Rules of Engagement

By joining Beyond the Binding PA Book Club or attending any event, you agree to the following:

📚 READING

Beyond the Binding Book Club is primarily a book club with experiential activities. While we understand not every book will resonate with every reader, we ask that you make a genuine effort to read (or at least attempt) each selection. Come tell us what you loved or hated – all perspectives welcome! If reading isn't your thing, there are many other Meetup groups focused solely on activities without the literary component. It’s ok if you do not finish the book, however we will not moderate the discussion to prevent spoilers.

🔞 AGE REQUIREMENT

All members must be 21 or older. This ensures all participants can visit all types of venues and participate in all activities, and engage in mature discussions across a wide range of novels and topics which may contain adult themes and content.

👥 NO GUESTS POLICY

Events have limited capacity and may fill quickly. Unless specifically noted, guests must create their own Meetup account and RSVP independently. This ensures fair access for all members and helps us manage group size for intimate discussions. Exception: Home-hosted events (like cookie swaps or game nights) may allow pre-approved guests at the host's discretion.

📷 MEET-UP PROFILE PHOTO

Please note, we do require that your profile on Meetup have a recent photo of yourself and not a picture of your cat, a rainbow, a sunset, or any other image. This helps fellow members identify you at events and creates a welcoming, personal atmosphere where everyone can easily connect. If your profile doesn't include a clear photo of yourself, you may be removed from events to ensure all attendees can identify each other for safety and community-building purposes.

🏠 HOME EVENTS

Some events may be hosted at member homes (such as cookie swaps, game nights, or book discussions). For the safety and comfort of our volunteer hosts, the following requirements apply:

Minimum attendance requirement: You must have attended a minimum of 3 previous events where the host has met you in person
Host discretion: It is solely up to the discretion of the host to approve or decline your sign-up for home events
Safety first: These requirements are for the protection of the individual hosting the event in their home and to ensure a comfortable environment for all attendees

We appreciate our members who open their homes to the group and want to ensure they feel secure and confident about their guests.

⚖️ LIABILITY WAIVER

By attending events, you take full responsibility for your actions and safety during all activities (indoor, outdoor, dining, recreational, etc.). You agree to hold harmless Beyond the Binding PA - Book club organizers and members from any claims or liability. You acknowledge participation is at your own risk. This includes activities at member homes, outdoor adventures, and all venue visits.

LEGAL RELEASE:

You hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Beyond the Binding PA - Book club, its organizers, members, and any associated parties from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with your participation in activities or your use of equipment or facilities, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions. You understand and acknowledge that participation in club activities involves inherent risks including, but not limited to, personal injury, property damage, or death. You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage, or personal injury, including death, that may be sustained as a result of participating in any activity. You expressly waive any right to sue organizers or members for any claims arising from participation. This waiver shall be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns. If any portion of this waiver is deemed invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

💳 PAYMENT GUIDELINES

Event Ticket Purchases: Nearly all activities will have a link to purchase tickets directly from the venue where applicable.
Cost: You are responsible for the cost of tickets for events and activities, purchase of the book, transportation including gas, train tickets, parking, etc., supplies, and food purchases. The book club will not incur the cost of any event, activity, travel/transportation/parking, books/ ebooks, supplies, food or any other cost associated with the event.
Occasionally we may get a “group” discount where you will pay the fee directly to the club for the activity or event ticket. In these cases, payment can be made to the club by:
- Payment Methods: Venmo only
- Include your Meetup name if different from your payment profile
- Reference the event date or book title in payment notes

💵 MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

Help Keep Beyond the Binding PA - Bookclub Running!

Beyond the Binding PA - Bookclub has annual costs including Meetup Organizer platform fees (current $300/year as of September 28, 2025) and event coordination expenses. To keep our community thriving and accessible, we offer several ways to support the club:

Optional Member Contributions:

Annual Supporter: $25/year - Help cover platform and coordination costs
Monthly Supporter: $3/month - Convenient ongoing support
One-time Donation: Any amount appreciated

Alternative Support:

Event Hosting: Volunteer to host a home event (game night, cookie swap, book discussion)
Event Planning: Help research and coordinate book-activity pairings
Venue Research: Scout locations and negotiate group discounts

Payment Methods:

Venmo only or Donation page on Meetup

Include "Membership Support" in payment notes
Include your Meetup name if different from payment profile

Important: Membership contributions are entirely voluntary and do not guarantee event spots, special privileges, or preferential treatment. All members receive equal access to events regardless of contribution status. Your participation and enthusiasm are what matter most!

