We are a movement based on generosity and respect, and we require that you treat other young people, volunteers, and Arts Emergency staff with care and dignity.
We expect you to be respectful and caring, kind and calm, curious and committed, safe and cautious, and responsive and engaged.
Here are these behaviours in detail:
1. Respectful and caring
- Respect differences, e.g. in gender expression, sexual orientation, culture, race, ethnicity, class background, place of birth, disability, religion etc. You might enjoy watching this video about celebrating culture and differences.
- Respect identities and labels - including asking, listening and using people’s pronouns.
- Respect privacy. Do not be intrusive or share private information about other people.
- Respect physical and emotional boundaries. If someone asks you for space, give it. If someone does not feel comfortable answering a question, don’t push.
- Do not secretly record, take pictures or screenshot conversations - always ask for permission.
- Care for people, and support them in times of need. Report any concerns about welfare to arts-emergency.org/safe
2. Kind and calm
- Treat others fairly, without prejudice, discrimination or micro-aggressions.
- Be conscious of the expectations put on some people to educate, defend or act as a spokesperson for their culture, identity, or background.
- Do not engage in behaviour that is emotionally or physically abusive or manipulative. Do not patronise or belittle others.
- Do not start arguments or harass people - it is better to disengage and report an issue than to attack or defend it.
3. Curious and committed
- Listen and show an interest if you are introduced to someone via Arts Emergency, e.g. mentors, other young community members, other creative professionals.
- Ask questions and be open to ideas and experiences different from your own.
- Commit to attending opportunities that you have signed up for. Remember that people are often giving their time as unpaid volunteers and money may be spent to provide the opportunity.
- Be on time. If you are running late or have to cancel last minute, communicate, apologise and be proactive about rearranging if this is possible.
4. Safe and cautious
- Communicate between meetings with any Arts Emergency volunteers (e.g mentors) via email mainly rather than your personal phone. Do not send messages to volunteers at irregular times.
- Avoid sharing your home address with anyone. Always be careful with your personal information.
- Do not share or show any personal, inappropriate or uncomfortable media. You should never be asked to undress or send nude/semi-nude photos.
- Do not follow or interact on social media with volunteers who are providing you with active support (e.g. mentors). Please use email to communicate, or phone/text where necessary.
- Think carefully about the content of your messages before you send them online on social platforms, email or text.
- Do not take unnecessary risks, consume alcohol, or use illegal substances during Arts Emergency activities.
- Report any safety concerns or inappropriate behaviour to arts-emergency.org/safe
5. Responsive and engaged
- Always communicate in a timely and professional way to other Young Community members, volunteers and Arts Emergency staff.
- If you collaborate with someone in the Arts Emergency network or Young Community, ensure you are clear on your expectations. Be proactive and positive in your communication and participation.
- Engage with feedback forms or requests for information from Arts Emergency to help us understand the programme and report back to funders.
- Follow the stated rules of social platforms, e.g. staying on topic, no spamming, no screenshots etc.
Upholding this Code of Conduct
You should always aim to follow this code of conduct, and self-report to Arts Emergency if you have breached it by accident.
Breaches to the Code of Conduct will be reviewed on a case by case basis, and actions will be taken which prioritise the welfare and safety of the young people and communities we work with.
If you become aware of any breaches, you must report them to community@arts-emergency.org or via the Safeguarding webpage, arts-emergency.org/safe
If you have any questions, please contact community@arts-emergency.org