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CODE OF CONDUCT

SOSA Canada’s Code of Conduct outlines expectations for behavior during networking events, ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members and participants. This code applies to all in-person and virtual events hosted by SOSA, as well as interactions related to SOSA activities outside of formal events.

We expect all attendees/members to follow this code so that all participants can participate responsibly & with respect for the rights of others. The failure to abide by this code is subject to corrective action & sanctions, including refused admission, removal from the event, banishment & other penalties consistent with this code.  

  1. Respectful Behavior at Events
    1. Inclusivity & Respect: All participants must treat each other with respect and dignity, ensuring an inclusive environment free of discrimination, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, or professional background.
    1. Professional Conduct: Members and participants are expected to behave professionally and respectfully towards one another. This includes refraining from disruptive or inappropriate conduct during networking sessions, discussions, or presentations.
    1. The following behaviours are expected and requested of all event participants/attendees:
  2. Behaving in a courteous and professional manner;
  3. Treating all participants/members/attendees with respect, dignity and consideration, in the spirit of valuing a diversity of views & opinions;
  4. Welcoming all voices, whether participating in peron or remotely;
  5. Discussing differences and critiquing ideas, not people, in a non-confrontational manner with due regard for the viewpoints of others;
  6. Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behaviour or speech;
  7. if using a webcam, maintaining a professional presence;
  8. reporting suspected inappropriate behaviour directed at yourself or others;
  9.  respecting the rules, policies and property of SOSA Canada and its contracted event facilities and vendors;
  10. Complying with the general directions of meeting professionals/organizers and all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Unacceptable and disrespectful Behaviour

Harassment, bullying, microaggressions, intimidation and/or insinuations that are hurtful or interfere with any other attendee’s experience or participation are unacceptable behaviours. Examples of unacceptable behaviours include but are not limited to the following:

  • Demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behaviour or speech, including but not limited to personal insults or any language that insults or demeans the characteristics of a person protected under the Canadian Federal, provincial or local laws.
  • Inappropriate physical contact including but not limited to non-consensual physical touch.
  • Language that implies exclusion or derogation of a person on the basis of the person’s immutable characteristic;
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following;
  • Sustained disruption including during talks and/or presentations.
  •  In case of online events, displaying explicit or violent material including in presented materials (eg: slides, presentations, talks) or in informal setting or on personal devices.
  • violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person or group;
  • possession of dangerous or unauthorised materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons or similar items;
  • bullying including repeated verbal abuse, non-verbal or physical conduct of a threatening, intimidating or humiliating nature or the sabotage or undermining of a person’s performance;
  • theft or inappropriate removal or possession of property.
  • Use, distribution, sale or transfer of illegal drugs or materials;
  • Any other illegal activity or forms of harassment not covered above.
  • SOSA Canada reserves the right in its sole discretion to determine what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and what actions oy will take to address incidents that occur.
  • This code is not intended to be all inclusive & it is likely that there will be conduct or issues that it does not specifically address. In that event, as in all others, participants/members/attendees are expected to follow the directions of SOSA Canada staff who will take appropriate actions to ensure safety and well being of all participants/attendees.
  • Zero Tolerance for Harassment
    • Harassment-Free Zone: SOSA Canada maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment in any form, including but not limited to:
      • Verbal, physical, or visual harassment
      • Offensive comments, jokes, or gestures related to personal characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc.
      • Unwelcome advances or personal attention that is inappropriate or makes others uncomfortable.
    • Off-Event Behavior: This policy extends beyond the formal event setting. Any harassing behavior between members or participants outside of SOSA events, whether online or in person, will be treated with the same level of seriousness and may result in disciplinary action.
  • Safety & Well-being of Attendees
    • Safe Environment: SOSA Canada is committed to providing a safe environment for all event attendees. Members are expected to look out for the well-being of others and report any concerns about safety, harassment, or inappropriate behavior to event organizers.
    • Alcohol Consumption: If alcohol is served at events, members are expected to drink responsibly. Excessive consumption of alcohol that leads to unsafe or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
    • Respecting Personal Boundaries: Attendees should respect personal space and boundaries at all times. Unwanted physical contact or any form of coercion will not be permitted.
  • Reporting & Accountability
    • Reporting Harassment or Unsafe Behavior: SOSA encourages members to report any instance of harassment, discrimination, or unsafe behavior immediately. Reports can be made confidentially to event organizers or the SOSA leadership team.
    • Consequences of Misconduct: Any member or participant found to be engaging in harassing, discriminatory, or unsafe behavior may face immediate removal from the event and potential termination of membership or participation in future SOSA activities.
  • Digital Conduct
    • Virtual Events & Online Interactions: For virtual events, the same standards of respectful and professional conduct apply. Inappropriate or disruptive behavior in online spaces (e.g., chat rooms, breakout sessions, social media) will not be tolerated.
    • Off-Event Online Harassment: Any form of harassment, bullying, or inappropriate communication between members online, including via social media, emails, or group platforms, is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.
  • Commitment to Safety & Inclusivity

