Grievance Policy FAQ
Why do you have a Code of Conduct and a Grievance Policy?
Our community is very respectful and welcoming, so while these documents may not seem necessary, we feel that a stated Code of Conduct gives us all a nice reminder of some acceptable behaviors and expectations for all attendees. It also gives us a standard by which we can assist you with any complaints that may arise.
The Grievance Policy sets forth how Bluesquake will deal with problems of varying degrees. It is important to state this clearly so that if an attendee does have a negative experience, he or she knows what to expect and how Bluesquake will help. It also allows for a more uniform approach so that all event supervisors respond in a similar manner.
The Grievance Policy sets forth how Bluesquake will deal with problems of varying degrees. It is important to state this clearly so that if an attendee does have a negative experience, he or she knows what to expect and how Bluesquake will help. It also allows for a more uniform approach so that all event supervisors respond in a similar manner.
Where and how do I address my concerns?
Please address concerns to a event supervisor as quickly as possible so we can best deal with the situation. If you cannot find an event supervisor, please ask a volunteer to locate one for you. If you cannot talk to one of us at an event, please contact us.
We understand that filing a complaint can be difficult and want you to feel comfortable telling us what happened. Let us know if there is a specific Bluesquake organizer that you prefer to communicate with about your complaint. We are happy to keep your identity anonymous, if you prefer, and we can inform you of any actions taken to resolve the problem.
If you see something potentially dangerous or problematic on the dance floor or elsewhere at Bluesquake, you can report it. At the same time, we also frown upon gossip or slander, so we will carefully investigate third party complaints while respecting all parties involved.
We understand that filing a complaint can be difficult and want you to feel comfortable telling us what happened. Let us know if there is a specific Bluesquake organizer that you prefer to communicate with about your complaint. We are happy to keep your identity anonymous, if you prefer, and we can inform you of any actions taken to resolve the problem.
If you see something potentially dangerous or problematic on the dance floor or elsewhere at Bluesquake, you can report it. At the same time, we also frown upon gossip or slander, so we will carefully investigate third party complaints while respecting all parties involved.
When should I file a Complaint? How do I do it?
A “Complaint” is a problem that you cannot resolve on your own by using social cues, comments, actions, or etiquette generally accepted by the dance community. If you cannot resolve the matter on your own, or if you are not comfortable with personally confronting the problem, please tell us and we will help you. A Complaint may be reported verbally to an event supervisor or in writing through the complaint form. If you need help in finding the event supervisor on-duty, volunteers will be able to help direct you.
Each case will be evaluated and an appropriate course of action will be chosen. If all parties are willing to engage in dialogue then a "Conflict Resolution" model will be used. If one or more parties is unwilling or unable to discuss the matter using the conflict resolution model, or if the organizers deem fit, the "Escalation Policy" will be followed. The organizers of BluesQuake prefer conflict resolution over punitive forms of dispute resolution, but understand that mediated discussion is not always the best course of action. These cases will trigger the “Escalation Policy,” as defined below.
If you generally have a negative experience, we encourage you to deal with the problem directly by communicating clearly with those involved and setting firm boundaries both verbally and physically if necessary. Please see our Code of Conduct for social cues, comments, actions, or etiquette generally accepted by the dance community.
Each case will be evaluated and an appropriate course of action will be chosen. If all parties are willing to engage in dialogue then a "Conflict Resolution" model will be used. If one or more parties is unwilling or unable to discuss the matter using the conflict resolution model, or if the organizers deem fit, the "Escalation Policy" will be followed. The organizers of BluesQuake prefer conflict resolution over punitive forms of dispute resolution, but understand that mediated discussion is not always the best course of action. These cases will trigger the “Escalation Policy,” as defined below.
If you generally have a negative experience, we encourage you to deal with the problem directly by communicating clearly with those involved and setting firm boundaries both verbally and physically if necessary. Please see our Code of Conduct for social cues, comments, actions, or etiquette generally accepted by the dance community.
What is a Serious Offense?
We do not expect that you will ever experience a “Serious Offense” at BluesQuake. We have a very respectful, caring, and safe community. However, to encourage attendees to take a stand against bad behavior, if it occurs, and to discourage any bad behavior from ever occurring, we feel establishing a policy is a good idea.
“Serious Offenses” include, but are not limited to:
“Serious Offenses” include, but are not limited to:
- Sexually Predatory Behavior: Intentional aggressive inappropriate sexual touching outside of the normal bounds of flirtation or other interaction socially accepted by the community;
- Physically Harmful Behavior: Intentionally harmful actions, or actions done with reckless disregard for the safety of others, resulting in bodily harm.
- Repeated Minor Offenses: Minor offenses which build into more serious issues, especially if there have been multiple requests that the minor offenses stop.
