Anti-Oppression/ Consent Policy:The Short Hand Version
Domination and exploitation permeate our social relationships in subtle and overt ways, that have no place in the movement to save what is wild. Behavior that demeans, marginalizes, rejects, threatens or harms any living being on the basis of ability, activist experience, age, class/income level, cultural background, education, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, language, nationality, physical appearance, race, religion, self-expression, sexual orientation, species, and status as a parent will not be tolerated. Please speak out against such behavior so that we collectively can create a safer place for all Rondy participants.
Within creating safer spaces we encourage the practice of enthusiastic consent! Consent being an exchange of affirmative words and actions regarding sexual activity; agreement, approval, or permission that is fully-informed and freely and actively given without physical force, manipulation, stress, or fear. The absence of “No” does not mean Yes. YES! means YES!
We create the world we want to live in, right here, right now.
Therefore at the 2012 Rondy BIG jerks will not be tolerated, little ones either!
During the Rondy, there will be marked conflict mediation / sexual offense response advocates available at all times – and can be summoned by medics & wellness center volunteers. To get involved & offer skills in this area, please check in with First Aid/Wellness Center.
Don’t reject me based on my species! I’m just a little pup tryin to spend some time in the woods.
Dear Canine Friend,
It actually, truly breaks our biocentric hearts that we aren’t allowing dogs this rondy. Our decision was based on our concern for the well-being of the animals (due to possible dog fights, deer ticks with possible lyme disease, and a goshawk nest that must not be disturbed) and the well-being of the ecosystem. We understand and know that there are really sweet, gentle, and cooperative canines out there, but we don’t want to have to reject only certain dogs–it seemed too prejudiced (even though we aren’t allowing any dogs :/ ..). We hope there aren’t any hurt feelings amongst canines and canine allies, but that’s the way it is this year.
NO DOGS! for the safety of the young turkeys, the faun we saw as we made trails, the bear whose tracks we found in the soft mud and the threatened goshawk with it’s newly hatched family. The reality is that people have always been asked to leave dogs at home for the last 30 years. Some people just ignored it and have made a pain of themselves. This is not an OK situation for your companion animals, if you give a damn about them leave them at home or with friends.