Renaissance Society Code of Conduct

Revision 2024

The Renaissance Society is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all people, regardless of background or identity. By participating in activities and events sponsored by the Renaissance Society, participants accept to abide our Code of Conduct and accept the procedures by which any Code of Conduct incidents are resolved. The Renaissance Society does not tolerate behavior that is disrespectful or that excludes, intimidates, or causes discomfort to others. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on characteristics that include, but are not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, nationality, ethnic or social origin, pregnancy, familial status, veteran status, genetic information, religion or belief (or lack thereof), membership of a national minority, property, age, education, socio-economic status, technical choices, and experience level.

Everyone who participates in workshops, forums and presentation activities is required to conform to this Code of Conduct. It applies to all spaces managed by or affiliated with the Renaissance Society. Program hosts/leaders are expected to assist with the enforcement of the Code of Conduct. By participating, participants and program leaders indicate their acceptance of the procedures by which the Renaissance Society resolves any Code of Conduct incidents,

Standards of Conduct

All participants in our events and communications are expected to show respect and courtesy to others. All interactions should be professional regardless of platform: either online or in-person. In order to foster a positive and professional learning environment we encourage the following kinds of behaviors in all RS events and platforms:

• Use welcoming and inclusive language and discussion.
• Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences.
• Gracefully accept constructive criticism
• Show courtesy and respect towards RS members and guests!

Unacceptable Conduct

Examples of unacceptable behavior by participants at any RS Programs include:

• Engage in written or verbal comments which have the effect of excluding people on the basis of membership of any specific group.
• Silence, prevent, or limit participation of members.
• Cause someone to fear for their safety such by stalking, following, or intimidation.
• violent threats or language directed against another person.
• the display of sexual or violent images
• nonconsensual or unwelcome physical contact
• sustained disruption of talks, events, or communications
• Using insults. put downs, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, disability discrimination, or exclusionary jokes
• excessive swearing
• continuing to initiate through actions or interaction (including photography or recording) someone after being asked to stop
• publication of public or private communication without consent

Consequences of Unacceptable Conduct

Purported violations should be reported to the Renaissance Society Program Committee Chair. If the Program Committee Chair determines that the violation cannot be resolved by verbal communication, the issue will be submitted to the Program Committee for further investigation and arbitration. Members are asked to stop any code of conduct violations as determined by the Program committee immediately. In serious circumstances where a resolution cannot be accomplished or violations continue, a member may be asked to leave the event or program. In the case of unresolved violation(s) by program leader(s), the Program Chair will report such violations to the full Renaissance Board which may impose appropriate sanctions such as non-acceptance for the RS Catalog of Programs and or denial of sanctioning by the Renaissance Society..

Renaissance Society Values

While serving Sacramento’s community of lifelong learners since 1986, the Renaissance Society has been nurtured and supported by Sac State. These are the values we celebrate:

• Member Participation and Connection: We are a member-driven organization that engages our members in all aspects of Renaissance Society operations.
• Diversity: We encourage and support membership diversity, both in racial, ethnic, and social dimensions, and in thoughts, life experiences, and perspectives.
• Lifelong Learning: We believe in intellectual curiosity, personal growth, scholarship, research, creativity, and learning.
• Community Engagement: We come from many different neighborhoods and communities throughout the Sacramento Region. Since 1986, the Renaissance Society has enjoyed a partnership with Sac State. Our members bring a visible presence. We are another ‘student body’ when on campus. We are engaged with and supportive of the communities where we live and learn; and extend that support throughout the Greater Sacramento Region.
• Organizational Integrity: We provide innovative, affordable, and flexible learning opportunities for our members; and are committed to high operational standards, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Gratitude and Appreciation: We are a friendly organization and extend a warm welcome to those with whom we come in contact. We believe in and practice the values of gratitude and appreciation for each other and all others with whom we interact.
• Respect: We treat each member and Sac State students, faculty, administrators, and staff with the utmost respect.
• Service: We are dedicated to serving each other, the Sac State community, and the greater Sacramento region to the best of our ability