This document is a general guideline of the expectations for all members of Santa Fe DSA. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of problematic conduct: just because something is not explicitly listed here does not mean it’s permissible.
Offenses and violations of the code of conduct will result in consequences which may include: a restorative justice process; suspension from the local chapter; expulsion from the local chapter.
For those in positions of leadership, it is asked that you make an extra effort to uphold the expectations outlined below. Positions of leadership includes members of the Organizing Committee, point people for working groups and teams, and active mobilizers and organizers.
In addition, while our coalition partners are not beholden to our Resolutions Process, we will remove endorsements or void partnerships that are in violation of the Code of Conduct. Similarly, while non-DSA members are unable to file a Formal Concern, it is understood that an event or action undertaken by a DSA member towards a non-DSA member may strongly affect our members. Those situations will be discussed by the Grievance Officers on a case-by-case basis.
If you are aware of any blatant violations, please refer to the Grievance Procedure and/or the Harassment Grievance Officers (HGOs). We do encourage you to initiate a private discussion with the offender-if you are comfortable doing so-before contacting grievance officers.
It should also be noted that this Code of Conduct is not just limited to behavior at DSA-sponsored events; we expect members to uphold this agreement in all participation with, or on behalf of, DSA. This can include digital spaces, such as Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.
We will be respectful to fellow DSA members and our coalition partners. We expect all our members to act in good faith. We will assume good intentions unless there’s reason to believe otherwise, although we also recognize that merely having good intent does not mitigate the impact of problematic speech/behavior. In such instances, we will strive to privately dialogue with the person-at-hand, and learn more about their intent, while educating them about their impact.
We will be sensitive to others with whom we are sharing the same space. In concrete terms, this includes speaking less if we find ourselves talking too much at the expense of other, unheard voices. We will not disrupt meetings or interrupt people when they are speaking. We expect those in positions of leadership to proactively promote marginalized voices and to make the space accommodating.
We strive to make DSA an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, especially for new members, and as such, we will refrain from exclusionary behavior. This can include everything from inside jokes to hosting meetings in non-wheelchair accessible spaces. In addition, leaders and mobilizers of Santa Fe DSA will strive to make networks and resources accessible for all members.
We will respect our comrades’ privacy and not reveal personally-identifiable information without permission, absolutely including events where a member has requested privacy. We will also always strive to “call in”, rather than “call out” comrades. We will keep in mind that violations of the code of conduct and any grievances that take place should be handled discreetly. Confidentiality is of great importance during a grievance.
We are committed to actively dismantling the social structures of domination and oppression. We should not engage in behavior or speech—even ironically—that reinforces systems of oppression based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, body size and physical appearance, disability, race, ethnicity, caste, color, religion, national origin, class, age, or profession. Harassment will absolutely not be tolerated.
Scope
- Prohibited behavior. Members shall not engage in harassment. Harassing or abusive behavior, such as unwelcome attention, inappropriate or offensive remarks, slurs, or jokes, physical or verbal intimidation, stalking, inappropriate physical contact or proximity, and other verbal and physical conduct constitute harassment when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a member’s continued affiliation with DSA;
- Submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for organizational decisions affecting such individual; or
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile environment interfering with an individual’s capacity to organize within DSA.
- Other protected classes. Harassment based on categories not encompassed by those listed in section (a) will be evaluated at the discretion of the Harassment Grievance officers (HGOs) in conversation with the Organizing Committee (OC).
We recognise that other verbal and physical conduct not listed above constitutes harassment when:- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a member’s continued affiliation with DSA.
- Submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for organizational decisions affecting such individual.
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile environment interfering with an individual’s capacity to organize within DSA.
If you are being treated disrespectfully or harassed, notice that someone else is being treated disrespectfully or harassed, or have any other concerns, please point out the problem to the harassment grievance officers (HGOs) or any DSA member in a position of leadership with whom you feel comfortable talking to as soon as possible. These members in leadership positions would include members of the OC, point persons for a working group or team, and active mobilizers or organizers.
We are a democratic socialist organization, so we expect members to be socialists or leftists interested in learning more about democratic socialism. We will not tolerate far right-wing ideologies, such as fascism. We will take seriously actions grounded in white supremacy and heteropatriarchy, such as Blue Lives Matter and Pro-Life politics.
What happens in case of violations of our Code of Conduct?
Members and guests asked to stop any injurious, unwelcome, offensive, or disrespectful behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a person persists in such behavior, they will be subject to the Santa Fe DSA grievance procedure.
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify the grievance officers or any DSA member in a position of leadership with whom you feel comfortable talking to as soon as possible. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.
Amendments to the Code of Conduct can be submitted to the Organizing Committee or the General Membership and must be ratified by a quorum of members of DSA Santa Fe.
Ratified on 10/27/2019 by a quorum of members of Santa Fe DSA.