The WCN Official Code of Conduct

Summary

 

The Waterford Creatives Network group is committed to providing a positive and trouble-free experience for all, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, theological perspective, or relationship status. We do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form. Anyone violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the group or event as appropriate.

 

We support each other and are kind to each other.

 

Unacceptable Behaviour

This includes:

 

• Harassment, related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, theological perspective, relationship status, family status, membership of the travelling community, etc. This unwanted conduct includes spoken words, gestures, production and display of written words, pictures and other material (unwelcome emails, texts, messages, posts, or other offensive material. For example: making or passing on jokes or skits that make fun of someone because of their difference or status, see above list).

• Deliberate intimidation, bullying and or stalking, and any other behaviour which is likely to cause alarm or distress to a reasonable person.

• Photography or recording that can reasonably be interpreted as harassment. Not everyone is comfortable with being recorded or photographed, please seek permission from attendees/organisers before taking recordings/photographs.
  Please also respect the wishes of those who do not wish to be included in such – this also applies to tagging and posting of images/recordings to social media.

• Sustained disruption of talks or other events (including through intoxication of alcohol and/or drugs).

• Proselytising – the Waterford Creatives Online group welcomes attendees from all faiths and none.

• Unwelcome sexual or other personal attention.

• Theft.

• Any other act that contravenes the law.

• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour.

• Harassment, threats or encouraging illegal activities on our social media platforms.

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Enforcement

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If anyone is asked to cease unacceptable behaviour, such as outlined above, it is expected that the behaviour is ceased immediately.

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If this occurs during an event, the organisers will take any actions reasonably necessary to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This may include warning the person who is acting in breach of this policy and, in appropriate cases, requiring them to leave the event without a refund or the imposition of sanctions for future events.

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In serious cases, offending parties may no longer be welcome to attend events organised by the Waterford Creatives Network and will be removed/blocked from our social media platforms.

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We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related activities, including any other informal social activities.

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Incidents

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If you are being subjected to unacceptable behaviour or notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behaviour or have any other concerns, please first consider informing the person or persons responsible that you would like them to stop and you may also wish to notify the organisers. Often the offending behaviour is unintentional and those involved will resolve the incident amicably.

 

If you believe that bringing up the incident with the person involved may have negative consequences for you or others or could lead to further breeches, then please inform a member of the organising/hosting team about the incident.

 

Reporting

 

Violations of this code reduce the value of events for everyone. We want your experience of events held by the Waterford Creatives Network to be positive. If unacceptable behaviour persists even after the person involved has been asked to stop, their behaviour should be reported promptly to the event organisers. The report should be made by the recipient of the unacceptable behaviour and/or a direct witness.

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Event organisers will ensure that staff to whom an incident should be reported are easily identifiable and that all events have a central point of contact.

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When taking a personal report, staff will ensure safety and discretion. We may also seek permission to involve other relevant staff from the event, venue and organisation to ensure the report is managed properly. We handle reports as respectfully and discreetly as possible but may, under some circumstances, be required by law to disclose.

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If requested, our team will help the person reporting the incident to contact security staff, the Police or local support services where appropriate.

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We will endeavour to provide escorts where appropriate to people who are concerned about their safety.

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We value participation in our events and appreciate all efforts to provide a safe and friendly space for all.