The purpose of our Community Code of Conduct is to ensure all participants in the Amethyst Retreat Center community and those engaged in the Amethyst Foundation work have the best possible experience. We are all here to help each other learn, heal, and to live in new and meaningful ways and to have a good time!

The Amethyst Retreat Center Community Code of Conduct covers our behavior as members of the community, in any forum or group (including internet/social media), mailing list, public or private groups, website(s), private correspondence, public meetings, and public/private events. 

Being a diverse community is one of our strengths; it can also lead to communication issues and conflict. We have a few ground rules we ask people to adhere to, to ensure that the Amethyst Retreat Center community continues to be a nurturing and comfortable space in which to communicate, collaborate, and contribute.

The following is a guide to make it easier to be our best with each other. We expect it to be followed in spirit as much as in the letter.

• Be considerate. Your efforts and contributions will affect other people, and in turn, you will depend on the efforts and contributions of others. Please take the whole into account when making decisions and taking actions. 

• Be respectful. Not all of us will agree all the time. It’s important to remember that disagreement is not an excuse for unkindness. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration to turn into ill-intent. It's important to remember that it’s each of our responsibilities to help cultivate a community of kindness and safety. We expect individuals that come onto the Amethyst Retreat Center property or engage with Amethyst on social media to be respectful when communicating with others. This is especially important when communicating our disagreements or opposing views. 

• Be kind. No offensive comments related to gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion will be tolerated. The following things are unacceptable at Amethyst (whether you’re attending in person or engaging with Amethyst online): sexual images in public spaces, real or implied violence, intimidation, oppression, harassment, stalking, following, sustained disruption of talks or events, inappropriate physical contact, or unwelcome sexual attention. Consent is always key when it comes to physical contact with another person. If someone asks you to stop communicating to them, you must listen and respect their space. In order for everyone to feel safe at Amethyst, we may need to investigate allegations of harrasment/stalking/abuse whether they occurred at Amethyst or not. Individuals asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Event hosts, team members, and volunteers are also subject to the anti-harassment policy.  If an individual engages in harassing or aggressive behavior, the event organizers or Amethyst representatives may take any action they deem appropriate including warning the offender or expulsion from the event. Amethyst representatives may ban perpetrators from the property and remove them from online community groups. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please notify your event host/organizers, our Executive Director, or another Amethyst team member.

• Communicate effectively. Clear communication can help to avoid misunderstandings, as can remembering our interpretations of words can be different than how someone meant them. It's better to ask for clarification than to make assumptions. If disagreements occur, we expect individuals to resolve things constructively.

• Be Patient. Because of the community-focused nature of Amethyst and the volunteerism surrounding it, some people may feel disappointed when things aren’t done the way they would want. It’s important to understand that the team at Amethyst works very hard to care for our retreat house and 144 acre property as well as bring programs and events to the community and more. We love the creativity our community brings. When sharing ideas with the team, please know they are valued and encouraged. However, if we do not have the proper resources/help or if the idea doesn’t fit with the current strategic plan, we may not be able to bring the idea to life. Please maintain understanding and kindness if you share an idea and it isn’t able to be carried out the way that you’d hope for or on the timeline you’d like. That being said, many community ideas have led to amazing things especially when shared with research, dedication, and commitment to help. Please continue sharing your beautiful thoughts with us all.
  

In addition to this Code of Conduct, individuals renting the space or hosting gatherings are governed by the policy summarized below.  All guests, event attendees, speakers, sponsors and volunteers, including event organizing teams, are required to follow this policy. 

Policy

• Leave the grounds and buildings in the good condition you find them in and report any damage that may occur while you are on the property. 

• There is a no drug use at any time and a no alcohol consumption policy during public events. Serving alcohol may be permitted for private events (for example weddings, life celebrations) and during private personal retreats. Pre-authorization can be requested by emailing amethystretreatcenter@gmail.com  

• Anyone engaging in or permitting illegal drug use, sale or distribution at any time or alcohol consumption during public events or community gatherings will lose the privilege of being an overnight guest, seasonal, or permanent resident or hosting events at Amethyst Retreat Center. Amethyst event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event and property. 

• Respect for event speakers and facilitators during events and gatherings is essential to preserve the intention and quality of their work.  Participants should refrain from interrupting, correcting the facilitator, or from providing assistance unless it has been discussed and agreed to with the event facilitators/cohosts.

If You Need Help

Instances of abusive, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behavior may be reported by notifying your event host/coordinator or by emailing amethystretreatcenter@gmail.com. As a non-profit with an important vision and mission, we take great care in our community's wellbeing and want to ensure everyone has a good and safe experience. Please contact us at amethystretreatcenter@gmail.com  if there is an issue so we can help address it.