Responsible Citizens of California Code of Conduct

Responsible Citizens Of California:  Code of Conduct 2010

Welcome to Responsible Citizens of California!  This code of conduct is intended to provide you with a general understanding of the responsibilities and expectations we have of our members.  It is not all inclusive, but it will serve to remind members of the responsibility that we share in changing the public opinion in California about gun owners and educating them about the true facts of open-carry and shall-issue concealed carry.

As a member of RCC, you are expected to present yourself in a professional manner at all times.  We certainly recognize the individuality of all our members, but also recognize the importance of presenting a unified front to the public and news media.  All members are expected to adhere to these guidelines when representing RCC.

Be advised that violations of the code of conduct could range from a verbal discussion with the board regarding expectations to permanent removal from the group.  Depending on the severity of the infraction, the board will vote and establish the proper disciplinary action.  This action could also include removal of videos, blogs, or any other form of social media that is posted on the RCC website.

Each member is responsible for knowing and complying with the code of conduct.  Any updates to this code will be sent out via the webpage (ResponsibleCitizensOfCalifornia.org) and will be fully communicated to each member.

We do not seek to limit your personal opinions nor views.  We recognize that each of you are individual and have your own beliefs.  However, Responsible Citizens of California members have a commitment to ethical behavior and that is fundamental to the way we wish to conduct the organization.  We believe that each of us has a personal responsibility to hold themselves and others responsible for achieving RCC’s goals.

RCC will not tolerate personal attacks of any kind in any of the content posted by our members.  Members who engage in personal attacks will be warned and/or expelled from the website.  Furthermore, RCC will not allow its members to post advertisements of any kind.  Profile (or other pictures) that are deemed to be offensive by any administrators of the site will result in a warning and/or the expulsion of the member who posted the picture in question.

Responsible Citizens Of California:  Code of Conduct 2010

·         Professional Attire – There is a general expectation at events that you will be appropriately dressed.  RCC does not wish to infringe a strict dress code on its members, but recommends at least business casual attire for events.  How we are perceived will help us achieve.

·         Misuse of Firearm—Members are responsible for knowing all applicable laws regarding safe and proper use of a firearm.  Members are free to share information, but the responsibility for knowing the law is individual.  The organization will not be held accountable in any way for the individual misuse of a firearm, even at one of it’s scheduled events.

·         Commission of a Criminal Act—Responsible Citizens of California expects members to be accountable for all actions, as they reflect on the organization.  Members who commit criminal acts during their tenure with RCC will be subject to disciplinary action upon a vote by the board. 

·         Alcohol/Drug Use at RCC Public Functions—RCC’s members who are carrying openly at an RCC-sponsored function have a zero tolerance policy for any kind of substance abuse.  Members who are not carrying and above the age of 21 yrs old may drink on a limited basis.  Anyone thought to be above the California limit will be asked to leave the event.

·         Confidential Information—Any misuse of personal member information or RCC’s, logo, photos, videos, press statements, or any other form of confidential information will be deemed cause to suspend the member immediately.  Any knowledge of a violation regarding confidential information should be reported to the board.

·         Public Statements—Any irresponsible or inappropriate statements made as a representative of RCC can be cause for disciplinary action.  Public statements should go through the RCC Press Secretary and will be communicated through on of the press representatives.  This is not to limit your ability to individually speak, but rather to present a very united front in our public statements.

·         Education—It is expected that RCC members will continue to educate themselves in the safe handling of firearms, as well as any applicable laws.  Members who carry at an event are asked to have a HSC (Handgun Safety Certificate) or similar permit. 

Responsible Citizens Of California:  Code of Conduct 2010

 Penalties for Violation of Code of Conduct—RCC takes violations of the Code of Conduct seriously.  Any disciplinary actions can be appealed in writing to the board within 10 days upon notice of action.  Penalties can include, but are not limited to:  verbal discussion with board, written notification of violation, suspension, removal of privileges, or permanent removal from RCC will be determined by a vote, and all Board decisions (after the appeal process) are final.

·        Hold Harmless Agreement—Responsible Citizens of California and their members assume no liability for any illegal or inappropriate acts by any individual affiliated with the organization.  It is solely the responsibility of each individual to adhere to all applicable laws and this code of conduct.  Each member of RCC agrees to hold harmless the organization from the personal actions of any of its members.

This code of conduct is not all inclusive and is subject to change by the board.  This document is designed to provide you with a baseline understanding of the conduct expect of you as an RCC member.

Thank you again for joining RCC.  Thank you for helping us achieve our overall goals of education and sensible, non-restrictive gun laws in California.