Code of Conduct

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309 Westies strives for an environment that is safe, welcoming, and fun for beginner and continuing dancers at its social dance events. Good social dancing happens from a place of mutual respect and kindness, and we ask that attendees embody these values at our events. We welcome all genders, gender identities, races, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, physical appearances, body sizes, religions, dance levels, and so on.

• 309 Westies welcomes dancers of all ages! However, if you are under 18, you must bring an over-18 chaperone with you. 
• Our events are sword-, knife-, firearm-, nun-chuck-, light-saber-, nerf-gun-, etc.- free
• Glitter and confetti are not allowed at the event
• Our events are recreational-drug-free
• We will ask anyone who is visibly intoxicated to leave the dance floor and will adhere to the event Venue's alcohol policy

The North Penn Elks Lodge policy is

• You may bring a water bottle but, it must be empty at the front door
• No alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the facility except those provided by the Elks
• No alcoholic beverages may be consumed outside the building
• Minors will not be served
• Individuals judged to be intoxicated will not be served

• In the lesson, we are trying to reach a common goal as a group. Being friendly is natural, but excessive chatter distracts the group. 
• We also ask that you rely on the instruction/instructor and not peer review. Classes are for self-assessment and self-paced learning.

• During the social dance, we expect people to practice skills or dance just to have fun. Offering what you think are corrections to your partner is not appropriate (unless specifically asked for feedback).
• Consider spending at least one social dance with all the different people at the dance
• When you ask someone to dance, it’s helpful to clarify if you intend to lead, follow, or switch. In today’s social dance environment, lead or follow cannot be assumed by visual identity. 
• We don’t control other people and neither should another attendee. 
  • It’s OK to say “No” to a dance, or any activity without explanation.
  • It’s OK if someone says “No” to you. Honor people taking care of themselves.
  • Any explicit disrespect or disregard of enthusiastic consent will not be tolerated
• Dance floors can be fast-paced and crowded environments. Please be careful of the space other dancers are using. Excessive traveling, partner weight support moves, and dips are discouraged in social settings like this one.
• ​Sexual language and/or imagery and profanities are not appropriate at any part of the event or the social media page. Feel free to curse silently to yourself if you stub your toe.
• If something is uncomfortable, please let your partner know. For example, if a connection is too firm ask for a lighter one.
• High-fiving or saying ‘thank you’ are nice ways to end a dance. Not everyone is a hugger.
• We are not encouraging romantic interactions/dating. This is not a space for meeting new people with the intention of dating.

• If you are sick or not feeling well, please stay home. We will enjoy dancing with you next time.
• We recommend you frequently use hand sanitizer (we provide) and wash your hands because we know that gatherings spread germs
• If you want to wear a mask, we welcome you
• If you are tired or something starts to feel weird, feel free to take a break and take care of yourself
• Manage your breath. Be conscious about your choice of pre-dance meal. Always have gum or mints ready.
• Remember that dancing is an exercise activity: wear deodorant or antiperspirant
• Bring an extra shirt. Some of us get sweaty and a dry shirt is awesome. A towel and fan may help too.
• Recognize that some people are scent sensitive. We discourage hand lotion and strong scents.

We will not tolerate harassment.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments (including but not limited to those related to gender, gender identity, race, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, religion, dance level, etc.), use of sexual images or behavior in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, photographing or recording someone without their permission, sustained disruption, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Advocating for or encouraging any unacceptable behavior will also be considered harassment. Harassment of ANY kind will not be tolerated at any event venue, including dances, and other online avenues or social media affiliated with our events. 

• If an attendee engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers will take action. Action includes warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund or ban from future events. 
• Attendees asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
• 309 Westies will be happy to help attendees contact the other organizers, or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance and your safety.

309 Westies takes complaints seriously and is committed to resolving issues to the best of our ability. We strive to create a culture that resolves these issues by engaging the whole community. We ask you to speak up if you witness something that isn't contributing to the community goals of being safe, welcoming, and fun. Speak either directly to the person causing an issue or to an event organizer. Your willingness to speak up will help create an environment of positive social pressure that organizers can’t generate single-handedly. 

If someone raises an issue to you about your behavior, please listen and be willing to learn. When you make complaints, consider it is not the event organizers' job to create an environment where no one will ever get on your nerves. Harassment is one thing; personal issues are another. 

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Issue Resolution Process:

309 Westies representatives will attempt to work with anyone who violates this Code of Conduct to correct the behavior, whether the violations are observed directly by event organizers or reported by attendees. Extreme or repeated violations of this Code of Conduct, or refusal to cooperate with representatives, may be met with consequences up to and including expulsion from the event without a refund and suspension from future 309 Westies events.

When you bring up an issue to you may expect the following:​

• An initial conversation away from other attendees
• Confidentiality (unless we feel someone is in immediate danger)
• You will be asked how you would like the situation to be handled
• 309 Westies will then determine the next steps in consultation with you

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Next steps may include the reported person being: 

• Monitored, but not approached, to keep an eye on them for further issues
• Spoken to directly about their behavior and asked to stop
• Removed from the event, and/or banned from future events