Conduct statement

The purpose of the Canadian Stuttering Association’s Conferences, Meetings and Events is to provide a safe place for people who stutter to share experiences, learn, help each other cope with the daily challenges of stuttering, be motivated, communicate, network, socialize and be entertained.

It is imperative to ensure that all participants in our conferences, meetings and events can freely and openly share ideas in a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment that encourages and inspires mutual respect and collaboration. The Canadian Stuttering Association Conference, Meeting and Events Conduct Statement states our shared ideals with respect to conduct. It is a way to communicate our existing values to the entire community.

We respect all points of view regarding stuttering and personal choices.

Be welcoming.

One of the greatest strengths of the CSA community is our inclusiveness. Making all attendees feel welcome and included is everyone’s job, including volunteers, presenters, exhibitors and sponsors. Be considerate.

CSA conferences, meetings and events attract diverse people from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. We acknowledge that cross-cultural communication can often be complicated and encourage everyone to consider both the impact of their actions on those with different backgrounds and experiences. All participants should be sensitive to the possibility of misunderstandings based on differing experiences and backgrounds.

Be respectful.

Sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, and other participants should strive to treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their culture, religion, physical appearance, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

Be collaborative and consult others when you disagree.

People are encouraged to take responsibility for their words and actions and listen to constructivelypresented criticism with an open mind, courtesy, and respect. If and when misunderstandings occur, we encourage individuals to first try to resolve conflicts between themselves in a constructive manner, asking for help when needed. This approach gives people more control over the outcome of their dispute.

When we need it, we ask for help.

If people are unable to work out issues between themselves, they are encouraged to seek the advice of a mutually trusted third party or a person on the contact list to help mediate.

We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. If you feel threatened or violated as a result of intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning conduct, please immediately notify a person on the contact list. Likewise, please immediately notify a person on the contact list if you notice that someone else is being subjected to such behavior. If the matter is especially urgent, please call 911. The CSA Board of Directors wants everyone to feel safe for the duration of the conference, meeting or event.

The CSA Board of Directors and/or Volunteers can be identified by their name badges, and will help participants contact local law enforcement, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference.

We expect participants to follow these guidelines at all conference, meeting or event venues and related social events.

Procedures

• Any participant experiencing harassment will first try to resolve conflicts between themselves in a constructive manner, asking for help when needed.
• Any participant seeking help will report the incident to anyone on the contact list or a third party
• The contact will assist the complainant. If necessary, CSA Board of Directors are empowered to take appropriate actions that may include, but are not limited to, private warnings and referrals to venue security or local law enforcement.
• It is the responsibility of the complainant to work directly with facility security or law enforcement to initiate security or legal enforcement.
• The CSA Chair along with the involved Board Directors or contact list person will follow up with complainant to inform them of any course of action taken.

We’re all in this together!

Thanks for making our conferences, meetings and events awesome for everyone!

The Canadian Stuttering Association Conference, Meetings and Events Conduct Statement is adapted from the draft DrupalCon Code of Conduct, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License and is available for others to use and adapt for their own events.