LPA Member Code of Conduct
Little People of America is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all members and guests. We ask individuals to act appropriately at all times when engaging with the LPA community, both virtually and in-person. This includes engaging on LPA social media pages and groups, as well as attending virtual or in-person events.
This Member Code of Conduct requires all interactions within LPA spaces be free of vulgar language or profanities, expressions of violence or vitriol, or actions at or above a generally accepted standard of conduct. The following conduct can lead to immediate suspension or termination of membership at any time:
Furthermore, prohibited conduct at any in-person LPA event includes:
Law enforcement may be called when applicable and/or necessary, and any official action by LPA does not preclude legal recourse by hotel, event venue, individual member or non-member, or outside entity.
The protection of our members and guests participating in our programs and events is a paramount interest of Little People of America. LPA reserves the right to deny access or revoke membership to any person who violates the membership code of conduct. All members are required to disclose any and all previous discipline or legal convictions that has resulted in restricting contact with minors or others, not limited to but including being on a national sex registry. Any misrepresentations or omissions may result in disqualification of membership.
This code of conduct is applicable at all LPA national, district, and chapter activities, both online and in-person. The board of directors of the governing body of the activity have the responsibility and right to enforce the code of conduct and consequences.
Membership Code of Conduct Acknowledgment:
I hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Little People of America Membership Code of Conduct. I also agree that as a member of LPA I will adhere to all rules and policies set forth in this Code. If I am signing as the Head of Household, I will agree to inform all members listed on my Membership and/or Registration Form of the rules and policies set forth in this Code. I understand that any violation of the rules and policies listed in this Code could result in penalties up to loss of membership privileges of Little People of America, nationally, regionally and locally.
Photo Release: By attending this LPA event, I understand and give permission to Little People of America to take and use any photographs or video, with any of the members listed on my Membership and/or Registration Form to use for publication or reproduction in any advertisement, public relations effort or fundraising efforts for the organization.
This Member Code of Conduct requires all interactions within LPA spaces be free of vulgar language or profanities, expressions of violence or vitriol, or actions at or above a generally accepted standard of conduct. The following conduct can lead to immediate suspension or termination of membership at any time:
- Violation of membership rules and policies in the LPA Bylaws and Policy Manual.
- Harassment or discrimination against any individual, including but not limited to making negative comments, insults, offensive jokes, using ridicule or mockery, slurs or name calling, or making physical assaults or threats, comments on someone's appearance or body, or otherwise exhibiting prejudice on the basis of that person's race, color, sex, pregnancy/maternity or related medical conditions, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital or family status, disability or perceived disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable law.
- Harassment as mentioned above regarding healthcare decisions, including but not limited to the wearing of masks at LPA events, vaccination status, and the use (or not) of health interventions like ELL or pharmaceutical technologies.
- Angry or vulgar language including swearing, name calling, explicit sexual comments, or shouting.
- Unsanctioned solicitation, marketing, vending, or external event promotion to LPA members through official LPA channels of communication or at any LPA event is prohibited. Those who wish to market or promote products, services, or events should inquire about advertising and Expo opportunities.
- Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening or offensive nature.
Furthermore, prohibited conduct at any in-person LPA event includes:
- Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening manner.
- A member intentionally physically touching another member without consent, coerces or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will.
- Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property belonging to LPA, its members and/or guests, or any venue or hosted space where events are taking place.
- Carrying concealed weapons or devices/objects that may be used as weapons
- Purchasing or providing alcohol or other substances for minors, minors engaged in underage drinking or substance use, or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs resulting in behavior that threatens the safe and healthy environment LPA aims to promote at all events.
- All attendees at any in-person LPA Conference or Regional should respect the time and effort invested in creating this exciting event. Therefore, any attempt to promote non-sanctioned events, whether on the event premises or off-premises but within the city limits, whose participants are intended to draw from LPA's registered attendees is strictly prohibited.
Law enforcement may be called when applicable and/or necessary, and any official action by LPA does not preclude legal recourse by hotel, event venue, individual member or non-member, or outside entity.
