Scope: This Code of Conduct applies to your conduct on the Hometown Community Showcase website and Dashboard (Observatory), within the members-only WhatsApp group, and in any setting where you are representing your business or your Constellation in the community — including Showcase-affiliated events, Star Parties, and other in-person or online interactions connected to your membership.

1. Active Participation — The Foundation of Your Constellation

Hometown Community Showcase only works because members actively show up for one another. This isn't a passive directory listing — it's a living, reciprocal group, and your participation directly determines what you and your fellow members get out of it.

• Regularly share your Constellation's promotional content, events, and shared links across your own platforms (social media, email lists, in-store, etc.).
• Use and promote your unique share toolkit (link, example copy, and Constellation graphic) on an ongoing basis, not just once at sign-up.
• Respond promptly to Constellation collaboration opportunities, group promotions, and shared events.
• Engage authentically with fellow Constellation members — cross-promotion and mutual support are the core value exchange of membership, not an optional extra.
• Understand that consistent non-participation (failing to share, promote, or engage with your Constellation) is treated as a violation of this Code, subject to the same tiered response outlined in Section 7.

2. Respect Among Constellation Members

• Do not disparage, undermine, or discourage clients or customers away from a fellow Constellation member.
• Do not solicit or poach contractors, staff, or business partnerships from fellow Constellation members without their knowledge and consent.
• Resolve disagreements directly and professionally with fellow members first. If a resolution can't be reached, Aurora (or a designated Hometown Community Showcase representative) is available to mediate.

3. Non-Compete Integrity

• Accurately represent your business category and core services at the time of application.
• Notify Hometown Community Showcase if your business meaningfully expands into services or products that overlap with a fellow Constellation member's offerings, so fit can be reassessed.

4. Community Representation

• Conduct your business lawfully and ethically at all times.
• Do not engage in discriminatory practices toward customers, fellow members, or the public.
• Avoid conduct — public or private — that would reasonably embarrass, harm, or reflect poorly on the Showcase or its members.

5. Platform Participation Standards

• Respond in a timely, professional manner to shared promotional opportunities, including Constellation events and use of the share toolkit.
• Keep your business listing, contact information, and promotional content accurate and non-misleading.
• Participate in good faith in the collaborative spirit of your Constellation — showing up is part of the value every member provides to the group.

6. Payment & Membership Standing

• Maintain timely payment per your membership terms.
• Understand that continued membership is contingent on good standing with both this Code of Conduct and your billing agreement.

7. Grounds for Removal

Hometown Community Showcase uses a tiered response to violations of this Code, allowing for correction before removal whenever possible:

• First Offense — Documented Warning: A written notice describing the issue and the expected correction, kept on file with your membership record.
• Second Offense — Probation or Mediation: A formal conversation, and if needed, a probationary period with specific, agreed-upon terms for continued membership.
• Third Offense — Removal: Removal from your Constellation and the Showcase, without refund of dues or fees already paid.

Severe violations — including illegal activity, harassment, or conduct that poses immediate harm or serious reputational risk to the Showcase or its members — may result in immediate removal without progressing through the tiers above, at Aurora's discretion.

By submitting your Hometown Community Showcase membership application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.