Path with Art’s Kindness Policy outlines expectations for how we treat both ourselves and one another while participating in any Path with Art activity, class, event, or outing. We strive for kindness, inclusion, openness, and transparency. We want all of our community members to have a sense of belonging and feel included no matter their race, gender identity/expression, religion, sex characteristics, ethnicity, nationality, physical health, mental health, economic status, ability, or age. It takes all of us to create a supportive artistic environment. Individual actions do matter and make a collective impact. To the mission of our organization––let’s create art and also foster belonging.

OUR VALUES

Dignity: Treat each person as inherently worthy

Community: Foster belonging

Learning: Expand mindsets through novel experiences and thoughts

Empowerment: Notice your fears and take action anyway

Courage: Use your ingenuity through imagination

Creativity: Recognize and express your strengths

PATH WITH ART AGREEMENTS & POLICIES 

• Kindness is paramount: speak and act in a way that is respectful and compassionate to everyone in the Path with Art community. 

• We understand that a thriving community is one in which all perspectives are valued.  

• Strive to pronounce peoples names correctly––ask to learn. 

• Don’t assume you know someone else’s life experiences or background based on how they may present on the outside.

• It’s OK to disagree––respectfully.

• We respect everyone’s identity. Consciously refer to others by their correct pronouns. Never assume someone's pronouns––if you are unsure, ask! If you get a pronoun wrong, that’s OK. In that event, apologize, use the correct pronoun, and continue on.

• Make space. If you are someone that often speaks up, notice your talking time and please make space for everyone. 

• Be mindful of others’ physical space needs.

• Creating art can be a vulnerable practice. Honor and celebrate each other’s learning, achievements, and process––as well as your own. 

• Our art-making and performing spaces belong to all of us. Be respectful of shared spaces and be good stewards of our environments; actively clean up or restore spaces as needed to maintain a welcoming creative space for our community. 

• Make the best use of our time together! Do your best to be on time––if you are late, please enter quietly. 

• Many in our community are in active recovery. Our expectation is that you come and participate in all Path with Art activities free from recreational drugs and alcohol. 

Conflict Resolution Policy 

At Path with Art, we understand that conflicts are part of life and can often come up in learning situations. Should issues arise, as a first step we request all in our programming (Teaching Artists, Participants and Volunteers) to address issues directly with those involved.

If you cannot come to a resolution, or feel staff need to be included, please outreach the Community Manager, Jess Lee at: jesslee@pathwithart.org. A resolution-focused guided discussion script can be utilized and Program Staff are also encouraged to employ other methods to reach the best result. 

Policy Violations

Discriminatory language or actions will be taken very seriously. Please note depending on the severity of the situation, and if it is in direct violation of our community agreements, we will take appropriate action which may result in program suspension or removal. To report an issue, please reach out to the Community Manager, Jess Lee at: jesslee@pathwithart.org