Membership Policies

Values & Principles

Denver Community Media is non-commercial and aims to empower the public by providing access to media creation tools and distribution channels. We are committed to serving Denver and Colorado residents, as well as community-based organizations. We believe in inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect. Through this access we seek to facilitate a diversity of viewpoints and opinions in a respectful environment that can help foster an engaged and impactful media expression. Denver Community Media aims to operate as a place of learning, engagement and creativity.

Membership Term & Cancelation

• Basic month-to-month memberships begin on the date of enrollment and will automatically renew on the same date of each month until canceled. As a condition of monthly membership, members must have a valid credit or debit card on file with DCM’s electronic system of record. For month-to-month memberships, beginning on the date of enrollment, member shall pay the City for each month of membership until canceled (see below for cancelation process). Monthly membership fees, as applicable, are directly charged to the member’s credit or debit card entered into the DCM’s electronic system of record on the date of enrollment.
• Annual memberships begin on the date of enrollment and will need to be renewed each year on the anniversary of membership. Members may opt into automatic renewals for annual memberships.
• To cancel a membership that is set to auto-renew, Member must send an email to info@denvercommunitymedia.org at least 3 business days (Tuesday through Saturday) prior to the auto-renew date to avoid the next monthly or annual charge.

Fees & Refund Policy

Membership fees are not pro-rated in the month of termination.

Membership fees are non-refundable. DCM membership rates are subject to change with thirty days’ notice to Member. Current Membership pricing may be found on DCM’s website.

No refunds will be given for unused membership time or services.

All fees for facility use, equipment rental and classroom instruction must be paid in full, in advance. Reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of payment in full.

Fees for Denver Community Media services and equipment are non-refundable and non-transferable. Unused classroom, facility and equipment rental fees may be applied as a credit to future reservations if cancellation is received by DCM staff with at least 24 hours’ notice. No refunds, credits or transfers will be given if registration, rental or reservation is cancelled within 24 hours of event or activity.

All $2 and $5 reservation fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

DCM reserves the right to cancel/postpone any training/class due to inclement weather, low enrollment, CDC mandates, or extenuating circumstances. A full refund will be given if a program/activity is cancelled by DCM.

Fees may be paid in-person or on-line through your member portal. DCM accepts all common forms of U.S. currency: Cash, check, credit and debit cards.

Refunds may occur via:

• Credit Card (if same card is used for original purchase)
• Check (allows up to 4 weeks for processing)
• DCM customer account (credits forfeited after 1 year)

To request cancellation of an activity or program, please email: info@denvercommunitymedia.org

Proof of Residency

When a producer creates a member profile, signs up for a Denver Community Media membership and attends our new member orientation class (required for all new member/producers), they will need to provide documentation matching the street address provided on the membership registration form.  Denver Community Media will not retain copies of this address verification information but will keep the address on file in the member database. Members agree to notify Denver Community Media of any change of address and provide verification for this new residence.

There are many ways a producer can confirm their street address. Some of the information that can be used include:

• State-issued driver’s license
• State-issued photo ID card
• State-issued benefit assistance card with photo and address
• Other state or federal issued statements you wish to show for street address verification purposes
  
  

A member can also bring in address verification documentation in the form of a prior month’s billing statement from any of these providers:

• Cable, utility, cell phone, credit card, student loan, rent, retirement plan.
• Vehicle or other types of Colorado registration.

Non-Commercial Use

• COMMERCIAL USE PROHIBITED: Members and their crews shall not receive personal financial compensation of any type from a third-party commercial entity to produce video projects using DCM assets. DCM assets, including staff time, equipment and studio facilities, shall not be used for private financial gain or commercial purposes. Equipment may not be used to promote any commercial product, service, or business, and may not be used for a direct commercial call to action. This agreement does not prohibit Member from paying any expenses related to the creation and production of content using DCM facilities or Equipment (see Underwriting Guidelines).

• Producers cannot use Denver Community Media assets, including any equipment and facilities, or staff time (referred to as “assets”) to produce content intended for sale or for commercial purposes.  All content produced using Denver Community Media assets or resources must be made available to the public for free.

• Guests on programs will not be required under any circumstances to pay fees to appear, nor will they be required to make donations or contributions in connection with any program. These are considered commercial practices.

Failure to observe this policy is a violation of the policies and procedures and may result in the permanent suspension of member privileges.

