Policies
AK Connection regularly photographs and records our events for the purposes of marketing, social media, and grant/sponsorship reporting. By entering an AK Connection event, you consent to being photographed or filmed and to the use of these images and recordings in our promotional materials.
If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify AK Connection ([email protected]) before the event begins, or upon your arrival, so that we can respect your preference.
AK Connection is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for everyone at our events, programs, and online spaces. We exist to support and serve the adult Korean adoptee and the Korean adoption constellation communities in Minnesota. Our events center around connections, education, and culture. Harassment of any kind undermines our mission, vision, and values, and it will not be tolerated in any form.
By participating in AK Connection’s activities, all individuals agree to abide by this Anti-Harassment Policy. These expectations apply regardless of a person’s gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. It covers all interactions related to the organization, including in-person, virtual, and written communications, as well as events, meetings, and activities sponsored by AK Connection.
Examples of harassment and unwelcome behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Verbal harassment: Comments that reinforce systems of oppression related to identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, sexuality, or any other protected characteristic).
- Physical harassment: Unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact or intimidation, including pushing, blocking paths, physical threats, or deliberate intimidation.
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual attention or advances, inappropriate comments, or behavior of a sexual nature, including unwelcome flirting, following/stalking, touching, or requests for sexual favors.
- Visual harassment: Displaying or sharing offensive images, emails, or gestures; displaying sexual or violent imagery in public spaces; or wearing clothing with offensive messages or imagery.
- Bullying: Persistent and intentional mistreatment, including insults, humiliation, or exclusion.
- Unwelcome behavior: Any action that disrupts an event, makes other attendees feel unsafe, or disrespects event spaces or staff. Examples may include aggressive behavior, inappropriate jokes, excessive intoxication, non-consensual photography/recording, or damage to property. Participants consuming alcohol at AK Connection organized events are expected to do so responsibly and remain accountable to this policy.
Exceptions: Discussions or images related to sex, discrimination, or other sensitive topics are permitted if they are part of an educational or open-dialogue space and are presented respectfully. Attendees should be clearly informed ahead of time when such topics will be addressed (e.g., workshops or facilitated group discussions).
Reporting, Investigation, and Response
If someone’s words or actions make you feel unsafe or unwelcome, or you witness something concerning, please inform an AK Connection board member as soon as possible. All reports of harassment will be taken seriously and handled promptly and confidentially. AK Connection will:
- Conduct a fair and impartial investigation
- Take appropriate corrective action based on the findings
- Ensure that individuals reporting harassment are protected from retaliation
At AK Connection organized events and activities, organizers reserve the right to take immediate action in response to harassment or unwelcome behavior. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Immediate expulsion from the event without refund(s)
- Suspension or permanent barring from future events, programs, and/or online spaces
Non-Retaliation
AK Connection strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports harassment, participates in an investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices. Retaliation is grounds for disciplinary action.
If you experience or witness harassment, report it as soon as possible to any AK Connection board member or email [email protected].
This policy is adapted from event policies from Boston Korean Adoptees (BKA), Korean Adoptees of Chicago (KAtCH), and the ADA Initiative, and reflects AK Connection’s commitment to creating inclusive, affirming community spaces. For questions or concerns about this policy, contact [email protected].
