CODE OF CONDUCT

Immediately follow all emergency drills and procedures every time when directed.

• Serious: No joking around with emergency drills or procedures, and says safe words aloud, then they will be asked to leave or dismissed from the program.
• Evacuation (in the event of danger, fire, or other emergencies): Community members line up single-file, facing the lead teacher at the front of the line, hold, remain silent/still, then go to designated places outside the building.
• Alert: Community members immediately become quiet/still when hearing the safe word "alert."  
• Severe weather: When there is a weather warning (such as for a possible tornado), everyone moves quickly to the designated area in the building.
• Drop, cover, and hold: When there is an earthquake or other danger to the building structure, everyone takes cover under desks, tables, or other heavy furniture.
• Shelter in place: When there is an emergency gas nearby outside or a chemical leak outside a building, everyone moves to a designated area in the building, away from the affected area.
• Lockdown: When there is a potential danger inside the building or outside on school grounds, everyone lines up single-file, facing the lead teacher at the front of the line, holds, remains silent/still, then goes to designated places outside the building. Then all doors are locked.

Turn off, silence, de-vibrate, and put away all cell phones, headphones, and communication devices during learning sessions, group meetings, training, and programmatic activities. Staff will let you know when cell phone use is allowed. The program is not the time or place to charge phones. 

Physical, verbal, emotional, and all forms of violence are strictly forbidden. No actual fighting. No play-fighting of any kind is allowed, including teasing, mocking, and shadow-boxing. No threats, harassment, and bullying. No foul, profane, or abusive language or attitudes. Do not bother anyone for any reason.

No smoking of any kind is allowed in or near the building.

No drugs or alcohol of any kind (including marijuana) is allowed in or near the building. Do not come to the building with drugs or alcohol in your system. Be sober for at least twelve hours prior to entering the premises. 

Good hygiene is mandatory. Do not come to the building smelling of drugs, alcohol, or illicit substances. Be clean, washed, and presentable as if you care deeply about the community, yourself, and your relationship with others. Keep the bathrooms clean after you use them.

Do not bring weapons of any kind near or into the building, including guns.

Mind your own business and do not insert yourself into other people’s affairs.

When asked, please be quiet and still. Your safety may depend on this.

Do not bring food or drink from outside into the building. Only staff are allowed to do this.

Youth may not touch doors, exits, and entrances. 

Stay out of pathways for fire safety.

Stay seated when requested. Your safety may depend on this.

No running inside of the building.

Do not touch, take, change, or manipulate equipment, food, supplies, furniture, set-ups, or the building’s belongings.

One person in the bathroom at a time.

Youth must use a different bathroom than adults.

No destruction or damaging of property.

Stay away if you are ill and notify staff.

Wear a medical-oriented/food safe mask or gloves if requested.

The chewing and ingesting of gum and foreign objects is forbidden because of the high risk of choking or the health and environmental harm caused by this behavior.

Staff needs to see your face and head for healthy engagement.

Do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, cultural expression, ability/disability, body size, body shape, and veteran's status. 

Raise your hand to participate, and do not disrupt educational and health activities.

Participate fully, seriously, and respectfully at all times. Do not opt-out.

We are committed to upholding the principles and procedures of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act (MPIPA). Do not gossip, spread rumors, defame, or break confidentiality. Never ask or "play detective" about other people's business or affairs. Everyone is entitled to privacy.

We screen individuals using security video. Please be patient at the door.

Demonstrate calm, manage emotions (including anger, rage, and wrath), and defuse tensions. Practice the center's teachings in teamwork, good sportspersonship, and/or confllct resolution.

Inform staff immediately if you are injured or need any kind of medical attention.

Youth must not groom themselves, use cosmetics and other grooming/beauty aids, or bring grooming/beauty aids to the community center.

Do not lie. Do not deceive. Do not gaslight (or try to make people think they are crazy). Do not manipulate. Do not blame. Do not shame.

Arrive with a consistently positive and enthusiastic attitude. Negativity undermines us all.