Our conference is a space for learning, collaboration, growth, and supporting one another as we work to create change. We invite you to be part of a culture of respect that acknowledges and honors the differences we bring in terms of our identities and our politics, without marginalizing or tokenizing each other. We can all do this by speaking from our own experiences and being respectful of differences. Our differences can be points of strength and the many diverse identities and perspectives we hold make for a stronger and more vibrant Reproductive Justice movement.
All of us—conference organizers, presenters, volunteers and participants—bring our varied identities to the conference. JusticeNOW2024 tries to provide the accountable and accessible spaces necessary for everyone to be able to participate in conference events. We ask that all participants help us create these accountable spaces by upholding JusticeNOW2024’s guidelines. For JusticeNOW2024, creating accountable spaces where we can learn and collaborate includes the following:
- Striving to engage in open and constructive dialogue with each other
- Using “I” statements and speaking from your own experience
- Expressing curiosity about and being open to a viewpoint that is different than yours
- Asking genuine questions for understanding
- Make space, take space
Our community agreements guide how we engage, strategize, and dream together in a protected environment where we can all show up as our authentic selves.
Masks are optional, yet ecouraged: Wearing masks (covering mouth and nose) is an act of community care. Speak clearly and slowly when masked. Please step outside to eat or drink.
Care for each other: If you see something, say something. Our team and volunteers are here to support. Report any concerns or behavior that threatens safety.
Honor gender diversity: Avoid terms that gender our comrades, like “ladies” or “queen”, without checking in first.
Be kind and respectful: Harassment, threats, and discriminatory behavior are not tolerated. This includes:
- Threats of violence
- Discriminatory jokes or insults
- Sharing explicit or violent content
- Unwanted sexual attention
Honor boundaries: If someone asks you to stop, respect that. Disagreements should be approached with curiosity and respect. Seek support, and allow our challenges to help us grow.
If you are concerned about a violation of community agreements or you feel uncomfortable with another participant’s actions, please notify JusticeNOW2024 staff or volunteers with your concerns. Less urgent comments can be shared with us via conference evaluation forms. We are invested in making sure that participants feel respected and welcome in our space at all times, and we welcome your feedback on your conference experience.
If members of the conference community feel that participants are not upholding these community norms, those participants may be asked to leave the conference.
Please be sure to read more about conference accessibility and safety.
If you have further questions, please contact us at [email protected].