Code of Conduct & Community Standards

Effective Date: 02/22/2026

The United Ugandans Association of Colorado (“UUACO,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) exists to serve, connect, and empower Ugandans and friends of Uganda in Colorado and beyond. Our programs, events, meetings, and online platforms bring together people of different backgrounds, ages, beliefs, and experiences. To keep these spaces safe, welcoming, and productive, UUACO has adopted this Code of Conduct & Community Standards (“Code”).

This Code applies to all participants in UUACO activities, including members, non‑members, guests, volunteers, staff, leaders, partners, performers, vendors, and online followers. By attending a UUACO event, participating in a UUACO program, or engaging with UUACO online, you agree to follow this Code.

1. Our Core Values

UUACO’s community life is grounded in the following values:

• Respect – Treat every person with dignity, courtesy, and consideration.

• Inclusion – Welcome and value people of diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.

• Safety – Protect the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all participants.

• Integrity – Act honestly and responsibly, honoring UUACO’s mission and reputation.

• Accountability – Take responsibility for one’s words, actions, and impact on others.

These values guide how we interact at events, in meetings, and across all online platforms associated with UUACO.

2. Scope and Application

This Code applies to behavior:

• At all UUACO events, meetings, and activities, whether public or private, free or ticketed.

• At locations and venues used by UUACO, including rented spaces, partner venues, and outdoor settings.

• In all UUACO‑branded online spaces, including websites, email groups, messaging groups, live streams, and official social media pages or accounts.

• In any context where participants are acting as representatives of UUACO or are reasonably perceived as engaging in UUACO‑related activities.

This Code applies regardless of medium (in‑person, phone, video conference, chat, email, comments, or posts).

3. Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

• Treat others with courtesy, patience, and empathy.

• Listen actively and allow others to speak without interruption or harassment.

• Use language that is respectful and free from personal attacks, slurs, or degrading remarks.

• Engage in constructive discussion, even when disagreeing.

• Respect differing opinions, political beliefs, religious views, and personal experiences.

• Follow instructions from event organizers, facilitators, moderators, and security personnel.

• Respect venue rules, property, and the surrounding neighborhood.

• Respect privacy and confidentiality when sensitive or personal matters are shared.

• Seek consent before photographing or recording individuals where appropriate, especially in smaller or more intimate settings.

• Represent UUACO positively when acting in a leadership or ambassador role.

4. Prohibited Conduct

UUACO does not tolerate behavior that undermines safety, dignity, or community trust. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Harassment

Any unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or digital, that demeans, intimidates, or offends another person. Examples include:

• Unwanted sexual comments or advances.

• Persistent, unwelcome contact or messaging.

• Stalking, following, or invasively monitoring someone.

• Deliberate intimidation or bullying.

b. Discrimination

Unfair or hostile treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as:

• Race, ethnicity, nationality, or place of origin.

• Gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sex.

• Sexual orientation.

• Religion or belief system.

• Age, disability, medical condition, or family status.

• Immigration status or socioeconomic background.

Discriminatory jokes, insults, exclusions, or patterns of behavior will not be tolerated.

c. Hate Speech and Incitement

• Use of slurs, dehumanizing language, or expressions that promote hatred or violence toward any group.

• Advocacy or glorification of violence, extremism, or harm against individuals or communities.

• Sharing or amplifying content that calls for or celebrates harm toward others.

d. Physical or Verbal Abuse

• Threatening, pushing, hitting, or any physical aggression.

• Yelling, insults, or personal attacks intended to intimidate or humiliate.

• Deliberate disruption of events, meetings, or online sessions.

e. Sexual Misconduct

• Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or gestures.

• Non‑consensual touching or physical contact.

• Sharing sexually explicit content in UUACO spaces where it is not appropriate.

• Targeting individuals for sexual attention in a way that makes them uncomfortable or unsafe.

f. Online Misconduct

• Trolling, spamming, or deliberately derailing discussions.

• Posting or sharing false information about UUACO or community members.

• Doxxing (sharing private or identifying information without consent).

• Posting graphic, violent, or highly inappropriate content in UUACO online spaces.

