BEHAVIOR
All individuals attending the You Matter! Women's Retreat should be assured the opportunity for (1) unencumbered access to information and resources, and (2) a safe, welcoming, and non-threatening environment in which they can share information, interests, and ideas. Under no circumstances will we allow the participation of members of the bleeding disorders community or other attendees to be compromised by threatening language, intimidating behavior, or disruptive actions.
Participants will treat one another with respect and consideration to create a collegial, respectful, inclusive, and professional environment. Creating a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome to learn, connect, and share experiences is the responsibility of every participant. To that end, we believe setting forth a clear set of behavioral expectations promotes an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all.
We appreciate and value individual differences and welcome diversity in its broadest definition. Many different opinions and experiences may be shared during our events that may touch you personally and often emotionally. While we strongly encourage passion as you share your stories, we offer the following guidelines to help keep conversations respectful and productive:
- Attack the problem, not the person. There will be differences of opinion. You may not agree with everything that is discussed. Please be open to hearing other people's perspectives. If you disagree, respectfully challenge the idea, not the person. Blame and judgment move us further from the solution, not closer. Honest and constructive discussions help achieve the best outcomes.
- Be assertive, not aggressive, when presenting your points.
- Share both positive and negative experiences respectfully and constructively.
- Problem-solve instead of placing blame.
- Humor is encouraged, but not at the expense of others.
- Choose words that encourage, engage, and enrich others.
- A positive attitude is contagious. Your kindness and respect help create a welcoming community for everyone.
Harassment-Free Environment
We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants, volunteers, exhibitors, industry professionals, sponsors, guests, and staff.
We will not tolerate any form of illegal discrimination or harassment based on a person's race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other characteristic protected by law.
Harassment includes offensive, aggressive, intimidating, or hostile behavior based on a protected characteristic. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Abusive verbal comments or slurs
- Offensive or threatening language
- Displaying offensive objects or images
- Unwelcome physical contact
- Any verbal or physical conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
We expressly prohibit sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Participants who engage in behavior that violates this Code of Conduct will be asked to stop the behavior immediately. We reserve the right to remove any participant from an event without refund or reimbursement if their conduct is disruptive, threatening, discriminatory, or otherwise inconsistent with these expectations. Participants may also be prohibited from attending future events.
Alcohol, Illegal Substances & Smoking
Participants are expected to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Underage drinking and the use of illegal substances are strictly prohibited at all WPBDF and EPBDF events. Anyone violating this policy will be required to leave immediately and may be prohibited from attending future WPBDF and EPBDF events.
Hershey Lodge is completely non-smoking. All indoor guest rooms, corridors, public spaces, and indoor meeting areas are strictly smoke-free.
Event Attire
Dress is casual and comfortable.
Clothing displaying offensive language, images, or messages is not permitted. Participants may be asked to cover the clothing, change, or leave the event if their attire is deemed inappropriate.
Medical Responsibility & Emergency Care
While medical professionals may be present at certain times throughout the event weekend, they are not responsible for providing medical care to retreat participants. Attendees are responsible for contacting their home HTC, hematologist, or other appropriate medical provider for medical needs or guidance.
The Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation (WPBDF) and Eastern Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation (EPBDF) expect attendees to follow the recommendations of their home HTC or hematologist regarding travel and to bring all medications, treatment supplies, and other medical items they may require during the retreat.
Supervision of Minor Participants
If I am bringing a minor to the YOU Matter! Women’s Retreat, I agree to be responsible for the supervision of the registered minor participant throughout the retreat. I understand that I may not leave the retreat premises without the minor unless another parent or legal guardian of the minor remains on the premises and assumes responsibility for the minor.
If I cannot be located on the retreat premises and the minor requires immediate medical assistance, I understand and agree that emergency medical services may be contacted and, if necessary, an ambulance may transport the minor to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
Participation Waiver
I hereby freely, knowingly, and voluntarily agree to participate in the programs and activities conducted during the YOU Matter! Women’s Retreat.
I hereby fully waive, release, and discharge the Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation (WPBDF) and the Eastern Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation (EPBDF), and their respective agents, employees, successors, and assigns, from any and all rights, claims, and actions arising now or in the future out of my participation in programs and activities during the YOU Matter! Women’s Retreat.
If I am bringing a minor to the YOU Matter! Women’s Retreat, I freely, knowingly, and voluntarily consent to and give permission for the minor participant named in this registration form to participate in all programs and activities conducted during the YOU Matter! Women’s Retreat. I understand that the waiver and release above also applies to my participation in connection with the minor participant’s participation in the retreat.
I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless WPBDF and EPBDF from any claims arising out of any injury or harm that I, or any minor participant for whom I am responsible, may cause to another individual during participation in programs and activities at the YOU Matter! Women’s Retreat.