RISE Talking Points
To: Field Trip Leaders
From: Nan Stout, Ethics & Compliance Officer
Re: Talking points to reinforce GSA’s Events Code of Conduct during Field Trips
Date: August 3, 2020
As a trip leader, you play a critical role in in reinforcing GSA’s commitment to RISE, which stands for Respectful, Inclusive Scientific Events. GSA rolled out RISE in 2016 to drive awareness of the Events Code of Conduct and to reinforce GSA’s long‐standing commitment to running safe and professional scientific meetings and events – including field trips.
Under GSA’s Field Safety Policy & Procedures, you are responsible for holding at least one group meeting at the beginning of each trip to cover safety, first aid, and rules of conduct, including GSA’s Events Code of Conduct. This memo includes a suggested script to guide you in discussing these important policies.
Sugessted Talking Points
- I would like to remind you that GSA’s Events Code of Conduct applies to this trip and all other GSA events.
- It is up to all of us to promote a safe, respectful, professional environment.
- This means demonstrating respect and consideration for others, listening and seeking to understand others’ points of view.
- This also means that the following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
- Harassment, bullying, intimidation, and discrimination of any kind
- Comments about gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or national origin
- Touching or making physical contact with anyone unless you know the contact is welcome
- Making real or implied threats
- If you experience or witness inappropriate conduct or feel unsafe in any way, please let us know as soon as possible. I hope you will feel comfortable speaking with me directly, but it’s important for you to know that this is not required. GSA has an Ethics & Compliance Office, and you should feel free to contact them with any conduct concerns by emailing ethics@geosociety.org.
Thank you for supporting this important initiative! As a trip leader, if you have any questions before, during, or after your trip, don’t hesitate to reach me at nanstout@geosociety.org or ethics@geosociety.org.