Youth Empowerment Council Community Agreements
YEC Interns agree to follow these expectations/agreements as best we can so everyone feels affirmed and included at Youth Empowerment Council meetings, events and programs:
1. Take care of ourselves.
We are responsible for meeting our own needs. This includes eating when hungry, drinking water, using the restroom, taking space when needed, and planning how to get home safely. TDC and Epicenter staff are here to help if we need support.
2. Keep TDC spaces substance-free.
We won’t bring nicotine, marijuana, or alcohol to TDC events or programs. If something accidentally comes in, we’ll give it to staff to keep everyone safe.
3. Speak up about worries.
We will never keep dangerous secrets. If we feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or notice someone else is in trouble, we will tell a TDC and Epicenter staff member. Adults handle worries so that youth can focus on having fun.
4. Respect boundaries and consent.
We won’t touch each other inappropriately. This means no sitting on laps, lying on someone, roughhousing, or kissing other youth. Permitted touch includes consensual high-fives, hugs, sitting next to each other, holding hands, or dancing. However, we always ask first.
5. Protect privacy and avoid gossip.
We won’t share personal stories or gossip about others. Privacy is important, and if someone’s safety is at risk, we’ll tell a TDC and Epicenter staff member.
6. Respect ourselves and others.
Self-respect: we will show care for our bodies, needs, limits, and how we talk about ourselves.
Respect for others: we will honor other people’s bodies, consent, limits, and how we speak about them.
Respect for the environment: we will leave no trace, take care of youth spaces and equipment, and avoid language or stories that could upset or trigger others.
Respect for identities: we will honor all pronouns, genders, sexual orientations, races, abilities, religions, ages, family styles, and relationship styles.
7. Own our actions.
We agree to apologize if we hurt someone. We agree to resolve conflicts together and ask TDC and Epicenter staff for support when needed. When someone tells us about their experience, even if it is different from ours, we do our best to listen with an open heart and mind. We are willing to learn and grow together.
8. Stay safe and visible.
We will remain in sight of staff during events (except in the bathroom) and let staff know when we leave.
9. We commit to being anti-racist and anti-oppressive together.
We will not ignore racism or bigotry. We will respond to racism directly and tell TDC and Epicenter staff if we witness it. We acknowledge that our personal biases may show up in youth spaces. We are responsible for our own growth and education. We can ask TDC staff questions about how to be inclusive. We agree to lift up and center the voices and experiences of BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ youth. We support queer, trans, immigrant, neurodiverse, disabled, and differently-abled people. We do this by listening and being respectful, rather than being defensive or minimizing someone else’s experience.
10. Confidentiality.
TDC keeps your information private unless required by law or in emergencies. If TDC or Epicenter staff must involve parents/caregivers or call 911, we will let you know and make a plan with you first.
