ASCEND CODE OF CONDUCT

Ascend seeks to build community, ignite change, and develop the API leaders of tomorrow through research, advocacy, leadership development, and community engagement. We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for our employees, volunteers, members, sponsors, speakers, attendees, organizers, venue staff, media, exhibitors, vendors, and other guests (collectively, “Participants”) of events, whether or not sponsored or hosted by Ascend including, but not limited to, all virtual and in-person programs, conventions, workshops, as well as online platforms (collectively, “Programs”).

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR

Ascend Programs are designed to support engaging, thought-provoking, conversations and experiences. Creating an environment of safety and belonging that fosters diverse views allows us to accelerate connection and learning.

  • Be respectful, considerate, constructive, and collaborative.

  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior or speech.

  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow Participants - your fellow Participants may have a different level of comfort with respect to language and personal space.

  • During in-person Programs Ascend expects that all Participants follow public health guidelines related to safety, hygiene and CDC identified pandemic level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), including, without limitation, social distancing, hand washing, staying home if you are sick, and other disease prevention measures.

  • Alert event organizers if you notice any behavior that is not aligned with this code of conduct by emailing conduct@ascendleadership.org.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Behavior that is antagonistic, explicit, false or misleading, harmful, hateful, violent, abusive, or illegal is unacceptable. Ascend defines inappropriate behavior as that which undermines the spirit of Ascend, including:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning conduct.

  • Offensive verbal comments including those related to gender, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, political affiliation, veteran status, or religion or any other classification protected by law.

  • Sustained disruption of talks or other Programs. - Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images; deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording.

  • Inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention.

  • Any other behavior which may violate any local, state or federal laws or cause harm to another Participant before, during or after Programs, whether in-person or while engaging in any online aspect of the Programs, or any other method of communication.

CONSEQUENCES OF UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Unacceptable behavior by Participants will not be tolerated. Ascend may take action in its discretion to address any individual(s) or group(s) it believes fail to meet the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct, including, without limitation, expulsion from Programs or revocation of Membership without warning or refund.

HOW TO REPORT UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

If you believe you’ve observed or experienced a violation of this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to contact us immediately at conduct@ascendleadership.org. Ascend will work to assess the situation and to respond as soon as possible. To the extent possible, all reports will remain completely confidential. Ascend leadership will determine and carry out the appropriate course of action and be available to help Participants experiencing unacceptable behavior feel safe for the duration of the Program. Notifying Ascend does not constitute or replace a notification to local law enforcement. All suspected violations of the law should be reported to local law enforcement. If you experience or witness a life safety emergency, please immediately dial 9-1-1.

The Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by Ascend and the terms are non-negotiable.