Code of Conduct

Mesa County DSA Code of Conduct

1. Members are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct in all spaces, including online and in-person.
2. Members shall not engage in harassment. Harassing or abusive behavior includes unwelcome attention, inappropriate or offensive remarks, slurs, jokes, physical or verbal intimidation, stalking, and inappropriate physical contact, proximity, or other verbal/physical conduct.
3. Members shall not engage in discrimination against marginalized individuals, whether based on sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical appearance, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, class, age, or profession.
4. Members are expected to behave in a comradely manner. Berating others, using personal insults, spreading disinformation, disrespecting personal boundaries, and all other uncomradely behavior is prohibited.
5. If a member is presented with constructive criticism, they are expected to try to avoid defensiveness and to take accountability. The sharing of constructive criticism between members is essential for the collective growth and continued health of our organization.
6. If a member has an issue or conflict with another member, they should strive to bring it to them directly. If it is unsafe or unproductive to do so, that member should contact Harassment and Grievance Officers (HGOs). If conflict resolution is handled between members without official Chapter proceedings, those parties are still responsible for upholding agreements and boundaries established in that resolution. Conflict resolution should prioritize remedying harm done, taking accountability, and taking concrete steps to improve behavior. While those affected by harmful behavior should strive to resolve conflict in accordance with this code of conduct, an imperfect response to such behavior does not negate the harm done. As such, the context surrounding behavior should always be considered during conflict resolution and disciplinary proceedings.
7. All discussions should be approached in good faith, and good faith should be assumed of others. Disagreements are to be expected, but they should not disrupt the work of the Chapter. Debates are a necessary part of our organization, and they should be approached in a healthy manner. This involves engaging in debate in the appropriate spaces, allowing others to make their points, and avoiding straw-manning or personal attacks. Any request to disengage is to be respected. If the debate is clearly unproductive or is veering outside of the bounds of a healthy discussion, involved parties ought to disengage.
8. Members are expected to refrain from disruptive behaviors such as interruptions, side conversations, prolonged or repeated distractions, and hostility during Chapter business. Members are expected to engage in Chapter work in an authentic and active manner. Productive contributions, feedback, ideas, etc. are welcome and necessary – all member’s contributions are valuable. Marginalized voices should be prioritized, as well as the voices of those who do not speak as often.
9. Members are not permitted to share the personal information of another member, including but not limited to private names or aliases, address, contact information, workplace, or political affiliation without the permission of that member. Members also may not share the membership status, name or alias, or the likeness of other members with people outside of DSA spaces without the permission of that member or an HGO. Sharing internal correspondence, audio recordings, photography or video depicting a member without express permission by the depicted member or an HGO is strictly prohibited.
10. Members are expected to abide by all decisions democratically adopted by the Chapter.