Code of Conduct
Be respectful. Harassment and abuse are never tolerated. If you are in a situation that
makes you uncomfortable at a StarterHacks Event, if the event itself is creating an unsafe or
inappropriate environment, or if interacting with a StarterHacks representative or event organizer
makes you uncomfortable, please report it using the procedures included in this document.

Expected Behaviour
The goal of StarterHacks has always been to create an inclusive and safe environment; a safe
space where people from different backgrounds can come together to learn and craft. As such,
we do not tolerate harassment, discrimination or abuse of any kind, whatsoever.
Unacceptable Behavior
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal or written comments or imagery
related to gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, personal appearance,
body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), social class, economic status, veteran status,
sexual images, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording,
inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. If what you’re doing is making
someone feel uncomfortable, that counts as harassment and will not be tolerated at StarterHacks
Events.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a
participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the organizers may take the action they deem
appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from any or all
StarterHacks Events without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).
Scope
Sponsors, judges, mentors, volunteers, organizers, StarterHacks staff, and anyone else at the
event are also subject to the StarterHacks Code of Conduct In particular, attendees should not
use sexualised images, activities, handouts or other material during the event. Any attendees at
StarterHacks Event-related Booths (including volunteers, partners and sponsors) should not use
sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment.
Experiencing Unacceptable Behavior
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other
concerns, please reach out to a StarterHacks organizer via Slack or one of the alternative contact
methods listed at the end of the document with a description of the incident, when and where it
happened, and any other details you feel comfortable disclosing.
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StarterHacks representatives take your safety and wellbeing seriously and will take any necessary
procedures to help participants contact the venue’s security or local law enforcement, provide
escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the
event. We value your attendance.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all StarterHacks Events venues, online interactions
in relation to the Events, and all StarterHacks social events.
Reporting Procedures
If you feel uncomfortable or think there may be a potential violation of the Code of Conduct,
please report it immediately using one of the following methods. All reporters have the
right to remain anonymous.
By sending information to the general reporting line, your report will go to your StarterHacks
Events team.
- Slack: Please contact the Exec Team for your local chapter
- Email: incidents@starterhacks.ca using the subject: [EVENT LOCATION/DATE] REPORT
Special Incidents
If you are uncomfortable reporting your situation to StarterHacks organizing team or need
to contact any of the board directly in case of emergency, direct contact details are listed below.
- General Reporting: board@starterhacks.ca
StarterHacks reserves the right to revise, make exceptions to, or otherwise amend these policies
in whole or in part. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact
StarterHacks by email at contact@starterhacks.ca.
Emergency Situations
If you believe you are in an emergency situation, please contact the authorities at 911
immediately and then follow the slack instructions under reporting procedures.

We would like to thank Major League Hacking and Open Source Bridge for their Code of Conduct, upon

which this document is based.