This code of conduct outlines our expectations for participant behavior both during events and year-round in the Sacramento Valley Spark (SVS) community.
SVS sponsors activities supporting the growth of our greater region’s art community. SVS expects volunteers and participants to create and maintain a space welcoming for all. We do not discriminate on gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, or religion.
We are guided by the Burning Man 10 Principles. When in conflict with other participants, we use FLAME: Find out, Listen, Analyze, Mediate, Explain.
Participation in SVS events is open to all ticketed attendees; however, continued participation and attendance may be revoked if a participant fails to respect other attendees or behaves in a way that endangers themselves, SVS sponsored and related events or attendees, or the broader community.
Expected behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Consenting interactions have the support of our community. Each person is obligated to get someone’s consent in any situation affecting the experience of another person participating, volunteering, working or otherwise engaged. Examples of activities requiring consent:
- Sexual Activity
- Photography of others
- Hugs or other physical interaction
- Be considerate and respectful of fellow participants and the community around the event.
- Refrain from non-consensual or demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants’ safety.
Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:
- Predatory behavior, defined as any unwanted and non-consensual form of the following: intimidation, harassment, stalking, verbal or physical abuse, violence against people or their property.
- Non-consensual physical contact, including unwelcome sexual interaction.
- Abuse or neglect of SVS, partner, volunteer, or participant’s property, physical or otherwise, such as vandalism, theft of property, abusing the ticketing process, or impersonating a lead or event organizers.
- Disrespecting the community surrounding the event such as dumping trash in local dumpsters, trespassing, or repeated violations of the event’s sound ordinance.
- Wanton, flagrant, or repeated disregard for one’s own safety or well-being in a manner that demands the intervention of other participants, community members, volunteers or outside agencies, such as intervention by local law enforcement or fire department staff.
- Repeated or egregious violations of any and all policies put in effect by event organizers.
Consequences of unacceptable behavior:
Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. This includes expressions of this behavior at the event as well as pre- or post-event via phone, social media, or face to face communication.
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
If a participant at an SVS-led event engages in unacceptable behaviors, SVS and/or designated event representatives may take any action they deem appropriate to ensure the safety of the event and its participants. This action may include expulsion from the event without refund, revoking tickets, or removing a volunteer from their shift.
If a participant’s behavior is found to be predatory, an expulsion for the present or following years may be instituted. There may be an opportunity for the participant to appeal and show progress towards resolution of these issues after the following year’s event.
SVS or individuals may pursue potential legal action.
If a paid artist or performer is found to engage in these unacceptable behaviors, SVS may take action such as banning the artist from future paid positions or grants and not displaying or promoting previous artistic works.
What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior:
If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to it, or have any other concerns:
- First, speak up. Ask the person to stop. Say “no”.
- If you feel unsafe, leave the situation.
- If you feel uncomfortable but the person’s behavior does not cross a line, step away from the situation.
- If you need help, ask for it. If someone asks you for help, do your best to help or find someone who can.
- Report your concerns to a Ranger, ESD volunteer, or SVS Board Member; these individuals are prepared to assist participants and listen to your concerns. All reports will remain confidential.
- If you would like to call in law enforcement or need professional medical treatment, SVS will support you in taking that action.
- Finally, if you have reports after the event, report them to our Code of Conduct Committee (see below). All reports will remain confidential, except when reporting is required by law.
CODE OF CONDUCT COMMITTEE
The Code of Conduct Committee consists of members of the community who have stepped up to document and review conduct incidents that occurred at the event and in the year round Burning Man community that exists beyond the event. Members have been recommended by fellow SVS participants and are anonymous.
The committee takes reports, offers empathetic support, assigns a case number, collects accounts from involved parties and witnesses, and – if actionable – writes a recommendation for the SVS Board of Directors, who make the final determination. Our goal is not to determine innocence or guilt; actions taken by the Board are based on assessments of community safety and SVS program continuity, centered on SVS sponsored events.
All submissions are encouraged, although we have limited ability to respond to reports existing outside the scope of SVS activities. Additionally, we can only further explore first-hand accounts, as we want to empower those who’ve experienced boundary crossings and allow them the opportunity to choose if and when they want to disclose. In order for us to assess these incidents, the people impacted should contact us directly, when they are ready to do so. However, we can document second-hand reports to connect incidents as needed.
You may contact the committee by filling out the Conduct Report form.
All communications with the Code of Conduct Committee about incidents will remain confidential.