FJMC International Code of Conduct

Safety. Respect. Equity.   

These are the values and principles that FJMC International (FJMC) are committed to as an organization as we convene together in person and virtually. The following is an outline of the policies and norms that are inherently part of FJMC and therefore, part of every FJMC program and gathering. We value each and every individual and look forward to learning, collaborating and gathering together with these norms in place.

Thank you for helping create a safe, respectful and equitable space.  

FJMC gathering Policies:   

FJMC International is committed to creating an environment that exemplifies Jewish values such as kavod habriot (human dignity), hinuch (learning) and the Talmud’s teaching that kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, that “all Israel is responsible for one another” (Shavuot 39a). Jewish tradition recognizes that every person is created in the Divine image and should be treated as such, and the Jewish values of repairing the world, mutual responsibility, and not standing idly by while others are being harmed are fundamental to the creation, implementation, and upholding of this Code of Conduct.  

FJMC International is committed to creating a harassment-free environment for all
participants.

This Code of Conduct is established to promote safety and respect in all our activities.
We expect all participants to abide by this policy in all venues, including ancillary events
and social gatherings:   

• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.   
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.   
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.   
• Alert program leadership if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this policy, even if they seem minor.  

The following behaviors do not belong at any FJMC International gathering (in-person or virtual):   

• Harassment that discriminates against a specific group of people based on age, race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, health conditions, socioeconomic status, marital status, domestic status, or parental status (hereafter, simply harassment);   
• Sexual harassment of any kind, including unwelcome sexual attention and inappropriate physical or virtual contact.   
• Abuse of power (including abuse related to position, wealth, race or gender);   
• Yelling at, threatening, or bullying speakers or attendees.   
• Any significantly disruptive conduct.   
• Repeated interruption of a speaker or performance.   
• Creation of an atmosphere of harassment or intimidation, including but not limited to, stalking (whether physical or virtual);   
• Conduct or communication that would offend a reasonable person, including but not limited to unwelcome attention; remarks or conduct containing sexual innuendo; humor involving race, sex, or other classifications; comments intended or construed as being derogatory to an entire class of persons.   
• Actual, threatened, or implied retaliation against a person for complaining about a violation of these policies or for cooperating with an investigation into a complaint.

Network Norms for Engaging in FJMC International

We design all FJMC programs to reflect our organization’s core values: 

• Friendship
• Judaism
• Mentorship
• Community

We therefore ask participants to read and agree to the following:  

• Be present with us. Whether that is actively participating in a conversation, sitting or standing and taking in information, we want you to be here in the moment with us. 
• Be as curious as ever. We want you to engage with an open mind, exploring on behalf of yourself and your organization so that it may be the most impactful event.
• Step up and step back in a planful way and be aware of your role in all of our events. You certainly have information and experiences to share – step up and share them! Also, know that others need space to share their information and experiences – do your best to step back and allow others to share. Consider checking in with yourself to see how often you are stepping up and how often you are stepping back with kindness. This self-monitoring itself can often be a powerful learning experience.
• Be a conscious observer and witness to those around you and avoid judgment.      
• Be an ally to those who may need more space or support in participation.   
• Be courageous in whatever way that means to you. Speak up, engage with an open heart, and foster new and deeper connections with other individuals present in this space.       
• Be supportive, understanding, courteous, open minded and appreciative of others and the diversity of opinion that they bring to our spaces.  
• Assume that your learnings can be shared with others.     
• Respect confidentiality and ask for consent before sharing detailed, personal, and sensitive stories. 
• To protect the privacy of our participants and speakers, please do not take photos or video of the various sessions or speakers or post images or videos of others unless permission is granted. Know that we will have FJMC individuals who have been asked to photograph certain events and are aware of what should and should not be imaged.
• Be mindful of your surroundings, your participants and alert the conference leadership if you notice any situation that does not align with the values of FJMC. Please do so even if it feels minor.