AAFCS Code of Conduct
The AAFCS Leadership Workshop aims to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, and religion.
This Anti-Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in the AAFCS Leadership Workshop, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.
We expect all participants in the AAFCS Leadership Workshop to create a safe and positive experience for everyone.
“Participant” in this policy refers to anyone present at the AAFCS Leadership Workshop including staff, contractors, hotel and AV staff, speakers, AAFCS leadership, and all attendees.
Expected Behavior
We expect all participants at the AAFCS Leadership Workshop to abide by this Code of Conduct in all venues, including ancillary events and official and unofficial social gatherings.
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
- Alert AAFCS staff or leadership if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to
- intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any participants in the AAFCS Leadership Workshop, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of the AAFCS Leadership Workshop. AAFCS event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
- harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, political beliefs, or other personal characteristics
- inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides)
- deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
- harassing photography or recording
- inappropriate disruption of talks or other events
- unwelcome and uninvited attention or conduct
- physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping)
- real or implied threat of physical harm
- real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm
- possession or use of any illegal drug, narcotic or banned substance
- possession or use of any item defined as a weapon, illegal or not
Be careful in the words that you choose. Remember that sexist, racist, homophobic, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, transphobic, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you. Excessive swearing and offensive “jokes” are not appropriate for the AAFCS Leadership Workshop.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior from any participant at the AAFCS Leadership Council Workshop will not be tolerated.
If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, AAFCS may take any action they deem appropriate, including removal from the AAFCS Leadership Workshop (without refund) at which the harassment occurred. Egregious violations will result in more severe sanctions.
If You Are Subject to or Witness Unacceptable Behavior
If you are being harassed, notice someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the AAFCS staff immediately. Staff can be found at the registration desk, or wearing navy STAFF ribbons. You may also contact Sara Tantillo, Associate Director, Events & Outreach, by email at stantillo@aafcs.org.
ALL reports are confidential.
If possible, provide the following information, preferably in writing:
- Identifying information (name, appearance, role) of the participant who has committed an offense
- The approximate time of the behavior
- The circumstances surrounding the incident
- Other people involved in or witnessing the incident
The staff are trained on how to deal with the incident and how to further proceed with the situation.
If needed or requested, staff will help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the AAFCS Leadership Workshop. No one will be contacted without the permission of the person who was harassed/assaulted. If requested, staff will provide a full refund (minus ticketed events already attended) to anyone who has been harassed or assaulted so that they may process the event in their own space.
Addressing Grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify AAFCS with a concise description of your grievance, by email to stantillo@aafcs.org.
Policy developed based on information from Smarts Consulting