Queer in Canton Community Guidelines

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Queer in Canton is committed to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants, visitors, staff, and volunteers. The community guidelines outlined below are designed to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

 

Disclaimer: This is an abridged version of the Queer in Canton Code of Conduct. All visitors, participants, volunteers, and staff members are expected to abide by all Queer in Canton policies and regulations. You may request a full version of the Code of Conduct, which includes reporting and investigation procedures and consequence and appeals processes, from a staff member present or find them by clicking on the Code of Conduct tab above this section.

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1. Respect others

• All individuals are to be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity. 

• Offensive or vulgar language, loud or disruptive behavior, derogatory remarks, and any form of harassment, touching or engaging in unwanted contact, discrimination, or bullying are prohibited.

• Respect everyone’s pronouns.

• Sensitive or triggering conversations should be taken to a private room.

 

2. Respect the space, volunteers, and staff

• No smoking or vaping.

• Clean up after yourself. Discard any trash, place dirty dishes in the designated bin, put things back where they belong, and tidy up your area before you leave. 

• Snacks, drinks, and supplies are limited. Please only take what you need. 

• Do not enter the staff office or storage closet without approval from staff present. 

• Please respect our hours and leave at closing time. 

• Pets and animals are prohibited except for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable Ohio laws. 

• No soliciting. Unauthorized solicitation, political campaigning, or commercial activity is prohibited. If you wish to distribute promotional materials, put them in the dropbox for review or reach out through the website.

 

3. Respect safety and privacy guidelines

• The presence of weapons, alcohol, or illegal substances on the premises is strictly prohibited. 

• Do not answer the doorbell without approval from staff present. 

• Do not open or hold the door open for anyone. 

• Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by the adult that brought them at all times. Please check for events marked as 18 years and older, no one under 18 years old is permitted to attend those events.

• Respect the privacy of all individuals (i.e., ask before you take photos with anyone included). 

• Do not engage with protestors for everyone’s safety.

• Do not approach patients going into the Planned Parenthood Health Center to maintain patient confidentiality unless they approach you first, even if you personally know them. 

 

Consequences of violations. Failure to comply with Queer in Canton’s Code of Conduct, policies, and regulations may result in verbal warnings, suspension from activities, or permanent removal from Queer in Canton programs, events, activities, or the Queer in Canton Community Center, depending on the severity of the infraction. Queer in Canton reserves the right to take appropriate action to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.