Protect Thacker Pass Blockade Policies

These policies apply to all people associated with Protect Thacker Pass Blockade regardless of capacity or time of arrival.

Anti-Oppression

Protectors are dedicated to defending Thacker Pass, and in doing so, welcome people from all walks of life.  We are actively dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and empowering space for all visitors and are committed to ending all forms of oppression within our camp community.

We do not tolerate discriminatory, abusive, or oppressive behavior of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to: physical or sexual assault; verbal abuse including unsupportive commentary about dietary needs or preferences; sexual harassment; the use of racist, sexist, homophobic, or other oppressive language; bullying; and all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, class, religion, sexual orientation, age, nationality, physical ability, ethnicity, ability, activist experience or lack thereof, parenthood, health status, employment status, immigration status, level of education, veteran status, physical appearance, etc.

If such behavior occurs, leadership will take appropriate action.

Nonviolence

Thacker Pass Camp is committed to nonviolence and has a zero tolerance policy for physical, sexual, and verbal violence. If anyone threatens violence or commits physical or sexual assault or abuse, violators will be required to leave the camp immediately.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at Thacker Pass Blockade. This includes, but is not limited to: unwanted flirting, touching, and/or sexual advances; expectation of sexual favors in exchange for a benefit such as getting or keeping a task; crude, degrading, or unwanted sexual comments, propositions, jokes, innuendos, and slurs; stalking, staring, and other unwanted sexual or potentially sexual attention; display of pornographic material; etc. If you are unsure whether something might be considered sexual harassment, simply don’t do it! Understand that clear verbal consent is paramount in all interactions and relationships. If you feel you have been sexually harassed and do not want to confront the perpetrator directly, please bring the issue to the camp coordinator or another with whom you feel comfortable. We will make every effort to address the situation in a way that feels appropriate to the person who has been harassed. In most minor cases, the perpetrator will be given a warning and an opportunity to change his or her behavior. If there is a second offense, the perpetrator will be required to leave the camp. Serious offenses may be reported to authorities.

Verbal Abuse, Bullying, and Oppressive Language

Thacker Pass Blockade will not tolerate verbal abuse, hate speech, or bullying of any kind, and we will not tolerate the use of oppressive language, including but not limited to racist, sexist, homophobic, or other oppressive jokes, stereotypes, slurs, comments, etc. If you feel you have been verbally abused, bullied, demeaned or degraded, or made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe due to the use of oppressive language and do not want to confront the perpetrator directly, please bring the issue to the camp coordinator or to another whom you feel comfortable. We will make every effort to address the situation in a way that feels appropriate to the person who has been abused. In minor cases, the perpetrator may be given a warning and an opportunity to change her or his behavior. More serious offenses, and any second offenses, will result in the perpetrator being required to leave camp.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

We understand that conflict is inevitable in any community, and we strive to resolve our disputes in a way that is reasonable and fair to all parties involved. We encourage all of our protectors to develop conflict resolution, mediation, and nonviolent communication skills, and to fully participate in making this a safer space for everyone. We realize that misunderstandings can occur, and that even the most well intentioned actions can have unintended consequences. Because we come from so many different backgrounds, it is not always clear what is acceptable and what is offensive.

Whenever possible, people shall be given the opportunity to reconcile differences, change problematic behaviors, and make amends so that we can learn from our experiences and grow as human beings. In order to properly execute and sustain resistance work, however, we need to open our minds and be receptive to constructive criticism rather than becoming defensive when identified as exhibiting inappropriate behavior. There must be a willingness to apologize, admit wrong, compromise when appropriate, and try to see the other person’s point of view.

Camp coordinators are available if you need someone to talk to, have questions, or want help mediating a conflict.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

We do not tolerate the use of drugs and/or alcohol at Protect Thacker Pass Camp. You will be asked to leave if you bring these substances to camp or use these substances at camp.

I agree to abide by all of these Protect Thacker Pass Blockade Behavioral Policies, as outlined above, for as long as I am involved in this campaign.