Event Code of Conduct

EveryChild California is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in its conferences and other events.  EveryChild California prohibits and will not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination. Our goal is to host conferences and other events that are as inclusive as possible for our attendees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation/identity, race/ethnicity, religion, employment status, or status in the field.  Accordingly, we believe that it is important for EveryChild California to support the free expression and exchange of ideas in environments that are positive and productive for all.

Purpose

EveryChild California has established this Conference Code of Conduct to serve as a guideline for the professional conduct of anyone attending or participating in an EveryChild California sponsored conference or event and to inform attendees of the consequences for unacceptable behavior. This Code is intended to supplement, but not replace, those policies that are applicable to all members. We expect all attendees at EveryChild California events to follow this Code so that all participants can enjoy the conference or event responsibly and with respect for the rights of others. Failure to abide by this Code is subject to corrective action and sanctions, including refused admission, ejection, banishment, and other penalties consistent with this Code.

Scope and Applicability

Your attendance at any of these events will be deemed to be your agreement to abide by this Conference Code of Conduct.

Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all EveryChild California conference or event Participants:

• Behaving in a courteous and professional manner

• Treating all participants with respect, dignity, and consideration, in the spirit of valuing a diversity of views and opinions

• Being considerate, respectful, and collaborative in your communication and actions

• Discussing differences and critiquing ideas in a non-confrontational manner with due regard for the viewpoints of others

• Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech

• Reporting suspected inappropriate behaviors directed at yourself or others

• Respecting the rules, policies, and property of EveryChild California and its facilities and vendors

• Complying with all applicable laws and regulations

Prohibited Behavior

Violations of this Code include but are not limited to the following:

• Harassment - defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome or offensive verbal, visual, or physical contact directed at any Participant, including conduct, comments, or images that a person would reasonably find offensive, demeaning, or hostile

• Sexual harassment - defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome, unsolicited, and unreciprocated sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature that has or that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to offend, humiliate, or intimidate another person

• Exhibiting behavior that is unruly or disruptive, or that endangers the health or safety of yourself or others

• Discriminatory conduct based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, veteran status, political affinity, or any other characteristic protected by law

• Deliberate intimidation, threatening, stalking, or following

• Sustained disruption of portions of the conference or event

• Invasion of privacy

• Actual or threatened pushing, shoving, or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person

• Possession or use of a weapon or any other item in a way that may cause danger to others

• Destruction, theft, dismantlement, defacement, abuse, or intentional misuse of any EveryChild California or-contracted venues, property, equipment, signage, or supplies

• Failure to comply with directions of EveryChild California staff or venue personnel regarding operations or emergency response procedures

• Retaliation against participants for reporting activity that he or she reasonably believed to be in violation of this Code

• Knowingly and falsely reporting violations of this Code in bad faith

• Accessing restricted or ticketed areas without a proper ticket, pass and/or credential; misusing tickets, passes and/or credentials; presenting a false identification; or permitting another person to falsely present the Participant’s identification as his or her own.

This Code is not intended to be all inclusive, and it is likely there will be conduct and/or issues that it does not specifically address. In that event, as in all others, Participants are expected to follow the direction of EveryChild California staff who will take appropriate action to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Participants.

Guidance about Conference Conduct

If you believe you are being subjected to inappropriate conduct, believe someone else is being subjected to inappropriate conduct, or have any other concerns, and would like to have a confidential discussion with a knowledgeable person, you may contact the EveryChild California staff. 

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

To report a violation of this Code, please contact onsite EveryChild California staff.  If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if you see something suspicious or would like to report a security issue or emergency, please contact venue security or local law enforcement.

Reported violations of this Code are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated by EveryChild California with discretion. Participants are required to maintain the confidentiality of materials submitted to or received by you in connection with any reported violation. Although EveryChild California will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of its investigation and any relevant materials, it cannot assure confidentiality as it may disclose case-related materials or information in response to legal process, when already publicly known, or when leadership otherwise determines disclosure is in the best interests of if you believe you are being subjected to inappropriate conduct, believe someone else is being subjected to inappropriate conduct, or have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact EveryChild California.