Word your code of conduct wisely

The content of your code of conduct can be lost in translation if it’s worded poorly — or worse,
too wordy. People get lost trying to read long-winded explanations, and too many rules may
come across as overly restrictive. 

The most effective codes of conduct include the following elements:

1. This is our event’s code of conduct policy. Please read it.

2. Here are the rules.
3. Here is how the rules are enforced.
4. Here are the consequences if the rules are broken.
5. A warm thanks.
Injecting a little humor is also a great idea when you’re bossing people around: “Please don’t be
creepy” might make a solid point to the right crowd. But always be appropriate, and know your
audience.

Why do you need a code of conduct?

“Our code of conduct is written with a party mentality in mind,” says Portillo. “Some of the rules
are reactionary, and others are just common sense. But there’s space for people to express
themselves within those rules.”

Your event might be a very different type of experience, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a
code of conduct.

It’s ideal to set a high bar from the outset to help define how people will act, whether you’re
organizing a meditation sangha or a professional workshop.