Average Workshops, Events, Gallery, Online, + Code of Conduct.
We attempt to make our events as safe, respectful, inclusive and enjoyable as possible. Participants can be made up of different identities, views and experiences so it is important that everyone has a common understanding of appropriate behaviour.
We require all observers, participants and facilitators to follow this code of conduct.
If you think you might have difficulty understanding or following this code of conduct, please let us know before the start of the event so that we can help you.
General steps to follow:
Respect each other’s identities, names and pronouns at all times
If you are unsure of the pronoun someone uses ask them or avoid gendered language, e.g. use “they” instead of “he” or “she”
Be inclusive and supportive of those who are less confident or who have communication difficulties so that everyone can contribute
Listen to and follow the instructions of facilitators, including their decisions about what is off-topic and who is next to speak and for how long
Please ask before touching anyone at our events. It’s easy, and the worst thing that happens is someone says no! That includes hugging – you might not know that it makes some people uncomfortable, but it does, so please ask first
Rather than interrupt another participant who is speaking, indicate to the facilitator that you wish to speak and then wait your turn. If this is on a platform like Zoom, you can use the hand raise emoji!
Friendly constructive discussion is welcomed but personal insults and demeaning or argumentative comments are not acceptable
Attendees may leave a session or event at any time without explanation
The behaviours of others are never justification for anyone to break this Code of Conduct in response.
Great things to do:
Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community
Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions
Attempt collaboration before conflict
Be mindful of your surroundings and the other participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential
Accept people’s self-identified gender for all purposes.
Everyone is entitled to use whichever toilet they self-define as most appropriate for their gender identity and gender expression.
Things that are not allowed:
Harmful or damaging verbal or written comments related to gender, trans status, sexual orientation, physical appearance, body size, technical choices, lack of technical knowledge, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion (or lack thereof) and other personal conditions and choices
Trolling, i.e. sustained disruption of conversations, talks or other events
Nonconsensual photography or recording
Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides)
Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
Nonconsensual physical contact
Unwelcome sexual attention
Micro-aggressions, i.e. small, subtle, often subconscious actions that marginalise people from oppressed groups
Minimising other people’s experiences
Shouting, swearing, harassing, threatening or humiliating behaviour (verbal, physical or sexual) towards others is unacceptable
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech
Please avoid making assumptions. If you aren’t aware of what someone’s gender is, and you can’t figure out what pronoun to use, just ask or look at our name tags, where you may find their name and favourite pronoun!
Avoid negative comments, assumptions and stereotyping of people on the basis of their gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, disability, religion, beliefs, age, accent or culture
Alcohol consumption is not permitted, except in moderation at specific evening events
Any attendee who causes damage to property will be held liable
The use or possession of illicit drugs is never permitted during our events
Confidentiality:
Keep personal information about others private and only share if they have given you permission
Get permission before publicly identifying any event attendee, including on personal blogs, websites and social networking sites, e.g. Facebook
Ensure you have permission from everyone with their face visible in shot before taking a photograph
Ensure you have permission from everyone who might be recorded before starting any audio or film recording
If you believe someone has photographed, audio recorded or filmed you without your permission, you may ask them to delete the image/recording or urgently contact any of the event organisers for assistance
We will not publish information, photographs or recordings which may identify attendees without their permission
We will not share any information about attendees without permission unless necessary due to safety concerns
If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behaviour
Please let us know as soon as possible if you experience or witness anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or which may be in breach of the Code of Conduct. Even if you do not want anything done, please still let us know.
If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behaviour, feel someone is being treated disrespectfully, or have any other concerns, point out the problem to any facilitator you feel comfortable talking to as soon as possible. You can also reach us via email or via direct WhatsApp if you are already connected there.
jaz@averagegoods.co.uk or go to www.averagegoods.co.uk and use the contact form.
Additionally, facilitators are available to help those experiencing unacceptable behaviour feel safe. In the context of in-person events, facilitators can provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.
Examples of things we can do:
Listen to you in a private space
Talk to the others involved
Ask for an apology
Ask them to leave you alone
Require them to not be where you are
Ask them to leave
Exclude them from the rest of the event
Exclude them from future events
Remove them from group messaging services
Unacceptable behaviour from any participant or community member, including facilitators and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated.
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to stop immediately.
If a participant or community member engages in unacceptable behaviour, the organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the community without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).
Addressing Grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify one of the event organisers via email or in person with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.
Licence and Attribution
This Code of Conduct is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license. It is based on the Queer Code CoC, the Equality Network / Scottish Trans Alliance, the Berlin Code of Conduct, and HAEQS Code of Conduct.