SSM Pride Cooperative's Core Values

Purpose:  The SSM Pride Project is committed to creating an environment where every person can participate in a safe, inclusive, and respectful space. This Code of Conduct aims to guide interactions and ensure that all participants, volunteers, staff, and supporters are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We are committed to preventing any form of lateral violence and to fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and respect within the 2SLGBTIQA+ community.

Respect: We value every individual and honor their identity, experiences, and perspectives.

Inclusion: We actively create spaces where all identities are welcome, affirmed, and celebrated.

Safety: We work to ensure physical, emotional, and psychological safety for all participants.

Solidarity: We recognize the strength in unity and collaboration and reject all forms of harm that undermine our community

 Respect for Identity:

Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, or any other personal characteristic.

Use individuals’ preferred names and pronouns at all times. If unsure, ask politely.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment:

Harassment, bullying, or discrimination in any form, including verbal, physical, or emotional, will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, homophobic, transphobic, biphobia, racist, ableist, or any other forms of harmful behavior.

No Lateral Violence:
We commit to preventing lateral violence (e.g., bullying, gossip, exclusion, and undermining) within the 2SLGBTIQA+ community.

We acknowledge that members of marginalized groups can sometimes engage in harmful behaviors toward each other. This will be addressed with care, dialogue, and education in order to foster a supportive community.

Active Listening and Empathy:
Listen to and validate others' experiences. Respect their personal boundaries, both emotional and physical.

Offer empathy and support to those who are sharing their experiences, and be mindful of creating space for others to be heard.

Constructive Communication:

Engage in respectful, open, and clear communication. If conflicts arise, address them in a constructive manner, seeking resolution and understanding rather than confrontation.

Disagree respectfully. Critique ideas, not individuals, and avoid personal attacks.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

Respect the privacy of others. Do not share private information or stories without explicit consent.

Maintain confidentiality regarding personal information shared within the group, unless explicit permission is given to share it.

Accountability and Responsibility:

Take responsibility for your own actions, and apologize if you have harmed someone, even unintentionally.

Hold each other accountable in a way that fosters growth and learning, rather than shame or exclusion.

Report violations of this Code of Conduct to the leadership team, with the confidence that all concerns will be handled promptly and fairly.

Discrimination: Any actions that create an environment where people are treated unfairly due to their identity or background.

Verbal and Physical Abuse: Any form of verbal or physical abuse, including threats, harassment, or intimidation.

Exclusion and Ostracization: Any behavior intended to exclude, isolate, or harm others socially.

Hate Speech and Microaggressions: Any form of hateful language or actions that dismiss, invalidate, or degrade others based on their identity.

1. Warning: A verbal or written warning will be issued for first-time minor infractions.
2. Discussion and Education: For more serious or repeated violations, individuals will be asked to participate in a discussion with leadership or undergo an educational session on respecting 2SLGBTIQA+ spaces and preventing lateral violence.
3. Temporary Suspension: In cases of ongoing or serious misconduct, an individual may be temporarily suspended from participating in activities until a resolution is reached.
4. Permanent Removal: If violations persist or involve harmful behavior that jeopardizes the safety and wellbeing of others, permanent removal from the program or event may occur.

If you feel unsafe or experience harm, please reach out to our support team. We will ensure that any concerns are addressed in a sensitive, confidential, and timely manner.

Peer support networks will be available for individuals who need someone to talk to or for advice on navigating difficult situations within the community.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will regularly review and revise this Code of Conduct to ensure it remains relevant, inclusive, and effective. We encourage all community members to participate in discussions and training that foster respect, inclusion, and solidarity.

Together, we create a community where everyone can thrive, and no one is left behind.