NCWN Code Of Conduct
The staff, board, and members of the North Carolina Writers’ Network are committed to being equitable, inclusive, accessible, and representative of the diversity of North Carolina writers, and we hold this commitment as fundamental to and inseparable from our mission. We believe in the humanity and dignity of each individual, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic class, or any other inherent, inalienable identity. We believe that literary events, and especially programs for writers, are opportunities to engage each other with empathy, curiosity, and joy; but that such opportunities come with risks as well as rewards. We believe that routine interactions in or around a class, workshop, reading, or discussion can become difficult or uncomfortable.
We believe that adults can navigate such interactions with respect and courtesy.
We will not tolerate harassment, abuse, coercion, violence, discrimination, or any other unwelcome or unlawful behavior from anyone associated with an NCWN program or event: staff, trustees, volunteers, faculty, exhibitors, vendors, or registrants. Such behavior includes but is not limited to:
- Offensive verbal comments or physical gestures related to any inherent identity
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Sexual propositions, innuendo, or unwelcome sexual attention
- Intimidation, stalking, or following
- Sustained disruption of classes, workshops, readings, discussions, or other events
- Unwelcome photography or unapproved recording
Any attendee who experiences or witnesses such behavior should report it to an NCWN staff or board member, either in person, by e-mail to mail@ncwriters.org or president@ncwriters.org, or by phone at 919.308.3228 or 336.293.8844. NCWN personnel will take any and all appropriate action to protect anyone affected by violations of this Code of Conduct.
Such action may include, but is not limited to, a request to cease the offensive behavior; removal from the event or program (without refund, if applicable); disqualification from future NCWN events and programs; lifetime expulsion from the NCWN; criminal prosecution; and/or civil action.