NATC CODE OF CONDUCT

The Taiko Community Alliance (TCA) is built on the core values of respect, heritage & evolution, empowerment, inclusivity, and transparency. At NATC we are committed to facilitating a welcoming and respectful event for all, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (including religious dress and grooming), or nationality. We do not tolerate harassment of attendees in any form and we empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a friendly and safe environment at NATC.

This Code of Conduct shares our community expectations and applies to all attendees, participants, observers, chaperones, staff, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, instructors, and performers at NATC. People attend NATC to learn, network and have fun. Please do so responsibly and with respect for the right of others to do likewise.

The Code

1. Be kind and considerate: Respect personal space and common courtesy rules for personal interaction.
2. Be aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of others around you to ensure a great experience for your fellow participants.
3. Behave appropriately: Refrain from using, engaging in, and or displaying demeaning, harassing, aggressive, or intimidating language, materials, clothing, or behavior.
4. Frame conversations openly: Avoid language and expressions that ignore or invalidate the perspectives of other members of the taiko community who are different from you.
5. Respect property: Do not damage private or communal property, especially the enormous amount of equipment that is on loan to this NATC.
6. Report inappropriate behavior: Promptly report any behavior that violates these expectations to the nearest TCA Board Member or via email to concierge@taikocommunityalliance.org. Reports can also be made via a comment card obtained from your workshop monitor and given to TCA staff, Board members, or workshop monitor.

We expect participants to follow this Code at NATC concerts, workshop venues, and conference-related social events.

Inappropriate Behavior and Harassment

Inappropriate behavior and/or harassment will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behavior and/or harassment can take many forms such as slurs; jokes; derogatory statements; foul or obscene language; offensive clothing; leering; stalking; following; deliberate intimidation; staring; gestures; pictures, drawings or cartoons; violating personal space by impeding or blocking another person's movement or otherwise physically interfering with them; harassing photography or recordings; unwelcome sexual attention; sexual images or language in public spaces; inappropriate physical contact; unwanted or offensive letters, email, or voicemail messages; or social media postings.

If you are asked to stop behaving inappropriately, you should comply immediately. TCA reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from NATC at any time. All determinations are at the sole discretion of TCA, and TCA’s decision will be final.

If you witness or experience inappropriate behavior and/or harassment

If a participant engages in behavior that violates this Code, TCA may take action to keep NATC a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. TCA reserves the right to investigate violations of this Code by any attendee. Responses to confirmed violations may range from warning those responsible to expelling them with no refund.

If you experience or observe behavior that violates this Code, or have any other concerns, and do not feel able to address those responsible directly, please contact a member of the TCA Code of Conduct Committee immediately, or send an email to feedback@taikocommunityalliance.org. You may also make a written report from a comment card obtained from your registration materials or any TCA Board member or NATC volunteer.

A TCA Code of Conduct Committee member will be in touch to take a full report of the incident, including: Identifying information of the participant(s) involved, the time of the incident, the behavior that was in violation, any relevant circumstances, and any action already taken. If you’re sending an email or reporting via comment card, please include as much of this information as possible. For the most immediate response, please call or text 408-833-0445.

If requested, a TCA Board member can help contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escort, or otherwise assist those experiencing violations of this Code to feel safe for the duration of the conference. Code violations reduce the value of NATC for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of attendees in any form and we empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a friendly and safe environment at NATC. People like you make NATC and our taiko community a better place, and we value your experience.