[YOUR ORGANIZATION NAME] Code of Conduct (2025 Edition)
Template provided by Forró Federation – customize & translate for your organization.
We are a consent-based and inclusive dance community built on respect, kindness, and connection.
Everyone is welcome — dancers and guests of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, ethnicities, and abilities.
Purpose
This Code of Conduct exists to:
- Foster mutual respect and appreciation among all members of the Forró community.
- Encourage safer and more responsible dancing and social interaction.
- Promote awareness, consent, and accountability as shared community values.
- Uphold zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, and racism in any form.
Our Shared Values
- We dance with each other, not to each other.
- We treat every dancer with dignity, empathy, and respect.
- We hold ourselves accountable for creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space.
- We act in the spirit of Forró: connection, rhythm, and joy — without harm.
Guidelines for Respectful Dancing
Consent & Boundaries
- Communicate with your partner before and during the dance.
Examples: “Would you like to lead or follow?” / “No dips or turns, please.” - You define your own comfort and limits — they may change from dance to dance.
- You can always say no, pause, or end a dance for any reason.
- If a boundary is crossed, you may address it directly or speak with an organizer or safety contact.
- If someone shares that your behavior made them uncomfortable, listen, take responsibility, and adjust.
Physical Respect
- Be aware of your partner’s space, body, and comfort level.
- Ask before attempting moves that could be considered intimate or acrobatic.
- Avoid rough handling, gripping, or pulling — connection comes through sensitivity, not force.
- If someone asks you to stop something, stop immediately and apologize.
Anti-Racism & Anti-Discrimination
We are committed to being an actively anti-racist and anti-discriminatory community.
That means:
- We do not tolerate racist language, jokes, stereotypes, or behavior.
- We stand against any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, ability, sexuality, religion, or appearance.
- We believe and support those who report discrimination or harm.
- We take action when racism or bias occurs — silence is not an option.
If you witness racism, harassment, or exclusionary behavior, please support those affected and inform an organizer so it can be addressed safely and promptly.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment
Harassment — in any form — is not tolerated. This includes but is not limited to:
- Unwanted physical contact or sexual attention
- Inappropriate or sexualized comments, jokes, or gestures
- Intimidation, bullying, or stalking
- Repeated unwanted invitations to dance
- Verbal abuse, mockery, or humiliation
- Discrimination or hate speech online or offline
Anyone engaging in harassment may be immediately removed from the event without refund and may be permanently banned from future activities.
Community Care
Creating a safe and inclusive space is a shared responsibility.
If you witness behavior that violates this Code:
- Check in with those affected.
- Offer support.
- Inform an organizer or safety contact.
You don’t need to intervene directly, but silence allows harm to continue.
Together, we keep our community safe.
Accessibility & Inclusion
We aim to make our events accessible for everyone.
Please inform organizers of any physical, sensory, or emotional needs — we will do our best to accommodate.
This includes support for mobility, rest spaces, fragrance-free areas, and sensitivity to overstimulation or trauma triggers.
[OPTIONAL: Add specific accessibility features your venue offers or accommodations you provide]
Substance Use
We expect everyone to remain in control of their behavior.
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not an excuse for crossing boundaries or acting disrespectfully.
Anyone behaving inappropriately while intoxicated may be asked to leave the event.
However, if a person appears to be in danger or unable to care for themselves due to intoxication, our team will ensure they receive appropriate assistance or medical attention before any further action is taken.
[OPTIONAL: Add your venue’s specific alcohol policy if applicable]
Cultural Respect
Forró originates in Northeastern Brazil and carries deep cultural and historical significance.
We honor its heritage, music, and traditions with respect and curiosity — avoiding cultural appropriation, stereotyping, or misuse of symbols.
Let’s celebrate Forró with gratitude and awareness of its roots.
Well-Being
Take breaks when you need them.
Drink water, rest, and listen to your body.
You do not owe anyone a dance — your comfort and safety always come first.
Enjoying the music and community in your own way is part of the dance.
Feedback & Dance Floor Etiquette
- Do not offer unsolicited advice or corrections on the dance floor.
Feedback is welcome only if requested or if it concerns safety. - You may decline or accept any dance — no explanation needed, but kindness is encouraged.
- If someone declines your invitation, accept it gracefully and move on.
- Maintain good hygiene: shower, use deodorant, brush teeth, and bring a clean shirt or towel.
Reporting & Confidentiality
You can report concerns or violations to any organizer or safety contact in person or anonymously [via form, message, or email].
[CUSTOMIZE: Add your specific reporting methods and contact information here]
- In person: Speak to any organizer wearing [DESCRIBE IDENTIFIER – e.g., “a red lanyard”]
- Email: [YOUR SAFETY EMAIL ADDRESS]
- Anonymous form: [LINK TO YOUR REPORTING FORM]
- Phone/Text: [OPTIONAL SAFETY HOTLINE NUMBER]
All reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially.
The organizing team will review the situation and, when possible, keep you informed of actions taken.
Violations by organizers, volunteers, instructors, or artists are treated with the same seriousness as those by participants.
Restorative Approach
When appropriate — and only with the consent of those affected — we may use restorative dialogue or mediation to address harm, encourage accountability, and rebuild trust.
Our goal is learning and healing, not punishment alone.
[OPTIONAL: Remove this section if your organization prefers a purely disciplinary approach]
Action Plan & Escalation Policy
Core Principle
We do not question anyone’s report of discomfort or harm.
Each dancer defines their own boundaries and decides when they have been crossed.
Escalation Steps
[CUSTOMIZE: Adjust these consequences to fit your organization’s capacity and legal context]
- First Offense — Private conversation and formal warning.
The person must review and confirm understanding of the Code. - Second Offense — Suspension from the event (no refund). Return permitted only after agreement to comply with the Code.
- Third Offense — Removal from the event and written acknowledgment of disciplinary action.
- Fourth Offense or Severe Misconduct — Permanent ban from all future events.
Organizers reserve the right to take immediate action, including removal without prior warning, in cases of serious harassment, discrimination, or violence.
[OPTIONAL: Add information about appeals process if your organization offers one]
Acknowledgment
Thank you for helping make our Forró community a space of respect, equality, and joy.
By dancing with awareness, empathy, and integrity, we keep the spirit of Forró alive — a rhythm that celebrates connection, culture, and care.
[CUSTOMIZE: Add your organization’s contact information and social media]
This Code of Conduct may be updated periodically. Current version: [DATE] Questions or feedback: [YOUR CONTACT EMAIL]