Hey.
You're here because GYC is supposed to be a third space that actually feels like yours. Not school. Not home. Not whatever weird internet rabbit hole you fell down at 2am last night.
For that to work, we need a few ground rules. Not “act like this” energy. More like: here's how we keep this place from turning into the very thing we're trying to escape.
Read it. Sign it. Then go make cool sh*t.
The vibe, GYC is for you. That means:
- You don't have to be “good” at anything to belong here
- expression > perfection, always
- weird, soft, loud, quiet, in-between, all of it is welcome
- who you are is for you to decide
Our Mission
To empower teens through creative expressions, community support, and access to opportunities that foster confidence, individuality, and real-world skills.
Core Values
Self-expression creativity is a right, not a privilege.
Inclusivity everyone deserves to feel seen, safe, and heard.
Empowerment teens are powerful when they feel their voices are heard.
Community we grow stronger together when we give the reins to the next generation.
Sustainability creativity can be ethical, resourceful and impactful.
What we ask of you
1. Treat people the way you want to be treated. respect goes both ways and across every identity.
2. No bullying. no slurs. no “it's just a joke.”
3. If someone shares something vulnerable, keep it in the room.
4. Take care of the space and the supplies. clean up after yourself when it makes sense.
5. No drugs, alcohol, vaping, or weapons at GYC.
6. If you see something off, tell us. you will never get in trouble for raising a flag. trust your gut, we'll handle the rest.
What you can expect of us
1. We won't talk down to you. we won't pretend to know everything about your life.
2. We won't post your face or your work without your okay.
3. We will never DM you on our personal accounts or text you privately. All GYC comms happen on social media (we’ve got instagram and tiktok) or through email at hello.glassyouth.org. If an adult from the program ever contacts you outside that, tell another GYC adult immediately.
4. We will tell you when something's a no, and we will tell you why.
The grown-up stuff that is actually serious
A few rules that sound bureaucratic but exist for real reasons.
· Two adults, always.
No GYC adult will ever be alone with you. Two adults in the room, at all times.
This rule isn't about not trusting you. It's about not trusting situations.
· We can't keep some secrets.
If you tell a GYC adult something that suggests you're being hurt at home, at school, or anywhere else, we have to tell someone who can help. This is a Washington state law to keep you safe.
· We won't promise you secrecy on that, and we would rather be honest about it upfront than have you find out later. If we have to make a call, we will tell you we're making it.
· If something happens here, we want to know.
If something happens at GYC, in-person or online, that hurts or scares you, please tell any GYC adult, or send us a note at team@glassyouth.org. We won't be weird about it, and we will take it seriously.
The online version
Same rules apply online. A few extras:
· Two adults on camera, every session. if only one adult can be there, the session doesn't happen.
We use hello@glassyouth.org or team@glassyouth.org for everything. no random Discord servers, no DMs to personal accounts.
· Sessions might be recorded for safety reasons. we will tell you when that's happening before it starts.
You don't have to have your camera on if you feel more comfortable without it.
· No screenshotting each other. no sharing session links outside the group.
What happens if it goes sideways
If you break a rule, here's roughly how it goes:
1. A conversation with a GYC adult.
2. If it keeps happening, a pause in participation and a real talk.
3. If it's serious, like putting other teens at risk, you're out, and that’s it.
For adults who break these rules: they're out. Immediately. We are not in the business of protecting grown-ups over you.
Safety, Liability & Insurance
Glass Youth Collective maintains appropriate insurance coverage through NIA to support the safety and protection of the organization, its programs, volunteers, participants, and activities. Insurance coverage does not replace the responsibility of all staff, volunteers, board members, and participants to follow GYC safety policies, supervision requirements, and this Code of Conduct.
Questions regarding insurance coverage, incidents, injuries, or potential claims should be directed to the Executive Director or designated board representative. Any incident that could potentially result in an insurance claim must be documented and reported promptly in accordance with GYC’s incident-reporting procedures.
I've read this. I get it. I'm in.