Our Cultural Values

The Art Deco Society of California (ADSC) is dedicated to providing spaces for positive social engagement, rekindling the cordiality of another era.

To this end, we strive to create a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or personal style. In fact, we simply do not tolerate harassment in any form of participants, guests, volunteers, vendors, and contractors, either at our hosted and sponsored activities, or online via social media channels, including comments and direct messaging. This policy applies to ADSC Board members, volunteers, performers, vendors, contractors and any of their staff, as well as to ADSC members or members of the public who attend our events.

Be Respectful.

Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our events a better place.

Harassment is legally defined as repetitive and intentional negative attention. It includes, but is not limited to:

• Unwelcome comments on an individual's perceived gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or personal style, including tattoos.

• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, or disseminating a person’s information, including online handles, for others to intimidate (i.e. “doxing”).

• Unwelcome photography or recording

• Sustained disruption of lectures, presentations, or performances.

• Inappropriate or unwelcome sexual, physical, verbal contact / attention at events or online.

• Appropriation of any religious or sacred dress and/or mocking of minorities, cultures, and marginalized people through costume, gestures, symbols, and language. Choices in attire must be guided by ADSC’s mission to appreciate and educate when historically recreating this era; any deemed offensive will not be tolerated.

• Use of symbols, regardless of historical accuracy, that are currently viewed as symbols of hate.

• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

We Really Mean It.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior will comply immediately. This is a society in which we value good manners and it is expected that all members be quick to apologize and make amends.

If any person or group engages in harassing behavior, event organizers, ADSC board members, and security reserve the right to take any actions deemed necessary to keep the event a welcoming and harassment-free environment for all participants. These actions may include a verbal warning to the offender and/or expulsion from the event at the request of event organizers, ADSC board members, security personnel on duty, or the local police with no refund offered or provided.

If any participant is reported, warned, or expelled from an event for harassing behavior, documentation of such behavior will be subject to a review of their “good standing” membership status by the Board with an option to revoke their membership temporarily or permanently, and/or bar them from attending or participating in future ADSC events. The choice of action and level of accountability may be guided further by State, City, or private venue policies the ADSC is required to uphold, including the ACLU.

Participants must abide by these rules at all event venues, event-related social activities, and online forums.

If You Have a Problem:

You have a right to be at our events, and to be treated with respect and kindness. You have a responsibility to treat others with respect and kindness.

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible in person, or by emailing conduct@artdecosocietyofcalifornia.org. ADSC board members are present at every event and are there to assist you. If you cannot identify a board member please seek the person who checked you in to the event, as they will be able to assist and locate a board member promptly.

Anonymous Reports: At this time, we are not able to accept anonymous reports or take any action based solely on such information. ADSC will keep your name and personal information confidential.

NOTE: The ADSC does not have jurisdiction over non-ADSC event attendees at larger events and public venues (museums, bars, restaurants, theaters, public parks, etc.), especially at “ADSC Goes To” events. If harassing behavior occurs at an “ADSC Goes To” event, participants will need to contact local security for the event. ADSC board members and event organizers will do our best to help facilitate your report upon request. Many times at these larger events, the public may take photos without asking. If this happens and makes an individual uncomfortable, the ADSC board and event organizers will support you and ask the offending individuals to please ask before taking photographs. The ADSC board members and event organizers will be happy to help you contact local law enforcement, engage local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you in upholding our values for the duration of the event. We work together to create safe and welcoming environments. We value you and want to ensure a positive environment and uplifting experience for everyone.

—Revised in 2022 by Kristen Caven, author of Perfectly Revolting, and co-author of The Winning Family, Wings of Self-Esteem, and The Bullying Antidote, with ADSC board members