Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry (UUAM) is committed to creating physical and virtual spaces where people can engage in animal justice work and spiritual exploration safely, respectfully, and in alignment with Unitarian Universalist values. 

UUAM recognizes and respects that people are drawn to animal justice in different ways and are at different places in their understanding of how to live out Unitarian Universalist values in relation to animals

We seek to encourage, support, and accompany individuals, chapters, and congregations as they deepen their understanding and discern faithful, compassionate action for all beings. This requires maintaining environments and spaces characterized by respect, safety, honesty, and support, and that serve the purposes of both UUAM and Unitarian Universalism. As a result, we ask our participants and supporters to honor certain guidelines.

By participating in UUAM activities, you agree to the following:

1. Respect and dignity
Treat all beings, including participants, speakers, staff, volunteers, and others, whether they are present or not, with respect. Avoid name‑calling, labeling, mocking, contemptuous or demeaning language, and other disrespectful behavior toward individuals or groups.

2. Safety and non‑harassment
UUAM does not tolerate harassment, bullying, or identity‑based harm. This includes slurs or degrading comments based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, dietary pattern, or level of identification as an animal ally, as well as doxxing, threats, and campaigns of intimidation.

3. Honesty and integrity
Be honest in all of your communications. Do not intentionally misrepresent who you are, your role, your affiliations, or key facts in ways that mislead others or undermine UUAM’s work and trust within the community.

4. Support the purpose of the space
Help keep UUAM spaces focused on their stated purpose. Persistent off‑topic derailment, repeated disruption of sessions, refusal to follow facilitator or host directions, or misuse of technology (e.g., chat flooding, unauthorized screen‑sharing) is not permitted.

5. Where this applies
This Code of Conduct applies in all UUAM‑affiliated spaces, including but not limited to:

• Online meetings and webinars hosted, co‑hosted, sponsored, or clearly affiliated with UUAM

• UUAM‑administered social media groups and pages

• UUAM email lists, forums, and other online discussion platforms

• UUAM‑affiliated physical spaces such as conference workshops, panels, booths, receptions, and off‑site gatherings organized or clearly hosted by UUAM

6. How concerns are handled
UUAM leaders may take steps they deem necessary to protect participants and the integrity of the space. These may include reminders, warnings, muting or limiting participation tools, removal from a meeting or venue, or restricting future participation in UUAM spaces. In serious or repeated cases, participation may be suspended or ended.

If you experience or witness participant behavior that appears to violate this Code of Conduct, please notify the participant, event host, and/or a UUAM leader as soon as you are able.

By registering for or attending UUAM programs, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and any additional guidelines provided for specific events.

Image credit: By ErinMRen - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78035844