Volunteer Code of Conduct (Onsite Edition)

Volunteering at Deviance is a fun and exciting way to serve and engage with our community in a safe, secure, and shared space. While on shift at Deviance, we encourage mindfulness and awareness around the following expectations.

Core Principles

• Be present. 

  • Show up for the time you’ve committed and stay involved during the agreed shift.

  • Staying actively aware and present with our members and the space helps set the tone and vibe for everyone.

  • Actively engaging our members with a smile and conversation goes a long way towards setting a welcoming and helpful atmosphere.

• Be polite. 

  • Maintaining a polite and respectful bearing when dealing with members is the starting point for all of us.

  • This means leaving any baggage or personal conflict with members 100% at the door when you’re on shift.

  • You’re representing Deviance, not just yourself.

• Be punctual. 

  • If you’re on the schedule, please ensure you arrive before your shift starts so you can get settled in and ready to go.

  • Life happens, so if there’s something that prevents you from working your shift, or if you realize you’re going to be late or unable to work the entire time, please let us know so we can manage coverage.

• Be engaged. 

  • It’s easy to just sit and talk with only the people you know, but we encourage all Volunteers to be mobile and actively engaged with our members while on shift.

  • There’s always the risk of ‘clique’ perception in any large shared space, and we want to do our very best to avoid anyone applying that label to our Volunteers.

• Be responsible. 

  • There’s always an expectation that Volunteers not just follow all House rules, but support, encourage, and communicate them with our members.

  • This applies to new members and long-timers, both.

Accessibility & Inclusion

• Names & pronouns.

  • Use the names and pronouns people specify.

  • If unsure, ask.

• Trauma-aware.

  • No shaming, dog-piling, or tone-policing.

  • Redirect harm, don’t escalate it.

Communication & Collaboration

• Volunteer home base is Discord.

• Personal accounts.

  • You’re free to have your own views, but don’t present personal opinions as Deviance’s position.

Conflicts of Interest

• Don’t use volunteer access for personal gain.

• Don’t promote competing venues or services at Deviance.

Time, Capacity & Care

• Volunteer, not 24/7.

  • You’re not expected to be constantly available.

  • If you’re at capacity, say so.

  • We care about you as a whole human.

• Sustainable pace.

  • Take breaks, log off, and practice healthy boundaries.

  • Burnout helps no one.

• Coverage.

  • If you can’t make a scheduled commitment or deadline, notify the team early so someone can pick it up.

Harassment, Discrimination & Harm

• Deviance has zero tolerance for harassment, bigotry, or retaliation—online or in person—toward members or volunteers.

• This includes slurs, sexual harassment, stalking, threats, or targeted hostility based on identity or circumstance.

• Violations will result in termination of the volunteer relationship - and potentially a total ban from Deviance membership.