Code of Conduct for Conference and Event Participants
The Church Music Association of America (CMAA) is made up of a network of people with a common interest in sacred music, who collaborate by sharing ideas, information, and resources. It is of utmost importance to the CMAA that each and every person attending one of our conferences and events have a positive and rewarding experience. To that end, we invite all volunteers, speakers, attendees, and others (“Participants”) to help us realize a safe, respectful, and positive experience for everyone. When you participate in an event hosted by the CMAA you are contributing to the overall experience, which makes us all accountable to each other.
The CMAA has established this Code of Conduct to provide guidelines to Participants and to ensure that all Participants understand what behavior is expected and what behavior will not be tolerated at a CMAA event. The CMAA expects all Participants to abide by this Code of Conduct at all events. This includes conference-related social events at off-site locations, and in related online communities and social media.
The CMAA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Expected behavior
The CMAA expects that community members will:
- Be considerate and respectful to all community members.
- When attending CMAA Liturgies, wear appropriately modest attire (no shorts, spaghetti straps, etc.).
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech.
- Speak up if they observe anything at an event that conflicts with this Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the CMAA event staff immediately.
Protection of Minors
When the CMAA holds events that are open to minor attendees, we want to make sure that we provide systems that help to protect the minor attendee from any harm.
Standards for Minor Attendance:
- Chaperone (over 21 years) required, preferably a family member
- Medical Treatment Authorization Form for each minor (allowing medical treatment to be given in case of an emergency) when a parent is not present
- Temporary Guardianship form (naming the chaperone as a temporary guardian for the minor to make decisions for the minor attendee), when a parent is not present
- No minor to attend one-on-one sessions without chaperone present (includes any coaching sessions)
In case of any problems experienced by the minor attendee, CMAA administration (General Manager) is to be notified immediately, after which appropriate actions will be taken. Please note that, in some locations, local rules with regards to protection of minors will have additional requirements above those listed above (i.e. only a parent may be the chaperone for a minor in some locations; in other locations minors are not allowed at all).
Policy on recording and photography
The CMAA invites participants in its events to photograph and record (audio and/or video) the included lectures, workshops, and church services freely and unobtrusively, and to share those photographs and recordings with the CMAA for its use, including public distribution. Any exceptions to this policy will be announced by the presenter or by event staff at the start of the session. By registering for an event, participants give their consent to appearing in such photos or recordings. On the other hand, using photography or recording in a way that violates normal expectations of privacy is not permitted. Also, rehearsals may not be recorded without prior permission of the instructor.
Unacceptable behavior
Unacceptable behavior from any community member will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech, materials, or conduct by any Participants of the event and related event activities. Many event venues are shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
- Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.
- Electronic stalking of another community member.
- Sexist, racist, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
- Personal insults.
- Any boisterous, lewd, or offensive behavior or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behavior, or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
- Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the event venue.
Consequences of unacceptable behavior
Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a Participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the CMAA may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund. For more egregious behavior, the CMAA may, in its reasonable discretion, temporarily ban or permanently expel a Participant from the community.
What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior
If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify CMAA event staff or contact the CMAA Webmaster (social media and forum) as soon as possible. CMAA event staff will be available to assist those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel safe for the duration of the event. All reports will remain completely confidential.
