Purpose
RCDA strives to create an inclusive environment for its members, volunteers and supporters, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, the organization is committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and religion (or lack thereof).
RCDA’s Code of Conduct, which is based on Berlin Code of Conduct, outlines the expectations for all those who participate in organization’s meetings, chats and events, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour. All participants, be it members or the organization, its volunteers or supporters, are encouraged to create safe and positive experiences for everyone. The Code of Conduct is enforced at internal meetings, social media accounts, chats, events, and other places and media where the organization creates opportunities for community participants (members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and guests) to communicate with each other.
Throughout this document, the terms RCDA, “organization” and “community” mean the
same thing and are used interchangeably.
Expected Behaviour
- Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Attempt collaboration before conflict.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
Unacceptable Behaviour
Unacceptable behaviours include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community online, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business.
Community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
Harassment includes:
- harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability;
- inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images (including presentation slides);
- inappropriate depictions of violence (including presentation slides);
- deliberate intimidation, stalking or following;
- harassing photography or recording;
- sustained disruption of talks or other events;
- inappropriate physical contact;
- sexual harassment.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour
Unacceptable behaviour from any community member, including sponsors and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.
If a member, volunteer, supporter, sponsor or guest engages in unacceptable behaviour, the community organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban, removal from one or more chats, cancellation of subscription to one or more organization’s social media accounts, removal from the event (and without refund in the case of a paid event), or permanent expulsion from the organization without warning.
If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behaviour
If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns, please notify a community organizer as soon as possible. You can find a list of organizers to contact for each of the supporters of this Code of Conduct at the bottom of this page. Additionally, community organizers are available to help community members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behaviour feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.
Addressing Grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify one of the community organizers with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.
Scope
We expect all community participants (members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues—online and in-person—as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community business.