Code of Conduct

1. Our Pledge

We believe that community is built on respect, curiosity, and collaboration. We are committed to making participation in AWS Community Day Kenya a welcoming and rewarding experience for everyone, regardless of age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, religion (or lack thereof), socioeconomic status, level of experience, or technology choices.

We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Everyone is expected to help create a friendly, professional environment where all people feel safe to learn, share, and connect.

2. Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

• Be respectful, considerate, and kind in all interactions — whether in sessions, workshops, hallways, or online channels.
• Communicate openly and thoughtfully, and be mindful of differing viewpoints and experiences.
• Give credit where it is due and support the growth of others in the community.
• Respect the venue, staff, volunteers, and fellow attendees, and follow all venue rules and safety instructions.
• Be inclusive — actively seek to welcome and involve people who are new or under-represented.
• Respect people's boundaries, personal space, and requests to stop any behavior.

3. Unacceptable Behavior

Harassment and other unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive, discriminatory, or derogatory comments related to any of the personal characteristics listed in our pledge.
• Intimidation, stalking, following, or unwanted photography or recording.
• Sexual language, imagery, or unwelcome sexual attention or advances of any kind.
• Verbal, physical, or written abuse, threats, or deliberate disruption of talks, workshops, or other events.
• Sustained interruption, heckling, or disrespect toward speakers, volunteers, or attendees.
• Inappropriate physical contact or invasion of personal space.
• Advocating for, encouraging, or coordinating any of the above behavior.
• Possession or use of weapons, illegal substances, or any activity that endangers the safety of others.

4. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all event spaces and channels, including talks, workshops, panels, networking sessions, social events, sponsor and exhibitor areas, official communication platforms (such as WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, X/Twitter, LinkedIn), and any other space managed in connection with AWS Community Day Kenya. It also applies to conduct outside these spaces when it has the potential to adversely affect the safety and well-being of community members.

5. Sponsors, Exhibitors & Speakers

Sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers are also subject to this Code of Conduct. In particular:

• Booths, stands, and promotional materials must not use sexualized images, activities, or other material that creates a hostile environment.
• Staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing, uniforms, or costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.
• Talks, slides, demos, and other presentation materials must be free of discriminatory or harassing content.

6. Reporting an Incident

If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, or have any other concerns, please report it as soon as possible. You will be taken seriously, treated with respect, and your report will be handled confidentially.

You can reach the organizing team by:

• Emailing us at awspwaniug@gmail.com.
• Approaching any organizer or volunteer on-site — look for staff badges or the registration/help desk.

When reporting, it helps (but is not required) to share what happened, who was involved, when and where it occurred, and whether anyone else witnessed it. If you are in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services or venue security first.

7. Enforcement & Consequences

Participants asked to stop any unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately. The organizing team may take any action deemed appropriate, including but not limited to:

• A formal warning to the individual involved.
• Expulsion from the event without refund, where applicable.
• Removal from official community channels and future events.
• Involving venue security or local law enforcement where necessary.

The organizing team retains full discretion in determining the appropriate response to a given situation, with the safety of the community as the highest priority.

8. Health, Safety & Accessibility

We want everyone to participate fully and comfortably. If you have accessibility requirements, dietary needs, or any concerns that would help us support your attendance, please contact us in advance at awspwaniug@gmail.com. Please also follow all venue safety guidance and the directions of event staff and volunteers during the event.

9. Acknowledgements & License

This Code of Conduct is inspired by community best practices, including the AWS Community guidelines, the Conference Code of Conduct, and the Contributor Covenant. We are grateful to the broader community for setting the standard for safe and inclusive events.