When you begin participating with Side by Side, we are saying that we trust you, especially with the people here with whom you will build friendships - many of whom are vulnerable to abuse or harm. We also know that you are placing trust in us. So we want to be very clear on expectations regarding conduct, confidentiality, and consent. Please read and sign the following conduct agreement. Please note: For the purpose of the document, “participant” refers to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability and “volunteer” refers to a person without an I/DD.
As a Side by Side (SBS) community member, I commit to all of the following:
In order to uphold the safety and belonging of all people in our community, harassment perpetrated by SBS community members towards other community members, including staff, is unacceptable. Harassment includes inappropriate contact, in person or electronically, during a SBS event or otherwise.
If serving as a volunteer, I will not engage in any actions that lead to fostering an intimate, physical, and/or romantic relationship with a participant.
If over 18, I will not engage in any actions that lead to fostering an intimate, physical, and/or romantic relationship with any minor involved with SBS.
I will relate to everyone I meet at SBS with the utmost respect and good judgment.
I give Side by Side permission to use the registrant's first name and/or picture in presentations, media releases, newsletters and marketing materials solely for the purpose of promoting Side by Side.
I give Side by Side permission to release basic information (contact info, allergies, and pertinent medical information or conditions) to staff, volunteers, those in leadership positions, including SBS participants as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Side by Side staff.
I give permission to all male and female staff & associated individuals designatedby Side by Side to provide transportation for the registrant. Further, I agree to release Side by Side from all liability for any accidental injury to registrant or possessions while using this transportation.
I give Side by Side permission to use registrant’s personal information to run a Background check regarding his/her criminal history.
I agree that information about my conduct, at a SBS event or otherwise, that is concerning or in regard to the safety and wellbeing of the SBS community, can be shared with affected staff, community members, and caregivers, at the discretion of SBS leadership.
I agree that my contact information will only be shared with participants by SBS staff if I give verbal or written permission.
I take responsibility for sharing my personal information directly with participants. If, at any point, sharing my personal information with participants leads to any issues, I will seek the counsel of SBS staff.
If at any point as a SBS community member, I have a grievance against a person involved with SBS, I acknowledge that I am free to disclose this grievance in written form to any SBS staff person.
The Side by Side Conduct Agreement has been reviewed by the registrant and/or guardian, and I/we agree to abide by the expectations therein.
If it is deemed that any actions of a Side by Side community member are infringing on the safety and well being of another community member, that person will be addressed and, at the discretion of Side by Side staff, may be asked to discontinue their involvement with Side by Side.