THIS EVENT’S OVERWHELMING SUCCESS has been driven by a community of artists, performers, guests, sponsors, staff, and clients who have embraced a positive culture of inclusion, collaboration, encouragement, and proactive involvement. The organizers of this event believe it is our duty to help foster conduct that actively promotes & sustains this culture. To this end, we ask all event staff and talent to agree to a Code of Conduct before being considered to participate in the event. The Code of Conduct is also reiterated through casting publications, rehearsal emails, day of show instructions and post-event reviews, and is made available to the public for review on this website.
WE ARE DEDICATED to a harassment-free experience regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, age, or experience level. This includes comments that involve bullying, deliberately intimidating or abusing of a position of authority, exhibiting predatory behavior, inappropriate manipulation of images taken at or from the event, unwelcome sexual advancements or attention, sustained disruption of conversations, production procedures or event schedules, unwanted physical contact, abrasive or derogatory communication, or any other activity that may be deemed as harassment, discriminatory or inappropriate.
ITS IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE to that all talent, staff, guests and clients enjoy not only a safe and comfortable environment, but a transparent method of resolution should conflict arise at the event. We believe a key to building an inclusive and supportive community is establishing clear expectations, accountability and empathy within the larger community. To encourage communication and develop ongoing growth in our policies & procedures, we encourage you to contact community@pittsburghbondsoiree.com if you have any thoughts, feedback or questions.
THE CONDUCT OF CONDUCT includes 5 very short Sections and takes an average of 4.5 minutes to read. It may seem like a lot up front, but we think it’s a small contribution to help ensure a safe, positive, and rewarding experience for everyone in the community.
Thank you for building a better community with us. We look forward to working with you!
THE FOLLOWING CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT INCLUDES:
1) Expected Behavior.
2) Unacceptable Behavior.
3) Consequences.
4) Reporting Guidelines.
5) Addressing Grievances.
Please read each section thoroughly and check the “Yes” box on the volunteer application form to indicate that you understand and agree to everything therein. If you have any questions, please contact community@pittsburghbondsoiree.com.
EXPECTED BEHAVIOR:
The following behaviors are expected and requested of all community members. This includes all levels of Staff and Management, Staff and Guests.
Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
Attempt collaboration before conflict.
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech.
Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. This includes backstage environment, dancing spaces and seating arrangements.
Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct. Even if they seem inconsequential.
Remember that community event venues may be shared with other members of the public. Please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR:
We are dedicated to a harassment-free experience regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, or age. The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community:
Violence, threats of violence or language directed against another person.
Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material.
Posting or threatening to post other peoples personally identifying information (“doxing”). This includes inappropriate photography or recording, or the altering of imagery to falsely depict another individual.
Personal insults, particularly relating to gender, sexual orientation, race or disability.
Inappropriate physical contact. You should have someone’s consent before touching them.
Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes, sexualized comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcome sexual advances.
Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in person).
Inappropriate use of someone’s person contact info
Sustained disruption of community events, including talks and presentations.
Any behavior that demeans another for being less experienced or qualified.
Substance abuse.
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
CONSEQUENCES:
Unacceptable behavior from any community member, including, but not limited to, sponsors, staff, guests and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anybody asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a community member engages in unacceptable behavior, our event staff may take any action they deem appropriate. This includes temporary ban, permanent expulsion from the community or event without warning, or further legal action if required. This may include expulsion from and event without refund in the case of paid events.
REPORTING GUIDELINES:
We reserve the right to remove any Staff or Talent from an event at any time for violating the Code of Conduct. If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify a community organizer as soon as possible. When submitting a formal complaint, focus on objective evidence,
Q: What do I do if I feel myself or someone near me is being mistreated?
A: Tell us. Our Event Staff are happy to:
Provide an escort. (Within a 10 minute walking distance of the venue.)
Talk to security.
Assist you in contacting the police.
Work to resolve the issue in accordance with this policy.
Q: What happens after an incident is reported?
A: Our compliance officer will review the information provided. In most cases, arrive at a verdict within 10 business days. In some cases, further information may be requested, or the case may be escalated to the Event Director or a review board. How we proceed with each complaint varies based on the severity of the issue. Any claims of assault must be escalated and reported to the police.
Q: What if it happens after or outside of an event?
A: You have two options:
Notify an appropriate Staff member informally, via email, phone, or in-person.
Submit a formal complaint by emailing community@pittsburghbondsoiree.com
Q: What happens if someone submits a complaint against me?
A: If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify Event Management with a concise description of your side of the story.
Q: What happens if my complaint is against a Staff Person?
A: Complaints against Staff are handled the same as a complaint against a participant or guest.
We value your participation in the community and want to ensure you know how to address a concern should it arise. We also practice referral requirements for photographers for model safety, enforce rigorous backstage privacy measures and provide various resources to help keep our staff and talent safe.
Whisper List: Have a current conflict with another individual? You may put their name on a private do-not-enter list for a show you are participating in.
Repeat Offenders: Repeat conflicts are escalated to further action, which can include permanent expulsion from the community.
Reiteration: Our Code of Conduct is a required agreement for all Staff and Talent who participate in our event. These requirements are also repeated during our Casting Procedures, Rehearsals and Day of Show Communications.
For additional information or questions about these policies, please email community@pittsburghbondsoiree.com.