code of conduct

WIMDI is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone at our events, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of event attendees or our community members, at WIMDI events or outside of them. Event participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the event or the group at the discretion of the organizers.

Harassment

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person
• Verbal or written comments and questions that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, physical health, mental health, race, age, religion, immigration status, etc.
• Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language
• Deliberate misgendering of any community member
• Sexual imagery or discussion
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following (online or in-person)
• Posting or threatening to post others’ personally identifying information (aka: doxing)
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Harassing photography or recording of others by event participants
• Sustained disruption of community events, including talks and presentations
• Excessive solicitation of members for sales purposes
• Any solicitation of members for inappropriate or illegal sales purposes, including (but not limited to) Multi-Level Marketing, Pyramid Schemes, and/or Ponzi Schemes

Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviour is also considered a violation of the WIMDI Code of Conduct.

Due to the nature of the topics discussed at WIMDI, it is occasionally necessary and helpful to discuss experiences, themes, and language related to the aforementioned harassment actions. Discussion related to discriminatory language or similar above-listed items is welcome if it meets all of the following criteria:

• It is necessary or helpful to the topic of discussion and no alternative exists
• It is presented in a respectful manner, especially towards women and LGBTQIA2+ people

In particular, topics of a traumatic nature (eg: violence, sexual harassment, etc.) require special care. WIMDI is a diverse community that includes individuals that may be triggered by these types of discussions. It is important that WIMDI is a place where we can share and discuss our experiences, and we want to balance that with not intruding on others’ safety. If you wish to discuss something of this nature, we ask that you ask and obtain permission of the group, and respect the wishes of those who do not wish to participate in the discussion.

Enforcement

Event attendees asked by another attendee or WIMDI volunteer or organizer to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including removal from the event or permanent expulsion from the WIMDI community (without refund, in the case of a paid event).

We expect participants to follow these rules at WIMDI events, but clear violations of the harassment policy outside of events (eg: stalking, inappropriate comments) may also lead to action from the organizers, including removal from the group.

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. You can make a personal report by contacting a WIMDI organizer or volunteer at the event (identifiable by special name tags), or via email.

When taking a personal report, WIMDI volunteers will do our best to ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. We'll ask you to tell us about what happened in the level of detail you’re comfortable sharing. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't be asked to confront anyone and we won't tell anyone who you are.

Where necessary, WIMDI volunteers are happy to help you contact security or law enforcement, and can provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event.

At this time we do not have the systems in place to fully anonymize reports, but we do keep your details confidential.