Firefly Creative Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

Firefly Creative is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants, including children, teens, staff, and volunteers. All individuals involved in Firefly Creative activities are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior, mutual respect, and professionalism.

By participating in Firefly Creative programs, you agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.

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2. Expected Behavior

All participants, staff, and volunteers must:

• Treat others with kindness, respect, and inclusivity, regardless of differences in background, ability, race, gender, or beliefs.

• Follow directions given by Firefly Creative staff, directors, and volunteers.

• Demonstrate responsibility by arriving on time and being prepared for rehearsals, performances, and other activities.

• Maintain a positive and supportive attitude, encouraging fellow participants rather than engaging in negative or destructive behavior.

• Take care of all costumes, props, sets, and venue spaces by keeping areas clean and treating materials with respect.

• Adhere to all safety guidelines, including emergency procedures and appropriate use of Firefly Creative facilities and equipment.

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3. Prohibited Behavior

The following behaviors will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from Firefly Creative programs:

• Harassment or Bullying – Physical, verbal, or online harassment, intimidation, or exclusionary behavior.

• Inappropriate Language or Behavior – Use of profanity, offensive jokes, or disrespectful speech or conduct.

• Violence or Aggression – Physical altercations, threats, or intentionally harmful behavior toward others.

• Property Damage or Theft – Vandalizing, stealing, or misusing Firefly Creative property or the property of others.

• Disruptive Behavior – Actions that interfere with rehearsals, performances, or the enjoyment and safety of others.

• Substance Use – Possession or use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products at any Firefly Creative event, rehearsal, or performance.

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4. Reporting Concerns

If you witness or experience any behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it promptly to a Firefly Creative staff member or email oakley@memphisfirefly.org.

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Firefly Creative is committed to handling all concerns with confidentiality and appropriate action.

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5. Consequences for Violations

Participants who violate this Code of Conduct may face the following disciplinary actions, depending on the severity of the violation:

• A verbal warning and discussion with a staff member.

• A written warning and parent/guardian notification (if applicable).

• Temporary suspension from rehearsals, performances, or programs.

• Permanent removal from Firefly Creative activities.

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All disciplinary actions will be determined by Firefly Creative leadership based on the circumstances of the incident.

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Harassment & Sexual Harassment Policy and Reporting Procedure

1. Policy Statement

Firefly Creative is a children's theatre committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, including children, teens, staff, and volunteers. Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited and will be taken seriously.

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All reports of harassment or misconduct must be submitted digitally via email to oakley@memphisfirefly.org to ensure proper documentation and review.

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Firefly Creative complies with federal and Tennessee state laws regarding harassment, discrimination, and mandated reporting of suspected minor abuse.

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2. Definition of Harassment

Harassment is any unwanted behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or disrespected. This includes:

• Verbal Harassment – Offensive jokes, slurs, threats, insults, or inappropriate comments.

• Physical Harassment – Unwanted touching, pushing, intimidation, or blocking someone’s movement.

• Online Harassment – Cyberbullying, inappropriate messages, or threats through social media, email, or text.

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Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes:

• Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or gestures.

• Inappropriate touching, advances, or suggestive behavior.

• Requests for sexual favors or pressure for romantic/sexual involvement.

• Sharing or displaying explicit images, messages, or videos.

Harassment may involve peers, supervisors, staff, volunteers, or program participants.

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3. How to Report Harassment

All harassment concerns must be submitted digitally via email for documentation and proper handling.

• Reports must be submitted via email to oakley@memphisfirefly.org.

• Employees and volunteers are required to report any harassment they personally experience or witness, even if they are not directly involved.

• Parents or guardians may submit reports on behalf of a minor.

Emergency Situations: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

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4. Investigation, Temporary Actions, and Response (Adults Only)

This section applies to reports of harassment involving adult staff or volunteers.

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Confidentiality & Fair Process

1. Reports will be kept private and shared only with those necessary for the investigation.

2. Both the reporting party and the accused will be given an opportunity to share their account of events.

3. Witness statements, supporting documentation, and other relevant information will be reviewed.

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Temporary Actions During Investigation

• The accused will be removed from Firefly Creative programs and activities while the investigation is conducted.

