Code of Conduct
Note: this document deals with difficult issues around interpersonal conflict.
Metaphoenix events are open to all who agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct, or have properly taken responsibility for past breaches of our Code of Conduct. The phoenix symbolizes transformation. As a community, we are committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement.
This Code of Conduct lays out what is expected of attendees of our events, our shop space, our road trips, and the year-round community that exists outside of our events.
By attending our events or entering our shop, you agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct, and agree to the spirit of this entire document, including the consequences of a breach, and our approach to healing and transformation.
Proper Setting of Expectations
We want to make clear that our events are not meant for everyone. Like Burning Man itself, we are committed to building communities that centre self-determination and self-reliance, and which prioritize dealing with interpersonal issues directly. That’s a choice that reflects our values and what we want to see in the world. This document lays out what we expect from attendees, what we are willing to do as an organization when people don’t live it up to it, and we are not willing to do.
You must:
Be respectful and considerate to all attendees, and act in good faith and kindness.
Respect other people’s boundaries. All contact with others must be consensual, period.
Be aware of your surroundings, the safety of yourself and others, and the well-being of the event and the community.
Take responsibility for past breaches of the Code of Conduct, apologize when you mess up, and make amends.
Behaviour that violates our Code of Conduct:
Predatory behaviour, defined as any unwanted and non-consensual form of the following: intimidation, harassment, stalking, verbal or physical abuse, violence against people, or theft of property.
Non-consensual sexual contact or unwelcome sexual interaction.
Continuing to act in a vexatious way after being asked to stop.
Racism, race-based animosity, sexism, homophobia, or transphobia.
Cruelty of any kind, whether in person or online.
Making false accusations, slander, or making claims of harm in bad faith.
Engaging in cyberbullying, mob harassment, doxxing, or coercive behaviour on social media.
Ministry of Conduct and Transformation (MiniCAT)
The Ministry of Conduct and Transformation (MiniCAT) is a group made up of people who have been vouched for by members of our community, and are anonymous for the purposes of impartiality. The role of the MiniCAT is to facilitate consent education, take reports of incidents, offer support, and make recommendations to Metaphoenix leads. The purpose of the MiniCAT is not to punish, or establish guilt or innocence, but to encourage education, transformation, community safety, and responsibility.
To submit a report, please see our Incident Report form, or email minicat@metaphoenix.art
If you do not feel comfortable communicating with the MiniCAT, you can also choose to get in touch with us through a local Black Rock Ranger, or a trusted friend.
Potential Consequences of Violating the Code of Conduct
Verbal or written warning.
Removal from the event.
Removal from our online spaces.
Removal of volunteering privileges.
Being asked not to become intoxicated at future events.
Ban from future events, shop space, and/or road trips.
Being asked to take responsibility for the breach, apologize, and make amends.
If our response to a report could be considered seriously harmful to a person’s life (e.g. loss of community, a permanent ban from events, removal from camp) we believe people have the right to know what claim of harm is being alleged against them, by whom, and to explain their side of the story. In general, we are only able to act on first-hand reports of harm, and reporters may choose to remain anonymous, but we will not take actions that will be seriously harmful to a person’s life based on a report where the reporter chooses to stay anonymous. We can receive anonymous or second-hand reports, but in those cases we will simply record them to see if the behaviour is part of a pattern of abuse should the person in question be accused of future transgressions.
What to do if you Experience a Violation
During an event:
You are the best person to enforce your boundaries. Speak up and tell the person to stop. Distance yourself from the situation if you feel unsafe, and get help if you require it.
If you need support for physical danger, assault, or dancefloor harassment, you have two options: One: find Metaphoenix staff at the door of the event. Two: venue security.
The best way to get help from Metaphoenix staff during an event is by informing the person working the door. The door of our events is always run by Metaphoenix volunteers, who will be able to inform Metaphoenix leads and the venue.
If you need professional medical treatment, we will support you in that action.
The best way to make sure event-related violations are addressed properly is by reporting them during the event or immediately afterward. The more time that passes, the harder it becomes for us to address issues properly.
After an event:
If your complaint is with a specific person, we encourage personal early resolution of your grievances. It is our experience that the earlier misunderstandings or frustrations get aired, the easier they are to resolve.
To submit a report after an event, please see our Incident Report form, or email minicat@metaphoenix.art
We hold all people (event attendees, leads, volunteers, DJs, and performers) to the same standard of conduct.
First, second, or third Minor Violation reported: When a Minor Violation is reported post-event, Metaphoenix staff will reach out to the accused and inform them of the accusation. Whether this is the first, second, or third Minor Violation reported will determine the course of action that is needed, if the accused would like to continue to attend Metaphoenix events in the future. A third Minor Violation reported (including post-event) may result in Metaphoenix's decision to restrict the accused from future events. Metaphoenix staff will also follow up with the accuser to inform them of Minor Violation protocols.
First Major Violation reported: When a Major Violation is reported post-event, legal action may be considered and taken. Lifetime expulsion of the accused from all future Metaphoenix events may be considered. A MiniCAT volunteer will follow up with the accuser within a week of receiving the report to discuss Major Violation protocols. A MiniCAT volunteer will reach out again one week following the initial report to check in with the accuser and answer any questions or provide additional resources.
Outside the context of a Metaphoenix event:
At times, concerns may be raised about attendees (or potential attendees), based on conduct that has occurred outside of Metaphoenix events (and for whom reports may or may not have been previously filed) that may include gross violations of our Code of Conduct or put attendees at risk.
These actions need not occur in Metaphoenix-affiliated spaces (e.g., our events, shop, Facebook group, etc.) in order to be considered. We understand that at times, our members will have disagreements or interpersonal conflicts that do not necessarily escalate to the point of harassment or abuse, for example, hurtful conduct within the context of an otherwise consensual romantic relationship. Metaphoenix will not arbitrate feuds; we ask that you please leave these conflicts at the door to the extent that you are able.
In general, we strongly encourage people to be direct about what they want from people with whom they are in conflict, whether it is an apology for crossing of boundaries, or simply for the person to be aware of a miscommunication issue. We believe that everyone should be looking to improve their communication skills about these issues every day.
Taking of Responsibility and Making Amends
As a community dedicated to transformation, we believe the actions you take today are far more important than the actions you took in the past. No human is perfect, and perfection is not a requirement to be a part of our community. However, we do expect members of our community to take responsibility for past harm they have caused, and to make amends.
The act of making amends is far more involved than apologizing; apologies are words which, while important, do not demonstrate with action your commitment to living by your principles.
As an example, if you acted inappropriately toward somebody because you were overly intoxicated at an event, you must first make sure you do not become overly intoxicated at events anymore before you make amends, otherwise your words will be hollow. If you stole money from somebody, you can apologize and feel remorse, but making amends requires you to pay back what you stole.
In all but a few cases, the process of taking responsibility for one’s past actions is lengthy, private, intimate, vulnerable work that cannot possibly be achieved in public — for this reason, we do not participate in, or comment on, public call-outs.
If you want to learn more about taking responsibility and the making of amends, email minicat@metaphoenix.art
Thank you for helping make our community stronger!