The OWC is an open, safe, and welcoming community who prioritizes respect and diversity

As the OWC grows, it’s important that we all understand what is expected of members at events, offline and online. A Code of Values goes beyond a Code of Conduct which outlines how members are to behave. A Code of Values outlines what the OWC stands for and what we expect our members to believe in. Therefore, it serves as a set of universal guidelines by which all members must agree to adhere.

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At the Ottawa Writer’s Circle, we value:

• Our focus on building a writing community

• Respect for people,

• Listening and learning,

• Openness, and

• Kindness and empathy.

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This means:

• Focusing conversations and events on writing-related topics

• Treating people like we would like to be treated

• Never say anything about anyone you wouldn’t say to them

• Listening with the intent to understand and acknowledging it is important to the speaker

• Learning when a behaviour is welcome and unwelcome

• Not using poor social grace as an excuse to consistently make people uncomfortable

• Being understanding when someone is new or shy without being forceful

• Bringing forward any concerns to the Leadership Team

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Additionally, several rules from our Code of Conduct still apply:

• There is zero tolerance for harassment

• Do not physically touch someone without their permission

• Do not hit on or ask anyone out through OWC events, including online

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The Leadership Team reserves the right to ask any member to leave an event or ban a member from the group if they deem them to have violated this Code in any way.