FDAC’s Intention. Whether in the Arts Station building, Station Square, or out in the community, creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome, is a key value of FDAC.

The FDAC code of conduct applies to everyone participating in FDAC activities, programs, and services regardless of location, and our social media and digital platforms. 

Be considerate, respectful, and patient. We all play a critical role in ensuring a positive  environment, and in protecting our culture, our reputation and our organisation. Your decisions will impact others, and you should take the consequences of your actions into account when making decisions. We won’t all agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for disrespectful behavior. We will all experience frustration from time to time, but we cannot allow that frustration to become personal attacks. An environment where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive or creative one. 

Be courteous. While we are a community organisation, approaching situations with compassion, strong organisation, and flexibility will create a productive and effective environment. 

Be inclusive. We welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities. Choose your words carefully. Always conduct yourself with compassion. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put others down. Harassment and exclusionary behavior aren’t acceptable. 

Do not harass others. In general, if someone asks you to stop something, then stop. When we disagree, try to understand why. Differences of opinion and disagreements are mostly unavoidable. What is important is that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively. 

Our differences can be our strengths. We can find strength in diversity. Different people have different perspectives on issues, and that can be valuable for solving problems or generating new ideas. Being unable to understand why someone holds a viewpoint doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. Don’t forget that we all make mistakes, and blaming each other doesn’t get us anywhere. Instead, focus on resolving issues and learning from mistakes. 

Fun. Let’s not forget to have fun and find enjoyment in our creativity.  

Infractions. It is in the interest of all parties that participants who do not adhere to the FDAC Code of Conduct or Policies or Procedures are dealt with promptly.

•  An infraction is a breach of  FDAC’s Code of Conduct or Policies or Procedures while participating in an FDAC activity, program, or service. 

•   Examples include but are not limited to:  

– perceived harassment or exclusion of others; 

– not following the policies and procedures set out by FDAC 

– unfair or discourteous actions/statements to staff 

   member/volunteer or participants; 

• FDAC will not tolerate violence, theft, vandalism or any other harmful acts.
• We reserve the right to remove anyone creating an unsafe or unpleasant environment. 

Reporting. Anyone personally affected can report a perceived infraction.

FDAC prioritizes marginalized peoples’ safety over privileged peoples’ comfort. FDAC reserves the right to not act on complaints regarding:

• ‘Reverse’ -sims, including ‘reverse racism’, ‘reverse sexism’ and ‘cisophobia’
• Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away” or “I am not discussing this with you.”
• Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial, this does not include shouting or raising your voice at someone.
• Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behaviour or assumptions.

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, OR if you see some violating FDAC’s code of conduct, policies or procedures, please report it as soon as possible. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our spaces and events for everyone. We want you to be happy and safe. People like you make our space and events better for everyone. We understand that speaking about the harm we’ve experienced is difficult and often traumatizing. We strive to honour the courage of those who come forward. As such, we have several avenues for reporting harassment, discrimintation and inappropriate behaviour:

• Anonymous Report [Digital]
• Formal Report [In writing or Digital]

Anonymous Reporting. You can make an anonymous report by filling out the form found below (a name and email is not required).

We can’t follow up on an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence.

Formal Reporting. 

• You can make a personal report by mail:

Attn: FDAC Board (Private)

PO Box 1453 

The Arts Station 

601 1st Ave, 

Fernie BC 

V0B 1M0 

• Via e-mail to fdac@theartsstation.com 
• By filling out the form found below.
• Contacting a staff member directly. The staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. A staff member or FDAC board director you feel comfortable with will help you with the written report.

Enforcement.

Guiding Principles

• The review of a report is to be fair, impartial, and respectful to all parties. 

•   The person named in the report will be advised within 48 hours of the filing of the report with a clear outline of the infraction.

Consequences of Breach

•   It is the responsibility of the FDAC Board to interview the individual in breach as well as any witnesses present. 
•   It is the responsibility of the FDAC Board to afford the individual in question due process and procedural fairness.
•   This process may result in: a written reprimand, removal from the space, permanent ban or further actions at the discretion of the FDAC board.
•   A mediator may be appointed at the discretion of the FDAC board.

• Repeated engagement in unacceptable behaviour will face progressive consequences up to and including expulsion and a ban from FDAC spaces, programming, and events.