Zero Tolerance Policy

Portland Songwriters Guild (PSG), is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our community, including staff, volunteers, audiences, and the general public. We have a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment and abuse in any form.

We actively encourage reporting of any incidents involving harassment or abuse, including but not limited to homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, ageism, or discrimination based on disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Our commitment is to address and resolve these issues promptly and effectively to ensure a respectful and supportive space for everyone involved.

Unacceptable behavior includes:

• Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion

• Unwelcome comments regarding a person’s lifestyle choices and practices, including those related to food, health, parenting, drugs, and employment.

• Deliberate misgendering or use of ‘dead’ or rejected names

• Gratuitous or sexual images, language, or behavior in spaces where they’re not appropriate

• Sexual Abuse, including physical contact without consent or after a request to stop

• Unwelcome sexual attention

• Stalking, both in person and online

• Sustained disruption of discussion or programming

• Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease

• Destruction or theft of personal or public property

• Deliberate intimidation

• Threats of violence

• Incitement of violence towards any individual, including encouraging a person to commit suicide or to engage in self-harm

• Brandishing of objects or weapons

• Threats or gestures of physical assault

• Physical assault of any type

Reporting

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of staff or email us at pdxsongwriters@gmail.com.

Response

Our commitment is to respond to all accusations and reports of harassment or abuse as quickly as possible. We will respect confidentiality requests for the purpose of protecting victims of abuse. At our discretion, we may pass information of a person about whom we’ve received harassment complaints to third parties, including but not limited to volunteers, hosts, and venues.

Consequences

PSG staff may intervene in order to prevent harassment or abusive behavior, and participants are expected to comply immediately.

Portland Songwriters Guild reserves the right to take any actions deemed necessary to address complaints, which may include expulsion from events and membership and notifying relevant parties about the individual involved. If there is an active or imminent threat, PSG will not hesitate to contact legal authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.