Code of Conduct

Purpose

Louisville Country Dancers (LCD) is committed to fostering a welcoming and safe community for dancers of all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to provide an inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable sharing in the joy of music and dance. In order for this to happen, there are certain behaviors we can’t tolerate.

Section 1: Unacceptable Behaviors

We do not tolerate any behaviors that compromise the safety and well-being of our dancers. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Harassment, discrimination, or bullying

  • Non-consensual physical contact

  • Disregard for personal boundaries

  • Any form of intimidation or coercion

  • Disrespect or criticism of role preferences during dances

  • Any behavior that creates a physically unsafe or uncomfortable environment

Section 2: Encouraged Etiquette

Examples of ways that participants can improve the experience of the dance for everyone include, but are not limited to:

  • Dancing respectfully with anyone encountered in the Contra line

  • Gracefully accepting affirmative or negative responses to a request to dance

  • Communicating and accommodating physical needs for safe dancing

  • Attentively listening to the caller’s instructions and allowing others to listen as well

  • Approaching mistakes in dance execution with a positive attitude

  • Helping other dancers get to where they’re going gently and nonverbally

Section 3: Application of the Code of Conduct

This code of conduct applies to all Louisville Country Dancers events, including regular Monday dances and third-Saturday dances. It extends to all participants, including dancers, musicians, callers, and board members.

Consequences for Violating the Code of Conduct

Violating the expectations set forth in Section 1 of the Code of Conduct may result in consequences such as:

  • Verbal warning

  • Written warning

  • Temporary ban

  • Indefinite ban

Reporting a Code of Conduct Violation

If you experience or witness a Code of Conduct violation, please follow these steps:

1. Report the details to a board member

  • At the dance in-person.

    • Board members are routinely identified at the break midway through the event and often wear golden “Board Member” badges.

    • Contact information and photos of board members are on our website.

  • Online via our Online Contact Form or Anonymous Feedback Form found on our website, https://louisvillecountrydancers.org/.

  • Via email to a specific board member.

2. Provide detailed information about the incident, such as the names or descriptions of the parties involved, date, and what happened.

3. If you feel comfortable doing so, identify yourself so that the board can follow up with you. Otherwise, you may use our anonymous feedback form. Regardless, your report’s confidentiality outside the board is assumed by default.

4. Let us know whether this is a formal or informal report.

  • Formal: The board begins an investigation and evaluates possible consequences.

  • Informal: The board archives the report as evidence for later investigations.

Handling Code of Conduct Reports

Formal Reports

The LCD Board will designate at least two representatives (typically from the board) to conduct an investigation. These representatives will maintain confidentiality, document all conversations, and contact relevant parties for information. The board may issue the warnings or bans detailed above based on the severity of the issue.

This process is thoroughly detailed in the LCD Procedures for Complaints of Inappropriate Behavior document.

Informal Reports

The LCD board makes a note of the report and archives it as evidence that they may act upon at a later time. This archive is only accessible to current and future board members. If enough informal complaints accumulate against an individual, the board may choose to investigate the reports with the Formal Report process and may issue consequences accordingly. 

Recusal Policy

Any individual directly involved in a Code of Conduct report will recuse themselves from handling the official investigation to ensure impartiality.

By default, reports accusing board members will be confidentially withheld from them unless delivered directly to them. For example, the online contact forms deliver reports to board email inboxes.

Last updated: July 11, 2024

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Physical checks are made out to “Louisville Country Dancers” and mailed to 1228 E Breckinridge St Box #5, Louisville, KY 40204.

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