Carrousel Club SA Inc.   "Supporting All Gender Diversity"

Mission:

To be a not-for-profit Club for South Australians with transgender issues and their families which provides its members with a safe and supportive environment to meet, socialize, and share experiences in a non-judgemental, friendly and caring manner.

To provide peer support, social activities and information services to members which will empower them to make informed decisions concerning their future.

To promote a better understanding of transgender issues and respect for transgendered people within the wider community.

CARROUSEL CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT

Introduction

This document defines and clarifies what is expected of Carrousel Club members at the regular meeting venue and in the wider community.  The code of conduct has been developed from the negative experiences of the membership over the years and may require additional inclusions in the future.

Confidentiality

1. Confidentiality is a fundamental element of Carrousel Club’s support and social development functions.  Therefore, no personal details of club members are to be passed to any individual, agency, association or organisation.

2.Only the member can authorise the release of her or his personal details.  These Personal details consist of;

                a. Birth Name,

                b. Telephone numbers,

                c. Domestic/work addresses,

                d. Employment details,

                e. Family/domestic details and

                f. Medical status.

3. If these details are revealed to you in unguarded conversations or given to you by the member herself/himself, you have no right to reveal or transmit those details to any other third party.

Forms of Address

1. This can be a subject for confusion.  Address a sister/brother member by their preferred gender name.  If you are unsure or have forgotten, then ask.

2. There may be occasions when you will inadvertently meet a sister/brother member in the wider community.  They may not be attired in clothes of their preferred gender and in the company of other persons unknown to you.  Do not make contact or acknowledge the member, unless you are absolutely certain of obtaining a positive response without causing stress and embarrassment.

Visits

1. Unannounced visits to a sister/brother member at home could result in a very serious emotional, stressful and negative situation, for you and your uninformed host.

2. If you intend to visit a sister/brother member at home always telephone and ask permission to visit.  Be aware that the domestic/family circumstances of a member could change on the day that may warrant a postponement of your visit.

Unacceptable Behaviour

1. All forms of harassment are a manifestation of discrimination, and can be defined as offensive, abusive, belittling or threatening behaviour directed at an individual or group.  Gender and sexual harassment is included as unacceptable behaviour as defined in State and Commonwealth legislation.

2. The Carrousel Club Executive embraces all anti discrimination and harassment legislation.  Therefore, the same is expected of you.

Out and About

1. As you grow in confidence you will begin to move out into the wider community, attired in clothing of your preferred gender.  This is stressful and wonderful, but a perfectly natural progression.  You may wish to proceed on your own or in the company others.

2. On these occasions you will come in contact with many different people, some accepting of transgender persons and others not so accepting, don’t expect miracles.  However, it is very important, regardless of the outcome, that you try to leave them with a positive view of the transgender community by your conduct and attitude.

3. Remember, when you are out and about, you are an ambassador for all of us. 

Relationships

1. The Carrousel Club committee and members are there to offer support/guidance to new members and on some occasions family members.  This consultation can occur on the monthly Friday night meetings.  It is extremely important that new members and their family members do not get the wrong impression about the purpose of Carrousel Club. 

2. The Carrousel Club is not a dating service or an introduction agency. Members are asked to refrain from inappropriate, overly affectionate behaviour on meeting nights. “As a rule of thumb” greet/acknowledge other members in friendship as dictated by your preferred gender and attire.

3. The Carrousel Club Executive will not interfere in the private associations or preferred relationships of its members outside of club activities.

CARROUSEL CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT

I wish to reinforce one of CCSA’s corner stone documents, The Code of Conduct. All Members are obligated to be conversant with its contents and compliant. This document is necessary for the protection of the membership.

Since becoming Membership Officer I have placed a copy of the Code of Conduct in the information envelope given to all new members. I fully realize that the document can be misplaced, or not taken seriously and there members who are completely unaware of its existence.

Being mindful of the situations outlined in the Code of Conduct. The document will be “Common Sense” to those members with confidentiality /privacy concerns. To those members with a more cavalier life style the document may seem to be irrelevant, however, compliance is still a requirement. Please! Take the time to read the document. It’s in your interest to be conversant!

Sandra

Your Membership Officer

(see Code on bottom left column this page)