STEPS CODE OF CONDUCT (modified from https://safetyinswingdance.com/)
Safety Trust Engagement Prevention Support
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Oxford Swing Dance is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable social dance experience for everyone regardless of dance ability, dance background, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other characteristic or trait. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue at the discretion of the organisers.
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We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed intimidating or inappropriate behaviour to tell an organiser. Please come and talk to us in confidence at any time - at classes, events or wherever you see us. Your suggested points of contact (Safety People) at Oxford Swing Dance are: Pam, Tamsin, Lucy, Les or Chris. Safety People are available for discussion and reassurance, not just formal reports. Please do tell us about your concerns, even small ones - we're here for you!
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Thankfully any such infringements are extremely rare but by adhering to the STEPS principles we endeavour to ensure a safer, friendly and enjoyable experience for all. Read on for the full STEPS CODE OF CONDUCT.
STEPS Code – Safety, Trust, Engagement, Prevention, Support
(Safety in Swing Dance and the ‘STEPS’ code take strides to be there for anyone in need)
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We believe that the swing dance world is already welcoming, supportive (and fantastic!) and that instances of inappropriate behaviour are rare. Our Code of Conduct is designed to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility to build safety into events, and to contribute to the well being of the whole community. We love to dance, and we want you to love it too.
Guidelines for Being Good People
The following good people guidelines apply to EVERYONE attending a STEPS Code event, including members of staff, volunteers and visiting teachers:
1. We will be NICE to everyone and treat all people with respect. We will not harass anyone. We will not discriminate according to sex, gender expression nor sexual orientation, nor race religion, nor nationality. We will treat everyone equally, regardless of age, ability, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience or dance role.
2. We will be INCLUSIVE and invite others to dance, and we will be gracious if turned down. We will ask people of all levels to dance because we can all learn from each other and thereby improve the overall standard of dance in our community. We may say no when asked to dance, but we will be polite when doing so and if we promise to dance later on, we will honour that promise.
3. We will be RESPONSIBLE for our own physical safety and that of others nearby. We will practice safe floor-craft and say sorry if we accidentally bump another person. We will not offer advice or instruction unless asked to do so, nor perform aerials on the social floor. If we consume alcohol we will do so responsibly, and if we are drunk enough to pose a risk to ourselves or others, we will leave the dance floor and retire to the bar.
4. We will take CARE of our own personal hygiene, and bring towels, spare clothing and extra deodorant if necessary. We will be considerate when choosing our clothing, footwear, and accessories and will not wear anything that is potentially hazardous to ourselves or to others.
5. We will be RESPECTFUL and acknowledge that the personal boundaries of others may not be the same as our own. We will be mindful of the appropriateness of language or comments that some may find offensive. We will not touch anyone inappropriately and we will apologise immediately if we touch a person in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. We will be aware that someone’s perception of what may be offensive could be different to our own.
6. We UNDERSTAND that following the above guidelines ensures a better experience for everyone and that participating in any kind of verbal, physical or sexual abuse will have consequences. This may include, but is not limited to, being asked to leave without refund and exclusion from future events.
7. We, the organisers, PROMISE to treat any reports made, from dancers in our home scenes or elsewhere, with sensitivity and to keep all details as confidential as is possible.