World Massage Festival Code of Conduct

Our shared environment

A safe, productive, and welcoming environment

WMF is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all attendees, teachers, speakers, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, members, meeting participants, guests, volunteers, and WMF staff and employees. This policy applies to conduct by all of the preceding, including but not limited to officers, directors, committee chairs, members of committees, and editors.

It applies to complaints of harassment or discrimination by, or other conduct involving, any and all of the preceding and anyone else, whether an individual, business, agency, company, or corporation, at or in connection with all WMF events. This includes board, committee, work group, and task force meetings, conventions, programs, online forums, events, activities, and classes, whether in person, by telephone, online, or otherwise, collectively called WMF events. This Code of Conduct also applies to events sponsored by organizations other than WMF when they are held in conjunction with WMF events, in person or on public or private online platforms.

Equal opportunity

Equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment

It is WMF policy to ensure equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, physical appearance, body size, or other characteristics, whether protected by law or not. WMF prohibits all such discrimination and harassment and will fairly address all allegations as swiftly as possible.

Definitions

Harassment defined

Harassment based on any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. Harassment includes verbal, written, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual or group based on any of the protected factors listed above and that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or interferes with an individual’s performance or ability to participate in WMF events.

Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to, epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and offensive texts, emails, or other messages.

Sexual harassment means any unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture, or contact of a sexual nature, whether on a one-time basis or in a continuous series of incidents that might reasonably be expected to offend or embarrass an individual or be intended to generate a sexual response or favor. Sexual harassment also includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or unwelcome physical conduct.

Professional conduct

Prohibited conduct

As a professional organization, WMF is committed to diversity, equity, professional treatment of ideas, and respectful treatment of all members, employees, and volunteers at or in connection with all WMF events. WMF seeks to provide a professional atmosphere in which diverse participants may learn, network, and otherwise participate in an environment of mutual respect. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment or intimidation based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, physical appearance, body size, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking, or unsolicited physical contact.
• Harassment, intimidation, or coercion based upon a position as a board member, employee, or any position of influence.
• Abusive, lewd, or threatening conduct.
• Bullying, harassment, or unprofessional conduct toward members, employees, volunteers, or other participants at WMF events.
• Physical violence or threats of violence.
• Sexually charged communications or conduct.
• Use of illegal or illicit drugs on any property where WMF is hosting an event.
• Being under the influence of alcohol and or illegal or illicit drugs.

Reporting and response

Reporting acts of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation

WMF encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, regardless of the offender’s identity or position. Individuals who believe they have been the victim of such conduct should report their concerns to Ana Malachowski, Owner, at ana.wmf2@gmail.com, or Crystal Stoots at admin@worldmassagefestival.com.

WMF encourages individuals to advise the offender that their conduct is unwelcome and to request that it be discontinued, if they feel comfortable doing so. An individual making a complaint may be asked to put the complaint in writing promptly after reporting unwanted conduct.

When an individual feels that their physical safety is in jeopardy, WMF encourages the individual to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately and notify Ana Malachowski, Owner, at ana.wmf2@gmail.com, or Crystal Stoots at admin@worldmassagefestival.com.

Investigation procedures

Any reported allegations of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation will be investigated promptly by WMF using the following procedures:

1. Preliminary fact-finding conducted by the WMF Owner and the Human Resources Team.
2. If probable culpability is found, findings are referred to the Ethics Task Team or an Ethics Team of the World Massage Festival.
3. The Ethics task force or subcommittee deliberates and refers the investigation to the Owner with recommended action.
4. The Owner makes the final decision on any action to be taken, or lack thereof.

The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved as well as witnesses to the conduct.

WMF will maintain confidentiality to the extent consistent with appropriate investigation and corrective action. WMF reserves the right to notify an individual’s employer of serious misconduct under this policy when it is determined that notification is appropriate and the misconduct is substantiated.

Possible actions

If it is determined that an individual has engaged in prohibited conduct, the WMF Owner, or the appropriate staff designee, shall determine the appropriate action to be taken against the individual. Action may include, but is not limited to:

• Private reprimand.
• Expulsion from the WMF event without warning or refund.
• Implementation of conditions upon attendance at future WMF events.
• Removal of the individual from any and all positions and or classes.
• Restriction from attendance at future WMF events.
• Suspension from or revocation of membership in WMF, pursuant to the WMF Bylaws.
• Notification to the individual’s employer for serious misconduct as determined by WMF in its sole discretion.
• Revocation of Freedom Membership with no refunds.

Determinations reached in WMF’s complaint process are not legally conclusive in any other proceeding.

Good-faith reports

False reporting

Knowingly making a false accusation of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, or knowingly providing false information during an investigation of a report, may be grounds for appropriate disciplinary action and may be treated as harassment. A complaint made in good faith, even if found to be unsubstantiated, will not be considered a false accusation.

Protected participation

Retaliation

Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or discrimination, or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination, is a serious violation and is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly addressed.

Frequently asked questions

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