Community Agreement

Americans United for Separation of Church & State (AU) is proud to bring together the diverse group of individuals — both in person and online — our movement needs to be successful, including across race, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, geography, and religious beliefs (and none).

By embracing the diverse perspectives and experiences at the Summit for Religious Freedom (SRF) and centering those most impacted by our issues, we will build the strongest possible movement for the separation of religion and government.

Everyone has a role to play to create inclusive, positive, and safe spaces where all feel welcome to share their stories and participate in every aspect of the Summit.

Make spaces accessible

www.thesrf.org/community-agreement.htmlWe can all help make every workshop and event accessible. If you’re speaking, speak slowly and clearly, and always use a microphone. Be aware of people around you to make sure there is space for others to pass and seating is available for those who need it. When possible, limit the use of scented products and thoroughly wash your hands after smoking, which can cause health problems for others in close proximity. For additional information, please see our accessibility statement.

Avoid using jargon

Avoid using jargon (such as naming a policymaker or Supreme Court decision) or acronyms (such as RFRA) without explanations — especially when first referring to them in conversation. That way, the information you’re sharing will be accessible to folks who might be new to issues of church/state separation, federal policy, or whatever topic you’re discussing.

Respect pronouns

People of all gender identities and expressions are welcome at the Summit. If you haven’t already, you can pick up a pronoun sticker at registration. When you meet someone new, don’t make an assumption about their gender identity based on how they look or speak. Instead, check their name tag or ask what their pronouns are.

We all have privileges — Be aware of yours

Everyone has different privileges. These could include your ability to walk, the color of your skin, being financially secure, or having access to higher education. Power dynamics often show up at conferences when those with more or specific privileges or power tend to speak up most often, speak over others, or don’t take time to understand and give space to those with less power. Be mindful of your own privileges and power and find ways to give time, space, and support to others. Listen to people’s stories, but respect people’s privacy by not asking unnecessarily intrusive questions.

Prevent and report harassment

AU is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Sexual images in public spaces
Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
Harassing photography or recording
Sustained disruption of talks or other events
Inappropriate physical contact
Unwelcome verbal or non-verbal sexual attention
Discrimination, stereotyping, or making offensive remarks related to someone’s actual or perceived national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep SRF a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from SRF with no refund.

SRF is a BIG Tent

The Summit for Religious Freedom is meant to bring together people from across every spectrum of religion, age, gender, race, sexual orientation, belief, advocacy experience, politics, and more to defend our shared values of inclusive religious freedom, church state separation, and the liberties that flow from those principles. That diversity means we may not agree on all other issues, and that is ok. But we know that we cannot win against Christian Nationalists and other extremists – including their political allies – and their coordinated campaign to force us all to live by their narrow religious beliefs, unless we join forces. That’s why SRF has been designed as a big tent to unite everyone fighting to defend these common values, and against these common adversaries.