Code of Conduct

Central Austin Toastmasters is committed to providing a safe environment for members and guests.

If you see misconduct, please immediately notify the club officers, in person or in writing.

1. Expected & Unacceptable Behaviors

We ask everyone to study and follow Berlin Code of Conduct, a standard for user groups and conferences. Here, we highlight the major points.

✅ Expected behaviors include:

Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.

Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.

Attempt collaboration before conflict.

Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.

Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

🚫 Unacceptable behaviors include:

Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions

(continued from above) by any participant in our community online

(continued from above) at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business

Community event venues may be shared with members of the public. Please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

🚫 Harassment includes:

Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability

Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images (including presentation slides)

Inappropriate depictions of violence (including presentation slides)

Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following

Harassing photography or recording

Sustained disruption of talks or other events

Inappropriate physical contact

Unwelcome sexual attention

2. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Berlin Code of Conduct says, unacceptable behavior from any community member, including sponsors and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

Please report misconducts to the club offices to ensure everyone's safety.

Following a verbal or written complaint to the club officers, the President (or the next available officer) can adhere to Toastmasters International's Policy 3.0 and Protocol 3.0.

In short, Policy and Protocol 3.0 allows the club to launch a confidential investigation and take a disciplinary action on the member. A disciplinary action can include revoking the club membership.