The protection of our members and guests participating in our programs and events is a paramount interest of Little People of America. LPA reserves the right to deny access or revoke membership to any person who violates the membership code of conduct. All members are required to disclose any and all previous discipline or legal convictions that has resulted in restricting contact with minors or others, not limited to but including being on a national sex registry. Any misrepresentations or omissions may result in disqualification of membership.
This code of conduct is applicable at all LPA national, district, and chapter activities, both online and in-person. The board of directors of the governing body of the activity have the responsibility and right to enforce the code of conduct and consequences.
Membership Code of Conduct Acknowledgment:
I hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Little People of America Membership Code of Conduct. I also agree that as a member of LPA I will adhere to all rules and policies set forth in this Code. If I am signing as the Head of Household, I will agree to inform all members listed on my Membership and/or Registration Form of the rules and policies set forth in this Code. I understand that any violation of the rules and policies listed in this Code could result in penalties up to loss of membership privileges of Little People of America, nationally, regionally and locally.
Photo Release: By attending this LPA event, I understand and give permission to Little People of America to take and use any photographs or video, with any of the members listed on my Membership and/or Registration Form to use for publication or reproduction in any advertisement, public relations effort or fundraising efforts for the organization.
LPA Alcohol Policy
Alcohol Use under Age 21:
It is against the law for a person under the legal drinking age, 21 in the United States, to buy, receive, have in possession, or consume alcohol. If it is determined by hotel security, police, or an LPA official that an individual under the age of 21 is under the influence of alcohol at an LPA Conference then that individual shall:
Not be allowed to attend a LPA Conference without at least one parent or their legal guardian in attendance until age 21. They will not be allowed to designate a “Conference Guardian”. Parents or guardian(s) will be contacted immediately regarding the individual’s alcohol consumption and resulting behavior.
If parents are in attendance at the Conference, then the underage individual shall be prohibited from attending the succeeding Conference. Thereafter, the individual may not attend a Conference unless accompanied by at least one parent or legal guardian until age 21.
If an individual has lost the privilege of attending the Conference, they may appeal the conference restriction through their District Director and/or the Executive Committee. After a review of the specific circumstances of the incident and individual’s circumstances, the Executive Committee may then decide to amend the member’s conference restriction. This will be considered on a case by case basis and will not be considered lightly.
If the person has a second infraction, with or without their parents present, before they are 21 years of age, then they will not be allowed to attend LPA Conference until they are 21.
Providing Alcohol to Minors:
Little People of America, its officers and Conference Committee, will not tolerate anyone of any age providing or purchasing alcohol for minors. This includes the purchase of alcohol in bars or clubs or cash bars or providing of alcohol at individual parties in private hotel rooms. If an individual is found to be in violation, they will be reported to the hotel security and local law enforcement officials for the legal action of the host conference site. They will be removed from the current LPA Conference.
They may not be allowed to attend the next two LPA Conferences. Their attendance at national conferences after that will be determined by a committee consisting of not less than the following individuals, LPA Executive Committee, the current National Conference Chair, and their Current of past District Director and/or Chapter President. They may lose their membership to LPA for an undetermined length of time.
Disruptive Behavior:
If a person of any age is under the influence of alcohol participates in the destruction or damage of any public or private property, disorderly conduct, harassment or abuse of individuals while at a LPA Conference, that person will be subjected to disciplinary action by the local civil authorities and/or LPA Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors.
Also Note:
For all on-site and off-site events that require participants to be over 21 registrations will be checked against LPA records. You may need to provide identification.
It is against the law for a person under the legal drinking age, 21 in the United States, to buy, receive, have in possession, or consume alcohol. If it is determined by hotel security, police, or an LPA official that an individual under the age of 21 is under the influence of alcohol at an LPA Conference then that individual shall:
Not be allowed to attend a LPA Conference without at least one parent or their legal guardian in attendance until age 21. They will not be allowed to designate a “Conference Guardian”. Parents or guardian(s) will be contacted immediately regarding the individual’s alcohol consumption and resulting behavior.