• The reporting party will not be removed unless:

  • They request to step away voluntarily.

  • Their continued participation presents a direct safety concern for themselves or others.

  • If there is mutual conflict, or if additional concerns arise, Firefly Creative may implement further temporary measures to maintain a safe and neutral environment.

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Outcome & Disciplinary Actions

If an investigation confirms harassment, all disciplinary actions must be documented in writing and may include:

• Written warnings.

• Suspension or removal from programs.

• Termination of employment or volunteer status.

• Permanent banning from Firefly Creative events and premises.

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Protection Against False Accusations

• Knowingly false reports will not be tolerated. If an investigation determines that a report was deliberately false, disciplinary action may be taken against the accuser.

• This does not discourage reports but ensures that complaints are made in good faith.

Retaliation is strictly prohibited. If someone tries to intimidate, threaten, or retaliate against a person for filing a report, they will face disciplinary action.

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5. Handling Reports Involving Minors (Police & CPS Investigations)

This section applies only to reports involving minors (children and teens under 18).

• Firefly Creative does not conduct investigations when minors are involved.

• All reports involving a minor are immediately turned over to law enforcement or child protective services.

• The accused is removed from Firefly Creative programs while the investigation is ongoing.

• Firefly Creative will not allow the accused to return to programming until a final determination is made by the investigating authorities.

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Notification to Parents/Guardians

• Firefly Creative will notify the parent/guardian of a minor if a report has been made involving their child, unless law enforcement or child services instructs otherwise.

• If the alleged perpetrator is the child’s parent/guardian, Firefly Creative will follow law enforcement and CPS guidance regarding notification.

• If a report is made by a third party, Firefly Creative will still notify the minor’s legal guardian unless prohibited by CPS or law enforcement.

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Determining When a Minor or Accused Individual Can Return

1. The final decision will be based on the findings of law enforcement or CPS.

   • If CPS or law enforcement clears the accused of wrongdoing, Firefly Creative leadership will evaluate their return on a case-by-case basis.

   • If law enforcement finds evidence of misconduct, the accused will be permanently banned from Firefly Creative programs.

2. For minors, Firefly Creative will follow CPS or law enforcement recommendations.

   • If authorities determine that the minor is safe to return, they may resume participation.

   • If CPS recommends further action, Firefly Creative will comply fully.

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Firefly Creative will not override or dispute CPS or law enforcement decisions regarding re-entry into programming.​

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Firefly Creative Media & Photo Release Policy

1. Purpose

Firefly Creative frequently takes photos and videos during rehearsals, performances, workshops, and other events to document and promote our programs. This policy outlines how these materials may be used and the rights of participants and their families.

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2. Media Usage

By participating in Firefly Creative programs, participants and/or their parents or legal guardians (if under 18) grant Firefly Creative permission to:

• Photograph, videotape, or record participants during rehearsals, performances, classes, or other official Firefly Creative activities.

• Use photos, videos, or recordings for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes, including but not limited to:

  • Firefly Creative’s website and social media pages.

  • Printed promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and posters.

  • News articles, press releases, and grant applications.

  • Educational and training materials for staff and volunteers.

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3. Opt-Out Policy

If a participant or their parent/guardian does not wish for their image to be used in Firefly Creative media, they must email oakley@memphisfirefly.org before the start of the program.

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Opting out means:

• Firefly Creative will make reasonable efforts to avoid capturing or publishing identifiable images of the participant.

• The participant may be required to step aside during group photos or recordings when feasible.

• Firefly Creative cannot guarantee complete exclusion from media captured during large group events, public performances, or audience-generated content.

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4. Participant Safety & Privacy

Firefly Creative prioritizes the safety and privacy of all participants. To that end:

• No personal contact information (such as last names, addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses) will be shared publicly alongside any media content.

• Media featuring children will be used responsibly and in alignment with best practices for child safety and privacy.

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to reach out with any concerns about media use or privacy.

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5. Ownership & Rights

• Firefly Creative retains full ownership of all photos, videos, and recordings taken during its programs.

• Participants and their families will not receive financial compensation for the use of their images in Firefly Creative media.

• Participants who submit their own photos or videos to Firefly Creative grant the organization permission to use the materials for promotional or archival purposes unless otherwise stated in writin