THE COVEN - CODE OF CONDUCT

The Coven Mission: We are a coworking community designed for belonging, representing a dynamic and diverse community of radical changemakers who inspire each other to live more empowered lives. We are committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, and physical appearance.

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for everyone who uses the space, whether as a coworker, guest, speaker, or attendee of events taking place at The Coven. The code of conduct applies not only in our workspaces, but also within The Coven Digital Community, at all Coven events, and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business. It also states the consequences of violating these expectations.

We invite members and partners of The Coven to help us create a safer, brave space and uphold positive experiences for everyone. Communities mirror the societies in which they exist. Positive action, pushing back against discrimination, and reflecting on the harmful messages we have all internalized are essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society.

Expected Behavior: The Coven was built to be an intersectional space, and many differences will be represented. Extra attention must be paid to how we learn from and respect one another. We ask members to help one another to identify areas for growth, they also walk alongside one another in that growth.

We ask you to participate in an authentic and proactive way, helping to care for the space. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community resource. Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions. Alert the staff, event organizers or community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this code of conduct, even if it seems inconsequential.

Health and Safety. For the health and safety of our members, The Coven operates in accordance with CDC guidelines and suggestions in response to public health matters. Updates to our public health guidelines will be made available on The Coven’s website.

Pronouns: We want each member and guest of The Coven to feel seen and valued in our space. As such, we ask you to be mindful of your fellow members' pronouns. If you aren't certain, just ask! When addressing groups please default to non-gendered terms like "friends, people, y'all, folks." 

Boundaries: Unacceptable behaviors include intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our space, online networks, and in all related events and communications. If anyone in our community declines a solicitation or invitation, please respect their boundary.

Harassment includes harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to race, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, or physical appearance; inappropriate use of nudity or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; non-consensual photography or recording; sustained disruption of work or events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Content: Some of the topics and discussions at The Coven will be intentionally challenging. Discussion or images related to sex, discriminatory language, or similar are welcome if it meets all of the following criteria: It is necessary to the topic of discussion and no alternative exists, it is presented in a respectful manner, attendees and members are respectfully given warning and opportunity to leave beforehand. This exception specifically does not allow the use of gratuitous sexual images as attention-getting devices or unnecessary examples. 

When considering content presentation and discussions we believe the following:

Encourage discussion. The Coven is about building community, and the best way to do it is by fostering meaningful conversations across an intersectional group of people. We want our members to leave with real takeaways for their lives.

Being uncomfortable is acceptable. However, when uncomfortable begins to feel unsafe, it is okay to excuse yourself from the discussion or situation.

Be respectful. Know that we are all on our own journeys, so people may be more open or closed to specific topics. Presenters have the right to be respected by an audience, just as they have a right to be respected by you.

Many conversations about social justice are rooted in whiteness, but our space is for all people. We are dedicated to creating conversations that acknowledge the struggles of every human, acknowledging that institutional systems have left people of color behind.

Recognize and acknowledge privilege. Not everyone comes from the same background, so it’s important to approach conversations with the assumption that not everyone has access to the same generational wealth, opportunities, or experiences.

Noise: Proper etiquette in regard to noise level is also expected. Members must be mindful of disturbing other members. This is a shared workspace, and we expect our members to make efforts to recognize the needs and presence of others. A balance should always be sought to recognize the needs of one, while not hindering the needs of another. 

Conversation Volume: Loud conversations tend to be distracting to those around you making it difficult to focus. Be mindful and use your “inside voice.” If you need to take a call, plan it so you can use a phone room if one is available. It is acceptable to join calls in our open spaces, and we ask that in this situation members use headphones.

Productivity: Shared rooms, resources, and services of The Coven are open by design. In these areas, it is important to watch our behavior: whether talking, eating, interrupting, or otherwise engaging with your coworkers or guests, please be mindful of the people around you. If you are interested in connecting with someone, ask if it is an acceptable time for them to connect. You may also let others know if you need focused work time.

Food: Members are allowed to bring in outside food and beverages, as long as they adhere to the following guidelines: Outside food brought into The Coven may be stored in the fridge for a maximum of one day. At the end of each week, our fridge will be cleaned out and all food and food containers will be thrown out. Do not microwave fish (seriously).

Bathrooms & Amenities: The Coven has gender neutral bathrooms available and in some cases, private showers that are open to members. Please limit the use of the shower and dressing room to 15 minutes, and feel free to use towels if provided. Parent and prayer spaces are also provided in our locations for members to have comfortable, private space for these activities. Parent and prayer spaces are available to be booked within The Coven Digital Community.

Consequences of Violations: Unacceptable behavior from any member, including event organizers and staff, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to cease a violating behavior is expected to comply immediately. We may additionally decide to take any action we deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary or permanent ban from The Coven without warning and without refund of prepaid membership fees.

Reporting Guidelines: If you are subject to unacceptable behavior or harassment, please notify a staff member, event organizer, or other community member as soon as possible. All issues may be reported directly to staff in our space.

If you witness unacceptable behavior, intervene immediately by addressing both parties directly. Tell the first person their behavior is inappropriate, and ask the second person what they would need to feel safer or would like to have done about the situation. Please also notify a staff member or event organizer. The person being harassed is to define what constitutes harassment.

Please also follow these guidelines in The Coven Digital Community. If someone is behaving inappropriately online, there is an option to report the person in the member directory.

Promotions: We believe in the economic empowerment of all historically underserved communities. Part of our role is to help uplift and provide a platform for people to share their work and passions. Member promotions can be made by individuals in The Coven Digital Community. While we encourage promotion, please respect any members who decline invitations or solicitations. 

Addressing Grievances: If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify staff with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governance policies.

Do the Most Good. This has been our mantra as an organization from the very beginning. We invite our members to follow this same philosophy, being mindful of how our actions contribute to the greater good of the community. Take care of others, and please share ideas that would make our community a better place for everyone. We welcome input and suggestions from all of our members.