Code of Conduct for Events

4.14.21

I.             Purpose

NASW-NJ aims to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds as possible.  As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, religion, ability, or other personal characteristics.  We recognize that all who arrive in our space are here to learn, grow, challenge themselves and as such, we honor how you arrive and your willingness to engage in meaningful, productive dialogue.

The Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for those who participate in NASW-NJ online events, both presenters and participants, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

We expect all participants in our space to create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

“Participant” in this policy refers to anyone present at any NASW-NJ event, including staff, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, venue staff, members and all attendees.

II.           Expected Behavior

We expect all participants at NASW-NJ events to abide by this Code of Conduct at all events, both in person and virtual, including ancillary events, official and unofficial social gatherings and in interactions online and on social media.  NASW-NJ events may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all of these participants.

III.          Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

•             Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant, at all related events and in one-on-one communications, including online communications, carried out in context of NASW-NJ programs or events;

•             Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments, visual images related to gender, orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or any other personal characteristic;

•             Inappropriate or gratuitous use of nudity, sexual images, or stereotyped images in public spaces, including online;

•             deliberate intimidation, stalking or following, in person or online;

•             harassing photography or recording;

•             sustained disruption of talks or other events;

•             unwelcomed and uninvited attention or contact in person or online;

•             physical or verbal assault;

•             real or implied threat of physical harm;

•             real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm;

•             “calling-out” of individual persons by name in any presentation and/or chat feature and/or on social media;

•             Sharing of personal contact information in spaces where this is expressly prohibited (during chats in conferences or continuing education events, outside of networking spaces);

•             Repetitive comments/dialogue that result in other participants not feeling respected and/or able to share meaningfully in the conversation;

•             Sharing of personal and/or professional contact information for self-promotion in chats unless otherwise authorized by event moderator. Please use authorized sites/portals for that connection.

Be careful in the words you chose.  Harassment committed in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior.

Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of our Code of Conduct.

Falsely reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of our Code of Conduct.

Many conversations and trainings produced and facilitated by NASW-NJ are related to challenging personal and social issues including race, disabilities, orientation and social justice.  As a community of social workers, our Code of Conduct also demands that all participants follow our professional code of ethics and adhere to our professional standards of behavior. 

IV.          Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any participant will not be tolerated.  If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, NASW-NJ reserves the right to take any action NASW-NJ deems appropriate.  NASW-NJ reserves the right to remove an individual from any event without warning or refund, and to prohibit an individual from attendance at future events.

Depending on the nature of the offense, it is possible that participants witnessing the event may be obligated to report the nature of the violation to NASW Ethics and/or individual state licensing boards which may lead to further consequences that NASW-NJ has no control over.

V.           If You Are Subject to or Witness Unacceptable Behavior

If you are being subjected to, or notice that someone else is being subjected to, behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please contact the event host (who is the NASW-NJ staff member) and Executive Director, Jennifer Thompson, at jthompson.naswnj@socialworkers.org. 

All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.

All reports are kept confidential to the extent possible.

If possible, provide the following information:

•             Identifying information of the participant who violated the Code of Conduct;

•             The behavior that was in violation;Download as PDF