Policies, Code of Conduct & Vetting

 This code applies to everyone involved in and/or attending Dynamics. You are expected to uphold our Code of Consent & Ethical Conduct presented here. This code is not comprehensive. Real world situations often involve a complicated interaction of factors. However, this should never be used as an excuse. In situations that are ambiguous, you are unsure of what to do, or the situation is not covered by the Code of Consent & Ethical Conduct, consult Dynamics Staff for advice and further clarification.

*Please Note: We don’t expect you to be perfect. We do expect you to strive to be the best version of yourself, and to help others uphold the standards set forth.

  It is everyone’s responsibility to understand, ask for, and choose whether to give or withhold consent. Consent is a mutually understood agreement, entered freely and willingly, granting a specific set of permissions that can be withdrawn at any time. Together, we seek to create a safe and consensual space where people are accepted and able to explore themselves and their sexuality. These are the consent guidelines we expect everyone at Dynamics events to practice while you are at the event:

1. No touching people or personal property without permission. Explicit verbal      permission must be obtained before intentionally touching anyone. It is      the responsibility of the person initiating the activity to ensure consent      has been gained prior to starting.

2. Treat everyone as an equal by default. Dynamics welcomes people from all walks      of life, and does not tolerate discrimination, under any terms. Everyone      has responsibility to obtain, provide or withhold consent regardless of      sex, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, age, orientation, relationship      status, sexual power dynamics, or any other identity. We do not tolerate      any form of harassment or abuse (verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual).      Harassment includes offensive verbal comments (related to gender, age,      sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race,      religion, or political believes), deliberate intimidation, stalking,      following, harassing, photography or recording, sustained disruption of      classes or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome      sexual attention. We do not tolerate the use of misogynistic, homophobic,      transphobic, ableist, or racist language.

3.Each participant is responsible for making sure, to the best of their ability, that everyone involved has the physical, mental, and emotional capacity to      give informed and voluntary consent during negotiation and during the      activity itself. Respect indecision—which means there is no consent. Do      not set out to convince someone of any answer or to try to change their      mind. Respect someone saying NO. If someone says NO, don’t ask them that      thing again. Be gracious in accepting someone saying no to you.

4. Gain  consent for each different activity. Agreeing to one thing does not imply      consent to anything else. Participants need to agree on meanings for safe      words or safe signs when they are being used. Anyone can withdraw consent      at any time during any activity. All participants shall endeavor to be      clear and unequivocal when withdrawing consent. Make every effort to      understand coercive influences. We encourage everyone to be aware that      “Yes” does not always mean “Yes.” Consent should at all times be      enthusiastic, informed and continual. All participants are responsible for      stopping immediately any activity at the withdrawal of consent from      anyone. Never assume there exists an implied consent. Someone has the      right to change a predetermined agreement. Consent must be ongoing.

5. We  expect everyone involved to uphold the value of honesty. Honesty means never deceiving another, or oneself, through either actions, words, or      omission. Being honest means compassionately and kindly communicating      information that is relevant to your interactions with another. Be Honest. Consent is uninformed if it is gained through dishonesty.

6. If your  consent is violated or you experience a consent injury, verbally tell an  event organizer, or clearly marked representative of Dynamics. There is a      procedure in place to help you. If you are unable to do so, inform the Dynamics      event director by email as soon as possible. It is your right to report      what happened to you and to ask for support.

7. Violation of the consent policy may result in expulsion from the event and/or temporary      or permanent ban from Dynamics events or activities. There are procedures      in place to handle violation of this policy and those procedures will be  followed by all staff, and representatives of Dynamics. No one is exempt      from the policy.