Introduction

daCi recognises the organisation’s responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct across all aspects of our work. These Ethical Standards Guidelines are established to support the daCi Safety Policy. They provide a framework for ethical conduct, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, especially children and youth, in daCi activities worldwide.

1. Ethical Conduct

1.1 Code of Conduct

• Respect and Integrity: All members, staff, and volunteers must demonstrate respect for individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities. There is zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any form is strictly prohibited.
• Professionalism: Engage in all activities with professionalism, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and adhering to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
• Integrity and Accountability: Members must act with honesty, transparency, and integrity in all professional and artistic interactions. They are expected to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, remaining accountable to each other, daCi partners, and the communities and children they serve.

1.2 Training and Awareness

• Ongoing Education: Provide guidance on training for ethical conduct to all members, staff, and volunteers.
• Resource Accessibility: Ensure that resources on ethical practices and guidelines are readily accessible to all involved parties.
• Safety and Wellbeing: daCi prioritizes the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of all participants. A culture of care is essential to all daCi activities, where duty of care is upheld consistently, and wellbeing is integrated into the organization’s policies, programming, and practice.

2. Child Safety (refer also to the daCi Child Safe Guidelines)

2.1 Background Checks

• Mandatory Screening: All individuals working directly with children must undergo thorough background checks according to local contexts to ensure suitability for their roles.

2.2 Supervision and Ratios

• Adequate Supervision: Maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Qualified Personnel: Ensure that supervisors are adequately qualified to oversee children's activities.
• Inclusion: Activities should be adapted to be inclusive and accessible to individuals of differing abilities and needs, recognizing that inclusive participation is an essential component of safeguarding.

3. Anti-Discrimination and Cultural Safety

3.1 Inclusivity and Equity

• Equal Opportunity: Provide equal access and opportunity for all children and youth to participate in dance activities, regardless of their ethnic, gender, or cultural identity.
• Celebration of Diversity: Actively celebrate and promote diversity within all daCi programs and events.
• Self-awareness: Members must actively challenge bias, recognize privilege, and ensure equitable practices are embedded in all daCi activities and interactions. There is zero tolerance for discriminatory behaviours—whether overt or subtle—which are not tolerated under any circumstances.

3.2 Cultural Sensitivity

• Cultural Awareness: Promote cultural competence (respect, compassion, awareness) among all members, staff, and volunteers to ensure interactions are culturally respectful and sensitive.
• Inclusive Practices: Incorporate diverse cultural perspectives and practices into dance education and activities.
• Cultural Understanding: Members are expected to seek a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts in which they work. They should honour the cultural knowledge, expressions, and practices of all communities, supporting respectful exchange and collaboration.

4. Respectful Conduct

4.1 Communication

• Open Dialogue: Encourage open, transparent, and respectful communication in all interactions, including online communication, meetings, and collaborations.
• Active Listening: Foster an environment where all voices are heard and valued.
• Safe Environment: Members are encouraged to foster environments where all voices are heard, including those of children and youth. Feedback should be welcomed and responded to respectfully, promoting a culture of openness and listening.

4.2 Conflict Resolution

• Constructive Approaches: Provide mechanisms for conflict resolution and mediation to address challenges disputes in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Supportive Environment: Ensure that all parties feel supported and heard during conflict resolution processes.
• Grievance Procedure: Conflicts should be resolved in accordance with the daCi Grievance Procedure, which encourages respectful dialogue, mediation, and, where necessary, formal resolution. Members are encouraged to engage in reflective practice to support ethical growth and accountability.

5. Implementation and Review

5.1 Policy Dissemination

• Awareness Campaigns: Ensure all members, staff, and volunteers are introduced to and adhere to the daCi Ethical Standards Guidelines through dissemination and regular reminders. This ensures an early and consistent understanding of daCi’s values and behavioural expectations.

5.2 Regular Review

• Continuous Improvement: Periodically review and update the daCi Ethical Standards Guidelines every three years to incorporate best practices, feedback from stakeholders, and changes in relevant laws or regulations.

Conclusion

By adhering to these Ethical Standards Guidelines, daCi reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants and stakeholders involved in dance education. Upholding these principles ensures the well-being, ethical conduct, and respect for all individuals, particularly children and youth, in daCi activities.

Approved by daCi Advisory Board, July 2025

Note: For further information on daCi's initiatives and policies, please refer to the daCi Constitution and Rights of the Child sections on the official daCi website.