Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is essential to promoting an inclusive, supportive, and respectful environment for all people at all SWCC events (whether online or in person) and to upholding the SWCC mission, vision, and values.

SWCC is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for all members of our professional community at our annual conference, social, and other SWCC organized events. All participants including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, SWCC staff, service providers, and others are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct applies to all SWCC conference-related events including those sponsored and or hosted by organizations other than SWCC, but which are held in conjunction with the SWCC conference or events and interactions that take place as part of conference tours and social activities.

Expected Behavior

• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.

• All attendees, SWCC staff, volunteers, host facility staff, and vendors are treated with respect and consideration, valuing diverse views and opinions. 

• Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow attendees.

• Communicate openly with respect for others, critiquing ideas not
  individuals.

• Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, SWCC contracted facilities, or any other platform.

• Avoid personal attacks directed toward other attendees, participants, SWCC staff, suppliers, and vendors.   

• Alert SWCC staff, SWCC board members, or staff of the host facility if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of our participants are a top priority. SWCC recommends that you: 

• Stay home if you or anyone in your household is symptomatic of a respiratory infection. 

• Observe public health guidelines in the area where the event takes place, noting that masking guidelines are subject to change as new public health data becomes available. 

• Consider wearing a mask indoors and in crowded spaces, even when there is no active mask mandate. SWCC will provide masks and hand sanitizer at all in-person events.  

• SWCC encourages all speakers, staff, volunteers, and event participants to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for optimal protection.

Photography and Videography

• SWCC reserves the right to take photos at all events for exclusive use of the organization. 

• SWCC will identify designated spaces at events where photographs will not be taken, to provide a safe space for those who do not wish to be photographed. 

• Please respect all individuals who request not to be photographed. 

• Recording or taking photographs of another individual’s presentation without their explicit permission is not allowed.

Unacceptable Behaviour

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include, but are not limited to:

• verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, race, religion, and national origin.

• inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or presentations, 

• threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, SWCC staff, SWCC board member, host facility staff, vendor, and service providers, or other event participant.
  

• Harassment, intimidation or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.

• Physical or verbal abuse of any kind towards any person at an SWCC event (including host facility staff and external vendors and suppliers) will not be tolerated.   

Consequences

• Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.
  

• SWCC staff, board members, or host facility staff or security may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal of an individual from the meeting without warning or refund.
  

• SWCC reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future conferences or other SWCC social and professional development events.

Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour

• At each SWCC event, the staff or board members will identify those individuals who are responsible for addressing concerns related to unacceptable behaviour. 

• If you are the subject of unacceptable behaviour or have witnessed any such behaviour, please immediately notify the designated SWCC staff, volunteer or host facility staff member. 

• Notification must be conducted in person or by email to president@sciencewriters.ca. All reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent that it does not compromise the rights of others.
  

• Anyone experiencing or witnessing behaviour that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety is advised to immediately notify a member of the host facility staff and or a security guard, or locate a house phone and ask for security.
  

• Reports of unacceptable behaviour or behaviour that constitutes an immediate threat should never be done via social media.