Code of Conduct

We have a unique opportunity to encourage and educate the next group of a cappella musicians. This is only possible, however, if we create an atmosphere where attendees can feel physically and emotionally safe. The purpose of this training is to communicate guidelines on the values, policies, and protocol for CASA personnel so that we can work together to create an environment of safety.

As a representative of the organization, you are expected to act in a professional and thoughtful manner for the duration of the event weekend, including time when you are performing your delegated tasks, attending classes or performances, in between sessions or performances, and at social gatherings. We expect all CASA staff to uphold our values, as outlined below. Please familiarize yourself with this information and use it as a reference.

Values

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, CASA is pleased to offer services and programs to serve the a cappella community.

We strive to focus on three main goals:

  • To recognize excellence in a cappella through our awards programs.
  • To build interconnectedness and provide support in the a cappella community through our festivals.
  • To be a resource for information, education, and history in all things a cappella.

Our organization values are stated as follows:

  1. Good will: We display decency, courtesy, and respect toward every member of the a cappella community and every fan of a cappella music.
  2. Excellence: We challenge a cappella singers and groups to grow and improve through awards, competitions, and recognition.
  3. Inclusiveness: We provide opportunities for every singer to sing and grow, every aspiring vocalist to learn, and every fan to stay connected and informed.
  4. Innovation: We develop new methods for singers, groups, fans, and educators to sing, learn, connect, and interact with one another.
  5. Encouragement: We embolden the a cappella community to expand its insular focus by reaching out and sharing the joy of vocal music with others.
  6. Productivity: We maintain an active presence in the a cappella community and challenge others to become or stay involved, as well.
  7. Community: We nurture relationships between fellow organizations and businesses that support the continued growth of a cappella.
  8. Pride: We proclaim that contemporary a cappella music is cool, current, and the voice of the future!

When you serve as an instructor, contractor, performer, or volunteer at a event, you are a representative of the organization. Our goal is for all involved in our events to feel safe, supported, and encouraged both as a musician and as a person.

Harassment

CASA prohibits conduct that shows hostility or an aversion toward an individual because of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identification, nationality, age, ability, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law (e.g. pregnancy), and that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or otherwise adversely affects an individual’s opportunities. Please read our full Anti-Harassment policy at this link: http://www.casa.org/antiharrassment.

Our organization is firmly committed to creating and sustaining an environment in which our community (including volunteers, contractors, instructors, attendees, and professionals) can learn, teach, and collaborate in an open atmosphere, free from all forms of harassment. Sexual harassment, bullying, ridicule, or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

Some examples of conduct which may constitute harassment, depending on the circumstances, include but are not limited to, the following:

  • epithets or slurs
  • threatening or intimidating acts
  • written or graphic material
  • written, verbal, or physical acts that purport to be jokes or pranks
  • unwelcome physical or sexual touching or advances

If you experience harassment, witness harassment, or become aware that harassment has potentially taken place, please follow these steps:

  1. Notify your supervising Event Staff member, the Executive Producer, and/or a member of the Board of Directors immediately.
  2. If you feel equipped to intervene and stop the harassment without escalating the situation or resorting to threats or violence, please do so.

Interacting with Attendees

Our festivals are attended by people of all ages, including minors under the age of 18. Though these guidelines are always important, they become even more so in the presence of adolescents.

During your conversation and/or instruction around CASA related interactions, including social media or messaging avenues, maintain the utmost respect and professionalism as a representative of the organization. Disrespectful or unprofessional behavior should be strictly avoided, including but not limited to following:

  • Isolating yourself with an attendee
  • Harassing speech, imagery, gestures, or body language (see “Harassment” section above)
  • Profanity, sexual references, and racial slurs/jokes
  • References to substance use or abuse, including drugs and alcohol
  • Drug use
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Endorsement of or assistance in enabling underage drinking
  • Negative comments regarding political, sexual, and/or religious preferences
  • Proselytizing or coercion

If you are teaching a class, keep in mind as you are preparing your teaching materials that your audience will span a broad age range. Instructional content, including material for lectures, handouts, displays, and listening activities should be appropriate for minors as well as adults. If you are unsure about a particular aspect of your class plan, please contact our Director of Education for assistance.

Inclusion

In addition to spanning a broad age range, our event attendees represent a wide variety of races, religions, abilities, and gender identities. When interacting with others, use gender-inclusive pronouns such as “you all,” “folks,” etc. When speaking with or about an individual attendee, use their name and avoid making assumptions about their gender identity. If you see that an attendee is being mistreated, report the situation to the supervising Event Staff member, Executive Producer, or a member of the Board of Directors and intervene if warranted.

Corrective Action

In the event that behavior is exhibited that is not in keeping with this policy, the Executive Producer, Core Events Team, and/or Board of Directors may take any action they deem appropriate, including but not limited to warning, additional training, removal from the event, and/or not being permitted to participate in future events.

Conclusion

Our goal in communicating this information is to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all involved in our festival weekends, including you! Thank you for your time and attention to these guidelines. We can all look back to our first festival experience and remember how we felt inspired and supported by this wonderful a cappella community. While staffing an event requires a great deal of hard work and integrity, we have the opportunity to create an uplifting experience for our attendees. We’re excited to work with you to do just that!