Code of Conduct
Youth Traditional Song Weekend is dedicated to providing a safe experience for all our attendees. To make that happen, we need everyone to be awesome and treat others respectfully so we can all enjoy the weekend to the fullest.
We expect that our attendees will:
The bottom line: Our standard is yes means yes, or “affirmative consent.” Always ask first and respect the answer you get. No still means no.
Harassment can happen to anyone, by anyone — regardless of identity or orientation. We take all reports of harassment seriously. Depending on the situation, we may take a variety of actions to respond to harassment, up to and including removing an individual from the event without a refund.
Remember, many harassment complaints involve the over-consumption of alcohol. Being drunk doesn’t excuse harassment. Please drink responsibly, and please read our substance policy.
How do I report harassment?
As a first step, we encourage you to talk to the person harassing you and ask them to stop. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, or if it doesn’t work, you can contact any member of the committee. During the weekend you can find us in person, and the cell phone numbers of some of the committee will also be available. At other times, email ([email protected]) is the best way to reach us.
All reports are anonymous and we’ll handle them confidentially. We won’t judge the validity of your experience, and we’ll assume that all reports are truthful. You always have the choice to make a report, or not — the committee will respect whichever you choose.
What happens after the committee gets a report of harassment?
First, we’ll check with the person who was harassed and help you get anything you need, including medical care if appropriate.
From there, we’ll talk with you about your options. Our goal is to support you and help you feel as safe and comfortable as possible in our space, and there are many ways we can do that. For example, we can:
- Respect others’ implicit and explicit boundaries, including personal space
- Take “no” for an answer — whether the question concerns singing, socializing, or sex
- Get verbal or non-verbal consent before touching others (sexually or non-sexually)
- Get consent before photographing or recording others (see our recording policy)
- Respect others’ gender identities, including using their correct pronouns.
- Keep others’ sensitive personal information private
- Refrain from degrading, shaming, or disrespecting others for any aspect of their identity, including (but not limited to) body type, ability, race, ethnicity, employment/unemployment status, country of origin, gender identity or expression, sexual or affectional orientation, relationship status, HIV/STI status, religion or spiritual path
- Avoid intimidating, threatening, stalking, and unwanted sexually suggestive comments and gestures, or really anything else that would make another attendee feel unsafe or unwelcome
The bottom line: Our standard is yes means yes, or “affirmative consent.” Always ask first and respect the answer you get. No still means no.
Harassment can happen to anyone, by anyone — regardless of identity or orientation. We take all reports of harassment seriously. Depending on the situation, we may take a variety of actions to respond to harassment, up to and including removing an individual from the event without a refund.
Remember, many harassment complaints involve the over-consumption of alcohol. Being drunk doesn’t excuse harassment. Please drink responsibly, and please read our substance policy.
How do I report harassment?
As a first step, we encourage you to talk to the person harassing you and ask them to stop. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, or if it doesn’t work, you can contact any member of the committee. During the weekend you can find us in person, and the cell phone numbers of some of the committee will also be available. At other times, email ([email protected]) is the best way to reach us.
All reports are anonymous and we’ll handle them confidentially. We won’t judge the validity of your experience, and we’ll assume that all reports are truthful. You always have the choice to make a report, or not — the committee will respect whichever you choose.
What happens after the committee gets a report of harassment?
First, we’ll check with the person who was harassed and help you get anything you need, including medical care if appropriate.
From there, we’ll talk with you about your options. Our goal is to support you and help you feel as safe and comfortable as possible in our space, and there are many ways we can do that. For example, we can:
- Be a safe space and person to talk to
- Keep an eye on a person’s behavior
- Talk to people on your behalf and help resolve issues
- Help you find other options for transportation or housing if yours have become unsafe
- Start the process of removing someone from the event
- Help you deal with the police