Code of Conduct

1 Purpose

A primary goal of MicroBurn is to be inclusive to the largest number of participants, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are 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).

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

We invite all those who participate at MicroBurn to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

2 Expected Behaviour

The following behaviours are expected and requested of all MicroBurn community members:

– Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community helping it to grow.

– Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions around others.

– Attempt collaboration before conflict.

– Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech.

– Refrain from any activities that may put yourself or others in danger.

– Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert Leads or Rangers if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

– Remember that MicroBurn event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

3 Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community. The list is not exhaustive and any other behaviours which are deemed harmful, disrespectful or inappropriate by MicroBurn in general will be dealt with by the MicroBurn Conduct Committee.

– Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person.

– Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableism or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.

– Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.

– Inappropriate photography or recordings. Ask before taking photos or video of people, especially if in a state of undress. People might feel fine expressing themselves at MicroBurn in certain aspects but probably do not want photographic evidence of such making its way out into the default world.

– Inappropriate physical contact. You should have someone’s consent before touching them.

– Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes, sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcomed sexual advances.

– Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in person). If you harass someone at an event you will be asked to leave.

– MicroBurn has a fairly active social media aspect to it especially on the run up to events. Anyone found to be trolling or harassing members of our community online will be removed from any social media account by moderators. If a member of our community can show evidence of harassment outside of social media within MicroBurns control this will be enough to warrant being reviewed by our Conduct Committee and will likely have consequences.

– Sustained disruption of community events, including talks, workshops or presentations, will result in members being asked to leave.

Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour is unacceptable.

4 Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour.

Unacceptable behaviour from any member of the MicroBurn community, including those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.

If a MicroBurn community member engages in unacceptable behaviour, the MicroBurn Conduct Committee may take any action they deem appropriate, this may range from being asked to leave an event up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from MicroBurn membership without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).

Appeals can be made within 14 days of notification against the Conduct Committee decision in which case a new panel will be assembled and they will review the evidence. Their decision is final and cannot be appealed against further.

5 Reporting Guidelines and Procedures

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behaviour at a MicroBurn event, or have any other concerns, please notify a Lead or Ranger as soon as possible. If you cannot find a Lead or Ranger go straight to Welfare which will usually have someone present.

Additionally, Leads or Rangers are available to help MicroBurn community members engage with local Police 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.

If you report an incident of unacceptable behaviour at an event you may either be asked for your details to be contacted after the event to get a full report or asked to give a report there and then.

If you were subject to an incident of unacceptable behaviour or were aware of one at an event and wish to report it after the event, in the first instance email: conflict@microburn.org

A Facilitator will contact you to sensitively and anonymously discuss the best resolution for you and other parties involved.

Once a complaint or report is received the person who is the focus of the complaint will also be contacted by a Facilitator from MicroBurn and asked to give their version of events. They will not be given any personal details such as the name of the person making the complaint.

All reports and accounts will be treated with the upmost confidentiality by the Facilitator. The goal of the Facilitator is NOT to determine guilt or innocence. Their goal is to gather enough information to be able to be reviewed by the Conduct Committee.

Once the facilitator has reports from all parties involved the names shall be removed from the information provided to maintain anonymity and then passed on to the Conduct Committee for review.

The Conduct Committee tries to hear multiple perspectives about some complex situations, and our volunteers often have busy schedules just like the witnesses and others they talk to. It can take several months to have a sufficient number of conversations to provide an understanding of the situation behind some reports. If you are interacting with the Conduct Committee (as a reporter, subject of a report, or witness), you can help keep our process moving by responding to emails from investigators in a timely fashion, and are welcome to check in with Facilitators yourself about report status.

Once reviewed the MicroBurn Conduct Committee may take any action they deem appropriate, this can range up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from MicroBurn membership. In the most serious of offences details will be passed on to Police or relevant authorities.

The Conduct Committee decision may be shared with other Burner events if they have a similar Conduct Committee and it is felt pertinent. Any information passed on will be expected to be kept in the strictest confidence.