If parents are in attendance at the Conference, then the underage individual shall be prohibited from attending the succeeding Conference. Thereafter, the individual may not attend a Conference unless accompanied by at least one parent or legal guardian until age 21.
If an individual has lost the privilege of attending the Conference, they may appeal the conference restriction through their District Director and/or the Executive Committee. After a review of the specific circumstances of the incident and individual’s circumstances, the Executive Committee may then decide to amend the member’s conference restriction. This will be considered on a case by case basis and will not be considered lightly.
If the person has a second infraction, with or without their parents present, before they are 21 years of age, then they will not be allowed to attend LPA Conference until they are 21.
Providing Alcohol to Minors:
Little People of America, its officers and Conference Committee, will not tolerate anyone of any age providing or purchasing alcohol for minors. This includes the purchase of alcohol in bars or clubs or cash bars or providing of alcohol at individual parties in private hotel rooms. If an individual is found to be in violation, they will be reported to the hotel security and local law enforcement officials for the legal action of the host conference site. They will be removed from the current LPA Conference.
They may not be allowed to attend the next two LPA Conferences. Their attendance at national conferences after that will be determined by a committee consisting of not less than the following individuals, LPA Executive Committee, the current National Conference Chair, and their Current of past District Director and/or Chapter President. They may lose their membership to LPA for an undetermined length of time.
Disruptive Behavior:
If a person of any age is under the influence of alcohol participates in the destruction or damage of any public or private property, disorderly conduct, harassment or abuse of individuals while at a LPA Conference, that person will be subjected to disciplinary action by the local civil authorities and/or LPA Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors.
Also Note:
For all on-site and off-site events that require participants to be over 21 registrations will be checked against LPA records. You may need to provide identification.
LPA COVID Liability Waiver
Assumption of the Risk and Release Waiver of Liability:
By registering for the event, you voluntarily assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury related to exposure to COVID, and release LPA from liability for any injury or harm that may result by attending the event. LPA’s goal is to ensure a safe meeting environment. As such, you also agree to abide by any prevention or safety measures that LPA, the hotel, or the State of Florida may have in place during the event. You also agree not to attend the event if you become ill, are aware that you’ve been directly exposed to the COVID virus within two weeks prior to the event, or exhibit any symptoms of the COVID virus prior to or during the event.
• I agree to waive and release any and all claims against LPA, the hotel and any affiliates or otherwise on account of injury, illness arising out of or attributable to my participation and engagement at the LPA event and being exposed to or contracting COVID.
• I understand and agree that release of liability includes any claims towards LPA whether a COVID infection occurrence exists before, during, or after attendance and participation at the LPA event.
LPA Acknowledgment:
I acknowledge that I have read the Little People of America COVID Liability Waiver. I also agree that as a member of LPA I will adhere to all rules and policies set forth in this waiver. This waiver also applies to all attendees listed on my Membership and/or Registration Form.
By registering for the event, you voluntarily assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury related to exposure to COVID, and release LPA from liability for any injury or harm that may result by attending the event. LPA’s goal is to ensure a safe meeting environment. As such, you also agree to abide by any prevention or safety measures that LPA, the hotel, or the State of Florida may have in place during the event. You also agree not to attend the event if you become ill, are aware that you’ve been directly exposed to the COVID virus within two weeks prior to the event, or exhibit any symptoms of the COVID virus prior to or during the event.
• I agree to waive and release any and all claims against LPA, the hotel and any affiliates or otherwise on account of injury, illness arising out of or attributable to my participation and engagement at the LPA event and being exposed to or contracting COVID.
• I understand and agree that release of liability includes any claims towards LPA whether a COVID infection occurrence exists before, during, or after attendance and participation at the LPA event.
LPA Acknowledgment:
I acknowledge that I have read the Little People of America COVID Liability Waiver. I also agree that as a member of LPA I will adhere to all rules and policies set forth in this waiver. This waiver also applies to all attendees listed on my Membership and/or Registration Form.