Squad Attendance Policy

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Attendee Terms, Conditions, and Group Guidelines

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Spectrum Social Squad provides free, peer-led social events for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
These events are facilitated by volunteer peers and are not therapeutic, clinical, or support services.

By attending a Spectrum Social Squad event, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions.

 

1. Purpose of the Space

Spectrum Social Squad events are designed to:

• Support safe social connection

• Respect autonomy and choice

• Provide a low-pressure, inclusive environment

Attendance is voluntary. Participation in any activity is optional.

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2. Participation and Consent

• You may decline to answer questions or take part in any activity.

• Silence, observation, and delayed responses are acceptable.

• You may move around, take breaks, or leave the event at any time.

• Consent applies to conversation, activities, and physical proximity.

No explanation is required for non-participation.

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3. Communication and Expression

Spectrum Social Squad recognises and supports diverse communication needs.

• All communication methods are valid, including spoken, written, visual, AAC, or non-verbal communication.

• Stimming, fidgeting, movement, use of sensory supports, and taking breaks are permitted and respected.

• Use of devices, headphones, or quiet engagement is acceptable.

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4. Respect, Boundaries, and Conduct

All attendees are required to:

• Treat others, including volunteer peers, with respect, courtesy, and patience.

• Respect personal boundaries, personal space, and sensory needs.

• Seek consent before physical contact or handling personal belongings.

• Cease interaction when boundaries are communicated, verbally or non-verbally.

Boundary breaches may be addressed by volunteer peers.

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5. Trauma-Informed Behaviour Expectations

Spectrum Social Squad acknowledges that many attendees have lived experience of trauma.

• Emotional responses are valid.

• Each person remains responsible for their behaviour.

• Behaviour that causes harm, intimidation, or ongoing distress to others is not acceptable.

Volunteer peers may intervene to support safety and wellbeing within the group.

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6. Prohibited Topics

To maintain a safe and inclusive environment, the following topics are to be kept outside of group activities and discussions:

• Politics

• Religion

• Race

• Gender

• Identity-based debates

This boundary applies to group conversations and shared activities during events.

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7. Volunteer Peer Role and Limitations

• Events are facilitated by volunteer peers.

• Volunteer peers are not employees, support workers, clinicians, or crisis responders.

• They may set reasonable boundaries and make decisions to manage risk and group safety.

Directions given by volunteer peers in the interest of safety must be respected.

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8. RSVP and Personal Responsibility

• RSVPs are required for all events.

• This assists with planning, venue requirements, and reasonable adjustments.

Attendees are responsible for bringing:

• Their own food and drinks

• Any required personal supports or accommodations

• Any assistive or sensory tools they need to participate safely and comfortably

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9. Safety and Removal from Events

Spectrum Social Squad reserves the right to:

• Address behaviour that breaches these terms

• Request an attendee take a break, step outside, or leave an event

• Refuse future attendance where necessary to protect group safety

This may occur without prior warning where there is a risk to others.

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10. Intellectual Property and Brand Ownership

All intellectual property associated with Spectrum Social Squad remains the property of Spectrum Social Squad.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• The name “Spectrum Social Squad”

• Logos, branding, and visual materials

• Event formats, concepts, structures, and facilitation methods

• Policies, written materials, and community frameworks

Attendance does not grant a licence to use, copy, adapt, or reproduce any part of Spectrum Social Squad’s intellectual property.

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11. Unauthorised Use and Misrepresentation

Without prior written consent, attendees must not:

• Replicate or adapt Spectrum Social Squad events or models

• Use Spectrum Social Squad materials for other groups or organisations

• Represent themselves as affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Spectrum Social Squad

• Use the group for research, observation, content creation, or program development

 

12. Photography, Recording, and Confidentiality

• Photography, video, audio recording, or written documentation for public, organisational, or commercial use is not permitted without express consent.

• Attendees are expected to respect privacy and confidentiality within the group.

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13. Acceptance of Terms

By attending a Spectrum Social Squad event, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with these terms and conditions.

Failure to comply may result in removal from events or restriction of future attendance.