Otakorp®

Purpose

Otakorp is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization run entirely by volunteers. This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our events, meetings, corporate business, and community social media, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior. We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, identity, age, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).

We expect all those who participate in Otakorp to help us create safe, friendly, and positive experiences for everyone. If you see someone who is making an extra effort to ensure our community is welcoming, friendly, and encourages all participants to contribute to the fullest extent, we want to know.

Code of Conduct

Your cooperation is needed to ensure Otakorp, Inc. events and communication channels are a safe and family-friendly environment. Disruptive behavior or harassment of any sort is not tolerated. Violations of our Code of Conduct may result in actions such as, but not limited to:

A private discussion of behavior with the appropriate parties
Forcible ejection from the event
Revocation of your membership in Otakorp, Inc.
Ban from online participation and/or future events

1. Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all Otakorp, Inc. volunteers and participants

Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions. Attempt collaboration before conflict.
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech. Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
Alert Otakon Staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
Remember that community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

2. Unacceptable Behavior

The following list of behaviors provide examples of what is considered unacceptable within our community. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person.
Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material (excluding designated 18+ content, panels, etc).
Posting or threatening to post other people’s personally identifying information (“doxing”).
Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or disability, etc.
Heckling
Public inebriation/intoxication
Non-consensual photography or recording (excludes Otakon’s official Con Coverage Photographers)
Non-consensual physical contact. You need to have someone’s consent before touching them.
Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes: sexualized comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcomed sexual advances.
Sustained disruption of community events, including talks and presentations at meetings and conventions.
Continuing to engage in such behavior after you have been asked to stop.
Anything that is illegal in the community is also illegal at our events.

3. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a member engages in unacceptable behavior, Otakorp may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from participation, without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).

4. Reporting Guidelines

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify an Otakon staff member as soon as possible. At a convention or event, locate an Otakorp Volunteer Staffer. If you need assistance locating them, they will typically be wearing a black shirt labeled “Otakon Staff” and they will be wearing a staff badge. Otakon Staff will escort the person in distress to a safe space (quiet room, Access Control, Staff Support, etc).

If you wish to report online, you can contact us via otakon.com/help. If the incident occurred on our Discord, you can flag the message as inappropriate to our moderators.

5. Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify us with a concise description of your grievance. You can contact us via otakon.com/help. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.

6. Scope

We expect all community participants (contributors, paid or otherwise; sponsors; and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues–online and in-person–as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community business.

Limitations: Code of Conduct violations occurring outside of official Otakorp, Inc. events or online spaces cannot be enforced by Otakorp, Inc.; situations of this nature might require engagement of law enforcement by the individual. Examples include, but not limited to: stalking, drugs, weapons, restraining orders, assault (sexual or otherwise).

7. Volunteers

Otakorp is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization run entirely by volunteers. As a volunteer for Otakorp Inc., you are expected and required to conduct yourself in a professional and business appropriate manner at all times while representing the organization. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Violations of Otakorp policies or the code of conduct will be handled according to the Disciplinary Policy and may be considered grounds for possible and immediate dismissal.

8. Contact Info

You may contact us about this code of conduct via otakon.com/help.

Portions of text derived from the Django Code of Conduct, the Citizen Code of Conduct, and the Geek Feminism Anti-Harassment Policy.

Approved by the Otakorp, Inc. Board of Directors, April 30, 2026.