We as a community are working to make sure everyone who enters our space feels safe, comfortable, and respected at all times. You should feel in control of your bodily autonomy at all times, and be comfortable with how others are touching you when dancing.
While we cannot guarantee that you will never feel uncomfortable at our events, we are committed to making them as safe and inclusive as possible and take all comments seriously. Please let us know if you have had a negative experience and we will do our best to understand and rectify the situation.
If you have a specific incident to report from Blues Union, please let us know. During the dance, you can approach the door volunteer, who can direct you to an organizer. At any time, you can contact our Safety Coordinator at BostonBluesSafety@gmail.com. Anonymous reports are accepted.
Anti-Harassment Policy
Blues Union is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and safe social dance experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue at the discretion of the organizers.
Harassment includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, and offensive verbal comments related to race, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, religion (or lack thereof), or any other characteristic or trait. If a participant is asked to stop any harassing behavior, they are expected to comply immediately.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns that you are unable to address yourself, you can do any of the following:
- Talk to a main organizer, Jenn Martinez or Julie Brown. If you can’t find them, then an instructor, DJ, or front desk volunteer can direct you to them.
- Report the incident afterwards, anonymously or not, using our online feedback form or by emailing BostonBluesSafety@gmail.com.
The organizers will be happy to help resolve the situation, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.
We appreciate your assistance in keeping our events and venues safe for everyone.
Black Lives Matter
Our events are designed to celebrate Black voices in our community and to amplify our belief that Black Lives Matter. Anyone who shares those goals with us is welcome in the space. If you are still learning about the Black Lives Matter movement, we ask that you use this event as a place to keep your mind open, listen with empathy, and let your dancing and your presence become a stepping stone in supporting this important message. Racism will not be tolerated at this event. If you experience racist behavior please get in touch with the organizer or host immediately.
When reporting, you can specify that you are a person of color who would like to work with a BIPOC advocate, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Covid-19 Policy
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
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- All students, instructors, and staff who attend in-person classes and/or events must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated means that it has been at least two weeks since your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or first dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Starting January 2022, individuals must have received a COVID-19 booster shot if they received Johnson & Johnson only or if their 2nd dose of Pfizer or Moderna was more than 6 months ago.
- Proof of vaccination will be checked before you are allowed to enter a class or event. If you registered and are not able to provide proof of vaccination, you will not be allowed to enter. Acceptable forms of proof: your vaccine card or a photo of your vaccine card. These can be provided online before an event or at the door.
Mask Requirement
N95, KN95, or KF93 masks are currently required at all Blues Union classes and events whether they take place indoors or outside. If you are unable to bring one, we will have some at the door.
Everyone (students and instructors) must wear an appropriately fitting mask at all times. Masks must be worn properly (i.e. the mask must cover your nose and mouth). The only time you may remove your mask is to take a quick drink, and then you should immediately put your mask back in place. Please also make sure to distance yourself from others when taking a quick drink.
If your mask is not covering your nose and mouth, staff may remind you to do so. If a staff member has to remind you a 3rd time, you will be asked to leave for the night.
Attending Classes/Events When Sick
We take the health of our community seriously. Do not attend class or an event if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. Attending events with the knowledge that you have been exposed to COVID-19 recently or have a recent positive test is grounds for a permanent ban from all future Blues Union events. We will issue you a refund if you cannot come due to illness or recent COVID-19 exposure.
Contact Tracing
By attending events at Blues Union, you agree to email BostonBluesUnion@gmail.com if you test positive for Covid-19 within 10 days after attending an event at Blues Union.
The anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki (created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers) and the changes made to it by the Sundown Blues Society and Blues Dance New York.
This policy is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero license.
Thank you to Fen Kennedy and their team for language in the Black Lives Matter section.