Policies and Community Expectations

AK Connection regularly photographs and records our events for marketing, social media, and grant or sponsorship reporting. By attending an AK Connection event, you consent to being photographed or filmed and to the use of these images and recordings in our promotional materials.

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify AK Connection at contact@akconnection.com before the event begins or upon your arrival so that we can respect your preference.

AK Connection is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for everyone at our events, programs, and online spaces. We exist to support and serve the adult Korean adoptee and Korean adoption constellation communities in Minnesota. Our events center around connection, education, and culture. Harassment of any kind undermines our mission, vision, and values, and will not be tolerated.

By participating in AK Connection activities, all individuals agree to abide by this policy. These expectations apply regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. This policy applies to in-person, virtual, and written interactions, as well as meetings and activities sponsored by AK Connection.

• Verbal harassment: comments that reinforce systems of oppression related to identity, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.
• Physical harassment: unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact or intimidation, including pushing, blocking paths, physical threats, or deliberate intimidation.
• Sexual harassment: unwanted sexual attention or advances, inappropriate comments, unwelcome touching, following, stalking, or requests for sexual favors.
• Visual harassment: displaying or sharing offensive images, emails, gestures, sexual or violent imagery, or clothing with offensive messages.
• Bullying: persistent and intentional mistreatment, including insults, humiliation, or exclusion.
• Unwelcome behavior: actions that disrupt an event, make others feel unsafe, or disrespect event spaces, volunteers, or staff. This can include aggressive behavior, inappropriate jokes, excessive intoxication, non-consensual photography or recording, or damage to property.

Discussions or images related to sex, discrimination, or other sensitive topics are permitted when they are part of an educational or open-dialogue space and are presented respectfully. Attendees should be informed ahead of time when these topics will be part of a workshop or facilitated discussion.

If someone’s words or actions make you feel unsafe or unwelcome, or if you witness something concerning, please inform an AK Connection board member as soon as possible. All reports will be taken seriously and handled promptly and confidentially. AK Connection will conduct a fair and impartial review, take appropriate corrective action based on the findings, and protect individuals reporting harassment from retaliation.

At AK Connection events and activities, organizers reserve the right to take immediate action in response to harassment or unwelcome behavior. This may include verbal or written warnings, immediate expulsion from the event without refund, and suspension or permanent exclusion from future events, programs, or online spaces.

AK Connection strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports harassment, participates in an investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices. Retaliation is grounds for disciplinary action.