Code of Conduct

DRAFT: Code of Conduct for HacDC

Introduction

HacDC’s behavior and safety rules have three primary purposes: (1) to protect the rights and safety of all HacDC members, (2) to protect the rights and safety of guests, and (3) to protect HacDC’s materials, facilities and property.

HacDC supports the right of all members to free and equal access and use of the space without discrimination, intimidation, threat of harm or invasion of privacy. HacDC is dedicated to offering a friendly, courteous and respectful environment to all members and guests.

All members and guests must follow the code of conduct. HacDC directors and members may intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors and temporarily expel anyone who violates the code of conduct.

Behavior Rules

Do:

• Collaborate
• Ask questions
• Answer kindly
• Clean up after yourself

Don’t:

• Interrupt presentations, workshops, or mentoring sessions
• Smoke, vape, bring pets or sleep in the space
• Disrupt or interfere with the normal operation of HacDC, or disturb members and guests, including but not limited to:
  • use of abusive or threatening language or gestures.
  • conduct that creates unreasonable noise.
  • conduct that consists of loud or boisterous physical behavior or talking. This includes all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying.
  • directing a specific threat of physical harm against an individual, group of individuals, or property.

Persons returning to HacDC premises during a period of barring (trespassing) may be arrested and prosecuted for unlawful entry pursuant to DC Official Code § 22-3302 (2001 ed. & 2012 Supp.).

Safety Rules

Everyone – members and guests – must sign a liability waiver. Please don’t:

• Misuse any HacDC property in a destructive, abusive or potentially damaging manner, or in a manner likely to cause personal injury to oneself or others.
• Fail to comply with the reasonable direction of a HacDC member with regard to safe use of equipment, such as use of protective gear or safe handling of tools and equipment.
• Fail to clean up after oneself, including shutting off and unplugging equipment, and returning it to its proper place when finished using it.

Guests

• Guests may only attend HacDC if a keyed member is present.
• Guests are encouraged to become members to support HacDC’s mission.
• Guests are not allowed to use tools and equipment except as part of a scheduled workshop.
• Members are responsible for their guests and their actions.

Minors

• Minors may not be keyed members.
• Minors 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times (no drop offs).
• Parents/legal guardians are responsible for their minor children and their actions.
• Minors under the age of 18 must have their liability waiver signed by a parent/legal guardian.

It is the responsibility of HacDC members to help enforce the code of conduct. If someone is violating the code of conduct, please explain to them why their behavior is not acceptable. Serious violations should be reported to the Board of Directors.