The code of conduct is often times considered a first step in creating a safer space. Creating a code of conduct\u00a0has many upsides. It:<\/p>\n
If you write a code of conduct but no one enforces it, you give the feeling of safety without providing actual safety which creates a less safe environment.<\/p>\n
Each dance scene and dance form has slightly different values. The blues dance scene I come from is all about affirmative verbal consent, but this would be really hard to apply in, say, contact improv jams. Another example is that some scenes default to close embrace, while others have to negotiate close embrace.<\/p>\n
Try to list the values and behaviors you want to see in your community:<\/p>\n
There some things that should be included in a code of conduct:<\/p>\n
People in power at your event (teacher, DJs, organizers) have an imbalance of power with the participants, and many situation of crossing boundaries happen with this power differential.<\/p>\n
Many events now include additional requirements for those positions, for example:<\/p>\n
You also might want to lay out a plan if one of the staff is crossing a boundary (including you)<\/p>\n
I believe that code of conducts are useful if they’re read. I prefer to use positive, happy tones when I write them that gives a lot of examples of positive behavior. The downside to that is it might not carry across the sense that it’s important, and that there will be negative consequences to not respecting it.<\/p>\n
You can also choose to go for a\u00a0sterner code of conduct, which might scare people into acting in ways that do not go against it.<\/p>\n
I also tend to think that shorter is better, because people don’t really retain a lot of information anyway and I think it improves the chance they’ll read it. Some spaces have multiple codes of conduct with a short version and a longer one.<\/p>\n
You have to find a balance between the “spirit of the law”, like No harassment,\u00a0<\/em>that is vague and may be interpreted in many different ways and might be applied through the lens of the organizers bias, and a very precise list of behaviors like “we do not tolerate racial slurs at our events”. It then becomes very clear what’s acceptable and what’s unacceptable, and can be applied to everyone equally, but lacks in flexibility if someone uses bad behavior that you hadn’t anticipated.<\/p>\n A way to mitigate this could be to state your values and give a list of examples:<\/p>\n We ask that you do not engage in any sexist behavior in our space such as, but not limited to:<\/p>\n There’s a bunch of codes of conduct<\/a> that have been compiled by the community of dancers started by Aleks Taranov. You’ll find here the associated Google folder<\/a>. Check out her cool safer dance project<\/a>!<\/p>\n Here is the Elm City Exchange code of conduct that illustrates some of those ideas. It’s been written for Swing, Blues and Fusion. You’ll find example of different dances in the links above and in the examples below (click on the names to expand the content). Codes of Conduct are highly cultural and featuring them here is not an endorsement of the text or the community, simply an effort to portray a wide example of possibilities :<\/p>\nECX Code of conduct<\/span> Hi! We\u2019re really happy<\/b> you\u2019re considering joining us for ECX! We\u2019re excited to meet you, re-meet you, and generally dance with you!<\/p>\n During the event, we\u2019ll ask you to participate in making this event awesome by following this code of conduct!<\/p>\n We believe that practicing consent culture<\/b> creates a safer and comfortable environment. Please, leave the expectations and guesswork at the door, and actually ask before you do something that involves someone else<\/b>. You can ask verbally or not, but ask. Things you\u2019ll get high fives for : asking someone to dance ; asking if they want to lead, follow or switch ; asking before dancing close embrace ; asking before dipping someone. Proceed only if you receive an enthusiastic yes!<\/p>\n We will support everybody\u2019s right to say \u201cno\u201d.<\/b> Please help us by taking \u201cno\u201d graciously! Things you\u2019ll get approving winks for : answering a no by smiling and saying \u201csure\u201d; saying \u201cno problem, come find me if you change your mind\u201d.<\/p>\n If at any point you feel uncomfortable, we will support you for : using words to fix the dance<\/b> \u201ccan we get more space?\u201d \u201cplease use less strength\u201d \u201cplease don\u2019t dip me;\u201d\u00a0 walk away from an unsafe dance<\/b>; report what happened to the registration table.<\/p>\n We value every person coming to dance with us<\/b>, and we want to celebrate the diversity of people dancing together. Please treat people with respect<\/b>, we don\u2019t need those ugly stereotypes when we\u2019re dancing!<\/p>\n A great way to make people feel included and welcomed is to ask them to dance!<\/b> Things you\u2019ll get a thumbs up for : dancing with people you\u2019re not used to dance with, such as people with disability or of certain, race, gender, age, body size, dance skill and so on\u2026<\/p>\n We believe in common effort toward awesomeness! Please be excellent to the volunteers and to the hosts<\/b>! They love appreciation! Even better, become one of them<\/strong>, and help us make ECX even better!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n An example of a short code of conduct for Zouk :<\/p>\nCZC Code of conduct<\/span> Code of Conduct \u2013 CZC<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please do not bring alcohol into the venue. If you\u2019re found to be intoxicated, you may be removed from the event for the evening.<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Harassment and assault are not tolerated by the event. [We] will give a warning to or remove individuals who harass or assault other attendees.<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you are experiencing unwanted behavior, please report the incident to the registration desk or one of the organizers. We want you to have a great experience \u2013 and we treat these incidents seriously.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n
Examples :<\/h2>\n
Consent!<\/b><\/h4>\n
Inclusivity!<\/b><\/h4>\n
Volunteering!<\/b><\/h4>\n