Columbia Gadget Works exists so that people of every background and skill level can learn and build together. That only works if the shop is a place people feel welcome and safe. This applies to everyone in the space, on our Discord, and at our events: members, visitors, instructors, and officers.

We expect

Be welcoming. Introduce yourself to new people. Answer questions without making anyone feel dumb for asking. Everyone was a beginner once.
Be respectful. Disagree about the best way to cut a dovetail, not about someone’s worth as a person. No harassment, no slurs, no unwanted attention, no jokes at someone’s expense.
Be safe. Follow the training and safety rules for every tool. Wear eye protection around machines. Don’t work alone on dangerous equipment. If you’re impaired, don’t operate anything.
Be considerate. Clean up. Put tools back. Don’t hog a machine when others are waiting. Ask before using someone else’s materials or project.
Be honest. If you break something, say so. Nobody gets in trouble for reporting damage; they get in trouble for hiding it.

We won’t tolerate

Harassment, discrimination, threats, intimidation, or deliberate disregard for safety. Anyone asked to stop a behavior is expected to stop immediately.

If something happens

Talk to any officer or zone lead, or email mail@columbiagadgetworks.org. Reports are handled confidentially by the board. The board may warn, suspend, or remove access for anyone who violates this code, following the process in the bylaws.

Nondiscrimination

CGW does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.