Code of Conduct
MOSPRA Code of Conduct
Please review the Code of Conduct below, which extends to all MOSPRA events and any venue where a member represents MOSPRA. You will be asked to acknowledge and agree to the code of conduct each year when renewing your membership. Vendors and guests will be asked to acknowledge and agree to the code of conduct when registering for events.
Expected Behavior
All MOSPRA members are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules, and alert the Executive Director to any violations of this Code of Conduct, dangerous situations, or any participant in distress. Members and guests shall:
- Express differences in ideas and opinions productively, free of personal attacks.
- Consider the impact of their own communication and communication style, as words can easily be interpreted as aggressive or negative, even if this is not what they intended.
- Abide by all venue rules and policies.
- Presume goodwill in the absence of evidence to the contrary and alert the specific individuals if their comments or conduct are unwelcome.
- Respect and maintain one another's personal space unless an individual specifically invites physical contact.
- Be an ally—speak up, reach out to the affected individual, or notify staff when there is unacceptable behavior that affects another.
- Alert staff or security to any dangerous situations or if anyone is in distress.
Behavior Violating Code of Conduct
MOSPRA will not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination, or abuse in connection with events and activities, whether officially sponsored by MOSPRA or not. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:
- Speech, gestures, or behaviors that are known to be or should reasonably be expected to be personally offensive, abusive, or derogatory.
- Harmful or harassing verbal or written comments related to or motivated by another’s gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristic.
- Verbal or physical intimidation, threats, stalking, or bullying.
- Sustained or repeated disruption of events, including sustained interruption, yelling at or threatening speakers or attendees.
- Severe or pervasive speech or conduct, based on a protected classification, creates a hostile environment for guests, speakers, organizers, volunteers, partners, vendors, or staff.
- Sexual assault or physical harassment, including unwelcome touching or groping, or inappropriate, unnecessary, and unwarranted physical contact.
- Virtual or in-person stalking or unwelcome following, including but not limited to sending inappropriate direct messages through the MOSPRA app.
- Real or implied threat of physical harm.
- Unprofessional use of nudity and/or sexual images or profanity in public spaces or presentations.
- Retaliation against anyone for raising a complaint under this Code of Conduct or participating in an investigation.
Reporting a Violation
If you believe you have been subjected to or have witnessed behavior that violates the MOSPRA Code of Conduct, please submit an Incident Report Form or contact the Executive Director or an executive board member. Reporters of violations will not be expected to discuss the incident with the offending party, but you will be asked to fill out a report, ideally within one week of the incident, using the Incident Report Form. All complaints for which sufficient information is provided will be treated confidentially, seriously, and addressed promptly.