• Impersonating another person or misrepresenting your affiliation with UUACO.

g. Substance Misuse and Safety Risks

• Being significantly intoxicated or under the influence at UUACO events in a way that disrupts participation or endangers others.

• Bringing weapons, dangerous items, or illegal substances to UUACO‑related activities where they are not permitted.

• Any behavior that poses a serious risk to the safety or well‑being of participants.

5. Expectations for Leaders, Volunteers, and Moderators

Individuals serving in leadership, volunteer, or moderator roles carry a higher responsibility to model this Code. They are expected to:

• Lead by example in showing respect, inclusion, and professionalism.

• Intervene when they witness harassment, discrimination, or unsafe behavior, as appropriate to their role and ability.

• Escalate serious concerns to designated UUACO officers or committees.

• Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity when handling complaints or reports.

• Avoid using their position to pressure, intimidate, or exploit others.

6. Reporting Concerns or Violations

UUACO encourages community members to speak up if they experience or witness behavior that violates this Code. Reports can be made by:

• Speaking to an event organizer, host, or designated point person on‑site.

• Contacting a UUACO board member or officer directly where known.

• Sending an email to UUACO describing the concern, including dates, locations, and any supporting information.

Suggested contact:

United Ugandans Association of Colorado (UUACO)
Email: uuacolorado@gmail.com

When reporting, you may request confidentiality. UUACO will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of individuals involved while assessing the situation and taking appropriate action. Anonymous or second‑hand reports may be considered, but may limit UUACO’s ability to respond fully.

If there is an immediate threat to safety or a situation involving serious danger, participants are encouraged to contact emergency services first.

7. Response and Consequences

UUACO takes reports of misconduct seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the behavior, potential responses may include:

• A verbal or written warning.

• A request to modify behavior or move away from a particular interaction.

• Removal from an event or meeting without refund.

• Temporary or permanent suspension from UUACO programs or online spaces.

• Revocation of membership, volunteer roles, or leadership positions, in line with UUACO bylaws and procedures.

• Referral to venue security, partner organizations, or—if necessary—law enforcement or relevant authorities.

UUACO reserves the right to act, even in the absence of a formal complaint, when serious concerns are brought to its attention.

8. Conflicts and Disagreements

Disagreement and difference of opinion are normal in any community. UUACO encourages constructive dialogue and healthy debate, especially on complex cultural, social, or policy issues. However:

• Disagreement must not turn into personal attacks or harassment.

• Participants should focus on ideas and issues, not on individuals’ character or identity.

• When discussions become heated, moderators or leaders may intervene, redirect the conversation, or close the discussion to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

UUACO may offer mediation or facilitated conversation in some cases, especially for internal conflicts among members or volunteers, where such a process is appropriate and voluntary.

9. Special Considerations for Youth and Families

UUACO events and spaces often include children, youth, and families. All participants are expected to:

• Use language and behavior appropriate for a family‑friendly environment when minors are present.

• Respect parents’ and guardians’ boundaries and instructions regarding their children.

• Avoid engaging in private, unsupervised interactions with minors that could be perceived as inappropriate or unsafe.

Individuals working directly with children or youth in UUACO programs may be subject to additional screening, training, or child‑safeguarding requirements.

10. Relationship to Laws, Policies, and Bylaws

This Code of Conduct & Community Standards operates alongside:

• UUACO’s bylaws, policies, and procedures.

• Policies of partner organizations and venues where UUACO holds events.

• Applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Nothing in this Code limits anyone’s legal rights or UUACO’s obligations under the law. Where this Code conflicts with mandatory legal requirements, the law will take precedence.

11. Updates to This Code

UUACO may review and update this Code from time to time to reflect feedback from the community, changes in best practices, or evolving needs. When updates are made, UUACO will make a reasonable effort to communicate changes through its website or other channels.

Continued participation in UUACO activities after updates are published will constitute acceptance of the revised Code.

12. Commitment to a Healthy Community

By participating in UUACO’s events, programs, and online spaces, you help shape the culture and future of the Ugandan community in Colorado. This Code is not only a set of rules; it is a shared commitment to creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and able to contribute.

UUACO thanks all members, volunteers, leaders, and friends who uphold these standards and work together to address issues when they arise.