Immerse Global Summit Code of Conduct
IGS is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, age, religion, or political views. Sexual language and imagery is inappropriate for any conference venue, including talks.*
*Discussion or images related to sex, pornography, discriminatory language or other sensitive material is permissible if it meets all of the following criteria:
IGS organizers have reviewed the material and specifically granted permission in writing
It is necessary to the topic of the talk and no alternative exists
It is presented in a respectful manner, especially towards women and LGBTQIA people
Attendees are warned in advance in the conference program and given ample opportunity to leave the room before the talk begins. This exception does not allow use of gratuitous sexual imagery as unnecessary examples or attention-grabbing devices.
We do not tolerate harassment of conference attendees or participants in any form. Anyone violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the IGS organizers. Harassment includes but is not limited to:
Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, age, religion or political views
Sexual images in public spaces
Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
Inappropriate (non-consensual) physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention
Harassing (non-consensual) photography or recording
Sustained disruption of talks or other activities associated with IGS
Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior
We expect attendees and participants to follow these rules throughout the duration of IGS/VRARA events, MeetUps, workshops, in all event-related spaces and activities, both in-person and virtual. Individuals asked to stop harassing, disruptive or hostile behavior are expected to comply immediately. IGS organizers retain the right to take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender and expulsion without a refund from the conference venue, to keep IGS a welcoming and safe environment for all.
Harassment and Discrimination are not tolerated.
Harassment relates to exhibiting aggression, pressure, and intimidation towards others. Discrimination refers to treating others with prejudice based on their identity group. The definition is anyone who discriminates or harasses others based on race, ethnicity, economic status or perceived economic status, religion, age, sex/gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, illness, body size, or other categories of appearance or identification — either during or after the event. — will be asked to stop and expected to comply immediately. They risk being banned from attending future events.
Creating Conversation
Ask questions to learn, not to confront. We want to create a space for learning and growth, which starts with asking the right questions. These conversations may be difficult, but they are necessary, and we aim to learn together in a respectful space.
DO’s: Ask open-ended questions. If you have a question about the experience of a facilitator or a participant, consider your intent in asking the question. For example, is the intent to learn empathy and support skills for experiences that you are unfamiliar with? If this is the case, ask your question as best as you can! For example: Ask questions as you would like to be asked by them. Take that brief second to think about how you would answer the question you are about to ask, and if you feel uncomfortable, then you need to rephrase it. A good question lets you better understand the situation, and this requires not putting people on the defensive.
DONT’S: If your intent in asking a question is to confront, mock, or degrade, refrain from asking your question. We define “confront” in this case as any question or comment meant to antagonize, gaslight, or trick an individual into denying or devaluing the truth of their lived experiences. Demeaning a person rarely produces honest feedback.
Practice Consent
DO’S: Respect and acknowledge the boundaries of all people within the digital and physcial space, before and after the event.
DON’TS: If someone indicates that they do not want to receive private messages from other participants - either over Zoom or social media, in the app or in-person- respect their wishes and refrain from making contact. We want to reinforce that all interactions should be consensual, respectful, and empathetic.
Similarly, if participants/facilitators do not want to answer a question that you have asked, they are not required to do so. Respect their wishes and do not push them to answer a question of yours that they have not consented to answering.
Practice Inclusive Language
When engaging with facilitators and participants, avoid assumptions of identity.
DO’S: Ask people for their preferred pronouns and share your own. If a person’s gender identity and sexual orientation are not stated, focus on using gender-neutral terms (i.e., “they/them” instead of “he/she”; “partner/significant other” instead of “boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife”).
When addressing a group, use inclusive language like “everyone,” “honoured guests,” “team,” “fellow Earthlings," "y’all".
DONT'S: When engaging with facilitators and participants, avoid assumptions of identity. When addressing a group, be sure to avoid using gendered language (i.e., “guys,” “ladies & gentlemen,” “boys & girls”).
Event Protocols
Immerse Global Summit will not tolerate disruption to presentations throughout the experience. All participants must comply with the instructions given by Immerse Global Summit staff. Removing, muting, or revoking access from other participants, staff, guests, or volunteers will not be tolerated. Any harassment of Immerse Global Summit staff or guests will result in the removal of the offending guest.
Consequences of breaking the code
Immerse Global Summit reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the event without warning in response to any incident of unacceptable behaviour. Immerse Global Summit reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future events, virtually or in-person. If Immerse Global Summit is a guest on the call, Immerse Global Summit reserves the right to end the call and remove themselves from the meeting. Immerse Global Summit is committed to creating a respectful space for its staff, volunteers, and guests or speakers.
Reporting an Incident
If you or someone (either guest, attendee, participant, or host) within the event is being harassed, please contact an Immerse Global Summit staff member immediately. Immerse Global Summit staff is there to listen, to field participant concerns, reach out to local resources, and engage in activities that will build a resolution.
This Code of Conduct has been adapted from: http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment/Policy
For questions or feedback, please contact us.