Code of Conduct and Inclusion Policy for the Vancouver UX Awards

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Location

The Vancouver UX Awards are held on the unceded, ancestral, and occupied, traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Watuth), Stó:lō, Shíshálh (Sechelt) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations of the Coast Salish peoples. We strive towards allyship in all forms, and aim for accountability and transparency by listening and centring Indigenous voices and voices of colour.

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Code of Conduct

Everyone participating in The Vancouver UX Awards is required to agree to the following Code of Conduct and Inclusion Policy. This includes all attendees, speakers, judges, sponsors, volunteers, and staff. We are a respectful and friendly community and we aim to run safe, inclusive, and fun events. We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neurotype, physical appearance, body, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. While we don't anticipate problematic behaviour, if something does happen, we want you to know we've got your back. Anyone who violates the Code of Conduct and Inclusion Policy may be expelled from an event at the discretion of the Van UX Awards organizers.

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What is harassment?

For the purposes of attending any event related to the Vancouver UX Awards, the following, non-exhaustive list of unacceptable behaviours will be considered harassment:

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• Offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, mental health, body size, race, or religion
• Unwelcome comments regarding a person’s lifestyle choices and practices
• Deliberate misgendering or use of ‘dead’ or rejected names
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
• Inappropriate physical or sexual contact and/or any unwelcome physical or sexual attention
• Sexual images in public spaces
• Inappropriate or unwelcomed photography or video/audio recording
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events

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We expect participants to follow these rules at the official awards event and any related social events. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviours are expected to comply immediately.

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The Vancouver UX Awards prioritizes marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort. The organizing team reserves the right not to act on complaints regarding:

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• ‘Reverse’ -isms, including ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and ‘cisphobia’
• Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”
• Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial
• A complaint of someone else's complaint

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What should I do if I'm being harassed?

Please contact a volunteer or organizer, or email info@vancouveruxwards.com right away. You will recognize volunteers and organizers at events because they will have distinctive “Vancouver UX Awards” identification on their lanyards and name tags.

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You may request a private conversation with Terence Sawtell, Mhairi Robertson, or Wells Stringham, or at any point, you may email info@vancouveruxawards.com or anonymously submit one via this form if you prefer not to report the incident in person.

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How will the Vancouver UX Awards respond to harassment?

If anyone behaves in a harassing manner, conference volunteers and/or organizers will take immediate action. We'll use our best judgment to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Here are some of the actions we may deem appropriate:

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• A warning to the offender not to repeat the harassing behaviour
• Expulsion from the event without a refund
• Contacting venue security
• Providing a safe escort for the harassed person
• Reporting the incident to local law enforcement

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We will work with both parties in good faith to ensure that any harassment ceases immediately. We will do whatever we can to be sure you feel safe for the duration of the event.

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Curation

The Vancouver UX Awards prioritizes curating a diverse and representative lineup for our Awards gala and events. We recognize our responsibility to amplify voices that have been traditionally and are currently marginalized/under represented both in our community and in our society.

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Hospitality

The Van UX Awards events will always offer a menu of non-alcoholic beverages at events. Our events also serve beer, wine, and cocktails, and we ask our attendees to drink responsibly. Alcohol consumption is not an excuse for violating our Code of Conduct.

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Thank you

Our Code of Conduct and Inclusion Policy draws from policies authored by Django and XOXO, resources shared by Geek Feminism. We thank them for openly sharing and encouraging the use of their policies and knowledge.

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