BLACK POLITICAL NETWORK
Member Agreement
This agreement is between Black Political Network (BPN or the Network) and the individual named below (Member). By signing, the Member agrees to the terms set out here as a condition of membership.
Membership in BPN is a professional standing, not a credential or certification. It reflects that a Member has been admitted through the Network's vetting process and remains in good standing under the terms of this agreement.
1. Eligibility
Membership is open to individuals who are currently active as lobbyists, political advocates, government affairs professionals, public affairs practitioners, or political activists. Activists must provide documentation of current activity at the time of application. Acceptable documentation is determined at the board's discretion and may include records of paid organizer roles, registered coalition or campaign activity, or equivalent evidence of active practice.
Membership is individual. Organizational memberships are issued as seat licenses, but the obligations in this agreement apply to the individual holding each seat.
Members admitted through a chapter must remain active practitioners within that chapter's jurisdiction to retain membership in that chapter. Transfer between chapters is subject to board approval.
2. Admission
Admission requires an attestation from a current BPN member in good standing, completion of the Network's vetting process, and execution of this agreement. Acceptance of an application is at the Network's discretion and is not guaranteed.
The member who provides an attestation accepts responsibility for the introduction. Conduct that reflects poorly on the Network reflects on the attesting member and may affect that member's standing.
3. Dues and Fees
Members are responsible for dues at the rate and cadence set by the board for their membership tier. Dues rates are published separately and may be updated with reasonable notice. Nonpayment of dues places a member on inactive status. Inactive members do not have access to Network platforms or resources until dues are current.
Dues are not refunded on a pro-rata basis upon resignation or removal except where required by applicable law.
4. Code of Conduct
Members agree to the BPN Code of Conduct, which is incorporated into this agreement by reference as Exhibit A. The Code governs professional conduct, interactions with other members, and use of Network resources and platforms. By signing this agreement, the Member confirms they have read the Code and agrees to be bound by it.
The Network may update the Code of Conduct with reasonable notice to members. Continued membership after notice constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
5. Use of Network Platforms and Resources
Members in good standing may access Marun, the Network's collective intelligence platform, and other resources made available to members. Access is a privilege of membership and may be suspended or revoked independently of membership status in cases of platform misuse.
Intelligence, patterns, and information generated through Marun and Network platforms are for member use only. Members may not share, publish, distribute, or otherwise disclose platform-derived intelligence outside the membership without board approval. This obligation applies regardless of whether the Member can identify the source of any specific contribution.
Members may not use Network platforms or resources for purposes that conflict with the interests of the Network or its members as a whole.
6. Confidentiality
Members will have access to information about other members, internal Network deliberations, and platform intelligence that is not public. Members agree to treat this information as confidential and to use it only for purposes consistent with participation in the Network.
This obligation survives the end of membership. A member who resigns, is suspended, or is removed retains the confidentiality obligations incurred during their membership.
7. Suspension and Removal
The board may suspend or remove a member for violation of this agreement, the Code of Conduct, or conduct that the board determines to be contrary to the interests of the Network. Nonpayment of dues results in automatic inactive status without board action.
Before a suspension or removal decision, the Member will receive written notice of the basis for the proposed action and a period of not fewer than ten business days to respond in writing. The board will consider the response before making a final determination. The board's decision is final.
Removal terminates all access to Network platforms, resources, and member benefits. Obligations under Sections 5 and 6 survive removal.
8. Non-Transferability
Membership is personal to the individual Member and may not be transferred, assigned, or sold. An Org Pro seat license belongs to the individual named on the license, not to their employer or firm. If a seat holder changes employers, they must notify the Network within thirty days. Continued access to the seat under a new employer is subject to board approval.
9. Term and Renewal
Membership is annual and renews automatically upon payment of dues for the following year, unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal. The Network reserves the right to decline renewal at its discretion.
10. Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of the state in which the Network is incorporated, without regard to conflict of law principles.
11. Entire Agreement
This agreement, together with the Code of Conduct incorporated as Exhibit A, constitutes the full agreement between the Member and the Network with respect to membership. It supersedes any prior representations, discussions, or agreements on the same subject. Amendments must be in writing and approved by the board.
For Black Political Network
Authorized signature: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Title: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Exhibit A: Code of Conduct
\[To be attached. The Code of Conduct is incorporated into this agreement by reference and is binding on all members.\]