Purpose

The success of our community is dependent on the trust and confidence we earn from our members, event attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, leadership, and others (Participants). We gain credibility by adhering to our commitments, displaying honesty, integrity and creating and nurturing a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative community through honorable conduct. It is easy to say what we must do, but the proof is in our actions. Ultimately, we will be judged on what we do. This Event Code of Conduct represents ATD Buffalo Niagara’s (ATD) commitment to this philosophy, and we thank everyone for sharing in our vision.

All participants, at ATD events are required to agree with the following code of conduct to help us realize a safe, respectful, and positive experience for everyone. ATD organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. When you participate in an event hosted or sponsored by ATD you are contributing to the overall experience, which makes us all accountable to each other.

In Summary

Our events are dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any event, including talks, workshops, parties, and online media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event or community without a refund at the discretion of the ATD organizers.

Expected Behavior

ATD expects all participants to be considerate and respectful to all participants. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech. Speak up if they observe anything at an event that conflicts with this Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the ATD team immediately.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to: offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, personal insults, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, violence, threats of violence, unwelcome sexual attention, and failure to obey any rules or regulations of event venues.

Participants are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, participants should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. ATD leadership and volunteers should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the ATD organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund. For more egregious behavior, ATD may, in its reasonable discretion, temporarily ban or permanently expel a Participant from the community.

What to do if You Witness or Are Subjected to Unacceptable Behavior

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of ATD team immediately.

The ATD team will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of any in-person events. We value your attendance.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all events hosted or sponsored by ATD Buffalo Niagara.

November 2020