Community Agreements

  1. CONFIDENTIALITY: Everyone here has different personal boundaries around how they are out and who they are out to. Please be mindful to respect each individual’s confidentiality - take the lessons learned, but do not  share people’s identifying information. Additionally, please do not record, take photos or videos of individuals, or post images of others on social media without their permission. 

  2. MISTAKES HAPPEN: If you make a mistake or act on an assumption, respectfully make the correction, apologize, and move on. Do not justify the mistake, over-apologize, or beat yourself up - we’re all learning and this is the space to grow! Be gentle with your own and your community’s growing edge.

  3. SHARING AND  RESPECT:  Share only your personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings (Use "I" statements), and respect those of others . 

  4. BE APPROPRIATE: Please keep your comments and discussions relevant to the purpose of Okaeri Connects! sessions. This is not the place to bring up personal grievances with other Okaeri programs, events, or associated individuals.

  5. BE PRESENT: Out of respect for those speaking and sharing their experiences, refrain from using your phone or engaging in other distractions during Okaeri Connects! sessions. 

  6. STEP UP, STEP BACK : We are from varying backgrounds, generations, and experiences, with a multitude of communication styles.  Ensure you are creating a respectful and equitable space for others  by stepping back  to listen more if you are taking up more space in discussions , and stepping  up to speak more if you’re not taking up as much space.

  7. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED : Although we may cover emotional topics and experiences, our facilitators are not trained mental health specialists and these sessions do not constitute professional advice. Please seek professional help as you see necessary.


CONSEQUENCES

  • Failure to comply with any of  the above Community Agreements will result in the following: 

    • First offense will receive a written warning notice.

    • Second offense will result in a suspension of 3 months from all Okaeri programs and events. This includes all Okaeri Connects! sessions, virtual and in-person conferences, and any other event Okaeri leads, hosts, or co-hosts. 

    • Third offense will be a permanent revocation of all privileges from Okaeri. 

For any questions, comments, or concerns please contact okaeri.la@gmail.com. 


Okaeri Policy Against Harassment at Okaeri Events

Okaeri is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment at all of its events and does not tolerate harassment in any form. Participants who have been found to have engaged in harassment or have otherwise engaged in conduct that violates this Policy may be banned/denied/expelled from accessing current/future Okaeri Events. Okaeri may take other actions in response to incidents of harassment, including but not limited to reporting the matter to venue security.

Behavior that Okaeri deems unacceptable includes, but is not limited to:

  • Any conduct that discriminates or denigrates an individual or group on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, citizenship, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law in the location where the Okaeri event or activity takes place;

  • Inappropriate or unwelcome verbal or written comments;

  • Inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact;

  • Unwelcome attention or advances;

  • Display of inappropriate or unwelcome images in public places;

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; and

  • Taking, filming, or showing photography or video of a sexual nature or that is intended to offend, intimidate, threaten, or coerce.