Swarm Conference Code of Conduct

The people who make SWARM are dedicated to creating an optimal, safe and comfortable event experience for everyone. To that end, we ask that everyone involved in SWARM – organisers, staff, speakers, sponsors and attendees – adhere to this Code of Conduct.

As we are an event experienced digitally, this Code applies to online content and behaviour surrounding Swarm (such as social media).

To get the most out of SWARM we invite participants to fill out their profiles, connect with others, approach each event with a learning mindset, and bring questions and perspectives to build on in the discussion.

HARASSMENT

We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form, online or offline. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Comments that reinforce social structures of domination (related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, mental health, neuro-typicality, body size, race, age, religion or spiritual beliefs)
  • Graphic imagery in public spaces
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following 
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events
  • Inappropriate contact
  • Unwelcome attention
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour

DISCRIMINATION & HATE SPEECH

Swarm does not tolerate discrimination or hate speech directed to any conference participants in any form, online or offline. 

RECORDING

We understand that not everyone is comfortable with their image being taken, for a variety of reasons. Online sessions are recorded at SWARM, and this may involve your image capture. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know and we will take all reasonable measures to accommodate your privacy.

DIVERSITY

SWARM is a signatory to the Diversity Charter. We are committed to pursuing, protecting and defending multifaceted diversity and we expect the SWARM community to welcome and respect all voices and lived experiences.

DEBATE & DISAGREEMENT

We encourage debate and diversity of opinion at SWARM, however, we expect and ask that dissenting views or perspectives are shared civilly and respectfully at all times, in all contexts and channels.

SENSITIVE TOPICS

Community managers may deal with harassment, bullying, graphic content, threats of harm and other distressing issues in the course of their work, and as a result, these topics may be discussed at SWARM. We believe it is critical these topics are explored as working realities and lived experience for many.  If they are on the agenda, notice will be given in the promotion of the presentation, and by the presenter before the session starts. Swarmees are welcome to self-exclude from any content they find problematic in this regard and will be both respected and protected in that decision by others. 

REPORTING

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it to the SWARM team. You can make a report either personally or anonymously.

Anonymous 

You can make an anonymous report here. We can’t follow up anonymous reports with you directly, but we will investigate it and take any action necessary to prevent a recurrence.

Personally

You can report harassment or breaches of this code to the SWARM team at any time over the platform messaging function, or via email to team@australiancommunitymanagers.com.au

When taking a report, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. This may be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible. You won’t be asked to confront anyone and we won’t tell anyone who you are. 

If there has been an incident you may contact the authorities or support services on your own if you wish at any time. Some key details are below for your reference.

Emergency services – 000

Lifeline – lifeline.org.au 13 11 14 

Provides 24/7 phone and online chat support for mental health and emotional assistance, suicide prevention and other moments of crisis.

SANE Australia – https://www.sane.org/ 1800 18 7263

Phone and online support for those living with and caring for those with mental illness.

Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 4636

Phone and online support to assist with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other tough life experiences.

ReachOut –  https://au.reachout.com/

Forums, apps and resources to help young people cope with tough experiences.

1800 Respect – 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Open 24/7 to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

QLife – https://www.qlife.org.au/ 1800 184 527

3pm-12am. Counselling and referral service for LGBTI people that offers peer-supported telephone and web-based services to assist with mental health, psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered and other health or wellbeing issues.

ENFORCEMENT

Participants asked to stop any behaviour in breach of this Code are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant does not comply, organisers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference [with no refund].

Event organisers may take action to redress anything designed to or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants, including escalating an incident to the authorities.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. 

Thanks 

This Code of Conduct has been created by drawing on the example from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers, licensed under Creative Commons: http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment. Our thanks to the authors and all those who invest in creating inclusive events and experiences.