DC Front Runners Washington, DC's LGBTQ+ Running & Walking Club

Website / Social Media / Privacy Policy

1. About this Website

  • 1.1 This version of the DC Front Runners website was launched in 2024. For any questions or comments about the club’s website or social media policy, please contact the club’s webmaster.
  • 1.2 This website uses HTTPS secure protocol to ensure that all data transmitted to and received from site visitors is encrypted and authenticated. If you experience issues with older browsers, please update your browser to the latest version.
  • 1.3 The primary photographs on the website are courtesy of Norman Reich, Astrid Riecken, Marcel Acosta, Joe Sangillo, Socrates Tiglao, Justin Fritscher, Jeff Gonzalez, and Shawn Lo. Brian Beary prepared the club’s 35th-anniversary timeline and accompanying article. Seth Kalish prepared the running route maps and certain graphics used on this website and on the club’s social media platforms. Norman Reich designed and developed this edition of the DC Front Runners website.

2. Website Disclaimer and Legal Information

  • 2.1 This site is provided as a service to prospective and current members of the DC Front Runners club (“the Club”). The information provided on this site is intended for personal use and communication. Commercial use or any other purpose is not permitted. If any images on this site are found to have prior copyrights, please contact the Webmaster to request their removal. We will promptly address such requests to comply with copyright laws.
  • 2.2 For comments or suggestions, please contact the Webmaster or any Officer of the club. Visit our About Us page for more information.

3. DC Front Runners Privacy Policy

Adopted by the DC Front Runners Board, May 2007, Amended October 2024

  • 3.1 The Club may use the full name and/or image of individuals, whether members or non-members, on our website, electronic newsletter, and promotional materials, which may be made available to the general public. Other personal information such as your address, phone number(s), e-mail address, birthday, and anniversary is used exclusively for official club business, including event announcements, membership directories, race circuit scoring, emergency contacts, and special mailings. This information will be accessible only to club members and will not be shared with the general public unless explicit permission is granted.
  • 3.2 You can update or revoke your consent at any time by contacting the Membership Coordinator at membership@dcfrontrunners.org. Changes will be reflected promptly across all club communications and directories.
  • 3.3 Full details about privacy practices and opt-out options are provided in the remainder of the DC Front Runners Privacy Policy found below. 

3.1 Privacy Policy for Non-members

  • 3.1.1 Website: We do not collect any information about non-members without their knowledge. If you choose to provide us with information via one of our online forms or email, that information will only be used to respond to your inquiries. Your information will not be shared with any other organizations or anyone outside the Club and its affiliate, the DC Front Runners Pride Run Foundation. We do not maintain lists of personal information for marketing or sale and will only send you information or materials that you have requested. If you choose to join the Club, the Privacy Policy for Members will govern the use of your personal information.

3.2 Privacy Policy for Members

  • 3.2.1 Electronic Newsletter and Website: Announcements and articles concerning individual members (e.g., race times) will use full names. Club photographs may include your image and full name in the caption. You must notify the Membership Coordinator if you do not want this information included in the newsletter or on the website.
  • 3.2.2 Website Only: If you wish to have any specific information or images removed from the website, please contact the Webmaster.
  • 3.2.3 Member Database and Directory: Members’ names, addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, and email addresses will be included in a database available to the Club’s Officers. A membership directory containing this information may be distributed to current DCFR members in printed or electronic form. Notify the Membership Coordinator if you do not consent to this.
  • 3.2.4 Club Promotional Materials: Club event and race photos used in publicly disseminated promotional materials (e.g., flyers, brochures, posters) may include your image. Inform the Membership Coordinator if you do not want your image or name used in these materials.
  • 3.2.5 Weekly E-mail Blast: All members who provide an email address will receive a weekly email with club updates and announcements. Contact the Membership Coordinator at membership@dcfrontrunners.org or opt out on our electronic membership form if you do not want to receive these emails.
  • 3.2.6 Other member opt-out requests must be made in writing to the appropriate Officer (email is acceptable), the electronic membership form, or via the Contact Us form on this website. For comments or suggestions, contact the Webmaster or any Officer of the club. Visit our About Us page for more information.

4. DC Front Runners Social Media Guidelines

Adopted by the DC Front Runners Board, December 2016 | Amended January 2019 | Updated October 2024

4.1 Background

  • 4.1.1 The DC Front Runners (DCFR) uses social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, to engage and inform members. Facebook is the primary platform, with Instagram serving as supplementary channels. Social media is a key communication tool for DCFR, alongside announcements at runs, eNews, and the website. Social media platforms are subject to change based on emerging trends, member preferences, and platform policies. The club remains adaptable in its use of communication channels to ensure timely and effective dissemination of information, while maintaining the privacy and respect of all members.

4.2 Goals

4.2.1 The DCFR uses social media to:

  • 4.2.1.1 Increase membership and participation.
  • 4.2.1.2 Improve member engagement, satisfaction, and awareness.

4.3 How DCFR Uses Platforms

  • 4.3.1 Facebook: Sharing information, announcements, and photos; organizing events such as holiday runs, happy hours, and gatherings; managing special committees and projects through Facebook Groups.
  • 4.3.2 Instagram: Focused on sharing photos, with supporting information and announcements.

4.4 Management

  • 4.4.1 Posting: Board members are encouraged to use social media to communicate with DCFR members (e.g., co-race director posts about fun runs and race circuits). Board members should not only use Facebook but also cross-post to Instagram. Posts on Instagram represent the organization and should reflect this responsibility.
  • 4.4.2 Post Approval: The DCFR Facebook community allows members to post, subject to approval by designated board members. These board members will monitor and review posts to ensure they align with this policy.
  • 4.4.3 The Coordinator and/or designated board members reserve the right to defer, remove, or reject posts from members and non-members to prioritize official club announcements, club-sponsored events, and critical business matters. While moderation is necessary, we aim to maintain transparency by providing general feedback on moderation actions when feasible, fostering a respectful and engaged community.

