SWARM Code of Conduct

Approved by the SWARM board of directors, November 2020

The Science Writers Association of the Rocky Mountains (SWARM) brings together science writers for networking, development and other events. SWARM is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming experience for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, age, socioeconomic status or belief. SWARM does not tolerate any form of harassment of members or attendees or participants at any of its events or forums.

In pursuit of those goals, speakers, attendees and volunteers at SWARM events (whether in-person or virtual), as well as participants in all forms of SWARM’s online discussion groups, are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

Expected behavior

Treat everyone with respect and consideration.
Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others and be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different than your own.
Be respectful in discussing and debating ideas.
Use welcoming and inclusive language.
Follow the rules and policies of the venue, if at an in-person event.
Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert the SWARM president (witzescience-at-gmail-dot-com or 720-334-7160), the full board (sciwrirockies-at-gmail-dot-com), and/or venue staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
All messages in online discussion groups must be signed with the author’s complete, professionally identifiable name.

Unacceptable behavior encompasses a spectrum and includes, but is not limited to:

Harassment and intimidation, including any verbal, written (including via texts or on social media), or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate, humiliate or coerce another participant.
Discrimination or other actions based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, age, socioeconomic status, or belief.
Stalking or unwelcome or surreptitious photography or recording.
Physical or verbal abuse or intimidation of any participant.
Sustained or disrespectful disruption of presentations or events.
Unwelcome sexual attention, including but not limited to sexualized comments or jokes, displaying sexually explicit material, inappropriate touching, groping or sexual advances.
Deliberate misgendering, use of “dead” or rejected names, or deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent.

Consequences

Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
SWARM board members may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate to ensure the safety and well-being of event and conference attendees.
Failure to comply with SWARM’s code of conduct may result in immediate removal from a SWARM event or a discussion group or, in extreme cases, termination of SWARM membership. This decision will be taken at the sole discretion of the SWARM board.
Posts in online discussion groups that violate this code of conduct will be removed from the archives.

How to report unacceptable behavior

Anyone who feels unsafe or threatened, is the subject of unacceptable behavior, or witnesses any such behavior should contact the SWARM president (sciwrirockies-at-gmail-dot-com or 720-334-7160), vice-president (marisfessenden-at-gmail-dot-com), and/or venue staff or the appropriate public authorities.
Anyone who feels they are in immediate danger at a SWARM in-person event should call 911 or the appropriate public authorities.
SWARM will do its best to maintain confidentiality in any reports, but cannot guarantee it.

For any questions about this Code of Conduct, please contact the SWARM president at sciwrirockies-at-gmail-dot-com or 720-334-7160.