Guest Policy

Members are responsible for their invitees, including self, crew members, talent, guests, etc. Member agrees that they will be responsible for their invitee’s behavior and will ensure that their invitees comply with all DCM policies, as amended.  If Members or their invitees do not comply with DCM or City policies and/or code of conduct, as amended, their membership may be suspended or terminated, and they and their invitees may be asked to leave DCM facilities.

If one Organizational Member does not comply with DCM or City policies, as amended, the entire Organization will be held responsible.

Right of Refusal

Denver Community Media staff reserve the right to refuse any service or reservation, regardless of the producer or member’s certification status.  Reasons for refusal may include but are not limited to: if staff reasonably determine that the producer or crew member is in any way unable or incapable of correctly using or handling the equipment; if the member or their invitee(s) have violated DCM policies; if the member or their invitee(s) have violated the DCM code of conduct.

Production Criteria

Production resource allotments and criteria are established to balance DCM resources and ensure equity and access for all members. Access to equipment and production facilities are governed by the following guidelines:

• An active membership and signed DCM Membership Agreement Form is required to access any facilities, services and/or operate equipment provided by Denver Community Media.
• Members will use the equipment for creating non-commercial content only.
• Take the class to reserve the resource. DCM members must complete the applicable certification classes to be eligible for equipment and facility rentals and to operate equipment provided by Denver Community Media (exceptions include computers and certain field equipment).
• DCM staff are not crew members and will not shoot, edit, direct, act, etc. for member productions. Staff are available for 30 minutes into a member's studio reservation time to help set up. Members are expected to set up and take down for their studio reservations. This time should be accounted for and included when members schedule their reservation. Our goal is to empower members to produce content independently of staff help. Staff will be available via the comms system during member reservations to help trouble shoot equipment if needed.
• DCM members will be assigned a member ID number. Equipment and facility usage will be tracked against that number.
• DCM members are legally and financially responsible for all Denver Community Media equipment while in their possession or use. Before taking any equipment from Denver Community Media, DCM staff and the producer will complete an Equipment Check-out Form, which includes an opportunity to inspect the equipment.
• DCM offers reasonable accommodations for those that qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• If members need guidance for pre, post, or production practices, please email us at info@denvercommunitymedia.org to schedule a 30-minute 1:1 mentor session with one of our expert staff members. This time is included as part of your membership, and we are happy to help.

Equipment Rentals and Facility Reservations

Equipment and facility reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance.

All fees for facility use, equipment rental and classroom instruction must be paid in full, in advance. The first step is to submit a reservation request online for the specific resource. Please note that submission of the request does not guarantee the reservation will be confirmed. If a reservation request is approved (the time slot is available), the member will receive a confirmation email. Reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of payment in full.

If a reservation approval email is not received within four business days of reservation request, please follow up by emailing info@denvercommunitymedia.org or calling 720-337-4200. Do not assume your reservation is confirmed.

Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Unused equipment rental fees may be applied to future reservations if cancelation is received by DCM staff with at least 24 hours notice.

Rentals:

Equipment rental maximum reservation time is 1 week from the start of the reservation. Equipment must be returned and inspected by DCM staff before additional reservation time is approved. Members must have an up-to-date credit or debit card on file to reserve and rent Equipment.

Equipment cancellations should be made at least 24 hours prior to reservation. This cancellation can be made by calling DCM at 720-337-4200 and leaving a detailed voicemail; sending an email to info@denvercommunitymedia.org; or by providing in-person notice during regular business hours.

Only the Member who made the reservation is permitted to check-out and operate the equipment. Before leaving the DCM facility, member is responsible for inspecting, testing, and verifying that the equipment works properly. If member discovers defective or inoperable equipment during a production, they are responsible for reporting such issues to DCM staff immediately. A complete inventory of equipment and prices can be provided upon request and can also be found on DCM’s website.

Returns:

Equipment that is checked out by a member must be returned at the time listed on the reservation confirmation. Equipment that is returned after the scheduled return time will be considered late. If a member is late in returning equipment for a third time within six months, the member’s equipment check-out privileges may be suspended for up to six months. If equipment is still not returned within 48 hours after the designated check-in time, the equipment will be considered lost or stolen.

Members acknowledge and agree that their card will be kept on file and automatically charged for additional day(s) if equipment is not returned on time.

