTLA RA-related activity or communication, as reasonably determined by DTLA RA leadership.

This Code may be updated from time to time by DTLA RA leadership to reflect the needs of the community and the organization.

2. Prohibited Conduct

To maintain the mutual respect and dignity of all members of our community, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited; discretion for what meets the threshold for violative behavior rests with the Board.

A. Use of Abusive Language

  • Excessive use of profanity, vulgar language, or any speech that is disruptive, offensive, or intended to be harmful, hateful, or provoke hostility.

  • Name-calling, slurs, or derogatory language aimed at individuals or groups.

B. Open Threats and Intimidation

  • Any form of direct or indirect threats, whether spoken, written, or in visual or auditory medium, whether they be suggested or implied, including but not limited to threats of physical harm, doxxing, property damage.

  • Harassment, bullying, or any continued and unreasonable and disrespectful behavior purposely intended to hurt someone physically or emotionally or to create a hostile environment for another person or group.

C. Suggested Violence, Hate, or Defamation

  • Advocating, suggesting, or encouraging hate or violence toward an individual or group.

  • Sharing, “posting,” or otherwise distributing content that advocates, suggests, or encourages hate or violence towards an individual or group.

  • Sharing, “posting,” or otherwise distributing content that advocates, suggests, or encourages defamatory claims regarding an individual or group.

3. Enforcement and Consequences

Violations of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously. Consequences are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and may include:

  • Verbal warnings;

  • A written notice for first-time or minor infractions;

  • Temporary suspension from group activities for repeat or serious violations;

  • Permanent ban from all DTLA RA activities.

4. Reservation of Legal Rights

  1. General Reservation:


This Code is an Agreement. Nothing in this agreement is a waiver of any law, legal rights, remedies, or obligations of the DTLA RA or the Board members, and the DTLA RA and the Board and all its members reserve all available rights, remedies, and obligations. 

5. Reporting Obligations to Authorities

  1. Mandatory Reporting:


As a community organization, the DTLA RA has an obligation to maintain the highest standards of safety for everyone in the community. In the event that the DTLA RA or its Board members become aware of any illegal, dangerous, or unethical conduct in violation of this Code, it will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

6. Agreement to Hold Harmless and Indemnification

7. Reporting Violations

If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it to info@DTLARA.com. Reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality to the extent possible.

8. Amendments and Updates

This Code of Conduct may be updated periodically to ensure it remains aligned with our values and applicable laws. Members will be notified of any significant changes.

By participating in DTLA RA, you agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct and contribute to a respectful and inclusive community.

Thank you for upholding these standards and fostering a positive environment!