Code of Conduct
 

This code of conduct describes:

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- How we can share the responsibility to make the weekend fun while also keeping all of us safe.

- What behaviors are considered okay and what behaviors are not.

- What options are available for dancers if someone’s behavior is unacceptable or not safe for those around them.

- What the event will do to support a safe environment for attendees.

 

 Be respectful of those around you on the dance floor. If you bump into someone, apologize. If you hurt someone, apologize, and also try to figure out how you can keep it from happening again. This might mean not dancing with them again, or talking to your teacher.

 

Respect other people’s boundaries. We support everyone’s right to say “no” and/or “stop”. Dancers can do some pretty crazy things, but just because you see someone do something with someone else doesn’t mean they will want to do it with you! This applies to everything from close dance holds to moves like dips, flirty conversations or even just agreeing to dance. If you aren’t sure of someone’s boundaries, or can’t tell from their nonverbal cues, then ask them. If you misjudge, and they ask you to stop (either verbally or nonverbally, such as with a facial expression or a body language cue), then stop. . Remember that alcohol and other substances can make it harder to judge boundaries accurately; please be mindful of your limits so that you can be mindful of others.

 

Ask, and respond, respectfully. People around here usually happily accept an invitation to dance, but it is also okay to say “no.” If you are turned down for a dance, please respect that decision and find someone else to dance with instead. If at any point in a dance you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you can tell your partner that you are uncomfortable, ask for any adjustments you need, or stop the dance before the song ends without explanation. Requests for your own safety and comfort are respectful of your partner as your ally in creating fun for everyone, and are not the same as offering someone unsolicited feedback on their dance skills (which is generally considered rude). If you are often uncomfortable in dances or often the recipient of these kinds of requests for adjustments, you should consider reaching out to a teacher or trusted ally for help.

 

Please do not engage in any illegal behavior during our event, including, but not limited to, use of recreational drugs, giving alcohol to minors and stealing.

 

This environment is for everyone regardless of race, age, level of dance, sexual orientation, gender, disability, physical appearance, religion, or anything else.  We do not tolerate harassment or threats of any kind. Any situation which makes another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable to the point of being unable to enjoy the event is unacceptable and can be considered harassment. If you harass or threaten someone, you may be asked to leave.

 

Unacceptable Behaviors

→ 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 physical harm will not be tolerated.

→ Inappropriate interactions regarding minors will not be tolerated.

→ Violating explicitly stated boundaries will not be tolerated.

→ Threats or intimidation will not be tolerated

 

Any of these actions are grounds for immediate intervention, up to and including loss of access to Wild Wild Westie 2024 without refund. For more information about intervention plans, please visit bit.ly/WWWSafety

→ “Incident Protocols”

 

What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable or harassing behavior:

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→ Please watch out for each other and help us to take care of you.

→ If you aren’t sure if someone else is okay, please take a closer look: ask them for a dance to draw them away from the situation, or ask, in a friendly way, if they need help.

→ If you are subjected to harassing behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unsafe or unacceptable behavior, or have other concerns along these lines, please utilize the Swing Reports & Restorations program.

 

Swing Reports & Restorations

If you have experienced harm or discomfort, if your safety or comfort has been negatively affected by a person or situation, if you have experienced or witnessed a violation of the Wild Wild Westie 2024 Code of Conduct, if you would like to request emotional support, if you have noticed an issue that limits the safety and/or access of attendees, reporting and request mechanisms are available to you.

 

To access reporting methods, learn about incident protocols, and familiarize yourself with the material, please visit:

bit.ly/WWWSafety

 

Expectations of Individuals Involved in Harmful Incidents

By attending Wild Wild Westie 2024, you are agreeing to participate in Swing Reports & Restorations processes. If you are approached by the Swing Reports & Restorations Safety Liaison, Riley Crozier, or a member of the Event Response Team and informed that you have been involved in an instance of harm, you will be expected to:

→ Respond in a timely manner if contacted digitally (24-48 hours)

→ Be responsive if approached in-person. In this case, “responsive” means willing to schedule a time at your earliest convenience to have a conversation.

 

Note: Being informed that you have caused harm can be distressing. You are allowed to say that you need time and space to calm yourself before engaging with conversations and the restorative process. However, your access to the event will be limited until you are able to schedule a time to discuss the matter.If an individual involved in a harmful incident refuses to engage in a restorative conversation with either the Safety Liaison or the Event Response team, that individual may be restricted from re-entering the event until that individual is willing to communicate with the aforementioned staff, acknowledge their part in the harmful incident, and take action to ensure no further harm occurs during the remainder of the event.

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Jay Tsai, Co-Event Director

CJ Caraway, Co-Event Director 214.455.3040

Tracy Wang, Co-Event Director 818.667.8626

 

Sources:Dance Jam Projections Code of ConductSwingesota Workshop Weekend Code of ConductConsultation and Development:Swing Reports & Restorations – swingreports@gmail.com