What do you mean by a Conflict Resolution model?
If all parties agree to use a Conflict Resolution model, a panel of trained mediators will be chosen from the BluesQuake staff. All parties will have an opportunity speak without interruption. With guidance from the mediators, all parties will work together to reach a mutually agreeable solution. The contents of these discussions will remain confidential, with the exception of the final agreement. The resulting agreement will be kept confidential or shared with BluesQuake staff on a need-to-know basis.
No party will be forced into a mediation session. The agreement produced by a mediation session is only valid if all parties agree to it without coercion. If mediation fails to produce a solution satisfactory to all parties, or if the solution is subsequently broken, the escalation policy will be used.
No party will be forced into a mediation session. The agreement produced by a mediation session is only valid if all parties agree to it without coercion. If mediation fails to produce a solution satisfactory to all parties, or if the solution is subsequently broken, the escalation policy will be used.
What is the Escalation Policy?
When the Escalation Policy is triggered, under most circumstances the following actions will be taken:
- First Offense – Discussing the problem with the accused making sure that he or she understands what behavior is unacceptable. Inform the accused that he or she is on probation and any further complaints or repeat offenses will result in suspension.
- Second Offense – Ejection from BluesQuake events for the day after detailed discussion of the issues with the accused and signing a statement acknowledging disciplinary action.
- Third Offense – Ejection from BluesQuake events for the remainder of the event after detailed discussion of the issues and signing a statement acknowledging disciplinary action. No refund will be available.
- Fourth Offense – Banned from attending all future BluesQuake events.
At the Organizers’ discretion, offenses may be viewed as cumulative over the course of several BluesQuake events spanning a number of years.
How do you handle a Serious Offense?
If a Serious Offense occurs, you are strongly encouraged to file a formal complaint either verbally or in writing with BluesQuake organizers in order to ensure that we have as much information as possible available to handle the incident. You should bring any serious offenses to our attention immediately. The earlier that you give us information, the more detailed and accurate it will be. The more information that you can give us, the more swiftly and clearly we will be able to act. An organizer will help you fill out a complaint form with as much detail as possible so that appropriate actions can be taken to address the issue.
The complaint form can be found here. We will willingly involve private security or local law enforcement to resolve matters and protect the peace, if necessary. Serious offenses may result in immediate ejection from the remainder of Bluesquake event and all future Bluesquake events without further notice or recourse.
Confidentiality: For Serious Offenses, unless there is a formally-filed police report (or lawsuit) and conviction (or finding of civil liability and entry of judgment), Bluesquake will keep this information confidential.
The complaint form can be found here. We will willingly involve private security or local law enforcement to resolve matters and protect the peace, if necessary. Serious offenses may result in immediate ejection from the remainder of Bluesquake event and all future Bluesquake events without further notice or recourse.
Confidentiality: For Serious Offenses, unless there is a formally-filed police report (or lawsuit) and conviction (or finding of civil liability and entry of judgment), Bluesquake will keep this information confidential.
How do you handle past Complaints or Serious Offenses arising from other events?
Bluesquake and its organizers can only act within the bounds of the law. We cannot address issues that are unrelated to behavior at our dances.
If we are asked to respond to complaints regarding past incidents, any action taken will be at the discretion of Bluesquake organizers. We cannot take action for something that happened at a time or place outside of our control. We are particularly reluctant to take action based on past incidents relayed to us by third-parties who had no direct involvement in the incident.
Unless there is a formally-filed police report (or lawsuit) and conviction (or finding of civil liability and entry of judgment), we are unlikely to ban the accused person from Bluesquake based on past behavior at an unrelated event. We will, however, keep an eye out for problems and be ready to take action.
If you feel someone has committed a Serious Offense (as defined above) against you at an unrelated past event, and you no longer feel safe attending Bluesquake knowing that this person is attending, please contact us. We will work with you to find a solution personal to you. This information will be kept confidential.
If we are asked to respond to complaints regarding past incidents, any action taken will be at the discretion of Bluesquake organizers. We cannot take action for something that happened at a time or place outside of our control. We are particularly reluctant to take action based on past incidents relayed to us by third-parties who had no direct involvement in the incident.
Unless there is a formally-filed police report (or lawsuit) and conviction (or finding of civil liability and entry of judgment), we are unlikely to ban the accused person from Bluesquake based on past behavior at an unrelated event. We will, however, keep an eye out for problems and be ready to take action.
If you feel someone has committed a Serious Offense (as defined above) against you at an unrelated past event, and you no longer feel safe attending Bluesquake knowing that this person is attending, please contact us. We will work with you to find a solution personal to you. This information will be kept confidential.
Credit goes to Fusion Exchange for the use of their Code of Conduct, Grievance Policy, and Photo Policy.