The 2025 WAFCS Conference Code of Conduct
The 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference aims to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, and religion.
This Anti-Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.
We expect all participants in the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference to create a safe and positive experience for everyone.
“Participant” in this policy refers to anyone present at the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference including staff, contractors, hotel and AV staff, speakers, WAFCS leadership, and all attendees.
Expected Behavior
We expect all participants at the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference to abide by this Code of Conduct in all venues, including ancillary events and official and unofficial social gatherings.
• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
• Alert WAFCS leadership if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to
• intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any participants in the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference, at all related events and in one-on- one communications carried out in the context of the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference WAFCS event venues may be shared with members of the public;
• harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, political beliefs, or other personal characteristics
• inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides)
• deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
• harassing photography or recording
• inappropriate disruption of talks or other events
• unwelcome and uninvited attention or conduct
• physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping)
• real or implied threat of physical harm
• real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm
• possession or use of any illegal drug, narcotic or banned substance
• possession or use of any item defined as a weapon, illegal or not
Be careful in the words that you choose. Remember that sexist, racist, homophobic, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, transphobic, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you.
Excessive swearing and offensive “jokes” are not appropriate for the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior from any participant at the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference will not be tolerated. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, WAFCS may take any action they deem appropriate, including removal from the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference (without refund) at which the harassment occurred. Egregious violations will result in more severe sanctions.
If You Are Subject to or Witness Unacceptable Behavior
If you are being harassed, notice someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the WAFCS Leadership or Cindy Quilling, Executive Director, immediately, ALL reports are confidential.
If possible, provide the following information, preferably in writing:
• Identifying information (name, appearance, role) of the participant who has committed an offense
• The approximate time of the behavior
• The circumstances surrounding the incident
• Other people involved in or witnessing the incident
The staff are trained on how to deal with the incident and how to further proceed with the situation. If needed or requested, leadership will help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the 2025 WAFCS Annual Conference. No one will be contacted without the permission of the person who was harassed/assaulted. If requested, WAFCS Conference Chairs will provide a full refund (minus ticketed events already attended) to anyone who has been harassed or assaulted so that they may process the event in their own space.
Addressing Grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify Cindy Quilling, Executive Director, with a concise description of your grievance, by email to cindyquilling.wafcs@gmail.com.
Policy developed based on information from Smarts Consulting