Volunteer Code of Conduct
The Great Northern is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all. We ask that volunteers approach each interaction with professionalism, kindness, and care.
Respect and Inclusion
Equitable Treatment: All volunteers are expected to treat every guest, team member, and colleague with respect, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
Inclusive Language: Use language that is respectful and inclusive. Avoid assumptions about others’ identities or experiences. If unsure, ask politely and be receptive to feedback.
Accommodations: Assist guests with accessibility needs in a supportive and patient manner, providing assistance only as needed or requested to respect personal space.
Professionalism and Conduct
Positive Representation: Volunteers should maintain a positive, professional demeanor. This includes arriving on time and refraining from using profanity, inappropriate, negative or disparaging language.
Attention to Duties: Remain focused on assigned tasks and responsive to the instructions of team leads or supervisors. Avoid distractions such as excessive phone use.
Safety and Cooperation: Follow all safety guidelines and immediately report any unsafe conditions. Encourage a collaborative environment by supporting and communicating effectively with fellow volunteers and staff.
Prohibited Conduct
Harassment and Discrimination: Harassment of any kind—whether verbal, physical, visual, or symbolic—is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, derogatory comments, bullying, and inappropriate gestures or stares. Volunteers are also expected to avoid wearing clothing or displaying materials that contain hate symbols, derogatory language, or any imagery or slogans that target or demean individuals or groups based on race, sex, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
Sexual harassment, including unwanted advances, suggestive comments, and any non-consensual physical contact, is strictly prohibited.
Aggressive Behavior and Violence: Any form of aggression, intimidation, or violence is unacceptable. This includes physical altercations, threats, doxxing or any action that could make another person feel unsafe or unwelcome.
Substance Use: Volunteers must refrain from using alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances while on duty. Arriving at a shift under the influence of drugs or alcohol is grounds for immediate removal.
Integrity and Responsibility
Confidentiality: Volunteers must maintain confidentiality regarding festival operations, guest information, or internal discussions and shall not discuss proprietary details outside the festival setting. For more detail, please refer to the Festival Policies and Procedures section of this hand book.
Honesty and Accountability: Act with integrity by being truthful and taking responsibility for your actions. If an error is made, notify a supervisor promptly to rectify the situation.
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Volunteers should not use their role to gain special treatment or advantages, such as accepting gifts or favors from vendors, guests, or partners that could adversely affect the reputation of the Great Northern.
Environmental Stewardship
Sustainability Commitment: Volunteers should support the festival’s sustainability efforts by following waste disposal guidelines, recycling, composting and encouraging others to do the same.
Respect for Property: Handle festival property, equipment, and supplies responsibly. Many events take place at venues not owned or operated by The Great Northern. Please be respectful of venue employees and of venue owned equipment. Report any damage to festival property, venue property or related issues to a team lead immediately to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
Violations of this Code of Conduct will be addressed promptly and may result in corrective actions, including removal from volunteer duties. This policy aims to ensure that The Great Northern remains a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all.
