In 2018 we introduced a Code of Conduct that all participants of AIGA OC activities (physical and digital) agree to adhere to when they choose to take part in our creative community.
This code of conduct is a written commitment of our intent to embrace an attitude of diversity and inclusion in the entirety of our work. We are a welcome home for diverse backgrounds, opinions, and ideas that help us constructively further Orange County’s creative profession.
1. Inclusive for All
AIGA OC is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability status, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or political affiliation.
We do not tolerate harassment of participants* in any form, at any community activity. Any participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the activity (without a refund) at the discretion of the organizers.
*Participants include registered attendees, community participants, speakers, special guests, sponsors, exhibitors, and conference associates.
2. Defining Harassment
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Comments that reinforce social structures of domination
(related to gender, sexual orientation, ability status, physical appearance, race, age, religion, or political affiliation)
- Inappropriate sexual images in public spaces
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
- Harassing photography or recording
- Sustained disruption of talks or other activities
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Unwelcome sexual attention
- Deliberate damage to, or theft of personal property (digital and physical) belonging to other participants or the hosting space
- Any of the above behavior aimed at or in reference to the AIGA OC platform or its members on social media
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
3. Solicitation of Unpaid Labor
AIGA presents itself as a space for Creative Professionals of all disciplines and experience levels to share, listen, grow, and also find work opportunities. However, any solicitation of unpaid labor (including internships or work that comes with speculative payment) is NOT accepted on any of our platforms, unless pre-approved and shared by AIGA OC leadership.
Any content soliciting unpaid work will be removed from our platforms with a zero tolerance attitude. Any continued solicitation after the removal of prior content will result in consequences outlined below in the final section (5. Consequences) of this Code of Conduct.
AIGA OC believes that in the right legal context, unpaid opportunities can offer value to an informed Creative Professional, who has the right to choose to work unpaid. We determine that unpaid work opportunities are legal if the unpaid worker is the “primary beneficiary of the arrangement.” We define this by the U.S. Department of Labor’s 7-point test found here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships. If these contexts are met, AIGA OC leadership is able to share these opportunities, but retains the right not to and will share their reasoning.
4. Reporting
If someone makes you or another participant feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. You can make a report either anonymously or in person. To make an anonymous report, email conduct@orangecounty.aiga.org
To make a report in person, find an AIGA OC Executive Board Member. When making a personal report, our team will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. Our team will be happy to contact venue security, local law enforcement, or local support services, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.
5. Consequences
Any participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the activity (without a refund) at the discretion of the organizers.
They will not be welcome at future AIGA OC events.
Our community partners will also be alerted to the incident, and may sanction offending participants at their own discretion.
