Agreements

Community Values

As a gathering, we value free expression, empowerment, diversity, respect, and safety. We encourage participants to build awareness around difference and to respect people across race, class, culture, age, physical ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and spiritual practice.

We share responsibility for creating a culture of consent, dignity, and belonging.
 

Violence, Harassment & Discrimination

Physical violence, harassment, or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.

Actions or speech that are hostile, threatening, inflammatory, derogatory, coercive, or intentionally provocative are not acceptable. This includes behaviors that exert power or privilege over others (e.g. racism, sexism, ableism, classism, harassment, or microaggressions).

Harassment in any form based on religion, spirituality, sexual orientation, race, gender, age, or physical ability is not allowed.
 

Event organizers reserve the right to intervene, set boundaries, or remove participants when necessary to protect the safety of the community.
 

Consent & Personal Boundaries

Participants are responsible for communicating their own personal and physical boundaries. We practice active consent:

 

• Do not assume consent — ask directly

• Respect a “no” immediately

• The person setting a boundary does not owe an explanation

• Refrain from touch or intrusive behavior when asked

 

Young People & Guardians

Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 25+. Parents and guardians remain responsible for young people when they are not participating in organized youth programming.
 

Children under 8 must not be left alone at night without a caretaker within earshot. Guardians are expected to help young people comply with community agreements.
 

Alcohol, Drugs & Intoxicants

The Turtle Island Bioregional Congress is not an appropriate gathering for intoxication. With respect for requests from Indigenous participants and others, we request that no alcohol be consumed at this event. 
 

Illegal drugs are not permitted on site. Persons under the influence of illegal drugs may be asked to leave.
 

Smoking and vaping are allowed only in designated areas (see map for smoking areas.)

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Firearms, Weapons & Dangerous Items

No firearms or weapons are permitted.
 

No candles or fireworks. 

 

Fires must be pre-arranged with site staff and are only allowed in designated fire pits under the supervision of TIBC and/or Camp Cedar Ridge staff. Only approved firewood may be used.

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Media and Technology Policy

The Eleventh Turtle Island Bioregional Congress is designed to cultivate deep presence, relationship, and connection to place. We invite participants to minimize the use of cell phones and other devices during Congress activities so we can be fully present with one another and the living world. 

 

While we encourage everyone to prioritize presence, occasional personal photos and short videos for personal memories are permitted. Please be mindful of those around you and always ask for consent before photographing, filming, or recording other participants, particularly in small-group, ceremonial, personal settings, or if there are children present.

 

An official Congress media team will document the event through photography, video, interviews, and other media. Participants who do not wish to be photographed or filmed may request a designated “no photo” marker, and the media team will make reasonable efforts to honor those requests.

 

Personal drone use is strictly prohibited throughout the Congress. Any aerial filming will be conducted exclusively by the official Congress media team using authorized drone operators.

 

To support a cohesive archival record and to minimize disruption, organized or outside media production—including professional filming, audio recording, photography, scheduled interviews, or the creation of media for commercial, organizational, journalistic, or documentary purposes—is not permitted during the Congress. Official Congress media coverage will be coordinated through the Congress media team.

 

Session notetakers and designated reporters may document sessions for the on-site Congress newsletter.

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Site Use & Facilities

Participants agree to follow all site rules:

• Park only in designated areas

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM

• Shoes are required in the dining room

• No nails, screws, duct tape, or masking tape on buildings (painter’s tape and push pins allowed)

• No water balloons

• Guests access Rock Creek at their own risk

• Enter pool area only when gate is unlocked and follow lifeguard instructions

• Slip and slide use only under staff supervision

• Staff housing areas are private

• Turn off lights/heaters and close doors at checkout

• Individual guests are responsible for any damage to accommodations

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Fire Safety

Fires must be arranged with site staff. Only designated fire pits may be used and only during approved fire season.

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Respect for Land & Shared Space

Participants agree to care for the land, facilities, and shared resources. Leave spaces clean, minimize waste, and follow staff guidance.

We gather in a spirit of stewardship and reciprocity.
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