Code of Conduct
Dyrenes Alliance Code of Conduct
§1. Purpose
Dyrenes Alliance is a youth organization with volunteers across the country and a wide range of activities. Most of our activities involve social interaction, where we collectively organize around Dyrenes Alliance's mission.
This Code of Conduct aims to protect everyone participating in activities organized by Dyrenes Alliance—including volunteers, members, staff, participants, guests, and partners. It seeks to prevent abuse and boundary violations, while providing clear guidelines for addressing situations where boundaries are crossed.
This policy applies to all Dyrenes Alliance activities—both physical and digital—including social media, internal communications, events, trips, and stays.
§2. Abuse
Dyrenes Alliance does not tolerate any form of abuse—physical, psychological, or sexual.
Abuse includes actions or omissions that cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm to another person. Psychological and sexual abuse are broadly defined categories. Everyone is expected to exercise responsible and professional judgment to maintain a safe and well-functioning environment.
A fundamental principle is that early and preventive intervention is better than waiting, as there are many gray areas—especially regarding psychological and sexual abuse.
Examples of abuse may include, but are not limited to:
verbal attacks, threats, or degrading speech
isolation, systematic ignoring, or bullying
violations of privacy or modesty, including unwanted nudity or exposure
taking, sharing, or keeping unwanted photos or videos
unwanted touching
intrusive, intimidating, or boundary-crossing behavior
abuse of power dynamics
Abuse can occur even if the victim does not resist, due to factors like intoxication, shock, anxiety, panic, apathy, or a freeze response that makes maintaining boundaries difficult. Abuse can also occur in relationships with unequal power, whether explicit or implicit.
Active consent is strongly encouraged for intrusive or personal behavior. Consent must be voluntary, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time. Lack of resistance or protest is not consent. Examples of consent questions include:
Is it okay if we sit close?
Is it okay if we discuss this topic?
§3. Social Media
Dyrenes Alliance acknowledges and adheres to the applicable age limits and guidelines for social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), and others.
This policy applies to all digital behavior related to Dyrenes Alliance—including posts, comments, private messages, closed groups, screenshots, and forwards.
Digital images and videos are commonly shared within Dyrenes Alliance, and responsible, respectful use is expected. Respect others' wishes not to be photographed or shared. Content that may cause discomfort, harm, or insecurity to a person must not be shared.
When in doubt, always obtain consent before sharing content.
Communication between adults and youth under 18 via social media or private messages must be handled with special care and professionalism and, when possible, occur via open or group channels.
§4. Youth Under 18
When children and youth under 18 participate in Dyrenes Alliance activities, all volunteers, coordinators, and staff bear special responsibility for their well-being, safety, and security.
Care and Neglect
Neglect means failing to meet children’s basic needs. During Dyrenes Alliance events—especially extended stays—reasonable access must be ensured to:
food and water
rest and sleep
safe relationships and adult contact
adequate hygiene and clothing
help seeking relevant medical assessment if needed
Social Interaction and Communication
Interaction with children and youth must always happen on their terms. Adults are always responsible for the relationship and for maintaining clear, stable, and respectful boundaries.
Pay attention to children's and youths' signals, especially signs of discomfort, stress, or frustration. Communication should be clear, direct, and age-appropriate. Avoid irony, sarcasm, and ambiguous humor as they can be hard to interpret.
If in doubt about behavior or signals, ask openly and respectfully.
Sexual Acts and Abuse
Sexual abuse of children and youth includes any situation where a person involves a child or youth in sexual acts, including producing or sharing abusive images.
Under criminal law, it is illegal to:
engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts with children under 15 years old
engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts with a person under 18 if entrusted with their care or if the relationship involves gross misuse of age, experience, or power
As a volunteer, coordinator, or staff member of Dyrenes Alliance, you are entrusted with children’s and youths’ care and upbringing. Sexual or romantic relationships between adults in Dyrenes Alliance and youth under 18 are never acceptable, regardless of consent.
Violations of modesty involving children and youth are not tolerated.
Intervention and Reporting Duty
You are obliged to intervene in all forms of abuse against children and youth. This may include stopping an ongoing situation or calling relevant authorities.
After an acute situation, Dyrenes Alliance’s office must be notified as soon as possible so the organization can take over responsibility. You should avoid investigating, interviewing involved parties, or putting words in the child's mouth, as this may interfere with police investigations.
According to the Social Services Act, you must report to authorities if you learn that a child or youth is subjected to violence, abuse, or neglect by parents or other caregivers.
§5. Other Matters
Gender Separation and Facilities
Dyrenes Alliance generally does not separate by gender. Access to private bathrooms and changing facilities should be provided when possible. Requests for gender separation or special considerations—such as related to gender identity, religion, trauma, or personal safety—can always be directed to Dyrenes Alliance and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Food
Food served at Dyrenes Alliance events is plant-based. Animal products are not welcome at Dyrenes Alliance events. Allergies, illnesses, and other special dietary needs should be accommodated as much as possible.
Alcohol and Intoxicants
Alcohol is not prohibited, but excessive intoxication is not tolerated as it may cause discomfort and insecurity. Special supervision is required for youth under 18, and all applicable alcohol laws must be followed.
No recreational drugs are allowed. Bringing, consuming, or being under the influence of recreational drugs, including cannabis, is prohibited.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Behavior
Dyrenes Alliance does not tolerate discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, skin color, age, disability, or neurodivergence.
Harassment—both physical and digital—against the organization’s volunteers, members, and staff is not tolerated.
Everyone in Dyrenes Alliance is expected to treat each other with respect, kindness, and empathy. We strive for an inclusive community that values diversity and where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.
When you participate in Dyrenes Alliance activities, events, or public settings—including when wearing DA merchandise—you represent the organization and act as an ambassador. This entails:
professional and respectful conduct
upholding Dyrenes Alliance's values
positive and responsible communication
avoiding behavior that could bring the organization into disrepute
§6. Handling Violations of the Code of Conduct
In case of violations or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct, Dyrenes Alliance’s Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Chairperson, or Vice Chairperson must be notified immediately.
If criminal activity is suspected, police and relevant authorities should be notified first.
Dyrenes Alliance’s leadership may take necessary measures, including dismissal, to ensure safety for all involved. Retaliation against individuals who report concerns or violations in good faith is not tolerated.
Last amended and approved by DA leadership: 2/9/2026