Code of Conduct

Collective Voices for Change (CVFC)
For a better and more open jazz dance community Code of Conduct 


This Code of Conduct contains expectations that align with our values at Collective Voices for Change (CVFC). Please read and ensure you are familiar with these expectations so you can participate in the most productive way possible.

By participating in our events, you agree to comply with the behavior guidelines outlined in this code of conduct. The panelists, staff, and volunteers at our events must also abide by these behaviours. We are all responsible for holding ourselves and others accountable for these behaviours, and it will take us all working together to ensure we meet these expectations.

Expectations:

Respect all backgrounds:
We all are at different places on our journey of learning to be anti-racist. We are here to help the community become more anti-racist, not to shame individuals for not knowing things. Everyone comes from different life experiences, and these differences impact our worldviews and behaviour.

Commit to change:
There is so much to learn along our journey to becoming anti-racist. If someone points out something you said or did as being racist, take that as an opportunity to learn how you can change instead of defending your right to continue using that word or behaviour.

Respect identities:
If any individual requests that a specific gender or non-gendered language be used when referring to them, respect this request.

Make mistakes:
Learning means participating, and participating means you might make a mistake. If you make a mistake, apologize and try again. Yes, it might be uncomfortable, but mistakes are part of our learning process.

Understand the impact of your words and actions:
Strive to use language that builds up and does not tear down. Be accountable for what you say and do. It does not matter what your intentions were; if you harm someone with your words or actions, you still harmed them. Apologize. Learn. Do better next time.

Allow for change:
When someone makes a mistake, recognizes it as a mistake, apologizes, and makes efforts to change, please consider supporting their learning process with compassion.


Get uncomfortable:
Growing can be painful, and change can be difficult. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable as you learn new things. When you find yourself uncomfortable, listen more and take the time to understand why you are uncomfortable. Remember why you are here and participating, and be mindful of how you can continue to learn even though you are uncomfortable.

Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination:
We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment free from harassment and discrimination. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. 

  • Derogatory comments or jokes based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. 

  • Intimidation, bullying, or threats.

  • Discrimination in access to or participation in events or activities. 

Reporting Violations:
If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately. Reports can be made in the following ways:

Reports will be treated with confidentiality to the extent possible, and we will take all necessary steps to address and resolve the issue. We are committed to responding to all reports promptly and fairly.

Consequences of Violations:
The Directors may take any appropriate action, including: 

  • Warning the individual involved.

  • Mediation or conflict resolution.

  • Removal from the event without refund. 

  • Banning the individual from future CVFC events.

Accessibility:
This Code of Conduct is available in written format. If you require this information in an alternative format, such as large print or audio, please contact us at info@collectivevoicesforchange.org

We must also recognize that our conversations will be sensitive to many participants. Although this is a learning environment, we must understand that past behaviours in our dance community have harmed many people. We need to respect their experiences by listening and not defending past behaviours. We must work together to fix the behaviours that have led to the harm.