INTRODUCTION

Please note that this document is a translation of the original document. This translation is not binding; its purpose is only to explain the content of the original document. In case there is any ambiguity in the translation, please see the original document for the correct and binding expressions. The original document can be found on the Finnish website of Preemio ry.

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Preemio is a community full of amazing people from diverse backgrounds. The greatest strength of Preemio is its people, who form this community. The purpose of Preemio’s activities is to bring together people from various backgrounds to engage seamlessly in our activities. To continue successfully developing our organization in the future, we must structure our activities so that all event participants, organizers, and members understand the expected behavior and rules they should follow when participating in Preemio activities.

Preemio’s Code of Conduct, or guide to addressing harassment and inappropriate behavior, serves as a guideline for the organization’s trustees, members, and other attendees at Preemio events. Preemio strives to foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere at its events. This guide for events is part of a larger framework, integrated into Preemio’s policies, to facilitate event organization and the resolution of any potential issues.

The guide applies to Preemio’s activities and events during the official program of the event, from the designated start time to the end time. It addresses equality, harassment, and bullying situations, as well as how to address them. To ensure that everyone enjoys Preemio events, it is essential to have clear, shared rules.

“Equality means that all people are equal, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, language, religion or beliefs, opinions, disabilities, health, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.” According to Section 6 of the Finnish Constitution, all people are equal, and Section 6 of the Equality Act prohibits direct and indirect discrimination, as well as harassment, based on the above characteristics.

Each person experiences harassment differently; there is no single way to define someone’s experiences. What one person finds harmless and amusing, another might consider offensive to themselves or others. It is worth noting that if someone feels that harassment is occurring, they are left with an uncomfortable feeling.

Feedback over the years indicates that most participants view Preemio events as positive, community-focused, and refreshing opportunities to meet friends and enrich student life. The purpose of Preemio’s event guide is to create a framework where all participants can continue to feel equal and welcome as part of the Preemio community.

HARASSMENT AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

"Harassment is defined as violating the dignity and integrity of a person or group in a way that creates a threatening, hostile, demeaning, humiliating, or aggressive environment." (Source: Minority Ombudsman’s website).

"Discrimination means unequal treatment of people or putting them in different positions without an acceptable reason. Discrimination also includes creating a threatening, hostile, demeaning, or humiliating atmosphere, as well as orders or instructions to discriminate." (Source: Ihmisoikeudet.net).

"Inappropriate treatment involves behavior toward others that goes against general good manners. The boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior are defined by the staff of the workplace. If someone finds “tough humor” offensive, it should be avoided. Yelling, raging, or addressing personal characteristics do not belong in the workplace." (Source: Occupational Safety Publication – Inappropriate Treatment).

"Sexual harassment is verbal, non-verbal, or physical behavior of a sexual nature that is unwanted and intentionally or actually violates a person’s mental or physical integrity, especially by creating a threatening, hostile, demeaning, humiliating, or distressing atmosphere." (Source: Equality Ombudsman – Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment).

People participating in Preemio's activities and events often come from diverse backgrounds, are socially active, and have various opinions, ideologies, and identities. When a varied group of people participate in an event, harassment and discrimination may occur unintentionally. Respecting everyone’s freedom of expression and opinion is the first step toward a non-discriminatory and harassment-free event.

Finnish alcohol culture can sometimes be pressuring, especially for people who do not consume alcohol. Drinking is a personal choice, and no one’s choice should be questioned or judged. Under the influence of alcohol, excesses and embarrassing situations can happen. Each person is responsible for their own behavior.

Social media is an essential part of Preemio's events. Discussion groups and similar platforms serve as common communication channels both officially and unofficially. Written and visual communication online can be challenging for everyone to interpret correctly, and sometimes the message may be misunderstood.

So-called memes often feature a person participating in an event, highlighting their action humorously. Meme creators should consider the boundaries of good taste and ask for the consent of the person featured in the image before using it.

HARRASMENT CONTACT PERSONS

For each Preemio event, two harassment contact persons are designated. These individuals are Preemio members of different genders. The harassment contact persons are selected by the board annually and are generally people who do not belong to the board, who are trained for the role before the start of their term.

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The role of the harassment contact person is to listen without judgment and intervene, upon request, in harassment situations that arise (in this guide, the terms "harassment" and "harassment situation" also refer to incidents of inappropriate behavior and discrimination). During events, the harassment contact persons are primarily accessible in person, but other methods of contact may also be used. When making contact, it is important to keep in mind that internet availability or time constraints may affect the quick availability of the harassment contact person.

If someone experiences harassment or discrimination at a Preemio event, they can contact the harassment contact person even after the event has concluded.

Upon receiving the contact, the harassment contact person and the individual who experienced harassment will discuss the situation and possible actions. The harassment contact person will act in confidence and will not take any action without the consent of the person who experienced harassment. If desired, the person who experienced harassment can choose not to request any action but may still seek discussion support from the harassment contact person.

INSTRUCTIONS

If you experience harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior:

• Contact Preemio's harassment contact person.

• Share what you have experienced or what has happened.

• Discuss with the harassment contact person how the situation can be resolved.

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If you witness someone else being harassed or discriminated against and want to report it:

• Contact the event’s harassment contact person.

• Share what you have seen or what has happened.

• The harassment contact person will, at your request, contact the relevant parties involved in the situation.

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The harassment contact person's actions: Upon receiving information about a harassment situation, the harassment contact person will act with confidentiality and based on the consent of the person who experienced the harassment.

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The harassment contact person may:

• Contact the parties involved in the harassment situation and discuss the event.

• Arrange for both parties involved to have the opportunity to discuss the incident.

• Advise the parties involved to seek support from different services, such as helplines.

• Form a decision-making group for further actions.

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In cases where the harassment is especially severe and offensive, the harassment contact person will gather a decision-making group consisting of members of the organization's board.

The decision-making group can:

• Contact the supervisor of the person accused of harassment.

• Decide on potential disciplinary actions, such as removal from specific parts of the program or the event, or a ban from Preemio events.