The Firefly Gathering, Inc. is dedicated to building a robust and vibrant community enriched by humans coming from diverse backgrounds, respectful of differences and enlivened by open dialogue, caring communication and justice-oriented attitudes. Firefly recognizes that valid differences of opinions and interests will arise within a unique and dynamic working community. It is therefore the responsibility of every member of that community to strive for effective communication and responsible decision making, and to try to resolve conflicts or disputes with reason, integrity and compassion.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for The Firefly Gathering to work through incidents of conflict with each other and the greater community, and to help hold each other accountable, as well as outline pathways for repair. Conflict resolution is seen as a partnership designed to meet some individual and shared needs, result in mutual benefits, and –when possible– strengthen community relations.  

Eligibility

All people participating in the Firefly community agree to participate in this process if requested, and utilize it as needed. This includes: all staff, board, worktraders, instructors, performers, and paying participants who experience conflict at a Firefly event, or in a way that directly impacts Firefly. We reserve the right to not engage with pre-existing conflict and / or incidents that are not directly connected to or happened separate from The Firefly Gathering. 

Confidentiality

The Firefly Gathering Conflict Resolution & Accountability Policy will keep all submitted information confidential with exception for criminal activity and/or intent to harm.  All appointees of the Accountability Committee that may be involved in the resolution process adhere to strict confidentiality. 

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each member of The Firefly Gathering community to keep themselves and each other as safe as possible. It is Firefly’s responsibility to create and maintain a space of integrity, and to uphold the boundaries that we collectively agree to. And to have a clear plan of action when things go awry. When appropriate, we also want clear pathways back into the community when conflict has occurred.

Definitions

Conflict resolution addresses situations which claim a violation or misapplication of Firefly policies, regularly followed practices, our Mission, Vision & Aims, Community Leader Agreement, and Social Conduct Agreement.

Timeliness

Attempts to resolve a conflict or dispute should begin within 30 calendar days of the incident, but can come at any time. If the conflict occurs at an event, Firefly reserves the right to remove people from the event, and acknowledges that it may take extra time for these processes to happen.

Conflict Resolution Process 

• Incident Report Form: The first step is documenting the issue so that Firefly is aware and has a clear record of all the details to consider and can refer back to it over time. 
• Within 14-30 days of the Incident Report Form being submitted, the Firefly Accountability Committee will review the form and take appropriate action.

In an effort to deal with conflict and keep folks as safe as possible, we utilize a color system to gauge the severity of a situation and to recognize that not all conflict is equal. In some situations, the parties involved can work things out themselves. In other situations, where power dynamics, trauma, etc. are at play, support may be called in and a more formal process enacted. 

Please note: unresolved conflicts and unmet requested accountability action steps can result in an individual being barred from holding any position of power with the Firefly organization until said issues are resolved. Repeat level yellow offenses will be moved to orange, then red.  All Level Red Incidents result in the individual(s) being barred from attending all Firefly Gathering events until requested repair action items are met. 

• Level Yellow: General disputes, verbal harassment/assault, lack of follow through on promised actions, lesser slander/libel and intentional disparagement, lying, discriminatory microaggressions.
• Level Orange: threats, willful destruction of property, severe slander/libel and intentional disparagement, chronic and patterned issues, sexual harassment, intense verbal assault, bigotry and hate speech, public drunkenness/overt drug use, petty theft, abuse of power dynamics, or is escalated due to lack of or inappropriate response or repeat offense.
• Level Red: sexual assault, drugging, attacks (physical assault, emotional abuse, racial assaults and hate crimes including severe hate speech), coercion, chronic or significant theft (over $150 value) or is escalated due to lack of or inappropriate response or repeat offense.

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Decisions of the Accountability Committee are final. One can appeal to the Board of Directors for a review, but decisions of the Accountability Subcommittee will stand until a convenient time for the Board to review said appeal and make further decisions. 

• No Retaliation: No adverse action may be taken against the individual bringing the complaint in good faith, or against any persons who furnish assistance.

Contact: [email protected] if you have questions about this policy or if you would like more information. 

Policy Approved: 2025-12-27
Last Updated: 2025-12-27
Last Reviewed: 2025-12-27