Damaged, Stolen or Lost Equipment:

Members are legally and financially responsible for all equipment while in their possession or under their charge. If a member’s negligence, abuse, or misuse causes damage or results in theft requiring repair or replacement, the City shall charge the credit or debit card on file for all repair or replacement costs, unless specified in an applicable warranty, if any, in accordance with the then current pricing listed on DCM’s website. Repair and replacement costs posted on DCM’s website are subject to change. DCM staff will make the reasonable determination whether an equipment malfunction is the result of normal wear and tear or damage by member.

When equipment is returned damaged, DCM staff will provide a cost estimate to the member based on market value of the item and the cost to replace or repair the item. The coordination of the repair will be completed by the DCM Access Manager or city designee. Members who disagree with the assessment may appeal the decision to the City’s Director of Content and Creative Services (“Director”).

The member will contact the Access Manager within 48 hours of notification of the need for and cost of repair or replacement to discuss payment. Payment shall be made as directed by the City, and the Director has discretion to approve payment plans for repayment.

Disclaimers:

Members accept equipment for use in its AS IS condition. Members accept full responsibility for the proper and safe use of the equipment. Members shall exercise common sense and extreme care when operating equipment whether in the studio or in the field. Members shall not attempt to repair or perform maintenance on any equipment. Members agree there are no warranties, express or implied, which have been made concerning equipment. The City reserves the right to seek all options necessary to recover damaged, lost, or stolen equipment, including notification to the local authorities. All equipment is, and will always be, the City’s sole and exclusive property, and members shall have no right, title, or ownership interest in the equipment. Violations of rental policies may result in the loss of all DCM membership privileges.

Media Storage

• Producers will supply their own recording media in the form of external storage drives or cards. DCM does not sell or loan any recording media.
• Producers will save their content onto their own storage devices and should not save content onto Denver Community Media local drives. Member/producer media saved onto Denver Community Media hard drives will be deleted. Producers are permitted to temporarily download media on editing laptops while the equipment is checked out but are not permitted to install software or other applications onto Denver Community Media editing equipment. Media file organization is taught in our video editing classes.
• If a producer attempts to install software or other applications onto DCM editing computers, membership privileges may be suspended or revoked.  No refunds will be given for unused memberships.

Code of Conduct

Denver Community Media is a safe space for all. DCM staff are responsible for the safe and proper utilization of the facilities and equipment. Members and visitors are required to follow staff instruction related to usage of the facilities and equipment and treat staff and other members and visitors with professional courtesy and respect.

All visitors to Denver Community Media facilities are required to check in with a DCM staff member upon arrival. DCM facilities are available during business hours for studio reservations, equipment check out, workshops, classes, events, appointments, and members onsite utilizing our open workspaces. All facility users and guests use Denver Community Media facilities or services and equipment at your own risk. 

Members are responsible for their invitee’s behavior and will ensure that their invitees comply with all Denver Community Media policies as amended.  If members or their invitees do not comply with all policies as amended, their membership may be suspended or terminated, and they and their invitees may be asked to leave.

The following behaviors are prohibited at Denver Community Media events, spaces, and facilities:

• Bringing pets or other non-service animals to the facility
• Attendance by people under the age of 18 years to the facility, unless supervised
• Possessing food or beverages in any restricted areas
• Using or dispensing marijuana within premises
• Using or dispensing alcohol within premises
• Using or dispensing of any illegal substance within the premises
• Possession of any weapon, explosive, or other dangerous material
• Conduct, intentional or unintentional, that could or does result in physical injury to others and/or destruction of property
• Theft or attempted theft of personal belonging, supplies or equipment
• Entering or attempting to enter staff-only areas, locked offices, areas, or records, and/or unauthorized use of any office, computers, or other equipment
• Physical violence, or the threat of physical violence
• Activities or conduct which disrupt the activities or operations of Denver Community Media or the ability of others to conduct business
• Harassment, including sexual harassment, of any employee, user, or guest
• Activities that may result in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
• Any other inappropriate behavior as determined by Denver Community Media at its sole discretion, including interactions with staff and other community members.

Loss of Privileges

To ensure that the equipment and facilities remain available and in good working order, the following rules have been established. Upon verifying that a rule violation has occurred, the Access Manager will issue a written statement to the member describing the rule violation and sanctions to be imposed.

