Code of Conduct

1. INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE

Our Commitment

TypeShift is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment for everyone. We believe that a community built on mutual respect and open collaboration is essential for fostering curiosity and innovation in the field of Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

Purpose

This Code of Conduct (CoC) outlines our expectations for all participants to ensure that every individual can learn, network, and collaborate in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. It exists to protect the safety and comfort of our community members.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants in the TypeShift community, including (but not limited to):

• Attendees
• Speakers and Presenters
• Sponsors
• Mentors
• Organizers
• Volunteers

This CoC covers all event-related spaces and communications, both physical and digital. This includes:

• The main conference and workshop venues
• Online platforms (e.g., Discord servers, Zoom meetings, chat rooms)
• Official social events or networking gatherings
• All event-related online forums, email, and social media communications

2. OUR VALUES

To create a positive and productive environment for learning, networking, and experimentation, our community is guided by the following core values. We expect all participants to uphold these values in their interactions.

• Respect: We are committed to treating all individuals with dignity, fairness, and professionalism.
• Safety: We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free and psychologically safe environment where all participants feel secure and protected.
• Inclusivity: We actively welcome and support people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging.
• Collaboration: We foster a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere where we can learn together, share knowledge, and build upon each other's ideas.
• Open Learning: We encourage curiosity, asking questions, and the constructive, respectful exchange of diverse ideas, even when they differ.
• Ethical Consideration: As we explore the future of AI, we are committed to promoting responsible practices and critical thinking about its societal impact.

3. EXPECTED BEHAVIOR

To help maintain a positive, productive, and inclusive environment, please follow these expected behaviours:

• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
• Listen actively and be mindful of different perspectives.
• Be mindful of your language and actions; use welcoming and inclusive language.
• Respect personal boundaries and differing viewpoints.
• Participate in good faith and help create a positive experience for others.

4. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory language or actions based on a participant's ability, personal attributes, or identity.
• Violence, threats, bullying, or aggressive physical contact.
• Sharing private or identifying information about others without their explicit consent (doxxing).
• Deliberate disruption of talks, workshops, or community spaces (e.g., "heckling," online "trolling").
• Encouraging or advocating for any of the above behaviors.

5. ETHICAL AI CONSIDERATIONS

As an AI-focused community, we expect participants to engage responsibly with AI technologies. This includes:

• Avoiding the development or demonstration of models or prompts intended to deceive, manipulate, or produce harmful outcomes.
• Respecting privacy and informed consent when using real data or examples.
• Being transparent about limitations, biases, and the provenance of data and models used in demos or tutorials.
• Refraining from using AI to generate content that promotes hate, violence, or illegal activity.

6. REPORTING VIOLATIONS

If you witness or experience unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please report it immediately. We take all reports seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of our community.

How to Make a Report

You can make a report using one of the following methods:

• Email: Send a message to info@typeshift.ca. This email is monitored by the core organizing team.
• In-Person: Speak to any individual clearly identified as a TypeShift organizer or staff member. Our team will be available to assist you throughout the event.

Our Commitment to You

• Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality, to the fullest extent permitted by law. We will only share information with those who absolutely need to know in order to handle the report.
• Safety & Non-Retaliation: We are committed to ensuring your safety. Retaliation against anyone who reports an incident in good faith is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a serious violation of this Code of Conduct.
• Prompt Review: We will promptly review all reports and take whatever action is necessary and appropriate to protect our community.

7. ENFORCEMENT & CONSEQUENCES

Review Process

Upon receiving a report of a potential violation, the TypeShift organizing team will promptly and respectfully review the incident. We are committed to a fair process and will take action that is appropriate to the circumstances.

Consequences for Violations

Participants who are asked to stop any unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including:

• A formal warning (verbal or written).
• Expulsion from a specific workshop or session.
• Expulsion from the entire event.
• A ban from any future TypeShift events and community spaces.

Organizers reserve the right to determine the appropriate consequence on a case-by-case basis, based on the severity and context of the violation.

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By participating in TypeShift events and community activities you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Organizers may update this policy from time to time; material changes will be communicated to participants.

If you have questions about this policy or need assistance, contact the event organizers via the site contact channels.