Wild Things strives to bring together Midwesterners interested in deepening their relationship with nature and their fellow human beings. This mission requires the talents and perspectives from people of all personal, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds. Wild Things is committed to advancing diversity in the field of conservation and to promoting an inclusive and equitable culture at the conference. We are excited to welcome and engage people of any race, religion, disability, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
This Code of Conduct outlines Wild Things’ expectations for all conference attendees, including but not limited to, volunteers, exhibitors, conference participants, speakers, sponsors, and staff. We appreciate cooperation from all Wild Things Conference attendees to ensure that these standards are met.
Unacceptable Behavior
Wild Things expects all interactions among attendees to be respectful and constructive. We will not tolerate disrespectful language and behaviors including, but not limited to:
- Verbal and non-verbal harassment, defined as language or actions that are unwelcome or personally offensive. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior.
- Intimidation, defined as words, actions, or implications, with the goal of forcing or
preventing action by another, that threaten to harm or negatively affect the health or
safety of another person. - Sexual misconduct and harassment, defined as any gender-based harassment, unwelcome sexual attention, or sexual behavior enacted under coercion or without consent.
- Identity discrimination, defined as incivility or differential treatment of a person or group based on one or more aspects of their identity (ie. race, gender identity, disability, etc.)
- Sustained and intentional disruption of presentations or other events
Consequences for Unacceptable Behavior
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. Wild Things staff and volunteers and Venue security may take immediate actions when deemed necessary and appropriate including, but not limited to:
- Removal from the conference without warning or refund
- Prohibition from attending future Wild Things Conferences and events
Reporting Unacceptable Behavior
If you have experienced or witnessed any unacceptable behaviors, you may notify any Wild Things staff member or volunteer at the conference, who will immediately confer with Wild Things leadership about next steps.