Code of Conduct
Women in Film & Television Austin (WIFT Austin) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity, visibility, and opportunity for women and female identifying creatives across all sectors of the media and entertainment industry.
We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, respectful, and professional environment for all members, attendees, guests, volunteers, partners, and staff, including in-person events, virtual programming, and member platforms such as our Slack community.
Participation in WIFT Austin is a privilege. By engaging with our organization, you agree to uphold the standards outlined here.
What We Stand For
- Advancing gender parity and equity in the screen industries
- Supporting storytelling that shapes culture and drives change
- Creating opportunities for professional development and education
- Building an inclusive and collaborative community
- Uplifting one another’s careers through shared knowledge and access
- Partnering with organizations locally and globally that align with our mission
Community Expectations
All participants are expected to:
- Conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity, and respect
- Respect personal boundaries, space, and time
- Engage in a way that supports a collaborative and inclusive environment
- Be mindful of how they contribute to shared spaces, both in speaking and listening
- Uplift others and contribute positively to the community
- Represent WIFT Austin truthfully and responsibly
We expect all participants to actively contribute to a culture that is free from harassment, discrimination, and exclusion.
Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are not tolerated in any WIFT Austin space (physical or virtual):
- Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind
- Unwanted sexual attention, advances, or physical contact
- Invasive behavior, including ignoring personal boundaries or social cues
- Offensive, derogatory, or harmful language (including sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory remarks)
- Verbal threats, stalking, or physical intimidation
- Disruptive behavior during events, panels, or programming
- Unauthorized solicitation of members, speakers, or attendees
- Political campaigning unrelated to the organization’s mission
- Misuse of WIFT Austin affiliation, branding, or platforms
We are committed to actively combating systems of oppression, including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, and classism, and expect all participants to do the same.
Membership Conduct & Representation
Members of WIFT Austin additionally agree to:
- Uphold the organization’s mission and values in all professional and public spaces
- Maintain confidentiality of internal communications
- Use WIFT Austin affiliation, name, and branding only with proper authorization
- Refrain from exploiting membership for unauthorized personal or commercial gain
- Take responsibility for the conduct of their guests at events
Membership Eligibility & Review
WIFT Austin reserves the right to approve, deny, suspend, or revoke membership at its discretion.
Public conduct, including social media activity, that conflicts with this Code of Conduct may be considered in membership decisions.
Slack – by joining the WIFT Austin members-only Slack community, you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. This space is an extension of our events and is held to the same standards of professionalism, respect, and inclusivity.
Events & Participation
By attending WIFT Austin events, you agree to:
- Follow all event guidelines and safety protocols
- Respect the experience of speakers, panelists, and fellow attendees
- Comply with any requests from staff or event organizers
WIFT Austin reserves the right to remove any participant from an event if their behavior compromises the safety or experience of others.
Media, Recording & Intellectual Property
By participating in WIFT Austin programming:
- You consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded for promotional use unless you opt out in writing in advance
- All content shared through WIFT Austin is for personal and educational use only
All materials, branding, and content are the intellectual property of WIFT Austin or its licensors and may not be reused, reproduced, or distributed without explicit written consent.
Reporting & Accountability
If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct:
- Notify a WIFT Austin board or staff member
- Email: secretary@wiftaustin.org
- In emergencies, contact local authorities or 911
All reports will be handled confidentially and taken seriously. Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern is strictly prohibited.
Enforcement
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Removal from events without refund
- Suspension or termination of membership
- Permanent ban from future events or participation
- Legal action when appropriate
WIFT Austin reserves the right to determine appropriate action based on the severity and context of the violation.
