Note: v1.7.0 3/25/24; This is a living document, and will be subject to revision.
While at Eclipse or Eclipse-sponsored events:
- I value consent, both verbal and nonverbal. I am empowered to say “no” to anyone for anything at any time, without giving a reason. I also understand that at times I may receive a “no”. I am not entitled to a reason, and will accept it with grace.
- I will respect people’s identities, including: sex, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, economic status, religion, race, or nationality.
- I will be responsible for communicating my reasonable personal boundaries with everyone I engage with. I recognize that boundaries (both mine and other’s) are fluid and may change throughout the event. I will proactively communicate changes in my personal boundaries.
- I will not intentionally cross anyone’s boundaries nor harass them. I understand that crossing boundaries is not always intentional, but not immediately complying with feedback will result in disciplinary action. At the organizers’ discretion, failure to comply with feedback will automatically place me in (at least) the orange category of the instant action plan (see below).
- I will not pursue anyone underage for romantic or sexual interests. Doing so will automatically place me in at least the orange category of the disciplinary action plan.
- I will maintain a level of sobriety that allows me to meet all of the responsibilities outlined in this document at all times. If I am found giving an intoxicating substance to a minor, I will be immediately expelled from the event and reported to the minor's guardian(s).
- I will not smoke or use a vaporizer or other smoking device on premises or within 100ft. of the entrances.
- I will leave the dance floor when not dancing. I will keep the volume of my conversations low in the dance rooms so as to not detract from the music being played.
- I will dance in a manner that is safe for myself and others. This means dancing within my ability and that of my partner and keeping a safe and respectful distance from others on the floor.
- I will refrain from wearing scented products such as: perfume, cologne, or fragrant personal care products. I will do my best to maintain good hygiene. That may mean bringing an extra change of clothes, wearing deodorant, etc. If I arrive wearing scented products, I may be asked to remove them with an alcohol wipe or via other means.
- Attendees agree to engage in good faith with the organizers and/or the third-party mediator when a complaint involves them.
Organizers:
Instant Action Plan
Any violation of the code of conduct may be met with disciplinary action and is intended to prevent future harm, not a punishment or retributive in nature. The following is an outline of categories people will be placed in when faced with disciplinary action:
Yellow
This category means you have made someone uncomfortable, or broken a policy that does not cause significant harm to someone else.
One of the organizers will have a conversation with you to let you know that they have witnessed you doing something or it’s been reported that you’ve made someone uncomfortable. It’s expected that you immediately comply with feedback. Repeated offenses at this level or intentionally ignoring feedback will lead to escalation within the instant action plan.
Orange
This category means you have caused harm to another person.This category is intended to allow room for people to prove they are willing to improve and grow. If we believe you are not willing to change for the better, we reserve the right to exclude you from our events, even if your behaviors are not deemed to be significantly harmful.
The following are the requirements to attend our events if you are placed in this category:
- You may not be under the influence of any recreational substances at the event that inhibits your sobriety.
- You must have an accountability buddy. This accountability buddy is someone chosen by you, but must be approved by all organizers. The accountability buddy will be with you at whatever activities you choose to do (lesson, dancing, etc.) This means that if your accountability buddy wants to leave early, you will be expected to leave the dance as well.
Red
This category means you are banned from all future Eclipse events.
Automatic “Reds”
If you have a police report against you regarding a rape incident or sexual assault (regardless of where it may have occurred), or if there is a restraining order against you regarding a dancer in our community (defined as someone who attends Boston-area social dances), you are not welcome at Eclipse.
How to Report if Someone Has Crossed Your Boundaries/Violated the Policies
If you have concerns about a member of the community, you may use the following means:
You don't have to have a fully formed request or plan when you initiate the conversation.
When taking a harassment report in person, our staff will do our best to ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. We may involve other staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You will never be asked to confront anyone directly, we won't tell anyone who you are without your explicit consent and we will discuss with you before taking action. Our team will be happy to help you contact local law enforcement or local support services at your request.
Any attendee is encouraged to bring any problem to an organizer at any time. When the attendee does this, they agree to the following actions:
- Organizers will be informed of anonymous information that is given to any organizer regarding a complaint.
- If a complaint involves one of the organizers, that organizer will be treated as an attendee for conflict-resolution purposes.
- If the complaint involves a minor, the minor's guardian(s) will be given information as well.
- The organizers will attempt to resolve all complaints, but do not promise specific outcomes. The organizers promise to act with integrity according to their personal values and our community's shared values to the best of their judgment.
- The organizers may utilize the instant action plan and potential outcomes include:
- removing anyone from the event.
- removing anyone from the dance area.
- restricting an individual's access to specific spaces at the event, resources, or behaviors; or
- involving a third-party mediator.
In cases where suspensions and bans need to be enforced, Eclipse may make a request of the reporter to document their experiences in writing.
Photography & Videography Policy
Guests may not take photographs unless they have the permission of an organizer. Photography and videography will only be done by organizers/staff or designated photographers.
Guests may opt out of photography/videography when signing the image release form. They may notify the organizers via email in the event they no longer want themselves in photos or videos. They may also request for images to be removed from Eclipse’s social media, website, etc. that contain them.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to all of the past organizers who have put effort into their policies and granted inspiration, guidance, or content for this document. Specifically, thank you to Joie Benamor who donated their time and advice in making this happen, as well as Mission Fusion, Seattle Particle Fusion, The Dance Thing, Nuance, Cascade Dance Party, and Darksteel Games.