Code of Conduct

Wild Animal Initiative opposes all systems of oppression and builds diversity, equity, and inclusion into all of our activities and operations. We are committed to creating events that are safe, accessible, and free from harassment and discrimination for all of our participants, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, color, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, class, citizenship, parental status, genetics, veteran status,  or other protected categories.

By attending a Wild Animal Initiative event, you are agreeing to abide by this code of conduct. Additionally, you acknowledge that Wild Animal Initiative is not liable for any misconduct perpetrated by an attendee and that no refunds will be issued if an attendee is expelled from the event.

Expected Behavior

Creating an inclusive environment requires conscious effort. To create a space that is welcoming to others, participants are expected to exhibit the following behaviors:

  • Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions (including those you may not share).

  • Avoid the use of fragrances such as perfume or cologne.

  • Communicate openly, with respect for other participants, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.

  • Genuinely listen to others when they are speaking.

  • Be patient when communicating with others, especially when navigating cultural or language differences.

  • Disagreements happen; it’s okay to walk away from a conversation that isn't fruitful or is becoming tense.

  • If you do not like a solution someone else is proposing, explain why or state an alternative. 

  • Do not assume anyone’s gender identity, sexual preference, survivor status, economic status, background, or health status.

  • Refer to people by the pronouns they use. Do not make assumptions about an individual’s pronouns. If you do not know someone’s pronouns, please ask them or address them by their name.

  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert Wild Animal Initiative staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.

  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, Wild Animal Initiative-contracted facility, or any other venue.

Unacceptable Behavior

To foster a safe and inclusive environment in which to advance the field of wild animal welfare, participants are expected to refrain from:

  • Comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, and religion.

  • Comments intended to cause offense or harm to others.

  • Sexual images in public spaces.

  • Deliberate intimidation.

  • Stalking or following.

  • Harassing photography or recording.

  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events. 

  • Inappropriate physical contact or advances.

  • Showing pornography.

  • Unwelcome sexual attention.

  • Possession of firearms or other weapons.

  • Causing injury to attendees.

  • Any form of physical violence.

  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

All instances of abusive, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behavior should be reported.

Reporting Violations of the Code of Conduct

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services before contacting Wild Animal Initiative to report the incident. 

If you witness or hear of someone behaving disrespectfully (whether toward you or others) and feel safe and comfortable doing so, you are encouraged to respectfully discourage them from such behavior. If you do not feel safe, comfortable, or otherwise able to respond and resolve it respectfully, please report it to a staff member soon as you are safely able to do so. To do so, please speak directly with a staff member or email info@wildanimalnitiative. All Wild Animal Initiative event staff will have an identifier with the words "Staff." For our virtual events, this may look like a ribbon or badge on their profile, and in person, it may be an item of clothing or tag on a name badge.

Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to follow the request immediately. All complaints will be reviewed and investigated and will result in a response that is deemed necessary and appropriate to the circumstances. 

Event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender, expulsion from the conference/event without refund, and mediation with the complainant/victim in the complaint and the person alleged to have participated in harassing or discriminatory behavior. Butto preserve both the safety and the confidentiality of the complainant/victim in the complaint, no specific action will be taken without consultation and their approval. Any illegal conduct will also be reported to local authorities if needed.

Scope

This policy applies to all participants, whether attendees, speakers, vendors/exhibitors, volunteers, or organizers, at any events or activities affiliated with Wild Animal Initiative. This includes events listed on the formal agenda, conversations in the hallways, informal gatherings that take place around the event, etc. 

The Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by Wild Animal Initiative.

Attribution

This Code of Conduct has been adapted from the Template Code of Conduct for Events/Conferences produced by Women in Tech and the Code of Conduct for ESA Events.