5. Social Media Posting Policy

5.1 This forum is intended for DC Front Runners members to share information and thoughts about the Club, running, walking, and closely related LGBTQIA+ sports activities. All posts must adhere to the following guidelines:

5.1.1 Permitted Posts:

  • 5.1.1.1 Running-Related Information: Useful information about running.
  • 5.1.1.2 Club and Affiliated Group Information: Information related to DC Front Runners or affiliated groups.
  • 5.1.1.3 Event and Race Photos: Photos from DC Front Runner events, races, etc.
  • 5.1.1.4 Group-Related Inquiries: Questions or information related to the group.

5.1.2 Rules of Conduct:

  • 5.1.2.1 Kindness and Courtesy: Be kind, courteous, and supportive in all interactions. Disrespectful behavior, including harassment, trolling, or inflammatory remarks, will result in post removal and may lead to further disciplinary actions, including removal from the group.
  • 5.1.2.2 Consolidation of Event Posts: Keep posts about a particular event in a single post or thread; multiple posts are not allowed.
  • 5.1.2.3 Avoiding Duplicate Posts: Avoid posting duplicates.
  • 5.1.2.4 Restrictions on Personal Event Posts: Do not post about personal events, fundraisers, etc.
  • 5.1.2.5 Relevance to LGBTQIA+ Content: Do not post LGBTQIA+ content unrelated to DC Front Runners or running.
  • 5.1.2.6 Protection of Personal Information: Refrain from sharing personal or contact information, especially that of others.
  • 5.1.2.7 Privacy Respect: Respect the privacy of all club members and other community members.
  • 5.1.2.8 Avoid Political Content: Avoid posting anything related to politics.
  • 5.1.2.9 No Hate Speech or Bullying: No hate speech or bullying.
  • 5.1.2.10 No Promotions or Advertisements: No promotions or advertisements for products, events, races, etc.
  • 5.1.2.11 No Sexual Content: Posts containing sexual content, innuendo, or explicit material are strictly prohibited.
  • 5.1.2.12 No Personal Attacks: Personal attacks, including name-calling, insults, or any form of derogatory remarks, will not be tolerated.
  • 5.1.2.13 Reporting Inappropriate Content: Members are encouraged to report any posts or comments that violate these guidelines.

5.1.3 Examples of Posts Not Permitted:

  • 5.1.3.1 Personal Event Promotions: Posts promoting personal events, such as birthday parties or non-club-related fundraisers.
  • 5.1.3.2 Unauthorized Sharing of Personal Information: Content that shares or requests personal contact information of other members without their consent.
  • 5.1.3.3 Political Content: Posts discussing or endorsing political candidates, campaigns, or legislation.
  • 5.1.3.4 Unaffiliated Advertising: Advertising products, services, or events not officially affiliated with DC Front Runners.
  • 5.1.3.5 Inflammatory or Harmful Content: Content that is inflammatory, includes hate speech, or incites bullying or harassment.
  • 5.1.3.6 Duplicate Content: Duplicate posts that reiterate the same information in multiple threads.

5.1.4 Race Promotions: Race promotions can be sent to our race directors for consideration at racedirector@dcfrontrunners.org.

5.2 Enforcement: If a post violates these guidelines, it will be removed or rejected at the discretion of the Coordinator and/or designated board members. The Board is not obligated to inform the originator that the post or comment has been rejected or removed, nor is the decision appealable.

5.3 Consequences of Violations: The Coordinator and/or designated board members may recommend the removal of dues-paying members from our social media accounts for cause, following the process in the Club’s Website/Social Media/Privacy Policy. Non-dues-paying members may be removed from our social media accounts at any time without explanation.

6. Inclusivity and Diversity

  • 6.1 Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity:
    DC Front Runners is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where all members feel welcome, respected, and valued. We celebrate the diversity of our members and encourage positive contributions that reflect our shared values. This commitment extends across all our platforms, including our website, social media channels, and in the management of members’ personal information.
  • 6.2 Online Environment:
    We strive to ensure that our website and social media platforms are safe spaces for all members to connect, share, and engage. Our policies are designed to promote kindness, respect, and inclusivity, prohibiting any form of harassment, hate speech, or discrimination. All content shared on our platforms must align with these values, ensuring that our digital community remains welcoming and supportive.
  • 6.3 Respect for Privacy:
    In line with our inclusivity and diversity principles, we are dedicated to protecting the privacy of all members and non-members who engage with our club. We carefully manage and safeguard personal information, ensuring it is used solely for club-related activities and never shared with the general public without explicit consent. This respect for privacy is a cornerstone of our community, reflecting our broader commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels secure and valued.
  • 6.4 Encouragement of Positive Contributions:
    We encourage all members to actively contribute to our community in ways that uplift and support one another. Whether through sharing useful information, participating in discussions, or engaging in club activities, every contribution should reflect the inclusive spirit of DC Front Runners. Together, we can build a community that not only celebrates diversity but thrives on it.

7. Technology Updates

  • 7.1 As technology and social media platforms evolve, the DC Front Runners may update this policy to reflect new best practices and member needs. We encourage members to stay informed by reviewing the policy periodically.

8. External Links Disclaimer

  • 8.1 The appearance of external links on this site does not constitute official endorsement by the DC Front Runners. We recommend that members exercise caution when following external links and refer to trusted sources for further information.
  • 8.2 To report a potential violation of this or any other DC Front Runners policy, please refer to Section 1.1.

To report a possible violation of this, or any of the Organization’s policies, please see the Reporting Policy Violations and Anti-Retaliation Policy.