TAMIL PENGAL IN AUSTRALIA

Introduction:

1.1 These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") serve as the guiding principles governing the membership and participation within the [Tamil Pengal in Australia], hereinafter referred to as "the Group." This section outlines the essential regulations and standards that members are expected to adhere to while being part of this community.

1.2 The purpose of these Terms is to create a framework that ensures a positive and respectful environment within the Group. It sets the foundation for fostering a sense of belonging, promoting responsible conduct, and encouraging meaningful engagement among its members.

1.3 By accepting membership in the Group, individuals implicitly acknowledge their commitment to complying with these Terms, which have been designed to facilitate a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all participants.

1.4 The following sections provide detailed information about the rules and guidelines that members must follow, the consequences of non-compliance, and the Group's rights to amend these Terms as deemed necessary for the well-being of the community.

 

2. Membership

2.1 Eligibility and Inclusivity: Membership within the Group is inclusive and open to all individuals who identify as women and fullfill the eligibility criteria established by the Group. The Group is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity and, as such, welcomes women from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

2.2 Agreement to Terms: By choosing to join the Group, members explicitly acknowledge their consent to be bound by these Terms and any future amendments made to them. This commitment ensures that members are aware of the rules and guidelines governing their participation in the community.

 

3. Membership and Participation

3.1 Voluntary Membership: Participation in the Group is entirely voluntary, and it is open to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the Group. The emphasis on voluntary participation underscores the freedom of choice for individuals who wish to be part of the community.

3.2 Active Participation: Members are encouraged to actively engage in Group activities and contribute positively to the Group's mission and objectives. This active involvement is integral to the success and vitality of the Group, promoting a sense of shared responsibility among its members.

3.3 Right to Refuse or Terminate Membership: In line with the values and standards set by the Group, it reserves the right to deny or terminate membership for individuals who fail to comply with the Group's rules and uphold its values. This ensures that the community remains aligned with its mission and maintains a respectful and positive environment for all members. The decision to refuse or terminate membership is made with the best interests of the Group in mind, and it aims to preserve the community's integrity.

 

4. Communication

4.1 Official Communication Channels: The Group's communication with its members will primarily occur through a few designated channels, including email, official Group meetings, and specific communication platforms established by the Group. These channels are chosen to ensure effective, consistent, and organised communication within the community.

4.2 Member Responsibility: Members are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining a timely and responsive approach to Group communications. This includes promptly acknowledging and responding to messages, updates, or notifications sent through the official channels. Ensuring that contact information, particularly email addresses and any other relevant contact details, is accurate and up-to-date is also the responsibility of each member. This practice ensures that all members are kept informed about important Group matters and can actively engage in Group activities and discussions.

By adhering to these communication guidelines, members contribute to a seamless flow of information and the overall effectiveness of the Group in achieving its objectives and maintaining a connected and engaged community.

 

5. Confidentiality

5.1 Handling Sensitive Information: Within the Group, members may come across or be privy to discussions, documents, or information of a sensitive or confidential nature. This could include personal stories, private data, or any information that members choose to share within the Group. As responsible members, it is expected that individuals will respect the privacy and confidentiality of such information.

5.2 Unauthorised Sharing Consequences: Unauthorised sharing or disclosure of confidential Group information is taken seriously by the Group. Such actions may lead to disciplinary measures. These measures may vary depending on the nature and severity of the breach and can include warnings, suspension, or even expulsion from the Group. It is essential to recognise that maintaining confidentiality is not just a rule but a foundation of trust and respect within the community. Disciplinary actions are implemented to safeguard the well-being and trust of all members, promoting a secure environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.

 

6. Dispute Resolution

6.1 Handling Conflict and Controversy: In the event of a conflict or controversy arising among members that leads to allegations, including those of an illegal nature, it is important to clarify the Group's stance on accountability and intervention.

6.2 Private Nature of Conflicts: The Group views such conflicts and controversies as private matters between the involved parties. In such instances, the Group does not assume responsibility for addressing, mediating, or intervening in these disputes. The reason for this approach is to respect the privacy and autonomy of the individuals involved. This ensures that members can express their concerns or grievances in a safe environment without the fear of unnecessary external intervention.

6.3 Member Accountability: Each member is expected to take personal responsibility for their actions and conflicts within the Group. This approach emphasises individual accountability and encourages members to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue to resolve their differences. The Group's focus is on fostering a community that values open communication and self-responsibility, allowing members to address their disputes amongst themselves.

6.4 Group Neutrality: The Group maintains a neutral stance in these matters, treating all members equally. Regardless of whether one or all parties involved in a dispute are members of the organisation, the Group will uphold the principle of treating each member's concerns with impartiality.

This approach to dispute resolution promotes a sense of autonomy and personal responsibility among members, ensuring that conflicts are addressed by the individuals involved while safeguarding the privacy and integrity of the Group.

 

7. Liability

7.1 Participation at Own Risk: The Group emphasises that members engage in Group activities at their own risk. This means that each member assumes personal responsibility for their well-being and safety during any Group-related events or activities. The Group and its organisers, in accordance with this principle, will not be held responsible or liable for any injuries, losses, or damages incurred by members while participating in Group activities.

7.2 Encouragement of Personal Insurance: To further underscore the importance of personal responsibility, members are strongly encouraged to have their own insurance coverage, as they deem necessary. This may include health, accident, or any other insurance that could provide financial protection or assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances. While the Group values the safety and well-being of its members, having personal insurance coverage is a prudent and individual choice that enhances the overall safety net for participants.

