PABJ CODE OF CONDUCT

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists aims to foster an inclusive and equitable atmosphere at its meetings/events so that all in attendance feel welcomed, respected, and safe. We expect everyone attending our meetings/events, including members, the Board, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and other guests, to interact with one another in a way that does not degrade and/or denigrate others. 

Active members of PABJ are expected and encouraged to:

• Actively engage and participate in PABJ initiatives to support our mission and values.
• Plan, attend, and/or otherwise contribute to PABJ-related projects in an effort to help support the health and longevity of our organization and the communities that we aim to uplift, impact, and support. 
• Exercise consideration, respect, and professionalism in any speeches and/or actions you make as a representative of our organization. 

All attendees participating in a PABJ meeting/event are expected to refrain from engaging in behavior and/or actions that constitute harassment which includes (but is not limited to) sexual comments, uninvited touching and sexual advances, hostile or physical intimidation, sexist, ageist, ableist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, health status, and racist language and/or other forms of harassment as identified, defined, or determined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In-person and/or digital harassment of members, the Board, vendors, recruiters, guest speakers and/or event attendees will not be tolerated, including posting photos, videos, audio and/or text that falls under harassment as outlined above. In addition, PABJ will not be permitting current members to double-dip in forming and/or joining a rival chapter to our organization simultaneously. We perceive NABJ's desire to consider forming another local organization as retaliatory and in bad faith. Those who choose to partake in this collaboration with NABJ during our time of institutional friction will not be granted or renewed a membership within PABJ.

Violating this Code of Conduct could result in penalties including being discharged from a PABJ-related meeting/event (without a refund of fees and/or registration as applicable), suspension, revocation of membership/committee/board position, and/or bad standing status which removes PABJ members from certain organizational opportunities and voting powers.

Decisions related to penalties for violation of the Code of Conduct will be made by the PABJ Board. If a PABJ Board member is the subject of a complaint, that Board member will recuse their/him/herself from decisions regarding that complaint.

PABJ seeks to foster a healthy and fair environment where all in attendance can learn and share knowledge in an atmosphere free of harassment, hostility, and discrimination. If you feel you have experienced harassment of any kind at a PABJ meeting/event, please immediately notify a PABJ Board member in attendance.

PABJ offers high-quality professional development, programming, and workshops throughout the year across the country. We want to maintain an environment that matches the caliber of our events and the regard that we have for everyone who attends.