Questions about supporting ? Message Mia directly.

🤝 COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Be open-minded, kind, and courteous – healthy debate is welcome, personal attacks are not
Zero tolerance for bullying or discriminatory comments regarding race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or identity
No violence or threats – Any acts of violence, threats of violence, or aggressive behavior will result in immediate removal from the group
No harassment – Sexual harassment, verbal harassment, stalking, or inappropriate contact with members is strictly prohibited
Respect personal boundaries – No means no. Respect others' physical space and comfort levels
Respect different interpretations – part of the joy is seeing how different people experience the same story
NO Political Discussion - events focus on books and experiences, not political debates. Please keep conversations centered on literature and our shared activities. Let's be respectful of everyone's political beliefs, opinions, choices by just leaving that off the table for discussion
Respect member homes when attending home-hosted events
Report concerns immediately – If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior, contact the organizer immediately
Consequences – Violations may result in immediate removal from events and/or permanent ban from the group
Remember: should be a safe, welcoming space for all book lovers.

🍷 ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE POLICY

ALCOHOL:

Some events may involve venues where alcohol is served or member homes with BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) options
Members are expected to drink responsibly and know their limits
You are solely responsible for your actions while consuming alcohol - and event hosts are not liable for any alcohol-related incidents
Disruptive, inappropriate, or unsafe behavior due to alcohol consumption will result in immediate removal from the event and may result in removal from the group
Never drink and drive - arrange alternative transportation

ZERO TOLERANCE DRUG POLICY:

Absolutely no illegal drug use is permitted at any event, including book discussions, venue visits, and especially at member homes
This includes marijuana, regardless of local/state laws
No exceptions - any drug use will result in immediate removal from the event and permanent ban from
This policy protects our volunteer hosts and maintains a safe environment for all members

CONSEQUENCES:

Violation of alcohol or drug policies may result in immediate event removal and/or permanent group ban
Members hosting events have the right to ask anyone to leave their home for any reason
Police may be contacted if necessary

By attending events, you agree to these policies and acknowledge that you participate at your own risk.

📸 PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Attendance implies consent to being photographed/recorded for event memories and group documentation. Photos may be shared within the group on Meetup.

🚗 TRANSPORTATION

We encourage carpooling for events! However, all transportation arrangements are between individual members. does not provide, endorse, or take responsibility for travel arrangements to any venues or activities.

💰 REFUND POLICY

VENUE PURCHASES:

Most events require you to purchase tickets directly from the venue (theaters, restaurants, activity providers, etc.). is NOT responsible for any refunds, cancellations, or costs related to tickets you purchase directly from venues. All refund requests must be made directly to the venue according to their individual policies. has no control over or liability for venue refund policies.

DIRECT PAYMENTS:

For the limited events where you pay directly, the following policy applies:

Events under $25: Refunds available via Venmo if you cancel 7+ days in advance AND someone takes your spot
Events over $25: Refunds depend on venue/activity policies. If we can't get our money back from restaurants, theaters, activity providers, etc., we can't refund you. Early cancellation + replacement member may allow refunds. If refund is allowable it will be made via Venmo
Refunds are via Venmo only
Day-of/day-before cancellations: No refunds regardless of circumstances
Home-hosted events: Small fees are non-refundable to compensate hosts for preparation and supplies
Membership contributions: All membership fees, donations, and support contributions are non-refundable

📱 COMMUNICATION SETTINGS

Events fill rapidly! Optimize your Meetup settings:

Profile → Settings → Email Updates →
Enable: New events, time changes, RSVP confirmations, organizer announcements
Download the Meetup app for real-time notifications
Check the group page regularly for updates

Your sign-up and attendance at events is your agreement to the Rules of Engagement, Terms and Conditions and Liability Waiver/Legal Release

We can't wait to meet you at one of our events, happy reading and exploring!

- Organizers