Code of Conduct
Even in an environment of shared faith, there will be varying opinions on issues of conduct. Therefore, our goal is to always to “prefer others” in our conduct choices. The following guidelines are intended for both parents and children:
During programs and events, parents volunteering to lead in any capacity are to be respected and their directives followed. If a parent volunteer is giving instruction or making a presentation, the remaining group should be quietly listening.
Please value the time of our volunteers and other parents by being punctual for the programs and events you choose to attend
Common manners, at a developmentally appropriate level, are appreciated and will be encouraged.
Physical interactions may include gentle and monitored play. However, aggressive behavior is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to pushing, hitting, slapping, biting, scratching, pinching.
Communication should be kind, considerate, courteous, and cooperative. Conversely, profanity, sarcasm, taunting, teasing, bragging, shaming, insulting, vulgarity, and needless arguing are not allowed.
Treat property appropriately. Use only what you have permission to use. Keep personal items put away (i.e. toys, cell phones, electronics). Additionally, items that could be considered dangerous are not to be brought to programs or events (i.e. knives, explosives)
Dress according to what the weather and events call for. Clothing should loosely cover traditional “underwear” areas for all genders and ages. As well, while we generally appreciate clothing is often used as a form of expression and art, we ask everyone to please reserve this use for outside the group meetings and events.
We find cell phones antithetical to our purpose and mission. Therefore, cell phones (and similar devices) are not to be used by children (this includes teens) participating in any event or program
We expect parents to take responsibility for the conduct of their children and to provide re-direction and coaching as needed. Since each family may have different convictions when it comes to the discipline of children, we expect visible interactions to be respectful to the child, non-punitive, and without the use of forces like slapping, spanking, yelling, and isolation.
Special note on sarcasm: We are very serious about building connections founded on sincere and meaningful discourse. Sarcasm erodes trust and is the opposite of this goal. We have found parents are sometimes surprised we hold participating families accountable to this expectation, so we make a “special note” of it.
Special note on profanity: As profanity includes language considered disrespectful, we believe it also encompasses expressions that are irreverant towards our shared faith. Phrases like “Oh My G*d” (and similar), will be addressed real-time. We may remind you and/or your child(ren): “Oh! Whoops! We use God’s name respectfully when we are together. Sometimes it’s hard to remember; I can help remind you.”
NEVER ALONE POLICY: Since there is never a program or event offered by Root & Arrow that is a drop off, there is never a reason for any parent to be alone with a child who is not their own (guardianship understood). Additionally, parents volunteering in any capacity understand there is also never a reason for them to be alone with a child who is not their own. We ask you to please not ever put another parent or group leader in a position where they will be alone with your child during a program or event. Even with your permission, it is not allowed. Any compromises to this policy will be grounds for immediate termination of a parent volunteer’s role and/or a parent’s ability to participate with the Root & Arrow co-op.