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HeatSync Labs Community Standards & Accountability Process
HeatSync Labs exists so people can make things. These standards protect that mission by ensuring everyone can participate safely. We're a do-ocracy: if you see a problem, you can address it. But some problems need backup. This document tells you when to act, when to escalate, and what happens next.
1. The Core Principle
Be excellent to each other.
This means:
- Respect people's right to exist and make things here, regardless of who they are.
- Take care of the space so others can use it too.
- Handle conflicts directly when you can, and ask for help when you can't.
- Support the community's ability to enforce its norms, even when it's uncomfortable.
2. Who This Applies To
Everyone in HeatSync spaces—physical or digital—including members, guests, visitors, board members, and anyone at HSL-sponsored events. No one is exempt.
3. Who We Protect
HeatSync Labs does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender identity or expression
- Sexual orientation
- Disability (visible or invisible)
- Age
- Religion (or lack thereof)
- National origin
- Socioeconomic status
- Body size or appearance
- Neurodivergence
This list is not exhaustive. If you're being targeted for who you are, that's covered.
4. Behavior That Isn't Tolerated
4.1 Immediate Removal Behaviors
These result in immediate removal from the space. No warnings.
- Violence or credible threats of violence
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Stalking or deliberate intimidation
- Doxxing (publishing someone's private information)
- Theft or intentional destruction of property
- Grossly unsafe tool use that endangers others
4.2 Escalating Behaviors
These may result in warnings, then escalating consequences if they continue.
- Slurs, discriminatory jokes, or derogatory language targeting protected characteristics
- Unwelcome physical contact (you need consent before touching someone)
- Sustained disruption of events, meetings, or others' work
- Refusing to stop behavior when asked
- Repeated boundary violations after being informed
- Creating a hostile environment through patterns of microaggressions
- Retaliation against someone who made a report
4.3 Space & Tool Violations
- Using tools you're not certified for
- Leaving messes for others to clean up
- Ignoring posted safety procedures
- Using more space than you need during busy times
- Taking or using others' property without permission
5. The Do-ocracy Response
We're a do-ocracy. That means you have standing to address problems directly. You don't need permission to say "hey, that's not cool" or "please clean up after yourself." Most issues should be handled this way.
5.1 When to Handle It Yourself
- Someone forgot safety glasses → remind them
- Someone left a mess → ask them to clean it up
- Someone's being loud during your work → politely ask them to keep it down
- Someone said something mildly off → call it in ("hey, that came across weird")
- A tool needs maintenance → fix it if you can, report it if you can't
5.2 When to Escalate
- The behavior is in the "Immediate Removal" category
- You've addressed it directly and it continues
- You don't feel safe addressing it directly
- The person becomes hostile when confronted
- It's a pattern, not a one-time thing
- You witness something happening to someone else who seems distressed
6. Reporting & Response Process
6.1 How to Report
Choose the method that works for you:
- Email: conduct@heatsynclabs.org (goes to all board members)
- In person: Any board member or host present at the space
- Anonymous: Drop box at [LOCATION] or anonymous form at [URL]
- Direct to specific board member: If you're not comfortable with full board seeing the report
6.2 What Happens Next
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 48 hours | Acknowledgment sent to reporter (unless anonymous) |
| 7 days | Initial investigation complete; interim measures if needed |
| 21 days | Final decision communicated to all parties |
Exceptions: Complex situations may take longer. If so, you'll be told why and given an updated timeline.
6.3 Investigation Process
- Intake: At least two board members review the report
- Gathering information: We talk to the reporter, the respondent, and any witnesses
- Interim measures: If someone's safety is at risk, we may restrict access during investigation
- Decision: Board determines what happened and what response is appropriate
- Communication: Both parties are informed of the outcome
Conflict of Interest: If a board member is involved in the incident (as reporter, respondent, or close relation), they recuse themselves from the process.
7. Consequences
Responses are proportional to the severity and pattern of behavior.
Tier A: Verbal or Written Warning
For first-time minor violations where the person seems unaware or immediately corrects.
- Documented internally but not announced publicly
Tier B: Required Action
For repeated minor violations or moderate violations. May include:
- Apology to affected parties
- Cleaning duty or other community service
- Temporary restriction from specific areas or tools
- Required re-certification for safety training
Tier C: Temporary Suspension
For serious violations or continued problems after warnings. 30-180 days.
- No access to space during suspension
- Card access revoked
- Reinstatement may require conditions (e.g., meeting with board)
Tier D: Permanent Ban
For severe violations or repeated serious problems. Reserved for:
- Violence, sexual assault, stalking, or credible threats
- Pattern of harassment despite previous consequences
- Actions that seriously endanger others
⚠️ No waiting for multiple complaints: The board is not required to wait for a specific number of reports before taking action. A single credible report of serious behavior is sufficient to investigate and act.
8. Appeals
If you believe a decision was unfair, you may appeal.
8.1 Grounds for Appeal
- New evidence that wasn't available during the investigation
- Procedural errors that affected the outcome
- Consequence is disproportionate to the violation
8.2 Appeal Process
- Submit written appeal to conduct@heatsynclabs.org within 14 days of decision
- Appeal is reviewed by board members not involved in original decision
- If all board members were involved, appeal goes to membership vote at HYH
- Decision on appeal is final
9. Confidentiality & Documentation
- Reports are kept confidential to those involved in the investigation
- The board maintains records of all reports and outcomes
- Consequences may be shared with the community without naming individuals
- Deliberately making consequences public when the board chose privacy is itself a violation
- If the community needs to know for safety reasons, the board will communicate appropriately
10. Amendments
This document may be amended through the standard HSL proposal process. Amendments require a majority vote at HYH followed by board ratification.
The goal isn't punishment—it's a space where people can make things without worrying about being harassed, endangered, or excluded. When we hold each other accountable, we're protecting what makes HeatSync worth having.
Contact
- Report a concern: conduct@heatsynclabs.org
- General board inquiries: board@heatsynclabs.org
- Physical drop box: [LOCATION TBD]
This document is adapted from the Geek Feminism Anti-Harassment Policy and distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0.