Adopted September 2016

This code represents the best effort of the existing volunteer body to identify strategies to help the Right to Move shop space reflect the values and mandate of the organization. We recognize that it is not comprehensive, and we welcome any constructive conversation on amendments that will help volunteers better reflect these values.

This Code of Conduct applies to all shop volunteers, users and other visitors. While different aspects of this document apply differently to people based on how they use the Right to Move space, it should be clear that the work of maintaining a space that is respectful and as safe as possible is a collective responsibility shared by all.

1. Right to Move is a Do-It-Yourself Space: Instruction can be provided in any way (within the realm of the RTM Code of Conduct) with the objective of comprehensive learning and with the understanding throughout by both volunteer and user that the purpose of the instruction is for the user to be able to do the work by themselves.

• Volunteers should inform shop users to the best of their ability why they recommend a certain approach to fixing their bike, and how that approach works. Saying “I don’t know” and pointing to the library or another volunteer is OK!
• All decisions about shop users’ bikes (what work should be done, what changes should be made) ultimately rest with shop users themselves.

2. Right to Move is a Learning Space: We recognize that the RTM space and the multi-faceted topics of bike repair and maintenance can seem bewildering. We encourage space users to ask questions, to explore the space, and to consult our library if volunteers are not able to provide the information that users seek.

3. Right to Move is a Volunteer-Run Space. All people in RTM should respect Right to Move’s policies, and the limits of RTM volunteers and of RTM as an organization. RTM does not have unlimited time or resources, and asks that users respect our decisions on how best to partition them fairly, in ways that address greatest needs, and to the benefit of as many people as possible.

• Regular volunteers on a shift have priority over decisions of resource and time allocation during a shift (e.g., concerning letting people start late in the shift, letting more users into the shop).

4. Right to Move aims to be a Safe Space: We ask all people present in the shop to respect the following guidelines in order to make everyone in the space feel as safe and welcome as possible:

• Ask before touching a person, their bike, their possessions or any tools that they are using.
• Avoid making assumptions about a person regarding things like their gender, pronouns, race, spoken language, bike repair knowledge, amount of assistance needed, interest in making conversation about things other than bike repair, etc. If you don’t know something about someone, you should probably just ask!
• Be aware of how your verbal and physical behaviour can affect others. Working on bikes can be hard and frustrating sometimes, but taking your frustration out on other people or the RTM space itself will just make it harder for other people to use the space. If you need to take a break to cool off, you are welcome to step outside to take the time you need.
• Refrain from using oppressive language that marginalizes groups of people based on gender, race, sexuality, class, ability, immigration status, etc. Unfortunately many common turns of phrase are rooted in forms of marginalization, and while we all make mistakes in that regard we can all work on reducing our use of harmful language by being thoughtful about the words we use!
• Please be sensitive to systemic or historical imbalances in how language or behaviour is perceived or received, and if someone asks you to stop doing or saying something because it is hurting them or others, then stop.

5. Right to Move Welcomes Feedback. Volunteers and shop users recognize that safety within the shop space means something different to every shop member, and are respectful and open to constructive criticism when it comes to increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of the space. These conversations are considered a contribution to the ultimate social benefit of RTM as an organization.

6. Right to Move is a Collaborative Effort. Volunteers and shop users are encouraged to, tactfully, remind each other of this code of conduct as well as of RTM policy and of consensus decisions adopted at meetings.