Code of Operation and Ethics

VBC is a business community for companies that support the plant-based revolution. Our vision is to make plant-based products available in more places with better quality, reducing animal use and contributing to a more peaceful, healthier, and sustainable world. The VBC is an international organization composed of entrepreneurs and business leaders who align with its vision and mission. Their goal is to promote the growth of their own businesses, their fellow members’ enterprises, and the VBC as an organization.

We are building a well-functioning international business community where members are committed to animal protection, sustainability, and high-quality, genuine business relationships. The VBC provides its members with opportunities to share their networks and knowledge, fostering mutual support.

VBC Code of Ethics

1. I actively contribute to making the VBC community a supportive and prosperous environment.
2. During VBC events, I act in good faith and support fellow group members.
3. I will be honest with members and with the business partners referred to me.
4. I will build goodwill and trust with members and recommended partners.
5. I take responsibility for following up on received business referrals.
6. I take responsibility for the authenticity and reliability of business partners I recommend.
7. I actively support the mission and operations of the VBC.

VBC Core Values

1. High-quality products and services free from animal-derived materials and objectification of animals.
2. Continuous and consistent relationship-building.
3. Education and lifelong learning.
4. Positive attitude.
5. Honesty, good faith, and trust.

Operational Regulations

1. Anyone who agrees with the mission and core values of VBC may join a VBC group as a member.
2. Membership requires acceptance of the Terms and Conditions and the Operational and Ethical Regulations, approval by the group leadership, and payment of the membership fee.
3. Members must regularly attend group meetings, arrive on time, and stay for the entire duration.
4. Attendance is crucial for group success. If a member cannot attend, they may send a substitute (someone who is not a group member), such as a client, customer, patient, friend, potential partner, or colleague. Members must notify the group leader about their substitute.
5. A non-member guest can attend VBC group meetings a maximum of twice within a consecutive 12-month period.
6. A person may be a member of only one VBC group at a time but can visit any VBC group as a guest without limitations.
7. Members are expected to bring high-quality business referrals and guest visitors to their VBC group. Each group may set a minimum requirement for the number of referrals and guests needed to maintain membership.
8. The purpose of VBC member lists is to facilitate business referrals; thus, members’ data cannot be used for other purposes (e.g., unsolicited emails or direct mail campaigns) without prior consent. However, members agree to receive occasional communications from VBC for business success purposes.
9. Within the first 30 days of membership, all new VBC members must attend an orientation course to maximize their success.
10. Members are not allowed to use VBC intellectual property (e.g., logos, trademarks, names, slogans, copyrighted materials) for manufacturing, distribution, sales, advertising, or any other purpose without prior written consent from the VBC International leadership.
11. VBC can establish groups in any city or community and retains the right to create multiple groups within a single location if there is demand for its services.
12. Membership in a VBC group requires a membership fee, with annual renewal. The exact fees are provided by the group leader and are available on the official VBC website. New members must settle their fees within 8 days of submitting their application. Payment is considered complete once the amount is received in the VBC account.
13. The annual membership fee must be paid every year. If not settled within 8 days after the renewal date, the member will be excluded from VBC, and rejoining will require paying the registration fee again.
14. Membership fees are non-refundable after acceptance, but members can request a confirmation of unused membership periods.
15. Membership fees are non-transferable between individuals or legal entities unless the fee was paid by a company, which may delegate a different employee as a replacement.
16. If a member requests a transfer to another VBC group, they must submit a transfer request. If the prepaid membership period is less than 12 months, the member must pay for a full additional year upon transfer. If approved, the remaining membership time will be added to the new 12-month period.
17. If a VBC member is involved in multi-level marketing (MLM), they may discuss their products and services but may not promote the benefits of joining the MLM system or recruit guests for it.

This document outlines the ethical and operational principles that guide VBC in fostering a thriving, ethical, and sustainable business network.