Summit Arts Collective Code of Conduct

1. Introduction
Summit Arts Collective is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all
children involved in our programs and activities. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations
for all staff, volunteers, and individuals associated with our organization when interacting with
children.

2. Respect for Children

- Treat all children with respect, kindness, and consideration, regardless of their age, gender,
race, religion, or background.
- Listen to children and take their opinions, feelings, and concerns seriously.

3. Appropriate Behavior
- Maintain professional and appropriate behavior at all times when interacting with children.
- Do not engage in any form of physical, emotional, or sexual misconduct or abuse. - Staff
and volunteers will refrain from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs when working
with children.

4. Boundaries
- Respect the personal boundaries and privacy of children. Do not invade their personal space
or engage in any intrusive behavior.
- Do not develop inappropriate personal relationships with children outside the organization's
activities.
- Staff and volunteers should not accept or give gifts to children without the knowledge of their
parents or guardians.

5. Physical Contact
- Physical contact with children should be appropriate, non-intrusive, and necessary for their
safety or well-being.
- Always seek consent from the child and/or their parent/guardian for any physical contact
beyond what is necessary for their safety.
- Summit Arts Collective staff and volunteers are prohibited at all times from physically
disciplining a child.

6. Communication
- Use appropriate and respectful language when communicating with children.
- Do not engage in offensive, discriminatory, or disrespectful speech.
- Communication between Summit Arts Collective personnel (including volunteers) and
children that is outside the role of the professional or volunteer relationship is prohibited.

7. Supervision

- Children must be supervised during all activities to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
- During Summit Arts Collective programs and activities children, staff, and volunteers are
allowed access only to board-approved areas.
- At no time may a volunteer be alone and/or unsupervised with children regardless of the
outcome of their criminal history background check.
- One-on-one meetings with children must be held in a public area; in a room where the
interaction can be (or is being) observed; or in a room with the door left open, and another staff
member, supervisor, or volunteer is notified about the meeting.

8. Use of Technology
- Only Summit Arts Collective board-approved electronic communication is allowed when
interacting with children.
- When using electronic or online communication with a minor, a parent or guardian must be
included in the communication.
- Do not share personal information, or images, or engage in inappropriate online behavior
with children.
- Staff, volunteers, and individuals working with children as representatives of Summit Arts
Collective will not friend, follow, and/or tag the students of Summit Arts Collective on personal
social media accounts.

9. Publicity Release
- Publicity Release Forms must be on file and consent given before photos and/or videos may
be taken of children and volunteers.
- Photos and/or videos of Summit Arts Collective students, staff, volunteers, activities, and
events belong to Summit Arts Collective and will ONLY be used in a manner approved by the
board of Summit Arts Collective.

10. Reporting Concerns

- Report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior immediately to the
Executive Director: Sadie Piper at sadiepiper@sartscollective.org 234-738-1519 - If a child
is in immediate danger, and the Executive Director is not available, call Summit County
Children Services: 330-434-KIDS (5437) or Cuyahoga Falls Police Department:
330-928-2181 and notify the Executive Director as soon as possible.
- It is everyone's responsibility to report concerns about the safety and well-being of children.

11. Training and Awareness

 - Attend training sessions on child protection policies and procedures provided by Summit
Arts Collective.
- Stay informed about best practices and legal requirements related to working with children.

12. Consequences

- Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary actions, including termination of
contract or volunteer service, and legal measures as appropriate.

13. Review and Acknowledgment

- All staff, volunteers, and individuals working with children under the umbrella of Summit Arts
Collective are required to read, understand, and sign an acknowledgment of this Code of
Conduct.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we ensure the safety, well-being, and positive
development of children involved in our programs and activities while upholding the values and
mission of Summit Arts Collective.

Signature: Claire Kuras

Date: 7/7/24

Name: Claire Kuras

Address: 203 Morrison Ave, Cuy Falls, OH 44221

Phone Number: 330-934-6080

Email: clairezoekuras@gmail.com

If the Volunteer is under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian signature is required.

Date: 7/7/24

Signature: Katherine Kuras