Code of Conduct

Be respectful. Harassment and abuse are never tolerated. If you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable at a StarterHacks Event, if the event itself is creating an unsafe or inappropriate environment, or if interacting with a StarterHacks representative or event organizer makes you uncomfortable, please report it using the procedures included in this document. 

Expected Behaviour 

The goal of StarterHacks has always been to create an inclusive and safe environment; a safe space where people from different backgrounds can come together to learn and craft. As such, we do not tolerate harassment, discrimination or abuse of any kind, whatsoever. 

Unacceptable Behavior 

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal or written comments or imagery related to gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, personal appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), social class, economic status, veteran status, sexual images, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. If what you’re doing is making someone feel uncomfortable, that counts as harassment and will not be tolerated at StarterHacks Events. 

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior 

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the organizers may take the action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from any or all StarterHacks Events without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event). 

Scope 

Sponsors, judges, mentors, volunteers, organizers, StarterHacks staff, and anyone else at the event are also subject to the StarterHacks Code of Conduct In particular, attendees should not use sexualised images, activities, handouts or other material during the event. Any attendees at StarterHacks Event-related Booths (including volunteers, partners and sponsors) should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment. 

Experiencing Unacceptable Behavior 

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please reach out to a StarterHacks organizer via Slack or one of the alternative contact methods listed at the end of the document with a description of the incident, when and where it happened, and any other details you feel comfortable disclosing. 

StarterHacks representatives take your safety and wellbeing seriously and will take any necessary procedures to help participants contact the venue’s security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance. 

We expect participants to follow these rules at all StarterHacks Events venues, online interactions in relation to the Events, and all StarterHacks social events. 

Reporting Procedures 

If you feel uncomfortable or think there may be a potential violation of the Code of Conduct, please report it immediately using one of the following methods. All reporters have the right to remain anonymous. 

By sending information to the general reporting line, your report will go to your StarterHacks Events team. 

Slack: Please contact anyone with the title - Organizer on the event slack 
Email: contact@starterhacks.ca​using the subject: [EVENT LOCATION/DATE] REPORT 

Special Incidents 

If you are uncomfortable reporting your situation to StarterHacks organizing team or need to contact any of the board directly in case of emergency, direct contact details are listed below. 

- General Reporting: board@starterhacks.ca 

StarterHacks reserves the right to revise, make exceptions to, or otherwise amend these policies in whole or in part. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact StarterHacks by email at contact@starterhacks.ca. 

Emergency Situations 

If you believe you are in an emergency situation, please contact the authorities at 911 immediately and then follow the slack instructions under reporting procedures. 

We would like to thank Major League Hacking and Open Source Bridge for their Code of Conduct, upon which this document is based.