Pan Eros Foundation Volunteer Code of Conduct

The Pan Eros Foundation and Seattle Erotic Art Festival are committed to providing fun, safe, creative, and sexy environments free from harassment, abusive behavior, discrimination, and consent violations. We are dedicated to furthering freedom of expression in tandem with personal accountability while striving to eliminate abusive behaviors. We are devoted to anti-racism. We expect high standards of conduct and education and will make every effort to ensure that all staff, performers, and attendees act responsibly and with sensitivity.

Volunteers are expected to be accountable for their actions’ consequences and consider the well-being of themselves, others, and the event. Conduct that undermines this code, or is exploitative of others, will be cause for removal from the event and being banned from future events.  We hold the following principles and expectations of all volunteers in regards to appropriate conduct and behavior.

As a volunteer, you SHALL:

  • Treat all PEF/SEAF employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, attendees, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity.
  • Act honestly and ethically while in the performance of their volunteer duties.
  • Be respectful of ethnic, national, racial, religious, sexuality, orientation, ability, and cultural differences.
  • Never discriminate against, harass, bully, or mistreat staff or other volunteers.
    • Some examples of bullying behavior include but are not limited to: abusive and offensive language, insults, teasing, and spreading rumors. It can also include a manipulation of the work environment or psychological manipulation.
  • Obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in a place of business.
  • Adhere to the detailed Drug and Alcohol policy contained below in this Code of Conduct
  • Deter wrongdoing and ensure accountability for adherence to the Code of Conduct.
  • Seek assistance if you have questions about any volunteer guidelines, including the Code of Conduct. 
  • Support a safer environment by alerting Staff Leads to potential violations of the Code of Conduct
  • Be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled volunteer activities. We will attempt to be flexible in all cases, volunteers are expected to call or text (206)229-2185 if they will be absent or late, so arrangements can be made for handling their responsibilities.
  • Maintain an appropriate dress code, including wearing clothing that always covers one’s genitals and nipples as required by Washington State Liquor laws
  • Connect with staff or a Safety team member in a critical emergency (a volunteer faints or falls, etc.) 
  • Comply with all stated COVID policies, as applicable.

If a staff member or volunteer has any questions or concerns about the code of conduct or wishes to file a formal complaint, they may contact [email protected].

Drug and Alcohol use

All volunteer activities must be conducted free from the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs.  While medical and recreational cannabis use is legal in Washington State, a volunteer cannot report to an event impaired, nor should a volunteer smell of cannabis or alcohol per the expectation for scents and hygiene. In addition, these substances may not be possessed or distributed on PEF/SEAF premises. During events where alcohol is served, volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the event.

Adherence to Policies

PEF/SEAF develops policies, procedures, and guidelines with input from both staff and volunteers and with consultation from legal, finance, and risk management experts; our policies, procedures, and guidelines are updated regularly as new situations emerge. Both volunteers and staff are expected to comply with policies including those described in this document. Failure to comply may be grounds for disqualification and/or removal.

Term of disqualification and/or removal

PEF/SEAF is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both staff and volunteers.

Volunteers who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to disqualification and/or removal.

The following actions may be cause for removal from an event and banning:

  • Consent Violations
    • Examples include but are not limited to failure to honor stated limits and boundaries, violations of personal space or boundaries, and non-consensual objectification or fetishization.
  • Abusive Behavior/Harassment
    • Examples include but are not limited to racism, bullying, coercion, transphobia, unwanted sexual advances, intimidation, non-consensual physical abuse, ableism, and defamation. Comments or behavior that stereotypes, discriminates against, or harms community members will not be tolerated.
  • Violations of this Code of Conduct
    • We take reports very seriously. If at an event you are being harassed, have your consent violated, or even just see an attendee, presenter, or staff member making others uncomfortable, please report this to a Safety team member or a Consent Advocate as soon as possible.

We encourage you to report any code of conduct violations at the event as soon as possible and as you feel safe to do so.  PEF/SEAF events have on site Consent Advocates and Safety team members who are available to receive reports at any time.  We recognize that sometimes reports must be made after some time. To make a report after an event, please e-mail [email protected].