Code of Conduct & Community Agreements

Conserving Rhode Island’s important lands and waterways is most effective when we are all authentically engaged and open to collaboration in this work. To that end, RILTC is committed to fostering a professional, respectful, welcoming, and harassment-free Summit experience for all participants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, parental status, or physical appearance. We strive to ensure that all attendees feel valued, comfortable, and able to fully participate.

All participants at the Rhode Island Land and Water Conservation Summit are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect for others. Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and inappropriate physical or verbal conduct will not be tolerated in any form at the Summit or at any event hosted by RILTC.

RILTC will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the Summit remains respectful and comfortable for learning and connection. Violations of this Code of Conduct may be reported by any participant to RILTC staff and will be reviewed by the Rhode Island Land Trust Council. All reports will be handled with as much confidentiality as possible to protect privacy and anonymity. RILTC reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary and appropriate to maintain a welcoming environment. This may include warnings, removal from the event without refund, and exclusion from future RILTC events.

By registering for the Summit, you agree to uphold the following Community Agreements:

Listen to understand & engage respectfully. I will commit to active listening, especially when hearing perspectives different from my own. I will allow space for many voices to be heard. I agree to challenge ideas, not individuals, and engage in constructive dialogue rooted in mutual respect.
Share the air. We encourage participation from all, and strive for balance. I commit to stepping up when my voice is needed, and stepping back to allow others to contribute.
Honor lived experience and local knowledge. We value professional expertise alongside community-based knowledge and lived experience, recognizing that all are essential to our work.
Take care of ourselves and each other. We encourage participants to attend to their own needs, respect personal boundaries, and support a culture of care throughout the Summit. I take shared responsibility for maintaining a welcoming and collaborative environment.

By registering for and attending the Summit, participants affirm their commitment to uphold both the Code of Conduct and these Community Agreements.