By incorporating these principles into the Liability section, the Group fosters a culture of self-care and responsibility among its members, with the understanding that participation in Group activities is a voluntary and self-assumed endeavour. This approach empowers members to make informed decisions about their own safety and financial protection.

 

8. Termination of Membership

8.1 Right to Terminate for Violations: The Group maintains the authority to terminate the membership of any member who is found to be in violation of these Terms and Conditions, the established Code of Conduct, or any of the Group's specific policies. This decision is made in the best interest of the Group, to uphold its values and maintain a respectful and harmonious environment for all members. The violations may range from disruptive behaviour to actions that breach the Group's guidelines and principles.

8.2 Refund Exclusion: In the event that a member's membership is terminated as per Section 8.1, it is important to note that the terminated member will not be entitled to any refunds of competition fees, dues, or any other payments made to the Group. This policy is in place to emphasise the seriousness of adhering to the Group's rules and values and to ensure that all members are aware of the potential consequences of violating these guidelines.

This section underscores the importance of abiding by the Group's rules and policies and the consequences for not doing so. It aims to create a fair and accountable environment within the community and encourages members to respect the principles and standards set forth by the Group.

 

9. Amendments

9.1 Right to Modify Terms: The Group maintains the prerogative to make amendments to these Terms and Conditions at any point in time. This provision allows the Group to adapt and evolve its rules and guidelines in response to changing circumstances or to better serve the interests of its members and the community as a whole.

 

10. Photography Permission

10.1 Capture of Media: The Group recognises the importance of capturing moments during its events, meetings, or activities, for promotional, informational, or archival purposes. Photography and videography may occur at such occasions to create records, share experiences, and promote the Group.

10.2 Member Consent: Members who choose to participate in Group events implicitly grant permission for the Group and its authorised representatives to take photographs, record videos, and utilise these media for purposes related to the Group. This consent emphasises the collaborative and community-oriented nature of the Group's activities.

 

11. Usage of Photographs and Videos

11.1 Multiple Uses: The Group may employ photographs and videos containing members' likenesses for various constructive purposes, which include but are not limited to:

a. Promoting Group activities and events, emphasising the sense of community and inclusivity.

b. Sharing these visuals on the Group's website, social media channels, or promotional materials to inform and engage a wider audience.

c. Creating archives that document the Group's historical activities, thereby preserving its journey and achievements.

11.2 Respect and Reputation: The Group is committed to maintaining respect and safeguarding the reputation of its members. Photographs and videos will not be used in any manner that is derogatory, defamatory, or harmful to the reputation of any member. This ensures the Group's commitment to protecting the dignity and integrity of its participants.

 

12. Copyright and Ownership

12.1 Group Ownership: It is important to clarify the ownership of these media. All photographs and videos taken by or on behalf of the Group are regarded as the property of the Group. This ownership allows the Group to control and regulate the use of these materials in a manner that aligns with its objectives and values.

12.2 Member Copyright: While the Group retains ownership of the images as a whole, individual members retain the copyright to their specific images or likenesses. This means that members can request the removal of particular images in which they are featured from Group materials. Such requests should be made in writing to the Group's designated contact. This provision respects the individual rights of members and allows them to have control over how their images are used within the Group's context.

These sections establish a framework for photography and media usage within the Group, emphasising the importance of consent, respect, and ownership rights, while also allowing the Group to promote its activities and engage with a broader audience through visual content.

 

13. Privacy

13.1 Commitment to Privacy: The Group places a high value on the privacy and security of its members' personal information. The commitment to privacy includes the implementation of necessary measures and safeguards to ensure the confidentiality and security of sensitive data and may involve measures such as secure data storage.

13.2 Member Responsibility: While the Group is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of its members, individual members also bear a responsibility to protect their personal information. During Group activities and online interactions, members should exercise vigilance and best practices to safeguard their own data. This can include measures such as setting strong passwords, being cautious about sharing personal information online, and using secure communication channels when necessary. Members are encouraged to be proactive in securing their privacy.

This clarifies the Group's commitment to privacy protection and the shared responsibility of both the Group and its members in maintaining a secure and trustworthy environment. It underscores the importance of privacy as a mutual concern and the need for collaboration to protect personal information.

 

14. Code of Conduct

14.1 Adherence to the Code of Conduct

Members are expected to adhere to the Group's Code of Conduct, which serves as a guiding framework to foster respectful and inclusive behaviour among all participants. This Code of Conduct sets the tone for the kind of community we strive to create, emphasising values of respect, fairness, and mutual support.

14.2 Violation Consequences

Any member found in violation of the Code of Conduct may face disciplinary action, which can include warnings, suspension, or, in severe cases, expulsion from the Group. These actions are taken to maintain a respectful, safe, and harmonious environment for all community members.

14.3 Professional Standards and Ethics

As part of our commitment to maintaining a professional and ethical community, we establish a Code of Ethics that outlines the professional standards and behaviours expected of all members. These standards include:

14.3.1 Integrity: Members are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all their interactions within the Group. This includes conducting themselves honestly, transparently, and ethically in all professional dealings.

14.3.2 Confidentiality: Members are required to respect the confidentiality of sensitive information shared within the Group. This includes safeguarding proprietary business information and maintaining the privacy of personal details. Unauthorised disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited.

14.3.3 Fair Business Practices: All business practices and transactions carried out within the Group should be fair, ethical, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. Unfair competition, exploitation, or any unethical business behaviour is contrary to the Group's values and is not allowed.

14.3.4 Respect for Intellectual Property: Members are expected to respect the intellectual property rights of others. This includes not using or reproducing the work, ideas, or creations of fellow members without proper authorisation and credit.