Minor Violations Include (but are not limited to):

• Reserving or checking out equipment for another producer unless otherwise specified and approved by a staff member.
• Failure to vacate production facilities by the end of the reservation time without authorized extension.
• Late return of equipment (more than 30 minutes) without staff notification and approval.
• Return of equipment in disarray and unkempt condition or improper packaging of equipment for transport.
• Operation of equipment or use of facilities in an incorrect, unsafe, or inappropriate manner, which might result in damage.
• Using DCM resources for solicitation, for any purpose, including asking for money, contributions or donations unless such activity has been approved by the Access Manager.
• Possession of food or drinks in the areas of DCM with production or editing equipment, except for capped water bottles stored on the floor, or water for guests.
• Behaving in a disrespectful manner while at DCM or while participating in a DCM event.
• Failure to maintain current file and contact information up-to-date, or failure to respond to important correspondence from staff.
• Other such actions which may be deemed disruptive to the effective operations of DCM.

Minor violations remain on record for twelve months.

Minor violations will result in the following series of actions within a one-year period:

• A documented written or verbal warning for the 1st minor violation;
• Written warning for the 2nd minor violation;
• 30-Day suspension of member privileges for the 3rd violation;
• Permanent suspension of member privileges for the 4th violation

Major Violations

Major violations can result in an immediate, permanent suspension of membership. These include (but are not limited to):

• Using DCM equipment for the purpose of making a profit, including charging guests or covering events for profit or commercial purposes.
• A producer representing him / herself as a staff member of DCM.
• Using DCM’s logo, branding, identity or intellectual property without expressed written permission from the Access Manager
• Attempted equipment maintenance or disassembly.
• Changing the wiring/cabling of any DCM area without specific authorization in advance by DCM staff.
• Removal of equipment from the equipment storage area without proper checkout procedures and/or without signing a checkout contract.
• Checking out equipment for use on behalf of a non-member, non-certified producer, or for a producer on suspension.
• Return of equipment in damaged or unworkable condition, or failure to return equipment through intent, negligence, loss, or theft.
• Abuse or vandalism of DCM equipment and facilities.
• Behaving in a violent, disruptive or threatening manner or repeatedly behaving in a disrespectful manner to DCM staff, volunteers or other producers/members.
• Using or possessing alcohol or controlled substances at DCM. No smoking in the building.
• Possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs, weapons or contraband.
• Falsifying your physical address.
• Repeated minor violations.

Right to Refuse Service

DCM may suspend or terminate your membership at any time in its sole discretion, with or without cause, effective immediately upon notice. Violations of DCM policies may result in immediate termination and loss of all privileges. Upon termination, you have no claim against DCM. DCM will take possession of all City-owned materials and equipment in your possession by any method it deems expedient.

DCM staff reserves the right to refuse access to its services, facilities and equipment to anyone who:

• Appears to be under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs and/or may otherwise endanger the health and well-being of staff and other members
• Owes any past due amounts to DCM for unpaid services and/or damaged, lost or stolen equipment
• Behaves in a fashion that is detrimental to other facility users, and/or staff
• Has violated policies and procedures
• Has deliberately presented false or misleading information to staff
• Is disrespectful of other member/guest or staff member
• Appears onsite at DCM in a state of nudity or partial nudity, as defined by 7-156(c), D.R.M.C., as amended, appearing in an undressed state ranging from complete exposure of genitals, buttocks, or the female breast to wearing some limited clothing such as g-strings, thong bikinis (top or bottom), pasties, or similar items designed to provide minimal coverage for those human body areas around and including the genitals, buttocks, or female breast.
• Appears on site in an unhygienic manner that disrupts the ability of others to work. Proper attire, including a shirt and shoes, is required at all times.
• Commits an act of indecent exposure: A person commits an act of indecent exposure if they knowingly expose their genitals or buttocks to the view of any person under circumstances which are likely to cause a reasonable person affront or alarm.

DCM reserves the right to shut down any onsite production or activity that is not in compliance with these or any other provisions.

Individuals who wish to appeal disciplinary decisions resulting from violations of Denver Community Media policies may submit an appeal to the Access Manager. This must occur within thirty days of the decision. The Access Manager will seek to respond to the appeal within forty-five days. Any restrictions will remain in effect pending the outcome of an appeal.

An individual who wishes to appeal the decision of the Access Manager may write to the Director of Content and Creative Services (the "Director) within thirty days of the Access Manager's decision. The Director will aim to respond within forty-five days. The Director's decision is final.