TTATC Code of Conduct

Introduction

This Code of Conduct (CoC) outlines expectations for participant behaviour at all That Thing at The Cabin (TTATC) events and initiatives, as well as in the year round Burning Man community that exists beyond these events, including, but not limited to, social media (Facebook etc.).

TTATC expects that all participants, including volunteers and staff, create and maintain a space that is welcoming and safe for all other attendees. We will not discriminate on gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, or religion.

We are guided by the 10 Principles of Burning Man. 

Participation in TTATC events and initiatives is open to any interested party, and is a privilege. Continued attendance can be revoked if a participant fails to respect other attendees or behaves in a way that endangers themselves, the event, or the broader community.

Expected Behaviour

  • TTATC will not condone any behaviour that endangers its ability to hold the annual event and other community events.
  • At all events organized by TTATC, participants should take responsibility for their own behaviour and for resolving their own issues.
  • All TTATC event attendees must behave in a manner that does not make other participants feel unsafe or threatened.
  • All TTATC attendees are expected to take personal responsibility for their actions and the effects of those actions on others. It is not ok to interfere with other people’s experiences, as long as they do not violate this CoC.
  • All TTATC attendees will refrain from non-consensual demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour.
  • All attendees must sign the event waiver, and receive and wear a wristband at all times while present at the event.
  • No fireworks/firearms.
  • Absolutely no animals or pets allowed.
  • No entry to the event outside of published and open gate hours.
  • No alcohol consumption by minors, and no serving of alcohol to minors.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and be able to find and identify their legal guardian at all times.
  • Consent
    • Consent must be mutual, affirmative, and given consciously.
    • Consent can be revoked at any time.
    • Consent must be clearly obtained in any sexual context; for video or photography (even at a distance); in situations involving physical contact. Individuals who are intoxicated or altered may be incapable of Consenting.
    • Minors are NEVER capable of giving consent.
    • Silence is not consent. Always ask and wait for an enthusiastic yes.
    • Know your boundaries, and express and maintain them.

Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Predatory behaviour, defined as any unwanted and nonconsensual form of the following: intimidation, harassment, stalking, verbal or physical abuse, violence against people or other’s property.
  • Non-consensual physical contact, including unwelcome sexual interaction, or any sexual misconduct.
  • Abuse or neglect of TTATC or venue property, physical or otherwise, such as vandalism, theft or vandalism of event or individual property, abusing the ticketing process, or impersonating a lead or event organizers.
  • Disrespecting the community surrounding the event such as dumping trash in local dumpsters, trespassing, or repeated violations of the event’s sound ordinance (the TTATC sound policy will be published shortly).
  • Wanton, flagrant, or repeated disregard for one’s own safety or well-being in a manner that demands the intervention of other participants, community members, volunteers or outside agencies, such as intervention by local law enforcement or fire department staff.
  • Repeated or egregious violations of any and all policies put in effect by event organizers, before, during, or after the event.
  • Intimidating or threatening behaviour.
  • To report and incident that occurred at TTATC. Pease complete the incident report form:
    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdo2i9XR3tcxAxe94GKZUpHcZm0VVSKVvSA7G0cSAsEjaF5OQ/viewform

Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. This includes expressions of this behaviour at the event as well as pre- or post-event via phone, social media, or face-to-face communication.
  • Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour(s) is expected to comply immediately.
  • If a participant engages in any unacceptable behaviour(s), the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate to ensure the safety of the event and its participants. This action may include expulsion from the event without refund, revoking tickets, being banned from attending future events, or removing a volunteer from their shift.
  • The incident may be reported to the TTATC Lead Team for investigation. If a participant’s behaviour is found to be predatory or in violation of any of the expectations outlined herein, an expulsion for the present or following years may be instituted. There may be an opportunity to appeal and show progress towards resolution of these issues after the expulsion period.
  • TTATC event attendees who violate any of these policies may be evicted from the current event and/or subsequent events at the discretion of the Lead Team – see below.

Eviction Policy and Zero Tolerance Violations

The following offenses will get you evicted from the event immediately

  • Sneaking in or helping someone sneak in to the event
  • Leaving the event and returning back
  • Photographing another participant without their consent or taking photos/video for commercial purposes.
  • Vending or commerce of any kind.
  • Failing to respect boundaries.
  • Failing to adhere to the principles of consent. Consent is reached when someone agrees, gives permission, or says “yes” to sexual activity or touching with other persons. Participants must be free to say “yes” or “no” or stop the activity at any point. A person cannot consent to sex if they are incapacitated by drugs or alcohol.
  • Unsafe driving.
  • Malicious destruction of property.
  • Possession of weapons or fireworks.
  • Possession of alcohol if under 21 (Theme camps serving alcohol are required to check IDs).
  • Serving alcohol to someone under 21 (Theme camps serving alcohol are required to check IDs).
  • Any individual who has been the subject of a pattern of reports of violating the Code of Conduct or other safety policies that endanger the event or its participants’ safety may be evicted from the event.
  • Theft or vandalism of any kind.
  • Any individual who has any well-substantiated report(s) of a sufficiently problematic violation of the Code of Conduct or other policies may be evicted.
  • Any individual who continues problematic behaviour after receiving a warning from TTATC about such behaviour may be evicted from the event, and/or removed from any TTATC Facebook pages or social media outlets at our discretion.
  • Making threats of physical abuse

Reporting of Unacceptable Behaviour

  • All reports will remain confidential.
  • First, speak up. Ask the person to stop. Say no.
  • If you feel unsafe, leave the situation.
  • If you feel uncomfortable and the person’s behaviour does not cross a line, step away from the situation.
  • If you need help, ask for it. If someone asks you for help, do your best to help or find someone who can, preferably a Ranger or member of the TTATC Lead Team.
  • If at a TTATC event, report your concerns on-site and as soon as possible to a Ranger. If you’re at TTATC and cannot find a Ranger, go to the Medical Tent or to The Spot, and ask them to radio for an available Ranger or TTATC Lead Team member. These individuals are prepared to assist participants and listen to your concerns.
  • If unacceptable behaviour happens on the TTATC Facebook pages and groups, report your concern to one of the page/group administrators. 
  • If you or a chosen advocate would like to call in law enforcement or request professional medical treatment, the TTATC Lead Team will support you in taking that action.

What TTATC event organizers and lead team members will not do

  • Accept abuse in any way, shape or form, including (but not limited to) threats of violence, acts of physical or sexual abuse, or bullying.
  • Automatically assume that one group’s or individual’s decisions automatically apply to all.
  • Expect community groups to replace or circumvent existing legal structures, playing the role of judge and juror.
  • Make decisions based on rumor or hearsay.

[REV 1.1 6/23/21 PG/AB/J5]