The short version
- Be kind & welcoming.
- No harassment, hate speech, or unwanted advances.
- Keep posts relevant, respectful, and spam-free.
- Respect privacy—ask before sharing someone's info or tagging them.
- Play safe & have fun!
Who we are
First Years Out (FYO) is a community for people who are new to Houston within the last few years. Our mission is to help newcomers build lasting friendships, explore the city together, and learn how to navigate the post-grad transition. We host activities like pickleball, volleyball, and restaurant outings, as well as speaker sessions on topics like personal finance, work-life balance, health & fitness and navigating friendships.
We believe everyone should feel safe, respected, and included—whether connecting in person or through our online platforms (ex: GroupMe & Instagram).
1Be Welcoming and Respectful
- Treat all members with kindness and respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or experience.
- Assume positive intent and be mindful of tone, especially in written communication.
- When meeting new people, make space for everyone to join the conversation or activity.
2Keep It Safe
- Physical activities (like sports) are meant to be fun and social. Play safely and be mindful of others' comfort levels.
- If consuming alcohol at events, do so responsibly. Look out for each other and arrange safe transportation if needed.
3Foster a Positive Environment
- No harassment, bullying, hate speech, or discrimination of any kind will be tolerated—whether in person or online.
- No unsolicited romantic or sexual advances. FYO is about community first; respect personal boundaries.
- If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, reach out privately to a group leader or organizer.
4GroupMe & Social Media Etiquette
- Keep messages relevant to the group's purpose—sharing events, local tips, and encouraging connections.
- No spam, aggressive promotion, or political/religious debates.
- Memes and casual conversation are welcome—just keep it inclusive and respectful.
- Our GroupMe is discoverable, so please remember you are representing yourself and the group when posting.
5Respect Guests & Speakers
- Be engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and avoid interrupting.
- Follow any event-specific guidelines provided by the host or venue.
6Protect Privacy
- Don't share another member's personal information, photos, or contact details without permission.
- Always ask before tagging others in social media posts.
7If Problems Arise
- If you experience or witness behavior that violates this code, contact an organizer directly.
- Organizers reserve the right to remove anyone from an event, GroupMe, or the group entirely if their actions conflict with this code.
By participating in FYO events and online spaces, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct so we can continue building a fun, inclusive, and safe community for all.