By participating in SOSA Canada events, all members and attendees agree to uphold this Code of Conduct. This ensures that SOSA events remain a safe, productive, and welcoming space for everyone involved.

SOSA Canada reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including but not limited to suspension or termination of membership, to maintain the safety and integrity of the organization and its community.

  • Compliance

It is the responsibility of every attendee/members to comply with the code of conduct. Registration for membership or registration for a particular event organised by SOSA Canada implies members/attendees have read, understood and accepted this Code of Conduct & it is the responsibility of members/attendees to abide by and comply with this code of conduct.

How to Report Harassment at SOSA Canada Events

SOSA Canada takes all reports of harassment seriously and provides a clear process to ensure that concerns are addressed swiftly and appropriately. If you experience or witness any form of harassment at a SOSA event or in interactions related to SOSA, follow these steps:

  1. Immediate Action
    1. Ensure Safety: If you feel unsafe or threatened, immediately remove yourself from the situation. If possible, alert an event organizer or SOSA staff member nearby to assist.
    1. Speak Up: If you feel comfortable, you may inform the person responsible for the behavior that their actions are inappropriate and unwelcome. However, you are not obligated to confront the person directly if it makes you uncomfortable.
  •  Reporting Harassment
    • Contact Event Organizers: Approach any SOSA event organizer, staff, or security personnel to report the incident in person. They will take immediate steps to address the situation.
    • Confidential Report: If you prefer to report the incident privately, SOSA Canada provides a confidential reporting process. You can send a written report via email to a designated SOSA staff member or leadership (email address to be provided by SOSA).
    • Information to Include: When reporting harassment, please include:
  • A description of the incident, including the date, time, and location.
  • The name of the individual(s) involved (if known).
  • The nature of the behavior (verbal, physical, online, etc.).
  • Names of any witnesses, if applicable.
  • Any other relevant details.
  • Post-Report Process
    • Investigation: SOSA will begin an investigation into the incident. This may include speaking with the individuals involved, witnesses, and reviewing any evidence.
    • Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. The identity of the person reporting the incident and any details of the report will be shared only with those necessary for the investigation.
    • Immediate Actions: Depending on the nature of the incident, SOSA may take immediate action, including removing the offending individual from the event, issuing warnings, or suspending their membership.
    • Follow-Up: After the investigation, SOSA will communicate with the person who made the report regarding the outcome of the investigation and any actions taken, if appropriate.
  • SOSA’s Commitment
    • Zero Tolerance: SOSA Canada has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. All reports are taken seriously, and actions are taken to protect the well-being of members and participants.
    • Support: SOSA will provide support to individuals affected by harassment, which may include counseling services, mediation, or other resources as needed.

SOSA Canada encourages all members to help create a respectful and inclusive environment by reporting inappropriate behavior promptly.

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