Program Overview

The Come As You Are: Safe Space Program ("Program") is a voluntary initiative administered by Women in Vinyl, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Program is designed to encourage independent record stores to foster welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and harassment-free environments for all members of the music community.

Participation in the Program signifies a store's voluntary commitment to the Program's stated values and principles. Participation does not constitute certification, accreditation, endorsement, inspection, verification, or a guarantee by Women in Vinyl regarding a store's operations, policies, staff conduct, business practices, products, or services.

Participation Requirements

By enrolling in the Program, participating stores acknowledge that they have reviewed, understand, and agree to uphold the Program's stated values, including but not limited to:

• Absolute Inclusivity
• A Judgment-Free Environment
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Hate
• Support for Marginalized Voices
• Community Respect and Stewardship

Participants further agree to make reasonable, ongoing, good-faith efforts to foster and maintain an environment consistent with these principles throughout the duration of their participation.

Annual Participation

Participation is granted on an annual basis and may require a donation or participation fee as determined by Women in Vinyl.

Participation is non-transferable and must be renewed annually. Women in Vinyl reserves the right to modify Program benefits, participation levels, materials, requirements, and fees at any time.

Use of Program Materials

Participating stores may display Program-related materials, signage, decals, and promotional assets provided by Women in Vinyl during their active participation period.

Upon termination, expiration, suspension, or revocation of participation, stores agree to discontinue use of Program branding, logos, decals, promotional materials, and any representation that they are active participants in the Program.

Intellectual Property

All Program names, logos, artwork, decals, signage, promotional materials, and related intellectual property remain the exclusive property of Women in Vinyl unless otherwise stated. Participation grants stores a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use Program materials solely in connection with active participation in the Program. No ownership rights are conveyed through participation.

Complaints, Concerns, and Review

Women in Vinyl may, at its sole discretion, review concerns, complaints, or reports regarding a participant's conduct, business practices, or alignment with Program values.

Women in Vinyl is not obligated to investigate any complaint, mediate disputes, determine fault, or provide findings regarding any allegation involving a participating store.

Participants acknowledge that Women in Vinyl may request clarification, documentation, or additional information regarding reported concerns but is under no obligation to do so.

Revocation of Participation

Women in Vinyl reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend, revoke, decline, or terminate participation at any time, with or without notice. Grounds for revocation may include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct inconsistent with Program values
• Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or hate speech
• Misuse of Program materials or branding
• Conduct that may reasonably damage the reputation, integrity, mission, or objectives of Women in Vinyl or the Program
• Failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions

Any decision regarding participation status shall be final and made at the sole discretion of Women in Vinyl.

Participation fees and donations are non-refundable.

No Guarantee of Safety

While the Program promotes inclusive and respectful environments, Women in Vinyl does not guarantee the safety, conduct, actions, policies, or behavior of any participating store, employee, customer, contractor, volunteer, artist, or third party.

Participation in the Program should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a location is free from discrimination, harassment, misconduct, unsafe conditions, criminal activity, or other harmful behavior. Participation should not be relied upon as a substitute for an individual's own judgment when choosing whether to visit or patronize a participating location.

Individuals who experience harassment, discrimination, threats, violence, unsafe conditions, or unlawful conduct should contact appropriate local authorities, law enforcement agencies, legal counsel, human rights organizations, workplace agencies, or other qualified resources as appropriate.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Women in Vinyl, its directors, officers, volunteers, employees, contractors, partners, and affiliates shall not be liable for any claims, damages, losses, injuries, disputes, or causes of action arising from or related to:

• Participation in the Program
• Actions or omissions of participating stores
• Use of Program materials
• Reliance upon a store's participation status
• Any interaction occurring at a participating location

Participation in the Program is voluntary. Participants assume all responsibility for their own operations, employees, contractors, volunteers, and business practices.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Changes to Terms

Women in Vinyl reserves the right to update, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Continued participation in the Program following any modification constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Acknowledgment

By applying for, renewing, or participating in the Come As You Are: Safe Space Program, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions and understand that participation represents an ongoing commitment to the Program's values and expectations.