SHL General Code of Conduct
Purpose
SHL is a fully all-volunteer organization sustained by the time, energy, dues, and donations of its members. We all share responsibility for creating a safe, welcoming, and positive community environment where everyone can participate comfortably. This Code of Conduct applies to members and nonmembers at SHL events, programs, and SHL-managed online spaces.
Inclusion and Respect
We are committed to opposing systemic injustice and inequality in our words, actions, and organizational practices. SHL welcomes all people regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, age, race, national origin, religion, or lack of religion.
Joining a group where others already know one another can be challenging. Please be especially mindful to greet, include, and support newcomers.
Critique Ideas, Not People
SHL events encourage thoughtful discussion, including conversations about religion and personal experiences. The presence of people who may feel uncomfortable with criticism of ideas does not mean these topics must be avoided; however, all dialogue must remain respectful. Our guiding principle is to challenge ideas while treating people with dignity. Respectful dialogue does not include personal attacks, mockery, or demeaning characterizations of others’ experiences or identities.
Addressing Conflict
If someone’s behavior makes you or others uncomfortable, speak up if you feel safe doing so. When possible, address concerns privately and respectfully. If the issue continues or if it feels unsafe to handle directly, notify a board member or the event host.
If you receive feedback, please accept it cheerfully and without defensiveness. Good-faith feedback helps maintain a healthy community.
Prohibited Conduct
Harassment, discrimination, or hostile behavior that creates an intimidating, degrading, or unsafe environment is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Offensive or degrading verbal comments
- Unwelcome physical contact
- Intimidation or threats
- Stalking
- Any behavior that creates a hostile or unsafe environment
Always ask before touching another person. For example, ask “Can I hug you?” coupled with an open arms gesture, followed by a pause to allow the other person to engage, before embracing someone.
Disruptive conduct that interferes with others’ ability to participate or enjoy SHL events is also prohibited. Examples include excessive interruptions, aggressive or demeaning speech, or actions that obstruct activities or discussions.
Participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully; behavior that is disruptive due to intoxication or impairment is not permitted.
Weapons or dangerous items are not permitted at SHL events, except as required by law.
Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or participates in a review process is strictly prohibited.
Enforcement
The SHL Board will review concerns with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality. Event hosts or designated representatives may act on behalf of the Board to address immediate concerns. To protect the community, participants may be asked to leave an event or, when necessary, have their membership revoked. Decisions made to protect the safety and well-being of the community must be respected at the time they are made. If a law has been violated, appropriate authorities may be notified.
Privacy and Photography
Respect the privacy and confidentiality of fellow participants, particularly when sensitive personal experiences or beliefs are shared.
SHL events may be photographed, audio recorded, or video recorded for the purpose of documenting and promoting our programs and community. By attending SHL events, participants acknowledge that images, audio, or video in which they appear may be used by SHL in publications, on our website, in email communications, and on social media platforms.
If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform the event host or a board member at the beginning of the event. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests, including seating adjustments, camera positioning, or post-production editing when feasible.
For events involving particularly sensitive personal sharing, recording may be limited or not permitted, and participants will be notified in advance.
Please honor requests from individuals who do not wish to be photographed. Do not post images of other people’s children without permission from a parent or guardian.
Solicitation Policy
Proselytizing and commercial promotion are not permitted at SHL events or in SHL online spaces without prior board approval.
Noncommercial sharing of information about events or activities sponsored by allied or mission-aligned organizations may be permitted, provided such sharing is respectful, relevant to SHL’s mission, and does not interfere with SHL programming.
The SHL Board reserves the right to limit or prohibit such sharing at its discretion. Violations may result in removal from SHL spaces.
Legal Status
SHL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We may engage in limited lobbying consistent with nonprofit regulations. SHL does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office.