AIGA Asheville Code of Conduct

With our founding in 2019 we are introducing a Code of Conduct that all participants of AIGA Asheville activities (physical and digital) agree to adhere to when they choose to take part in our creative community. 

This code of conduct is a written commitment of our intent to embrace an attitude of diversity and inclusion in the entirety of our work. We are a welcome home for diverse backgrounds, opinions, and ideas that help us constructively further Asheville’s creative profession. 

Inclusive for All

AIGA Asheville is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability status, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or political affiliation. 

We do not tolerate harassment of participants* in any form, at any community activity. Any participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the activity (without a refund) at the discretion of the organizers. 

*Participants include registered attendees, community participants, speakers, special guests, sponsors, exhibitors, and conference associates. 

Defining Harassment

Harassment includes, but is not limited to: 

• Comments that reinforce social structures of domination (related to gender, sexual orientation, ability status, physical appearance, race, age, religion, or political affiliation) 
• Inappropriate sexual images in public spaces 
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following 
• Harassing photography or recording 
• Sustained disruption of talks or other activities 
• Inappropriate physical contact 
• Unwelcome sexual attention 
• Deliberate damage to, or theft of personal property (digital and physical) belonging to other participants or the hosting space 
• Any of the above behavior aimed at or in reference to the AIGA Charlotte platform or its members on social media 
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior 

Reporting

If someone makes you or another participant feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. You can make a report either anonymously or in person. To make an anonymous report, email: conduct@asheville.aiga.org 

To make a report in person, find an AIGA Asheville Executive Board Member. When making a personal report, our team will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. Our team will be happy to contact venue security, local law enforcement, or local support services, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance. 

Consequences

Any participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the activity (without a refund) at the discretion of the organizers. 

They will not be welcome at future AIGA Asheville events. 

Our community partners will also be alerted to the incident and may sanction offending participants at their own discretion. 

Grab a drink, get to know community members, and hear behind-the-scenes insights and stories from our members. Join us every 3rd Thursday for a Creative Hangout.