Be Respectful

Respect is the foundation of every interaction at SeeSD. All participants, staff, volunteers, and community members are expected to treat one another with dignity, regardless of differences in background, identity, language, or belief. Our events are designed to foster diversity and collaboration in a welcoming environment. Maintaining a professional and courteous attitude contributes to this goal. Harassment, discrimination, or hostile behavior—whether verbal or physical—has no place in our spaces. Thoughtfulness in language and conduct helps create a culture where everyone feels safe and valued.

Be Open

SeeSD values open learning and the free exchange of ideas. We encourage participants to share what they know and remain open to learning from others. This commitment extends to our support for open access publishing and open-source tools, which broaden access to knowledge and foster innovation. At the same time, we respect intellectual property and individual rights to protect original work. Participants should give appropriate credit when referencing the contributions of others. True collaboration thrives in an atmosphere of openness and respect.

Be Vocal

We recognize that knowledge doesn’t reside only in formal institutions—it lives in the wisdom of people and communities. Your insights, experiences, and stories are not only welcome; they’re essential. We encourage you to speak up: ask questions, share your thoughts, and contribute your ideas. Dialogue across disciplines, cultures, and generations enriches our work. Local knowledge and lived experience are at the heart of this exchange. Everyone has something to teach and something to learn—and by using your voice, you help shape our shared journey.

Be Clean and Environmentally Conscious

We all share responsibility for maintaining clean, welcoming, and sustainable spaces. Please use designated bins for waste, avoid single-use plastics, and keep communal areas tidy, including restrooms and workspaces. Be considerate with noise and attentive to shared resources. Environmental responsibility is central to SeeSD’s mission: reduce waste, conserve resources, and choose sustainable alternatives whenever possible. Our fieldwork, labs, and events should all reflect respect for ecosystems, biodiversity, and local traditions. The Earth is our shared classroom—let’s care for it accordingly.

Be Mindful

Punctuality, professionalism, and adaptability are essential to creating a respectful and inclusive environment. Arriving on time, participating fully, and responding constructively to changes all reflect care for the time and effort others have invested. Our educators, presenters, and volunteers generously share their knowledge and work hard to deliver meaningful experiences—treat them with the same respect you’d expect in return. Avoid disruptive behavior and engage with kindness. By being mindful of how we show up and interact, we help foster a space where everyone can learn, contribute, and thrive.

Ethical and Governance Commitments

Be Courageous

Speaking up when something feels wrong is an act of integrity. SeeSD maintains a confidential whistleblowing mechanism to allow anyone—whether team member, student, or participant—to report misconduct or unethical behavior without fear of retaliation. Concerns will be handled promptly and sensitively. We believe accountability begins with transparency, and a culture of trust depends on our willingness to protect what’s right.

Be Safe

Safety is not only physical but also emotional and mental. We implement clear safety protocols across labs, events, and fieldwork sites. All participants are expected to follow these protocols and report any unsafe conditions or incidents without delay. We also promote mental well-being, encouraging a culture that respects boundaries, prioritizes balance, and supports one another’s health—because safe learning spaces are thriving learning spaces.

Be Just

SeeSD stands firmly against all forms of exploitation, including forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking. We are committed to fairness in employment, partnerships, and procurement, and we actively assess risks related to human rights violations in our value chain. Everyone deserves to participate freely, with dignity and without coercion. Upholding justice means asking hard questions, acting on our values, and ensuring that equity guides our decisions.

Accountability and Enforcement

Harassment 

At SeeSD, harassment in any form is strictly prohibited. This includes behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating atmosphere, such as offensive comments, unwelcome advances, off-topic or inappropriate sexual images, and any conduct that undermines another person’s safety or dignity. Acts such as stalking, deliberate disruption of sessions, or attempts to silence or exclude others will not be tolerated.

We are committed to maintaining an environment where all participants can engage in meaningful learning and collaboration without fear. If you experience or witness harassment, please report it immediately to a designated staff member or event organizer. Your well-being and right to participate safely are our top priorities.

Other Forms of Misconduct

To ensure that all SeeSD spaces remain inclusive and secure, misconduct will result in disciplinary action. This includes, but is not limited to: insubordination, verbal abuse, threats, physical violence, incitement to disruption, fraud, theft, misappropriation of SeeSD property, unauthorized sharing of confidential information, defamation, or circulation of unapproved materials.

We expect participants to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the integrity of our programs and partnerships at all times.

Reporting and Non-Retaliation

If you observe or are subject to behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, we urge you to report it promptly. Reports can be made to SeeSD leadership, designated safeguarding staff, or event organizers. All reports will be treated with confidentiality and seriousness.

We maintain a strict non-retaliation policy: no individual will face negative consequences for reporting in good faith. Your voice helps protect our collective safety and accountability.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary measures based on the severity and context of the offense. These may include:

• • A formal warning for minor infractions, with guidance on how to correct behavior.

• • Temporary or permanent expulsion from SeeSD programs or events.

• • Referral to law enforcement or legal action in cases involving serious or criminal misconduct.

By engaging with SeeSD, you agree to uphold this Code of Conduct in both spirit and action. We reserve the right to revise and strengthen these guidelines to better serve our mission. Our collective responsibility is to foster an environment defined by safety, kindness, mutual respect, transparency, and shared learning.