Westercon 66 is a San Francisco Science Fiction Conventions, Incorporated event.
SFSFC, Inc is chartered to promote and develop fantasy and science fiction in all their forms. SFSFC events include educational and social activities. Our goal is to show how fantasy and science fiction can be serious and artistic, and fun and accessible to everybody.
We fail in that goal if we create an environment where harassment of attendees and participants is condoned. Victims of harassment will not enjoy an event and will not find fantasy and science fiction to be fun or accessible. SFSFC and its event-planning teams are committed to responding respectfully to reports of harassment and taking appropriate action to ensure harassment that
is brought to our attention is stopped.
Westercon 66 abides by Wil Wheaton’s Law.
(www.knowyourmeme.com/memes/wheatons-law)
Credit where credit is due:
These rules are heavily lifted from Further Confusion, the SF Bay Area’s furry convention. We’re grateful to AAE for their work in creating a fun
and safe environment at Further Confusion.
If You Need Assistance
Westercon 66 convention operations (con ops) is staffed throughout the convention. One of their roles is to assist you if you have any problems at
the convention. You can dial 0 on any hotel phone and ask for Westercon 66 convention operations or visit convention operations (Con Ops) on the
second floor mezzanine. Remember, we cannot address a problem unless we know about it. If convention operations cannot assist you directly,
they will have someone contact you who should be able to. As with all messages left with con ops, remember to give details of how, when, and where
you can be contacted.
Harassment and Assault
A neat tattoo or a sexy, excellent costume does not come with permission to touch, nor is it an invitation to do so. Always ask if you may touch clothing, property, or the person. Costuming is not consent.
- “No” means no.
- “Stop” means stop.
- “Go away” means go away.
If you are being bothered or are uncomfortable with someone’s actions toward you, communicate any one of these messages.
If someone won’t understand these simple rules, contact Convention Operations or any convention staff member for assistance.
Harassment is any behavior that intentionally annoys or alarms another person. This includes:
- Unwanted physical contact
- Following someone in a public area without a legitimate reason
- Threatening physical harm.
Offenders may lose their badges, and be asked to leave the convention. The matter may be referred to the law enforcement authorities.
Treat people as you’d want others to treat your sister or brother. Complaints will be taken very seriously.
Parties, Alcohol, & Zero Drug Tolerance
Westercon 66 does not tolerate serving of alcohol to minors. If you are hosting a party where alcohol is being served, it is your responsibility as host to
ensure that the age of anyone drinking alcohol is checked. You should also designate someone not to drink, so that there is a fully competent person
present to deal with any emergencies that might arise.
Westercon 66 does not tolerate the use of illegal substances.
The violation of the above rules could subject you to the immediate loss of your badge and convention privileges and referral of the matter to other
authorities.
Photography and Video
Westercon 66 wants you to have great memories from a fantastic convention. Photographs and videotape footage by attendees are generally allowed
in all common areas of the convention with the exception of the Art Show. Specific rules regarding these matters may exist for selected events such as concerts. Please consult the Pocket Program for information relating to specific events.
When photographing or videotaping individuals or costumes, use common courtesy and ask before photographing them. Respect their rights if they
do not wish to be photographed or videotaped. If someone asks or otherwise indicates (remember many folks in costume do not speak) that they do
not wish to be photographed, do not photograph them!
Photography or videography for the purpose of sale or publication to the press is expressly forbidden unless written permission has been obtained from Westercon 66.
Individuals may take pictures and videotapes for private viewing or sharing with friends. We ask our attendees to be courteous to those they wish to take pictures of, especially if you wish to place those pictures or video clips onto a personal Web page or similar Internet archive. In this case, ask your subjects for their explicit permission to do this.
Have a Fun and Safe Con!
If you have questions or comments regarding Westercon 66 policies, please contact Convention Operations or send email to chairs@westercon66.org.
