Code of Conduct for FAC Events

The Folk Arts Center of New England (FAC) is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for participants of all races, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical abilities, physical appearances, and beliefs. While our community is generally friendly and civil, we have written this Code of Conduct for participants in all FAC events because we believe a clear set of expectations is a necessary part of building a respectful and safe community space.

Participants in FAC events are expected to:

  1. Be considerate in speech and actions, and acknowledge and respect the boundaries of fellow participants.
  2. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech. Harassment includes but is not limited to: deliberate intimidation; stalking; unwanted photography or recording; willful disruption of events; inappropriate physical contact or language; and unwelcome sexual attention. If you feel that someone has harassed you or otherwise treated you inappropriately, you may report it to any member of the FAC staff.
  3. Take care of each other. Alert a member of the FAC staff if you observe a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or any violation of this Code of Conduct.
  4. Use good judgment when consuming alcohol, comply with relevant state laws including legal drinking age, and refrain from the use of illegal substances.

If any participant engages in harassing or illegal behavior, the FAC staff may take whatever lawful action they deem appropriate, including but not limited to warning the offender or asking the offender to leave the event. If you feel you have been unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should contact the FAC staff with a concise description of your grievance. Any grievances filed will be considered by the FAC Board of Directors, whose decision will be final.

Dance etiquette and consent

Enjoyable dancing for everyone is based on courtesy and consent.

  1. Respect other dancers’ personal space.
  2. You are always free to say “no, thank you” when someone asks you to dance.
  3. Speak up and communicate your needs if someone is dancing or otherwise behaving in a way that makes you uncomfortable.

Thank you

We welcome your feedback on these guidelines and all other aspects of FAC events, and we thank you for working with us to make FAC events safe and enjoyable social occasions for all who participate.

—The Folk Arts Center Board of Directors