Broadleaf Writers Association Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions
Broadleaf Writers Association envisions a community enriched by the literary arts. This community aims to be welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe for all. To that end, Broadleaf Writers has adopted the following Code of Conduct and terms and conditions.
All Broadleaf Writers Association (“BWA”) program participants are subject to and must abide by the BWA Code of Conduct. By registering for or attending a Broadleaf Writers Association (“BWA”) program, participants acknowledge and agree they have read and understood the Code of Conduct. Any person, guest, student, media representative, speaker, or exhibitor who is present at a BWA program is considered a participant.
BWA encourages participant discussion and engagement during its programs, and on its social media channels and online platforms because we believe diversity of opinion and thought is critical to creative engagement. When engaging with one another, participants are expected to act in a civil and collegial manner at all times. BWA will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of its participants or anyone connected to any program sponsored by BWA, regardless of format or forum. Examples of impermissible behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Offensive or abusive physical contact;
- Repeated or persistent unwanted physical contact;
- Use of slurs or offensive nicknames or terms of endearment;
- Unwelcome comments about a person’s clothing, body, or personal life; or
- Offensive jokes or unwelcome innuendo.
Participants who engage in inappropriate conduct may be removed from BWA programs, whether online or in-person, or from BWA social media channels or interactive platforms without further warning. The decision to remove a participant from some or all of BWA’s programs, channels, or platforms shall be made in BWA’s sole discretion. Participants removed from a paid program because they are in violation of the code of conduct will not be eligible for a refund of program or membership costs.
Do not use BWA’s website or BWA’s social media accounts for any unauthorized purpose.
Reporting An Issue
Participants finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety or comfort are at risk or who become aware of a participant not in compliance with this code of conduct should contact a BWA staff person or director so that the matter can be resolved. Staff and directors are identifiable by a name badge and ribbon or by a nametag. For virtual events, the program host may be contacted via private message, or the participant may choose to email the BWA Executive Director, Zachary Steele, at zach@broadleafwriters.com. At the annual conference, reports of misconduct may be made at the registration desk, with the conference chairperson, or via email to the Executive Director. Reports can be made at any time. BWA requests that a report be filed as soon as possible, so that concerns can be resolved immediately. Reports will be taken seriously and handled appropriately regardless of when they are made.
Retaliation in response to asking a question, raising a concern in good faith, or participating in an investigation will not be tolerated. Knowingly making a false report or reporting with malice or disregard for the truth is also prohibited and may result in removal from BWA programs, channels, or platforms.
Terms and Conditions
Participant in violation of rules and/or who behave in an unsafe or careless manner may be asked to leave and will be held responsible for their actions. Participant acknowledges that such violations may result in the attendee being removed from the event or forum and barred from returning without refund of the participant’s registration fee. Participant likewise acknowledges and agrees that all participants have the right to enjoy BWA programs equally. Disruptive behavior that interferes with the conduct of reasonable business, or any other attendee’s safety or comfort, may result in the participant being removed from the event/forum (in-person or virtual) and barred from returning/rejoining without refund of the participant’s registration fee.
Indemnity
To the extent permitted by law, the participant agrees to protect, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless BWA, its directors, Board members, and volunteers against all claims, losses, damages, costs, third party claims, settlements, liabilities and/or the like, including, but not limited to attorneys’ fees or other professionals’ fees, costs, or expenses, arising from or relating to the actions or failure to act of the BWA, its directors, Board members, or volunteers.
Access Guidelines
BWA is committed to making all reasonable arrangements that will allow participants to participate in all in-person events. In order to help BWA better prepare, please submit requests for special services, equipment, or accommodations in advance of the event so they can be timely evaluated. Please submit your request to zach@broadleafwriters.com. Participants who require special onsite assistance during events should request it from personnel at the registration desk or the event host.
Lost Registration Badge
Participant’s registration badge must be worn at all times during the annual in-person conference. Access to the conference facilities will not be granted to those without proper a badge. If a participant loses, misplaces, or forgets his or her name badge, a replacement badge can be obtained from the registration desk. A small fee may be required for the creation of a new registration badge. Once the new registration badge is released to the participant, the lost badge will become invalid.
Photography & Filming
Professional photographs, audio, and video will be captured during the events. Participants hereby grant BWA and its representatives permission to photograph and/or record them at the event, and distribute (both now and in the future) the participant’s image and/or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, and sound recordings of such events and activities.
Program Disruption, Modification, or Cancellation and BWA Refund Policy
While BWA will make every effort to present its programs as described, sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise which require modification or cancellation of its programming. BWA reserves the right to modify or cancel its programming, including, but not limited to, the substitution of speakers, panelists, or topics; rescheduling the day or time of its programming; or relocating an event to another physical address or to an online forum.
In the event programming cannot be held or is postponed due to events beyond BWA’s control, BWA shall not be liable to participant for any damages, costs, or losses incurred, such as transportation costs, accommodations costs, or financial losses.
Paid participants may request a refund for any event (refund terms defined within event descriptions). Otherwise, BWA will only offer refunds in the event that a paid program is cancelled, relocated to a physical location more than 10 miles from the original programming site, or relocated from an in-person to online forum. Paid participants who are unable to attend in-person or online events due to last minute personal considerations or internet disruption will not be eligible for a refund.
Thank you for making BWA a safe, enriching, inspiring community.