The Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and productive experience for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical or cognitive ability, physical appearance, nationality, or religion. Anyone who participates in the MW CASC Annual Gathering in any capacity is expected to comply with this Code of Conduct. The goal of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to learn and share during our time together and that all Annual Gathering activities are aligned with our community’s shared values.
If this Code of Conduct is violated in any way, MW CASC staff will discuss the details first with the individual filing the complaint, then any witnesses who have been identified, and then the alleged offender before determining an appropriate course of action.
If you witness a violation of this Code, please inform a MW CASC staff member directly or report via this form.
This language has been adapted from the National Adaptation Forum and Ecological Society of America.
As an Annual Gathering participant, I will…
- Treat all participants with respect and kindness
- Foster a sense of safety and belonging
- Check my implicit biases – don’t assume things about people based on how they look or their presumed identity
- Be open to a diversity of views and opinions, including those I may not share
- Communicate in an open, curious, constructive, and professional manner
- Critique ideas, not individuals
- Practice socially locating oneself, especially in group settings. For example, using “I” statements for sharing examples and experiences.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech, including racist, sexist, and other inappropriate jokes, and comments on others’ bodies/appearance, even if it comes from a complementary intention.
- Respect the rules and policies of the meeting, meeting venue, and associated hotels