Code of Conduct
In this Code of Conduct:
Mission Statement
Do Your Own Swing (DYOS) strives to be a safe and inclusive space that celebrates all people in their fullness. The DYOS community exists to celebrate community; inner- and interpersonal connection; personal, partnered, and communal acts of creativity and expression; and a desire to learn and dance West Coast Swing through a lens of respect, inclusion, and collaboration.
Agreements
The following behavioral agreements apply to all Do Your Own Swing participants, including attendees, teachers, DJs, and volunteers, and will be upheld through corrective action, as needed.
Behaviors that will not be tolerated at Do Your Own Swing:
Discrimination and bigotry, such as racism, ableism, ageism, queerphobia, transphobia, or any other expression of structural prejudice, will not be tolerated in any form.
Deliberate violence in any form, such as unwanted physical touch, derogatory remarks or gestures, or physical harm will not be tolerated.
Inappropriate interactions regarding minors will not be tolerated. These include:
Offering, selling, or discussing age-restricted substances.
Flirting or discussing sexual behavior.
Requesting or exchanging contact information, suggesting/offering/inviting private interactions, or arranging to meet with a minor without guardian consent and supervision.
Recording video or taking photographs of minors without guardian consent.
Commenting on a minor's appearance.
Violating explicitly stated boundaries will not be tolerated.
Threats or intimidation will not be tolerated.
Values as Praxis
All attendees are invited to be mindful of, and open to hearing about, the impact of their behavior on the emotional, mental, and physical-well being of other attendees. Self-reflection and good-faith dialogue around unintended harm can set the conditions for mindfulness, connection, vulnerability, support, creativity, consent, and safety to blossom in our community.
Our values put into practice:
Be mindful when taking pictures and filming.
If you are filming one partnership for more than a few seconds, only do so with direct verbal consent.
Be mindful when posting pictures and videos online.
Part of being a safe space for TNBGE (Trans, Non-Binary, Gender Expansive) people (as well as being a safe space for anyone) is allowing people to experiment with their self presentation and personal expression without documentation of it being posted to the internet without consent.
If someone does not want pictures or videos of themselves online, they can indicate that by wearing a reflective wristband.
All social agreements are ongoing.
Agreements to dance, converse, or engage with any activity do not override a person's present-time comfort levels. Social activities, such as dancing and conversing, may be concluded by any person at any time without explanation.
To the best of your ability, hold yourself and others in kindness.
In the absence of a safety issue, be curious and seek to find the distance from a person that allows you to hold both them and yourself in kind regard. If safety *is* an issue, please tend to your needs and consider reporting/seeking support.
"No" is a complete answer to any request, including a request for a dance.
While dance is the activity/interest that brings us together, many people use DYOS primarily as a community gathering space, especially if they are injured or mostly in need of social connection.
Participants are encouraged to exercise their "no."
If, in addition to your no, you choose to share a reason, that is a kindness, but not a requirement.
Honor your energy.
If your needs are met and you have the energy to offer warmth to others, please do so. This can look like acknowledging or thanking someone for a dance, letting people know that you are happy to see them, asking people questions about themselves, or whatever warmth and outreach look like for you when you are feeling resourced!
Prioritize remembering names and pronouns.
If you use the wrong name or pronouns, or are corrected, quickly correct yourself, continue with what you were saying, and make an effort to use the correct name and pronouns in the future.
If offering a compliment or affirmation,
do not comment on physical appearance or health related topics.
Try offering an affirmation about someone's choices and impact, a developed quality, or an act of service.
Reponse Methods
If unwanted or harmful behavior occurs, the people who report experiencing harm, or who are observed to be experiencing potential harm, will be consulted for desired actions and processes. If the person chooses to share their identity and contact information, Riley will contact them about their safety needs and next steps.
Possible methods for reducing further harm:
Education-Based Conversation
Riley may contact the person who has caused harm to bring awareness that their impact has not been what they had hoped. Riley and the person-in-question may talk through alternative ways to engage in the future. These conversations require the person who has had a negative impact to believe those that they have hurt and to be willing to find creative solutions.
Conditional Participation
Following an education-based conversation, Riley may implement a temporary or permanent increase in guidelines for an individual to address the unwanted or harmful behavior in question. (i.e. “For now, please only ask each person to dance once per night.”)
Conditional Denial of Access to DYOS
Following an education-based conversation, Riley may ban an individual from participating in DYOS events until certain criteria have been met, such as a letter explaining an understanding of the situation and a plan for change, or the completion of an outside program or training.
Unconditional Denial of Access to DYOS
If a person demonstrates a disregard for others, an unwillingness to understand the impact of their actions, refuses to engage with solutions, or cannot adjust their behavior, an unconditional ban will be put into effect, barring them from participating in any DYOS events.
DYOS